What do you think?
Rate this book
Soulmates #1
The Arrangement
Carter Haywood lives for the weekends—specifically the one weekend every month when he escapes real life, with all the pressures of work and caring for his special needs brother, to do whatever he wants, with whomever he wants. Sex is only a release; he's not looking for love, a relationship or even a second night with the same man, until he walks into a bar and finds someone who makes leaving it all behind impossible. After one incredibly passionate encounter, he breaks his rule and goes back. He needs to see this man again. And again. Damaged goods. That's all Reed Kincaide sees and hears when he looks in the mirror. Anxiety and ADHD define his life and he’s learned to keep people at a distance, never letting them get close enough to know who he really is. When Carter proposes a monthly weekend of sex without strings, it's the ideal arrangement for him. Or so he thinks. Every month, leaving Carter proves to be more and more difficult. It’s not only the intensely hot sex they have in their hotel suite; Reed wonders about the secret life Carter refuses to share. As months pass and they grow closer Reed finds himself falling for Carter, but he needs more than hurried hugs and farewell kisses. He wants it all. Letting Reed into his carefully constructed family life could upset Carter’s whole world, but it might be the risk he’s finally willing to take, if it means keeping Reed. Once bodies are engaged, the heart is sure to follow, and Carter and Reed discover that holding on to each other is the first step in letting go of the past.
298 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2016
142 people are currently reading
1705 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! The Arrangement (stand-alone). No-questions-asked sex once a month proves addicting!
“I love your balls; they fit perfectly in my hands. I love how I can tell when you’re going to shoot ’cause they get all tight and springy.”
The Arrangement (stand-alone) opens up to PR executive Carter Haywood in search a one-night stand. After spotting grad student and bartender Reed Kincaide he has found his prey for the night.
A night of endless fucking…
Is all Carter has to give, and all Reed is willing to accept. More on why to unfold with story. But walking away from the best sex in your life proves difficult and so when their paths cross again an arrangement is struck.
One weekend a month of endless fucking…
No questions asked. But before Carter knows it Reed has weaseled his way into more until the reality of why only one weekend a month is all they can ever have…
Seven words to describe Carter Haywood: Private, determined, complex, conflicted, self-assured, stubborn and focused.
Seven words to describe Reed Kincaide: Easy-going, private, nurturing, broken, insecure, conflicted and noble.
The Arrangement, told from dual POVs, is a sexy, heartfelt and romantic story. On the surface it appears driven by their intense sexual energy, but what kept me reading was the journey of self-reflection and growth they both had to take.
“The last thing he needed was to not have his medication with him when he planned on spending a weekend with a man who kept him off balance even when he took it as prescribed.”
***
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
July 27, 2016
Stand-alone
HEA:
Cheating:
Trigger:
That's the kind of book that left you with a huge smile on your faces. The characters are so endearing. Yyou are just connected to them, you feel for them and you want to hold their hands all along.
Allison thank you for yet another winning rec'! You and I ( And I can add Flo in the mix
As all good M/M this started really steamy. Carter doesn't have time for a permanent relationship in his life. He never had a boyfriend and isn't interested to have one. His only interest is to hook-up once a month with some hot guy. And one day that guy is Reed.
Reed is student who's also a bartender. After one sexy and unforgettable encounter with Carter, he's all in when both of them found an arrangement to see each other. The only rule: this is only sex.
They may only have been together a handful of times, but their days and nights were spent crawling inside not only each other’s bodies, but their minds, hearts, and souls.
What felt special with this book was how both Carter and Reed have similar background and how they help each other without knowing. Their connection was easy to buy and the way their feelings develop is tangible.
Their concerns and worries are also real without weighting too much in the story. Don't get me wrong, the subjects approached are serious but there's a certain positivity in the way the story is told.
If you don’t believe my words, then feel them. Feel what you mean to me. It’s you. You are everything to me. How could I not love you?”
If you read M/M, give this one a try, you won't be disappointed. As for me, I'm very much interested to pick another book from this author to know more about her talent and see what she has in store.
~Arc provided by the author in exchange of an honest review~
HEA:
Cheating:
Trigger:
That's the kind of book that left you with a huge smile on your faces. The characters are so endearing. Yyou are just connected to them, you feel for them and you want to hold their hands all along.
Allison thank you for yet another winning rec'! You and I ( And I can add Flo in the mix
As all good M/M this started really steamy. Carter doesn't have time for a permanent relationship in his life. He never had a boyfriend and isn't interested to have one. His only interest is to hook-up once a month with some hot guy. And one day that guy is Reed.
Reed is student who's also a bartender. After one sexy and unforgettable encounter with Carter, he's all in when both of them found an arrangement to see each other. The only rule: this is only sex.
They may only have been together a handful of times, but their days and nights were spent crawling inside not only each other’s bodies, but their minds, hearts, and souls.
What felt special with this book was how both Carter and Reed have similar background and how they help each other without knowing. Their connection was easy to buy and the way their feelings develop is tangible.
Their concerns and worries are also real without weighting too much in the story. Don't get me wrong, the subjects approached are serious but there's a certain positivity in the way the story is told.
If you don’t believe my words, then feel them. Feel what you mean to me. It’s you. You are everything to me. How could I not love you?”
If you read M/M, give this one a try, you won't be disappointed. As for me, I'm very much interested to pick another book from this author to know more about her talent and see what she has in store.
~Arc provided by the author in exchange of an honest review~
July 19, 2016
What is the arrangement?
Carter is a workaholic and raising his young brother after his mother took off. He has FAR too much on his plate for a relationship.
Reed is a bartender with terrible self-esteem and, at times, debilitating anxiety. His last relationship was a disaster so when he meets Carter he is all about some hot sex with no strings.
The arrangement is that both men go about their normal lives but meet once a month in the city for hot and sweaty sex. No attachments, no contact during the rest of the month, just lots and lots of sex.
While I did enjoy this book and love the sex-then-love trope, Reed was a problem for me. He became very demanding and kept bending the rules and while I wanted these two to get to the emotion and love, I feel he went about it the wrong way. But get there they did and it was romantic and sweet.
The Arrangement deals with some pretty heavy issues (mental illness, neglect, delayed child development) and packs an angsty punch, but the hot sex and (eventually) emotions make up for any of the pain.
Galley copy of The Arrangement provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Carter is a workaholic and raising his young brother after his mother took off. He has FAR too much on his plate for a relationship.
Reed is a bartender with terrible self-esteem and, at times, debilitating anxiety. His last relationship was a disaster so when he meets Carter he is all about some hot sex with no strings.
The arrangement is that both men go about their normal lives but meet once a month in the city for hot and sweaty sex. No attachments, no contact during the rest of the month, just lots and lots of sex.
While I did enjoy this book and love the sex-then-love trope, Reed was a problem for me. He became very demanding and kept bending the rules and while I wanted these two to get to the emotion and love, I feel he went about it the wrong way. But get there they did and it was romantic and sweet.
The Arrangement deals with some pretty heavy issues (mental illness, neglect, delayed child development) and packs an angsty punch, but the hot sex and (eventually) emotions make up for any of the pain.
Galley copy of The Arrangement provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
July 20, 2016
When I go into a Felice Stevens book I know a few things will happen. First, I know I will have my heart tested - it will go from beating too fast to being ripped apart all in the matter of a one book. Second, I know her characters are going to be men I will think about for years to come, because her characters are real - they are raw - they are imperfect - this makes them human and makes them more memorable to me. Third, I know my characters (yes they are mine now) will get their happily ever after - once Felice is done playing with them and making my heart hurt. So these three things I know are true - and these three things Felice Stevens has done, yet again - in her latest 5 Star book - The Arrangement. Now let me tell you about this amazing story and why you should read it!
Our MC are Carter Haywood and Reed Kincaide - they are both men you want to wrap up in a warm fuzzy blanket and give them huge hugs letting them know everything will be alright. However, since this is a book - I am glad they found each other to wrap up in that blanket together.
Carter thinks he will never be happy, he has all but given up on love - what matters in his life is his younger brother who he is taking care of. He allows himself (yes, allows is the correct word) one weekend a month to live the life of a single man - to go to the city and have uncommitted sex with whoever strikes his fancy. After that weekend, it is back to his home, his life, his brother - he will have it no other way, his brother needs him and he will not let him down.
