Ava They say no good deed goes unpunished. Isn’t that the truth. My good deed confined me to my own personal prison, with a target on my back. But when my childhood best friend, the Prince of Telliva, asks for my help, promising me my freedom in return, I find myself in danger from enemies, both seen and unseen. I'd give anything to protect and save him. His father knows this, and it’s condemned me to hell, with no way out. Lies. Deceit. Betrayal. When the one I’ve vowed to defend is heir to the throne, I can only hope to make it out alive, with my head still intact. Then he shows up, handsome, and built to kill, threatening to ruin everything.
Garrett I was born a bastard. A privileged asshole, with little to no regard for anyone else. But when another attempt is made on my brother’s life, my carefree lifestyle changes. Murder. Bribes. Lust. Now I’m stepping in, determined to eliminate those who wish to annihilate my family. Then, and only then, would I rest… That is, until she betrays me.
Hazel Grace is an avid music lover, an undefined human being, and hardcore Oakland Raiders fan from the mitten state of Michigan. Always surprising her readers with weird Michigan sayings (they have their own cuss words) and writing "what the f*ck" storylines. When she's not writing, she's on Spotify finding new bands, working on her Camaro or watching shows with her kids with annoying songs attached to them.
Garret broke our connection and brushed my bottom lip with his thumb, his eyes watching as I struggked to keep my composure. “I'm not done with you yet, Avie.” With that, he walked away, leaving me wanting for more.
Hazel did an outstanding job with Arranged. This is her debut story, but the story seems like it was written by an experienced and skillful writer. Hazel has written a brilliant story that I highly recommend.
I should preface this review by saying Arranged is my first ever Historical Romance read.
But we’ll come back to that here in a second.
There is no way—and I mean ABSOLUTELY NO WAY—this is Hazel’s debut novel. Her words are a masterpiece everyone needs to read. Hazel can enrapture your attention in a few quick lines and suck you into this world she’s seamlessly created. There were so many times I felt like I was right there, like I’d stepped in a time machine and at any moment would find myself caught in the crosshairs of a heart-racing moment. The characters were enthralling and well-developed. I especially love how Ava was written. We all know I don’t care for whiny heroines, and Ava was definitely not one of them. I loved her; her wit, sass. Strong-headed and bold, she defied all norms of her time. 🙌🏻
I had no idea what to expect walking into a Historical Romance but if I had any expectations at all, Hazel demolished them. Gripping, suspenseful, this story is fantastic and after that ending, I’m relieved knowing book two is on the way.
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, HAZEL. DO YOU HEAR ME, WOMAN? 👀
I was honored enough to be a part of this story's creation. Hazel has taken it from such a small idea to such a huge story and amazing characters. I adore the world and character she has created and I can't wait to see what's in store in book two .
This is Hazel Grace’s debut novel and honestly I had no idea what to expect from her, but after picking up this awesome read, I found myself loving her work. This book is so different from the other romance novels and I loved how no matter what was happening with the plot Hazel always managed to find a way to keep me interested in the story. Hazel has such a way with words that I find refreshing and can’t seem to get enough of, when I got to the end I turned the page thinking that there was going to be more, but nope, you are left with a cliff-hanger…. It’s not often that an author can just get to me with cliff-hangers, but somehow Hazel managed to achieve that with just her first book. I honestly have no idea how the next book is going to plan out but if her writing is just as good as it was in this book then I know that the next book is going to be amazing, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for George, Garrett and Avie as I found them to be pretty awesome characters. If you’ve not picked up this book yet, then I highly recommend that you do, I promise you will not regret it.
George, Garrett and Avie are all from royalty, the two guys are brothers (well half-siblings) and Avie is George’s best friend/ex-fiancé. Things didn’t exactly end well between George and Avie but whilst that’s the case they would do anything to help each other, which is why it’s a shock after so many years George ends up in Avie’s home. She has no clue as to why he’s there, but all gets revealed that both him and Avie are targets. George is doing his hardest to convince her that she needs to go back to the palace in order to be protected, but after Avie previously lived there all these years ago, she will do whatever she can to not go back… That is until Garrett makes an appearance in her home. There has always been that pull for Garrett and Avie can’t work out why, but after some insistence from Garrett, she finally agrees for him. However, when they do arrive at the palace it seems that Garrett and George’s Father has plans of his own…..
A story about impossible love, arranged marriages and conniving people.
Best friends and former betrothal to the crown prince, Ava is a woman with firm opinions and not afraid to voice them. She lives a good life working with her father in a quiet village. When her best friend tells her she must come with him to the palace for her own safety she come face to face with Garret again, the crown prince's bastard brother. And the connection they feel this time is hard to deny. But around them people schemes and the two of them are in the middle of those plans. Will they be able to find a way to be together?
There were some really good parts about this book and there were some bad ones. What really impressed me is the characters and the setting that Hazel Grace have built in this story. You get the inner workings of the society, the minds of the characters and it´s just all around great on that part.
What I absolutely hated was the misogyny. The men were seen as higher than the women, ok I can buy that since that´s just the way of the world and this seems to be set in like the 1400 or something. But what I´m not okay with demeaning words used on women when the men are a lot worse. Just not okay when that seems acceptable for men and not woman. And the whole virgin thing and how important that is for women when the guys can do what they want. Eh Also this whole women should cover them self up and yadda yadda. Women should listen to the men since they just knows better. Garett who is a great character however is an alpha and yeah thats hot but not when the man is a d*uche against women, like how he treated Lady Chitwood were not okay.
So the book have a great story, great character development and an interesting setting told in a beautiful way. But some things just weren't right.
Arranged is the first book in the Array series by authors Hazel Grace.
It starts with Lady Ava Barlow, then a child, in an orphanage with friends/guards there to protect her. She makes a hasty escape with a couple said guards/friends and is injured in the escape. This gives us our first glance at Garrett, Ava's arranged marriage fiancee.
There are rebels aloft in Telliva, threatening the crowned king, George who is the next in line for the throne, Ava who was arranged to marry George at one time and Garrett. George's new fiancee, Madelyn, is poisoned via coffee and dies which is what I believe sets plans in motion.
In this book, we don't learn whom the villain is. I have a few suspects, both male and female. I can't wait to read more to see if the villain is someone I suspect or someone who hasn't crossed my radar as a suspect.
Hazel Grace is a new to me author. Her writing is amazing. I was sucked in from the first page. I got so lost in the pages and the story that I was late making dinner one night! The book elicits feelings of happiness, betrayal and shock at different parts. It DOES end in a cliffhanger. Normally I won't continue a series if the cliffhanger isn't announced but with Hazel's story, I can't wait to keep reading the series.
This book is definitely one to pick up and read. It is a historical romance about arranged marriage and other things involved in the days of Kings and Queens. It’s about boy named George, his ex-fiancé Ava, who was an arranged to marry him, King Edward’s legitimate son. George called off his engagement for his benefit.
This story doesn’t start out slow, you are thrown in and you will love every minute of it. The story is solid, with amazing world creating. I could see it like it was a movie in my head. The story is about their struggles being of high society and threats against them. There is some romance in there so don't you worry.
George and Ava are still good friends and look out for each other. When someone threatens Ava, George is the one that wants to be there for her. In the beginning of the story you get introduced to George’s brother Garrett but it is so quick, don’t worry you get to read more of him later and that adds a little more complications into the story.
I do have to say I was not very into a saying in the book until the end when