Reed he has been hurt. You see, Reed trusted the wrong man - he told him his secrets only to have it thrown back in his face in the cruelest of ways. He thinks nobody will ever love him and that he is damaged goods. He has resigned himself to being alone and good for nothing but a quick one nighter. He doesn't want it this way, no he wants to find the man of his dreams - someone who loves him, someone he can love - someone who wants to grow old with him, despite his illness. When Reed see's Carter - he knows what the man wants and he goes with Carter despite knowing his heart is about to be shattered.
After their night together - Carter kicks Reed to the curb. Reed thinks he will never see the man again so he is shocked when three weeks later Carter is back at his bar asking him to go with him again.. But Reed doesn't go as easily this time and he adds a few of his own rules to the mix. Will Carter agree to the changes or is he so closed off he can't imagine anything good happening out of getting to know someone outside the bedroom? Reed thinks he could be falling in love with Carter - is it too soon? The words of Reed's father couldn't be more true:
“You don’t have to know someone long for them to fall in love with you or you to love them. It’s in the way they lean toward you, watching your mouth as you speak, or how their eyes light up when you enter the room. The brush of their hand on your shoulder when they pass you, or taking hold of your hand when bad news happens. Not having to ask if you’re upset—knowing it because they know you. Love has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with the heart.”
This is a true love story - where two men come together to bring each other happiness. You will be totally in love with these characters when you are done with the book and if you are anything like me you will be begging Felice for the next book!!
"When I walked into the bar that night, I never expected to find my life. But that's what taking a chance with you did for me. You gave me a life I'd dreamed about as a child, then dismissed as impossible. Because of you, I became a better man and a better brother."
5 Happily-Ever After Stars to The Arrangement
Review Copy of The Arrangement provided by the Author, Felice Stevens for an honest Review .
Our MC are Carter Haywood and Reed Kincaide - they are both men you want to wrap up in a warm fuzzy blanket and give them huge hugs letting them know everything will be alright. However, since this is a book - I am glad they found each other to wrap up in that blanket together.
Carter thinks he will never be happy, he has all but given up on love - what matters in his life is his younger brother who he is taking care of. He allows himself (yes, allows is the correct word) one weekend a month to live the life of a single man - to go to the city and have uncommitted sex with whoever strikes his fancy. After that weekend, it is back to his home, his life, his brother - he will have it no other way, his brother needs him and he will not let him down.
Reed he has been hurt. You see, Reed trusted the wrong man - he told him his secrets only to have it thrown back in his face in the cruelest of ways. He thinks nobody will ever love him and that he is damaged goods. He has resigned himself to being alone and good for nothing but a quick one nighter. He doesn't want it this way, no he wants to find the man of his dreams - someone who loves him, someone he can love - someone who wants to grow old with him, despite his illness. When Reed see's Carter - he knows what the man wants and he goes with Carter despite knowing his heart is about to be shattered.
After their night together - Carter kicks Reed to the curb. Reed thinks he will never see the man again so he is shocked when three weeks later Carter is back at his bar asking him to go with him again.. But Reed doesn't go as easily this time and he adds a few of his own rules to the mix. Will Carter agree to the changes or is he so closed off he can't imagine anything good happening out of getting to know someone outside the bedroom? Reed thinks he could be falling in love with Carter - is it too soon? The words of Reed's father couldn't be more true:
“You don’t have to know someone long for them to fall in love with you or you to love them. It’s in the way they lean toward you, watching your mouth as you speak, or how their eyes light up when you enter the room. The brush of their hand on your shoulder when they pass you, or taking hold of your hand when bad news happens. Not having to ask if you’re upset—knowing it because they know you. Love has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with the heart.”
This is a true love story - where two men come together to bring each other happiness. You will be totally in love with these characters when you are done with the book and if you are anything like me you will be begging Felice for the next book!!
"When I walked into the bar that night, I never expected to find my life. But that's what taking a chance with you did for me. You gave me a life I'd dreamed about as a child, then dismissed as impossible. Because of you, I became a better man and a better brother."
5 Happily-Ever After Stars to The Arrangement
Review Copy of The Arrangement provided by the Author, Felice Stevens for an honest Review .
April 24, 2018
3.75 stars!!!
Rtc
Rtc
Read
July 21, 2016Release day review originally posted at Sinfully.
4.5 stars
Carter Haywood is a 32 year old successful, self-made man who is completely devoted to caring for his 10 year old half-brother Jacks. Their mother dumped Jacks at his door three years ago and left. Since that day Carter has done everything he could to help Jacks deal with his learning disability, physical ailments and any other issues he may have as a result of their mother’s neglect. His only release is the one weekend a month he goes out for some no strings attached sex with whatever man catches his interest that night. No one will ever come before Jacks and his sex life will never intrude on his home life.
At 27 years old, Reed Kincaide is working his way through school by bartending. He has learned to control his ADHD and anxiety with regular medication and therapy, but resents that he will be bound to it for the rest of his life. The fact that his mother walked out on him and his father rather than deal with his problems still hurts and has left him with feelings that he is unworthy. Reed is used to people leaving and has decided he’s better off just focusing on work and school rather than getting into a relationship where he’ll only wind up being hurt again.
Their first encounter is hot and dirty and purely physical, ending when Carter basically tells Reed not to let the door hit him on the way out. That’s Carter’s modus operandi after all. One weekend per month, a no strings attached hook up to hold him until the next time. Reed doesn’t do casual, but his loneliness and something about Carter had him taking a risk. Everything was great until the rude dismissal. Reed is surprised when Carter shows up again a month later and wants to do it all again, but even more surprised when Carter proposes they continue this arrangement each month. Sex without dating, friendship or any emotional entanglement. Again, Reed surprises himself and Carter by accepting. It’s not his usual, but perhaps it’s just what he needs to get through as well. Since we’re all romance readers here, we know how that’s going to go don’t we?
The months go by with glimpses of Carter and Reed through a series of their weekend encounters, which almost immediately turn into more. Both men continue to be secretive about their personal lives but they quickly become attached. Reed sees himself as quite different from the outwardly together Carter, but neither could imagine the similarities that lay under the surface. Reed may think himself weak, but he shows great strength in standing up for what he needs when he realizes he needs more out of this arrangement than Carter wants to give.
While the premise of this story may not be anything new, I loved seeing Reed and Carter work through their issues. Carter realizing that he needs to reevaluate and move forward as his brother does the same, and Reed finding the strength he thinks he doesn’t have and realizing that he is worthy of someone who will stay with him and love him as he is doesn’t come easy, but the rewards are oh so sweet. This is the kind of story Felice Stevens does so well and it was sweet, sexy and romantic. Carter and Reed’s chemistry was off the charts in their first encounter and only got better as they went along. Although Reed easily had me loving him from the start, by getting both their points of view I really felt for both men. There was one particular moment Carter did something that made me growl in anger and disbelief, but there was never a moment I wasn’t rooting for them to get their acts together and open up.
Aside from Reed and Carter, there are some wonderful secondary characters in Carter’s young brother Jacks, their amazing neighbor Helen, and Reed’s father Walter. The NYC/Brooklyn setting itself, which Felice Stevens always captures so well, also adds to the feel of the story when Reed convinces Carter to take the monthly meetups beyond the hotel room walls. Of course there is also a romantic HEA that ends the story just right. This was a lovely tale of love and acceptance. Emotional without being angsty and romantic without being sappy, I recommend it to both fans and new readers alike.
4.5 stars
Carter Haywood is a 32 year old successful, self-made man who is completely devoted to caring for his 10 year old half-brother Jacks. Their mother dumped Jacks at his door three years ago and left. Since that day Carter has done everything he could to help Jacks deal with his learning disability, physical ailments and any other issues he may have as a result of their mother’s neglect. His only release is the one weekend a month he goes out for some no strings attached sex with whatever man catches his interest that night. No one will ever come before Jacks and his sex life will never intrude on his home life.
At 27 years old, Reed Kincaide is working his way through school by bartending. He has learned to control his ADHD and anxiety with regular medication and therapy, but resents that he will be bound to it for the rest of his life. The fact that his mother walked out on him and his father rather than deal with his problems still hurts and has left him with feelings that he is unworthy. Reed is used to people leaving and has decided he’s better off just focusing on work and school rather than getting into a relationship where he’ll only wind up being hurt again.
Their first encounter is hot and dirty and purely physical, ending when Carter basically tells Reed not to let the door hit him on the way out. That’s Carter’s modus operandi after all. One weekend per month, a no strings attached hook up to hold him until the next time. Reed doesn’t do casual, but his loneliness and something about Carter had him taking a risk. Everything was great until the rude dismissal. Reed is surprised when Carter shows up again a month later and wants to do it all again, but even more surprised when Carter proposes they continue this arrangement each month. Sex without dating, friendship or any emotional entanglement. Again, Reed surprises himself and Carter by accepting. It’s not his usual, but perhaps it’s just what he needs to get through as well. Since we’re all romance readers here, we know how that’s going to go don’t we?
The months go by with glimpses of Carter and Reed through a series of their weekend encounters, which almost immediately turn into more. Both men continue to be secretive about their personal lives but they quickly become attached. Reed sees himself as quite different from the outwardly together Carter, but neither could imagine the similarities that lay under the surface. Reed may think himself weak, but he shows great strength in standing up for what he needs when he realizes he needs more out of this arrangement than Carter wants to give.
While the premise of this story may not be anything new, I loved seeing Reed and Carter work through their issues. Carter realizing that he needs to reevaluate and move forward as his brother does the same, and Reed finding the strength he thinks he doesn’t have and realizing that he is worthy of someone who will stay with him and love him as he is doesn’t come easy, but the rewards are oh so sweet. This is the kind of story Felice Stevens does so well and it was sweet, sexy and romantic. Carter and Reed’s chemistry was off the charts in their first encounter and only got better as they went along. Although Reed easily had me loving him from the start, by getting both their points of view I really felt for both men. There was one particular moment Carter did something that made me growl in anger and disbelief, but there was never a moment I wasn’t rooting for them to get their acts together and open up.
Aside from Reed and Carter, there are some wonderful secondary characters in Carter’s young brother Jacks, their amazing neighbor Helen, and Reed’s father Walter. The NYC/Brooklyn setting itself, which Felice Stevens always captures so well, also adds to the feel of the story when Reed convinces Carter to take the monthly meetups beyond the hotel room walls. Of course there is also a romantic HEA that ends the story just right. This was a lovely tale of love and acceptance. Emotional without being angsty and romantic without being sappy, I recommend it to both fans and new readers alike.
July 21, 2016
5 'emotional' stars
I know the premise of the book isn't anything new. Heck, if this is by any other author I would overlook it. Strangers hooking up and settling for a no string attach arrangement, how many times have I already read this plot? But Felice manage to make an overuse ploy into a moving read, one that had me in tears over and over. Or maybe my easy that way.
Carter Haywood is a workaholic who also committed to taking care of his little stepbrother. He didn't have time for relationship and didn't believe in love due to his need for independence for survival since at a very young age.
Reed Kincaide is someone who deals with ADHD and anxiety issue. Although he seems like a well put together young man and in pursue for a postgrad degree while working the bar, he still deal with a lot of stress that came with his condition.
Carter and Reed have an explosive chemistry together and despite the arrangement being a bad idea in the beginning, they both can't deny that they rather have the physical connection than nothing at all. Of course, feeling is bound to get in the way eventually.
I like the smooth progression we seen in their physical relationship that transform little by little into an emotional one. In the beginning, they keep hiding their true self to avoid getting too involve. When Reed realized that falling in love with an emotionally unavailable Carter is bad for his own well being and decided to put a stop to it, this is when things get more interesting on the emotional front.
Is hard to describe the actual reason for my love for this book because is the way Felice manage to evoke all kind of feelings in me. The way Carter and Reed share their painful past, bare their souls and vulnerabilities, it was so touching and make me feeling all sappy. This is the kind of story that filled with flowers and roses, and if you are a cynical reader who don't believe perfection, maybe you won't enjoy it as much. But for romantic at heart who loves puppies and rainbows, this is the one for the team.
I know the premise of the book isn't anything new. Heck, if this is by any other author I would overlook it. Strangers hooking up and settling for a no string attach arrangement, how many times have I already read this plot? But Felice manage to make an overuse ploy into a moving read, one that had me in tears over and over. Or maybe my easy that way.
Carter Haywood is a workaholic who also committed to taking care of his little stepbrother. He didn't have time for relationship and didn't believe in love due to his need for independence for survival since at a very young age.
Reed Kincaide is someone who deals with ADHD and anxiety issue. Although he seems like a well put together young man and in pursue for a postgrad degree while working the bar, he still deal with a lot of stress that came with his condition.
Carter and Reed have an explosive chemistry together and despite the arrangement being a bad idea in the beginning, they both can't deny that they rather have the physical connection than nothing at all. Of course, feeling is bound to get in the way eventually.
I like the smooth progression we seen in their physical relationship that transform little by little into an emotional one. In the beginning, they keep hiding their true self to avoid getting too involve. When Reed realized that falling in love with an emotionally unavailable Carter is bad for his own well being and decided to put a stop to it, this is when things get more interesting on the emotional front.
Is hard to describe the actual reason for my love for this book because is the way Felice manage to evoke all kind of feelings in me. The way Carter and Reed share their painful past, bare their souls and vulnerabilities, it was so touching and make me feeling all sappy. This is the kind of story that filled with flowers and roses, and if you are a cynical reader who don't believe perfection, maybe you won't enjoy it as much. But for romantic at heart who loves puppies and rainbows, this is the one for the team.
October 24, 2016
This was my first Felice Stevens read, and I must say I quite enjoyed it.
It was seriously, smoking hot.
Carter annoyed me a bit with his whole "this is sex only" bit. He was pretty cut-off emotionally. And I got it, to some degree.
I really liked Reed's character and I'm glad he finally stood up for himself and his feelings and wants.
As a whole, I liked Carter and Reed together. And this one was low in the angst and drama which is always a plus in my book.
So, a nice solid read that I would definitely recommend.
It was seriously, smoking hot.
Carter annoyed me a bit with his whole "this is sex only" bit. He was pretty cut-off emotionally. And I got it, to some degree.
I really liked Reed's character and I'm glad he finally stood up for himself and his feelings and wants.
As a whole, I liked Carter and Reed together. And this one was low in the angst and drama which is always a plus in my book.
So, a nice solid read that I would definitely recommend.
August 28, 2016
A warm, sweet romance that eventually made me smile. I adored Reed, not just his anxious moments, but his genuine care and thought for others. Where Carter lacked courage, Reed had it in spades! Carter was a frustrating character and while he was selfless there was an underlying vibe that put me off. I know he was the ultimate caring big brother, but his cool approach at times wore thin on me. I'm glad Reed persisted, because the warmer Carter was slowly revealed. An enjoyable read
Read
January 27, 2018If you loved The Arrangement, I now have a Valentine's Day Short Story. Reconnect with Carter and Reed!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C9DQ9T/...
The Pre-Order Link for The Arrangement is now available on Amazon and All Romance. Kobo, Nook and iBooks coming
Amazon: myBook.to/CarterandReed
ARe: http://bit.ly/CarterandReed
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/z4k4war
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C9DQ9T/...
The Pre-Order Link for The Arrangement is now available on Amazon and All Romance. Kobo, Nook and iBooks coming
Amazon: myBook.to/CarterandReed
ARe: http://bit.ly/CarterandReed
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/z4k4war
September 6, 2016
This book....wow. As a Mother of a child with Autism AND a child with ADHD I can relate to Carter. However, as a woman with severe social anxiety and depression I identify with Reed. Both of these characters pulled at my heartstrings. This book hit on all of my fears, my hopes and my dreams all in one. I keep an emotional distance between myself and the people I date for the reasons Carter does...my kids comes first. However I am honest about my kids needs and my responsibilities to him up front. I also am fearful of letting anyone in because the thought of letting them in only for them to turn tail and run at the first bump in the road feels me with anxiety. Watching these two struggle to find equal ground and eventually come together gave me.....hope. There's a lot of miscommunication in this book as both fight to keep the other at a distance that some might find annoying but since I can definitely see where both are coming from, it felt completely realistic to me. Watching them work for their HEA was well worth it.
And it was hot, too. Hot sex on a dance floor, in a horse drawn carriage, wall rimming....could only have been better with the office desk sex (so close though)
Highly recommend.
And it was hot, too. Hot sex on a dance floor, in a horse drawn carriage, wall rimming....could only have been better with the office desk sex (so close though)
Highly recommend.
November 5, 2017
* PERFECT!*
Every time Felice Stevens's book is coming out, I always full of anticipation, who else people's gonna hate that I will love. Seriously, Felice has her own way to drive me to love an annoying MC that people wants to slap or put a fist on his face.
Micah from Memories of the Heart is one of the example. Its almost everyone wanted to punch Micah, while I loved him and wants to wrap him in a mama bear hugs.
Carter has the same vibes as Micah. Arrogant, stubborn, selfish and soon as you know what he did to Reed, you'll have a feeling to hate him and punch him in the mouth !
Not me. Nah. Never.
I knew he has issues, and I was right. It's just need people with patience like me and Reed to find out. (Pat my back).
From a one night stand arrangement to a life time arrangement, the two MCs having an an interesting development.
I know that Carter won't let Reed slipped easily from his arms after the night Reed broke down with his panic attack. He can't, because Carter knows how to handle people like Reed, and he knows he's the right person for Reed.
He's just too stubborn to admit that he also needed Reed in his life. I liked Carter's relationship with his brother, that's what brothers relationship supposed to be, IMO.
Reading The Arrangement, makes me happy. That brotherly love is still there, that people with some disability deserves to have love and even more love (I won't called ADHD as an ability tho, since I have one as well, and I feel as normal as I can be, no matter what people sees in me).
It warmed my heart that Reed is finally has a place and person he can called 'home' in Carter.
I'm glad Felice is an auto read author for me, because I's a sucker for a guaranteed HEA.
Well done Felice, can't wait for your next work !
Every time Felice Stevens's book is coming out, I always full of anticipation, who else people's gonna hate that I will love. Seriously, Felice has her own way to drive me to love an annoying MC that people wants to slap or put a fist on his face.
Micah from Memories of the Heart is one of the example. Its almost everyone wanted to punch Micah, while I loved him and wants to wrap him in a mama bear hugs.
Carter has the same vibes as Micah. Arrogant, stubborn, selfish and soon as you know what he did to Reed, you'll have a feeling to hate him and punch him in the mouth !
Not me. Nah. Never.
I knew he has issues, and I was right. It's just need people with patience like me and Reed to find out. (Pat my back).
From a one night stand arrangement to a life time arrangement, the two MCs having an an interesting development.
I know that Carter won't let Reed slipped easily from his arms after the night Reed broke down with his panic attack. He can't, because Carter knows how to handle people like Reed, and he knows he's the right person for Reed.
He's just too stubborn to admit that he also needed Reed in his life. I liked Carter's relationship with his brother, that's what brothers relationship supposed to be, IMO.
Reading The Arrangement, makes me happy. That brotherly love is still there, that people with some disability deserves to have love and even more love (I won't called ADHD as an ability tho, since I have one as well, and I feel as normal as I can be, no matter what people sees in me).
It warmed my heart that Reed is finally has a place and person he can called 'home' in Carter.
I'm glad Felice is an auto read author for me, because I's a sucker for a guaranteed HEA.
Well done Felice, can't wait for your next work !
September 1, 2021
3.5 stars. I really liked this book. Reed and Carter were really sweet and perfect for each other. I loved how it started with a hookup, then a once a month arrangement and then they fell for each other. It was really sweet and full of feelings. And sexy, although the opening scene was the hottest part IMO!
I also really enjoyed the portrayal of anxiety, it really resonated with how it feels to me, the self-doubts, the choking feeling, the need to run. And taking care of children with special needs, again trying to do your best but never knowing if you are getting it right.
What I didn’t like?
They fell too fast imo. I didn’t buy it. Not with the type of arrangement they had, once a month only and no contact in between.
At times it felt like I was being lectured. Or like I was talking to my therapist. Some of the conversations the characters had together felt very much like the way a therapist speaks to a patient, and not how normal people talk to each other. It just felt stilted and off.
I also really enjoyed the portrayal of anxiety, it really resonated with how it feels to me, the self-doubts, the choking feeling, the need to run. And taking care of children with special needs, again trying to do your best but never knowing if you are getting it right.
What I didn’t like?
They fell too fast imo. I didn’t buy it. Not with the type of arrangement they had, once a month only and no contact in between.
At times it felt like I was being lectured. Or like I was talking to my therapist. Some of the conversations the characters had together felt very much like the way a therapist speaks to a patient, and not how normal people talk to each other. It just felt stilted and off.
August 8, 2023
Nothing exasperates me more than characters that are unwilling to communicate, this book might be the top contender for this. About 85-90% of the book was spent with no real communication between the mc’s and then it was all wrapped up in such a sickly sweet way it was a tad cringe. Not the worst book by any means but it just wasn’t for me.
December 29, 2021
dnf @ 8%.
August 22, 2016
It was nice, but, it's a story-line I read so many times... (The last one I read with a similar plot was Fast Connection by Santino Hassell and Megan Erickson).
Now, I know that as long as I'll keep reading books in the m/m romance genre, I'm doomed to read more of the same stories, but I'm looking for something extra, some different twist...
Anyways, I didn't get anything "more" here and therefore it just felt "ok".
Now, I know that as long as I'll keep reading books in the m/m romance genre, I'm doomed to read more of the same stories, but I'm looking for something extra, some different twist...
Anyways, I didn't get anything "more" here and therefore it just felt "ok".
November 4, 2016
It wasn't supposed to get personal...until it did.
The Arrangement was not what I thought it was, it was much much more than two guys falling in love after being in a causal relationship or you say no-strings-attached relationship. It was about two guys finding their ways to each other when both think that they are ugly inside, that they are not worth it. No one will ever be able to love them, if they know what they are behind a mask of confidence and coldness and eyes which look so haunted.
It was a story of a guy named Reed with mental illness, anxiety and ADHD. Whose mother left him because she thought he was not worth effort and she can’t manage a worthless child with mental illness. Fighting with ADHD and anxiety every day is not a walk in a park. But Reed is doing everything he can in his power to live as normal life as he can. What he never thought that one day he’ll meet a guy who will change his whole damn world.
"I love you, every part of you - broken pieces and all."
Carter Hayden’s is a guy who has devoted his life in taking care of his half-brother Jakes, who their mother dumped him on his door 3 years before, and from that day Carters life is changed. He has become everything he can for Jakes and provide him everything he didn’t had. Jake has a severe case of anxiety and being pre-maturely born he has much serious issues with his psychiatric problems. Carter’s life just consists of work and Jakes, and every month a single weekend with a stranger in his bed who he doesn’t even remember till the next day.
Like every other month Carter was taking his weekend off, and was searching for a better one night stand in bar, where is saw Reed, the shy but confident bartender who made him hard just by looking at him. Without knowing they end up with each other for a night. But what they didn’t accept was the desire to touch each other was so intense that they both became starved. With a month without hearing form Carter, Reed know that it was just a one night stand what he doesn’t understand is his fixation on the guy and why he can’t forget him.
"When I walked into the bar that night, I never expected to find my life. But that's what taking a chance with you did for me. You gave me a life I'd dreamed about as a child, then dismissed as impossible. Because of you, I became a better man and a better brother."
After the month Carter found himself back in that bar and proposing an Arrangement he never thought of. A weekend every month together, both in a hotel room. No question about past or present. Just casual fling. But things never happen the way they want to. No matter how good you planned. With Reed falling in love with Carter who he does not know anything about and with Carter caring about Reed without having an awareness about his anxiety and ADHD problems and where he can’t or won’t allow any one in his life because his only priority is Jakes.
Overall it was a very intense read, watching them both suffer by their past and thinking the other don’t love them was frustrating at some times, not I can’t read it anymore frustration, a frustration where you care about the characters and want them together. I love Reed and Carter; their love was seriously a thing of awe. I learned so much from them. From these two broken and haunted man. I seriously would recommend it to everyone who love MM genre or want to discover it.
February 26, 2017
Lovely!
I love this book.
In one hand we have Carter Hyawood, a big brother who raised his little brother after their mother abandoned him. He's so goods kind, and just want the best for his brother. A beautiful man. BUT he was so stubborn, many times to shake him a little. I wanted to scream at him: open your eyes and your heart and just accept love dammit!
Reed the second character was just beautiful. Abandoned by his mother following the diagnosis, he has the BEST father ever. He's solid, kind, generous. I just love every part of him. I feel for him.
These two was beautiful together between high and bottom.
Highly recommend <3
I love this book.
In one hand we have Carter Hyawood, a big brother who raised his little brother after their mother abandoned him. He's so goods kind, and just want the best for his brother. A beautiful man. BUT he was so stubborn, many times to shake him a little. I wanted to scream at him: open your eyes and your heart and just accept love dammit!
Reed the second character was just beautiful. Abandoned by his mother following the diagnosis, he has the BEST father ever. He's solid, kind, generous. I just love every part of him. I feel for him.
These two was beautiful together between high and bottom.
Highly recommend <3
April 14, 2019
“Feel what you mean to me. It’s you. You are everything to me. How could I not love you?”
Carter Haywood, 32, successful, self-made business owner and devoted to his 10 year half-brother Jacks who was dumped by their mother at Carter's three years ago and left. Jacks, suffering from anxiety and being slightly learning delayed.
Cater allows himself just this one release being one weekend a month where he goes out for some wild no-strings attached sex with any man who catches his interest.
Reed Kincaide, 27, working as a bartender while attending hotel management school. With medication and therapy Reed has learned to control and live with his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and severe anxiety, but hates that he will have to take his meds for the rest of his life. His mother walked out on him and his father because she could not deal with Reed's problems, has him still hurting and feeling unworthy. Having been abandoned by his former boyfriend as well Reed decided he better focus on work and school to avoid being hurt again.
When Carter walks into the bar where Reed works he is taken with Reed and propositions him for a night of hot, mind blowing, no-strings attached sex. After their purely physical night together reed finds himself kicked out of the room with Carter basically telling him to “Make sure when you leave that the door shuts behind you. Thanks for everything.”.
Reed thinking that was it can not believe it when Carter walks into the bar three weeks later wanting him to go with him again. But this time Reed has his own set of rules and wonders if Carter will agree to them. To his surprise Carter accepts and comes up with: “We’ll have an arrangement. It shouldn’t be too difficult. I have obligations that keep me home except for one weekend per month. That’s when we’ll meet and spend our time together. Other than that…There’s no real need for us to talk. We aren’t dating or romantically involved.”
This is a story about two men struggling as both having being dealt a shitty hand in live. They slowly start getting to know and trusting each other with the help of a great set of secondary characters. A nice love story!
“When I walked into the bar that night, I never expected to find my life. But that’s what taking a chance with you did for me. You gave me a life I’d dreamed about as a child, then dismissed as impossible. Because of you, I became a better man and a better brother.”
The Erogenous Zone, Book of the Month September 2016
August 13, 2022
I struggled with this one. To the point that I wasn't sure I could finish.
But I did and I had the same 'meh' feeling by the end.
I haven't clicked with Steven's stories in the past and chalked it up to me-not-you.
And maybe it's as simple as that.
When I try and put my finger on why I'm not exactly sure?!?
I think it's the dialogue...it often felt forced.
The guys were sweet enough and I loved Jacks but I felt like they were in a bubble...and I couldn't get in.
But I did and I had the same 'meh' feeling by the end.
I haven't clicked with Steven's stories in the past and chalked it up to me-not-you.
And maybe it's as simple as that.
When I try and put my finger on why I'm not exactly sure?!?
I think it's the dialogue...it often felt forced.
The guys were sweet enough and I loved Jacks but I felt like they were in a bubble...and I couldn't get in.
March 13, 2017
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book : for me, it was the perfect mix of great characters, hotness (mmhh…), realistic amount of angst, and a nice HEA.
Carter had a tough childhood and he built emotional walls to protect himself, up to the point of looking like a cold man, a ruthless businessman, averse to relationships, but he devotes his life to his young half-brother, badly neglected by his mother.
Reed battles with ADHD and anxiety issues. With the loving support of his father, he’s doing his best to be what he claims a “normal person” but loathes relying on his medication and feeling insecure.
Both keep their internal issues and life to themselves and agree to meet once a month for sex, only sex, but explosive sex. However, slowly but surely, emotions step into this arrangement : Carter paying attention to Reed in small details and agreeing to loosen up a bit outside of the bedroom and Reed slowly affirming his needs for more and for respect.
It was not easy, they both made mistakes but their strong attraction made them fight their demons (I loved Reed so much for that). They both see beyond the surface of the other and grow stronger and opened through the development of their relationship and the revelation of their fears and feelings.
It was lovely, infuriating at moments and surely hot.
I received this book during the 2016 secret Santa Exchange : thank you to my anonymous gifter for this emotional read !!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book : for me, it was the perfect mix of great characters, hotness (mmhh…), realistic amount of angst, and a nice HEA.
Carter had a tough childhood and he built emotional walls to protect himself, up to the point of looking like a cold man, a ruthless businessman, averse to relationships, but he devotes his life to his young half-brother, badly neglected by his mother.
Reed battles with ADHD and anxiety issues. With the loving support of his father, he’s doing his best to be what he claims a “normal person” but loathes relying on his medication and feeling insecure.
Both keep their internal issues and life to themselves and agree to meet once a month for sex, only sex, but explosive sex. However, slowly but surely, emotions step into this arrangement : Carter paying attention to Reed in small details and agreeing to loosen up a bit outside of the bedroom and Reed slowly affirming his needs for more and for respect.
It was not easy, they both made mistakes but their strong attraction made them fight their demons (I loved Reed so much for that). They both see beyond the surface of the other and grow stronger and opened through the development of their relationship and the revelation of their fears and feelings.
It was lovely, infuriating at moments and surely hot.
I received this book during the 2016 secret Santa Exchange : thank you to my anonymous gifter for this emotional read !!
July 19, 2016
5 Spectacular Stars!
It wasn't supposed to get personal...until it did.
Holy shizzle, I've found myself a new MM author in Felice Stevens! This book was SPECTACULAR! I must say the combination of the HOT book cover (no judging) and blurb sucked me into reading this book. And within 5% of starting it, I knew she wasn't going to disappoint me! Wow!
Carter is a workaholic executive trying to balance his company and caring for his special-needs little brother. Little Jackson deals with developmental delays and anxiety issues so it's imperative for Carter to provide him stability and security in their home life- something their mother didn't do- his own needs be damned. But he is still a 31-year old man with physical needs so one weekend a month, he leaves him in capable hands and goes to the city for a couple nights of no-strings-attached sex with whomever suits his fancy. No feelings. No commitment. It's not ideal but it's a sacrifice he makes for little Jacks.
Reed is a student and bartender in Manhattan when he meets Carter. After a night of the best sex ever, this hot, virile guy has a proposition for him, an arrangement of sorts. Once a month, they'll meet at this hotel and set their worlds on fire with 48 hours of unbridled sex with no strings. Zero contact in between- just sex. This may work. He's got enough currently on his plate and couple that with his ADHD and anxiety, he's not interested in burdening a guy with all his emotional issues.
Once a Month.
Just Sex.
No Commitment.
Sounds easy enough...until it isn't...and hearts get in the way.
This book has everything I crave in Male/Male romance. It starts out kind of naughty steamy, sucking me in thoroughly (pun not intended). But then gradually we get the feelings, the angst I crave! If there's nothing else I need in MM, it's that angsty push and pull between my characters and we get this here in spades! Gah! My knuckles were white just gripping my kindle ready to throttle Carter for standing so true to his little brother and sacrificing his own happiness.
And the steam! This woman can write some hot gay lovin'! I use MM romance to break up the monotony of my Contemporary Romance books, usually in smaller doses but now I can't wait to read more of her stuff. It's the perfect balance of everything- engaging plot, thorough character development, angst and steam! I loved everything about it.
So if you're a fan of MM romance, and looking for all the above elements, this book delivers. In spades.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
It wasn't supposed to get personal...until it did.
Holy shizzle, I've found myself a new MM author in Felice Stevens! This book was SPECTACULAR! I must say the combination of the HOT book cover (no judging) and blurb sucked me into reading this book. And within 5% of starting it, I knew she wasn't going to disappoint me! Wow!
Carter is a workaholic executive trying to balance his company and caring for his special-needs little brother. Little Jackson deals with developmental delays and anxiety issues so it's imperative for Carter to provide him stability and security in their home life- something their mother didn't do- his own needs be damned. But he is still a 31-year old man with physical needs so one weekend a month, he leaves him in capable hands and goes to the city for a couple nights of no-strings-attached sex with whomever suits his fancy. No feelings. No commitment. It's not ideal but it's a sacrifice he makes for little Jacks.
Reed is a student and bartender in Manhattan when he meets Carter. After a night of the best sex ever, this hot, virile guy has a proposition for him, an arrangement of sorts. Once a month, they'll meet at this hotel and set their worlds on fire with 48 hours of unbridled sex with no strings. Zero contact in between- just sex. This may work. He's got enough currently on his plate and couple that with his ADHD and anxiety, he's not interested in burdening a guy with all his emotional issues.
Once a Month.
Just Sex.
No Commitment.
Sounds easy enough...until it isn't...and hearts get in the way.
This book has everything I crave in Male/Male romance. It starts out kind of naughty steamy, sucking me in thoroughly (pun not intended). But then gradually we get the feelings, the angst I crave! If there's nothing else I need in MM, it's that angsty push and pull between my characters and we get this here in spades! Gah! My knuckles were white just gripping my kindle ready to throttle Carter for standing so true to his little brother and sacrificing his own happiness.
And the steam! This woman can write some hot gay lovin'! I use MM romance to break up the monotony of my Contemporary Romance books, usually in smaller doses but now I can't wait to read more of her stuff. It's the perfect balance of everything- engaging plot, thorough character development, angst and steam! I loved everything about it.
So if you're a fan of MM romance, and looking for all the above elements, this book delivers. In spades.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
July 12, 2016
4.5+ stars
These two broken men grabbed my heart from the beginning and did not let go. Not even when they frustrated me or disappointed me with their secrets.
Carter Haywood is a successful businessman. He is closed off, mysterious, protective, and searching for an easy hook-up to get him off on his one weekend a month he allows himself to take care of his own needs. The rest of his time is spent working or caring for his special needs brother. But his controlled facade hides fears and vulnerability.
Reed Kincaide is a student and bartender who works hard and has goals. He has his own personal issues, challenges, and secrets that he does not share. He feels damaged, unlovable, and his life is ruled by his anxiety. He does not trust easily and does not want to be hurt.
Their initial meeting was passionate and not easily forgotten. So they stumble upon an arrangement of "sex-only one weekend a month". It becomes both the excitement and also the calm in their lives. But the more time that goes by, the more frightening it becomes due to the attachments being formed.
Their secrets are a wall between them. And they both have feelings of insecurity, unworthiness, fears, and abandonment issues. They are terrified to really become vulnerable, trust, or risk being rejected. But as it becomes more complicated, the lines of the arrangement become blurred. And their issues are not going to just go away. So they each have to figure out where they stand and what they can handle.
My heart hurt for these guys. Their self loathing, shame, and fear were so ingrained in them. I got frustrated at their near misses and communication issues. But I loved them both and enjoyed seeing their layers begin to peel back to reveal their true selves. All these guys ever needed was unconditional love, acceptance, and tolerance. But they hadn't had it from the people who shaped them. They didn't believe someone would truly love them and accept all of their baggage. It was a long, confusing road for them to begin to explore their own true needs and those of the other, and take a chance on fighting for a life they never thought they deserved.
I was totally invested in this couple. Their chemistry was intense and all consuming. I was tense and anxious myself. I felt their pain and disappointments. I wanted to soothe them. Every set back broke my heart. And I found myself a bit weepy from the strong emotions and at times joy (and this is rare for me).
I adored these broken characters and slowly seeing their cracks start to get filled. I enjoyed the side characters of Jacks, Helen, Michelle, and Reed's dad. There were some topics that are current and many can identify with. I felt the they were handled respectfully and with good understanding and compassion.
This book was engaging, emotional, sexy, heart wrenching, and inspiring. I did not want to put it down. Their secrets were slowly unraveled to each other while we knew all long since we were privy to both of their points of view. But that was the source of so much tension and misunderstanding. The process of building trust, opening up, and taking a chance was hard for them and a slow process. But I celebrated every bit of growth they showed, and every little bit of happiness they were willing to fight for.
This was my first Felice Stevens' book, but she has earned a new fan and I will definitely be reading more from her. I really enjoyed her easy flowing writing style and flawed but likable characters that pulled out so many feels in me.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
These two broken men grabbed my heart from the beginning and did not let go. Not even when they frustrated me or disappointed me with their secrets.
Carter Haywood is a successful businessman. He is closed off, mysterious, protective, and searching for an easy hook-up to get him off on his one weekend a month he allows himself to take care of his own needs. The rest of his time is spent working or caring for his special needs brother. But his controlled facade hides fears and vulnerability.
Reed Kincaide is a student and bartender who works hard and has goals. He has his own personal issues, challenges, and secrets that he does not share. He feels damaged, unlovable, and his life is ruled by his anxiety. He does not trust easily and does not want to be hurt.
Their initial meeting was passionate and not easily forgotten. So they stumble upon an arrangement of "sex-only one weekend a month". It becomes both the excitement and also the calm in their lives. But the more time that goes by, the more frightening it becomes due to the attachments being formed.
Their secrets are a wall between them. And they both have feelings of insecurity, unworthiness, fears, and abandonment issues. They are terrified to really become vulnerable, trust, or risk being rejected. But as it becomes more complicated, the lines of the arrangement become blurred. And their issues are not going to just go away. So they each have to figure out where they stand and what they can handle.
My heart hurt for these guys. Their self loathing, shame, and fear were so ingrained in them. I got frustrated at their near misses and communication issues. But I loved them both and enjoyed seeing their layers begin to peel back to reveal their true selves. All these guys ever needed was unconditional love, acceptance, and tolerance. But they hadn't had it from the people who shaped them. They didn't believe someone would truly love them and accept all of their baggage. It was a long, confusing road for them to begin to explore their own true needs and those of the other, and take a chance on fighting for a life they never thought they deserved.
I was totally invested in this couple. Their chemistry was intense and all consuming. I was tense and anxious myself. I felt their pain and disappointments. I wanted to soothe them. Every set back broke my heart. And I found myself a bit weepy from the strong emotions and at times joy (and this is rare for me).
I adored these broken characters and slowly seeing their cracks start to get filled. I enjoyed the side characters of Jacks, Helen, Michelle, and Reed's dad. There were some topics that are current and many can identify with. I felt the they were handled respectfully and with good understanding and compassion.
This book was engaging, emotional, sexy, heart wrenching, and inspiring. I did not want to put it down. Their secrets were slowly unraveled to each other while we knew all long since we were privy to both of their points of view. But that was the source of so much tension and misunderstanding. The process of building trust, opening up, and taking a chance was hard for them and a slow process. But I celebrated every bit of growth they showed, and every little bit of happiness they were willing to fight for.
This was my first Felice Stevens' book, but she has earned a new fan and I will definitely be reading more from her. I really enjoyed her easy flowing writing style and flawed but likable characters that pulled out so many feels in me.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
*** Marvelous story that takes on tough topics ! ***
Reed, 27, student and bartender with ADHD and severe anxiety.
Carter, 32, successful PR businessman, cares for his special needs step-brother, 10.
Carter takes one weekend a month to get away,
and hopefully get laid.
On a regular Friday night, Carter has come to New York, he sees bartender, Reed and takes him to his hotel. Wow ! these two are sexy hotness in bed,
but then Carter dismisses Reed and Reed didn't like feeling used.
A month later, Carter shows up and Reed's not interested in being made to feel cheap. They talk, and Carter proposes an arrangement for once a month sexy times, and Reed accepts. Both are too busy for more. In the arrangement they talk, have excellent exciting sex, and become more than interested in each other. Reed has college to finish, and Carter has his brother's care. How will they handle it when once a month isn't enough?
Terrific characters and an engrossing story that has our attention. We get deep thoughts, angst, hot, intense sex and intimacy, too.
Felice Stevens has a way of wrapping us up in our characters lives.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=======================
Reed, 27, student and bartender with ADHD and severe anxiety.
Carter, 32, successful PR businessman, cares for his special needs step-brother, 10.
Carter takes one weekend a month to get away,
and hopefully get laid.
On a regular Friday night, Carter has come to New York, he sees bartender, Reed and takes him to his hotel. Wow ! these two are sexy hotness in bed,
but then Carter dismisses Reed and Reed didn't like feeling used.
A month later, Carter shows up and Reed's not interested in being made to feel cheap. They talk, and Carter proposes an arrangement for once a month sexy times, and Reed accepts. Both are too busy for more. In the arrangement they talk, have excellent exciting sex, and become more than interested in each other. Reed has college to finish, and Carter has his brother's care. How will they handle it when once a month isn't enough?
Terrific characters and an engrossing story that has our attention. We get deep thoughts, angst, hot, intense sex and intimacy, too.
Felice Stevens has a way of wrapping us up in our characters lives.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=======================
October 28, 2016
This book was a nice surprise, it was nothing like I expected and I loved it.
When you read the blurb you expect either a bang fest or an angst fest but it was none. You do get hot sexy times and a lovely story but it was love light enough that you don't cry you eyes out.
Carter and Reed were really good characters and I really liked their dynamic. They both had their own issues to overcome and it was beautiful to see them get their HEA.
When you read the blurb you expect either a bang fest or an angst fest but it was none. You do get hot sexy times and a lovely story but it was love light enough that you don't cry you eyes out.
Carter and Reed were really good characters and I really liked their dynamic. They both had their own issues to overcome and it was beautiful to see them get their HEA.
July 25, 2016
What began as a 'one night stand' on sink sand grows out to a solid steady 'home'
Reed meets Carter who has his ones in a month free (sex hook-up) weekend.
The other weeks he is with his younger brother Jacks, who is neglected by their mother.
Jacks suffers from anxiety and also struggles with other problems is going so much better after he lives with his brother who loves him unconditionally.
Reed and Carter are broken on the inside. Both abandon by their mother. Both were raise with the knowledge that they where complete useless. (Every time I read about shit mothers who mistreat their child, I want to scream)
The connection between the two men is instant.
They have their hook-up and afterward Reed got dismissed by Carter with a
“Make sure when you leave that the door shuts behind you. Thanks for everything.”
That doesn't sit well by Reed who has to digest this all by himself. He has no friends because he thinks it's better for himself and the others to not be part of a relationship. He has severe anxiety and ADHD and after a shit relationship he has enough of relationships.
Carter on the other hand can't forget Reed and one month later he ask him for another ride.
No strings only ones a month.
First Reed says no but the attraction is to strong.
Three complex young men with endearing and lovable personalities who deserves, and been given by the author, all the happiness in the world
Reed meets Carter who has his ones in a month free (sex hook-up) weekend.
The other weeks he is with his younger brother Jacks, who is neglected by their mother.
Jacks suffers from anxiety and also struggles with other problems is going so much better after he lives with his brother who loves him unconditionally.
Reed and Carter are broken on the inside. Both abandon by their mother. Both were raise with the knowledge that they where complete useless. (Every time I read about shit mothers who mistreat their child, I want to scream)
The connection between the two men is instant.
They have their hook-up and afterward Reed got dismissed by Carter with a
“Make sure when you leave that the door shuts behind you. Thanks for everything.”
That doesn't sit well by Reed who has to digest this all by himself. He has no friends because he thinks it's better for himself and the others to not be part of a relationship. He has severe anxiety and ADHD and after a shit relationship he has enough of relationships.
Carter on the other hand can't forget Reed and one month later he ask him for another ride.
No strings only ones a month.
First Reed says no but the attraction is to strong.
Three complex young men with endearing and lovable personalities who deserves, and been given by the author, all the happiness in the world
July 27, 2016
BR, July 24th with Momo.
I guess this was okay. I liked the guys but I just didn't feel the emotional pull of them. Everytime I felt we were going somewhere, they started doing stupid stuff to annoy me.
Even the sexy times felt very repetitive for me.
For a more elaborate review I would like to refer you to Momo's review. She put it perfectly to words.
Momo's review
"I love you, every part of you - broken pieces and all."
June 1, 2020
2/5 stars.
This story had potential but the writing fell really flat for me; too much telling and next to no showing. Each page read like a summary of events that had happened and the MCs thoughts and issues were repeated over and over. And over.
There was almost no detail about either of the MCs besides their abandonment issues (no friends, minimal interaction with any other characters) so neither of them felt like fully realised characters to me. The constant telling left me struggling to connect to them or their situations at all.
This book felt as if it were 200,000 words in length due to the repetition and the pages and pages of “summary” with very little dialogue, description or scene setting. Blah.
This story had potential but the writing fell really flat for me; too much telling and next to no showing. Each page read like a summary of events that had happened and the MCs thoughts and issues were repeated over and over. And over.
There was almost no detail about either of the MCs besides their abandonment issues (no friends, minimal interaction with any other characters) so neither of them felt like fully realised characters to me. The constant telling left me struggling to connect to them or their situations at all.
This book felt as if it were 200,000 words in length due to the repetition and the pages and pages of “summary” with very little dialogue, description or scene setting. Blah.
July 18, 2016
4 stars – The Arrangement is my first exposure to author Felice Stevens, and while I found the story a little predictable, the characters and their happily-ever-after made this an enjoyable and recommendable read.
The most important thing in Carter Haywood’s life is the little brother, who has special needs, in his care. One weekend per month is all he allows himself to escape the pressures and solitude of his life, to go out and have fun with whichever guy he ends up picking up. His intentions are never beyond a single night; he doesn’t have the time for a relationship, nor does he feel he has anything to give toward one, because everything he does is for the ultimate goal of making sure his brother is cared for. Then one weekend, he picks up a bartender named Reed Kincaide and cannot forget him. Reed always has feelings of inadequacy because of his ADHD and anxiety disorder. As a result, he rarely allows people to get close to him, yet he too feels the intensity of the weekend with Carter. So when Carter proposes a sex-only, no-strings-attached arrangement one weekend a month, it seems exactly what both men need. But with each passing visit, the intensity increases and Reed cannot settle with just sex any longer. Carter also realizes the attraction between them is growing, but how can he make room in his life without disrupting the needs of his brother?
I am in a bit of a rut lately with the books I’ve been reviewing. I think this makes three of the last four or maybe five that essentially start with what’s intended to be a one-night hook-up. One of my favorite reasons for reading romance is the anticipation of the firsts that happen, the first kiss, first touches, first realization of love, and so forth. So if some of this happens in the first chapter as a result of a totally non-romantic hook-up, it may not necessarily mean it is a bad thing, but it does mean the story has to work harder to hook me in after taking away some of what I like so much. As such, it did take me longer to get into this story. Fortunately, both the characters and their story are compelling. It doesn’t take long to discover that both suffer from the effects of bad mothering. Of course, their past experiences are bad enough that honest communication about it is something neither of them wants to do. And neither believes himself good enough for the other to love. It’s frustrating to read as both of them are so ingrained in this mindset. But for me, the development of overcoming their problems in this respect made up for the beginning being a plot device I’m not particularly fond of.
As far as the pairing itself is concerned, the early hook-up did have a similar effect in my mind as many of the books I have read with that start do: I never really felt the heat of the intimacy between them like I wanted because there is no build. The details of their arrangement, though, means there is a month between their visits, and it becomes clear early on that both look forward to the next visit the entire time they are apart. While this does try to accomplish the sort of build that I crave in reading romance—and it does build the tension as far as their feelings for each other is concerned—it usually doesn’t work for me as well other tropes do. Unfortunately, that’s the case here.
The book also contains a child, Carter’s younger brother, who has developmental disabilities caused again by bad mothering. To be honest, at the beginning of the book, I was under the impression that the child was significantly younger—say, first or second grade—than I realized he is later in the book (he’s more like ten or eleven.) I admit, I was tired during the first reading session I did with this book, so I’m going to assume this is just something I missed as opposed to something she doesn’t make clear. Regardless, children in romance books often make me cringe, as authors often use them to accomplish things in ways that aren’t particularly believable—perhaps this is why I missed the age; my brain likes to hide kids in romance novels because I worry about how believable they’re going to be. Fortunately, my worries were unfounded here. I can’t tell you why the kid turns out to be important, since I don’t want to spoil it, but know that while his role becomes rather predictable as his story is revealed, the author does a good job in both keeping him realistic and keeping him from taking over the story outright.
The Arrangement is definitely an enjoyable and often heartbreaking story with a clear writing style and compelling characters. In spite of my issues with how the novel starts, the author eventually does pull me into the story with a good amount of feels to make up for what I miss out on. And the happily-ever-after is nicely done. I recommend this one, and I’m looking forward to reading another of Felice Stevens’s works in the future.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of The Arrangement in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
The most important thing in Carter Haywood’s life is the little brother, who has special needs, in his care. One weekend per month is all he allows himself to escape the pressures and solitude of his life, to go out and have fun with whichever guy he ends up picking up. His intentions are never beyond a single night; he doesn’t have the time for a relationship, nor does he feel he has anything to give toward one, because everything he does is for the ultimate goal of making sure his brother is cared for. Then one weekend, he picks up a bartender named Reed Kincaide and cannot forget him. Reed always has feelings of inadequacy because of his ADHD and anxiety disorder. As a result, he rarely allows people to get close to him, yet he too feels the intensity of the weekend with Carter. So when Carter proposes a sex-only, no-strings-attached arrangement one weekend a month, it seems exactly what both men need. But with each passing visit, the intensity increases and Reed cannot settle with just sex any longer. Carter also realizes the attraction between them is growing, but how can he make room in his life without disrupting the needs of his brother?
I am in a bit of a rut lately with the books I’ve been reviewing. I think this makes three of the last four or maybe five that essentially start with what’s intended to be a one-night hook-up. One of my favorite reasons for reading romance is the anticipation of the firsts that happen, the first kiss, first touches, first realization of love, and so forth. So if some of this happens in the first chapter as a result of a totally non-romantic hook-up, it may not necessarily mean it is a bad thing, but it does mean the story has to work harder to hook me in after taking away some of what I like so much. As such, it did take me longer to get into this story. Fortunately, both the characters and their story are compelling. It doesn’t take long to discover that both suffer from the effects of bad mothering. Of course, their past experiences are bad enough that honest communication about it is something neither of them wants to do. And neither believes himself good enough for the other to love. It’s frustrating to read as both of them are so ingrained in this mindset. But for me, the development of overcoming their problems in this respect made up for the beginning being a plot device I’m not particularly fond of.
As far as the pairing itself is concerned, the early hook-up did have a similar effect in my mind as many of the books I have read with that start do: I never really felt the heat of the intimacy between them like I wanted because there is no build. The details of their arrangement, though, means there is a month between their visits, and it becomes clear early on that both look forward to the next visit the entire time they are apart. While this does try to accomplish the sort of build that I crave in reading romance—and it does build the tension as far as their feelings for each other is concerned—it usually doesn’t work for me as well other tropes do. Unfortunately, that’s the case here.
The book also contains a child, Carter’s younger brother, who has developmental disabilities caused again by bad mothering. To be honest, at the beginning of the book, I was under the impression that the child was significantly younger—say, first or second grade—than I realized he is later in the book (he’s more like ten or eleven.) I admit, I was tired during the first reading session I did with this book, so I’m going to assume this is just something I missed as opposed to something she doesn’t make clear. Regardless, children in romance books often make me cringe, as authors often use them to accomplish things in ways that aren’t particularly believable—perhaps this is why I missed the age; my brain likes to hide kids in romance novels because I worry about how believable they’re going to be. Fortunately, my worries were unfounded here. I can’t tell you why the kid turns out to be important, since I don’t want to spoil it, but know that while his role becomes rather predictable as his story is revealed, the author does a good job in both keeping him realistic and keeping him from taking over the story outright.
The Arrangement is definitely an enjoyable and often heartbreaking story with a clear writing style and compelling characters. In spite of my issues with how the novel starts, the author eventually does pull me into the story with a good amount of feels to make up for what I miss out on. And the happily-ever-after is nicely done. I recommend this one, and I’m looking forward to reading another of Felice Stevens’s works in the future.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of The Arrangement in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
July 20, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I truly appreciate authors who bring real life situations into their books without being overly preachy about them and who understand that learning disabilities and mental health issues don't go away when you become an adult. I may be a little touchy about this subject because of personal experiences within my family, but the thing is there are many, many adults living and working with the learning disabilities and mental health issues they've had all of their lives. Books like The Arrangement bring those complications of life to the forefront, they help people understand what it is like and they hopefully give people with those issues a character they can identify with and know they are not alone. In addition The Arrangement shows that anyone, no matter their difficulties, deserves kindness, respect and love and in the end that's what makes this book so special.
On the surface Carter Haywood is a hard man; he's driven, successful and determined to do the best job he can for his clients, but Carter is also the guardian to his 11 year old step-brother who has physical and learning delays and emotional issues. For the last three years Carter has taken care of Jackson (Jacks) and given him the best therapy, schools and care he can. Carter wants Jackson to feel safe and loved something he didn't have from their mother and his absent father. One weekend a month, Carter leaves Jacks in the care of their neighbor and good friend and goes into the city to blow off steam and indulge in some meaningless sex with someone he knows he'll never see again. Carter's life experiences have taught him that he doesn't want or need the complications that come with a relationship but when he takes Reed back to his hotel with him for one night he doesn't realize that his life will be forever changed.
I'm going to admit that the first couple of times Carter's attitude and brashness turned me off and I kind of wanted to slap some sense into him. Part of that was because it was so evident that Reed was hurt by Carter's actions and didn't deal well with them and I hurt for him. These two men enter into an arrangement where once a month they will spend the weekend together and that's it; no phone calls, texts, contact of any sort outside of the weekend and no "getting to know you chats." Upfront it was clear this was sex only until Reed decided he wanted more and pushed for them spending time during the weekend outside the walls of Carter's hotel suite. I loved these outings in which we began to see a bit of Carter's walls come tumbling down, but we also began to see how even little things would ramp up Reed's anxiety. To be honest, they were both walking through landmines because they knew nothing about each other and so when things blew up, they blew up pretty spectacularly. Both of these men are dealing with abandonment issues along with everything else in their lives and while it took some time they managed to move into something more than "just sex" and eventually into a full fledged relationship. I liked that it took time for them to get there that they had to lay all of their baggage at each other's feet and hope the other one could handle it and I appreciated the fact that they had to work to make things right between them. This wasn't an easy romance, when two people have multiple issues and complicated lives you can't expect it to be easy but I loved that they didn't give up; sure they had moments where one or the other doubted but they always seemed to know when they needed to make a gesture to let the other one know they wanted to work towards something more.
The Arrangement was a beautifully told character driven love story filled with emotion, some spectacular sexy times and most of all a whole lot of love. This is a romance you do not want to miss!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I truly appreciate authors who bring real life situations into their books without being overly preachy about them and who understand that learning disabilities and mental health issues don't go away when you become an adult. I may be a little touchy about this subject because of personal experiences within my family, but the thing is there are many, many adults living and working with the learning disabilities and mental health issues they've had all of their lives. Books like The Arrangement bring those complications of life to the forefront, they help people understand what it is like and they hopefully give people with those issues a character they can identify with and know they are not alone. In addition The Arrangement shows that anyone, no matter their difficulties, deserves kindness, respect and love and in the end that's what makes this book so special.
On the surface Carter Haywood is a hard man; he's driven, successful and determined to do the best job he can for his clients, but Carter is also the guardian to his 11 year old step-brother who has physical and learning delays and emotional issues. For the last three years Carter has taken care of Jackson (Jacks) and given him the best therapy, schools and care he can. Carter wants Jackson to feel safe and loved something he didn't have from their mother and his absent father. One weekend a month, Carter leaves Jacks in the care of their neighbor and good friend and goes into the city to blow off steam and indulge in some meaningless sex with someone he knows he'll never see again. Carter's life experiences have taught him that he doesn't want or need the complications that come with a relationship but when he takes Reed back to his hotel with him for one night he doesn't realize that his life will be forever changed.
I'm going to admit that the first couple of times Carter's attitude and brashness turned me off and I kind of wanted to slap some sense into him. Part of that was because it was so evident that Reed was hurt by Carter's actions and didn't deal well with them and I hurt for him. These two men enter into an arrangement where once a month they will spend the weekend together and that's it; no phone calls, texts, contact of any sort outside of the weekend and no "getting to know you chats." Upfront it was clear this was sex only until Reed decided he wanted more and pushed for them spending time during the weekend outside the walls of Carter's hotel suite. I loved these outings in which we began to see a bit of Carter's walls come tumbling down, but we also began to see how even little things would ramp up Reed's anxiety. To be honest, they were both walking through landmines because they knew nothing about each other and so when things blew up, they blew up pretty spectacularly. Both of these men are dealing with abandonment issues along with everything else in their lives and while it took some time they managed to move into something more than "just sex" and eventually into a full fledged relationship. I liked that it took time for them to get there that they had to lay all of their baggage at each other's feet and hope the other one could handle it and I appreciated the fact that they had to work to make things right between them. This wasn't an easy romance, when two people have multiple issues and complicated lives you can't expect it to be easy but I loved that they didn't give up; sure they had moments where one or the other doubted but they always seemed to know when they needed to make a gesture to let the other one know they wanted to work towards something more.
The Arrangement was a beautifully told character driven love story filled with emotion, some spectacular sexy times and most of all a whole lot of love. This is a romance you do not want to miss!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews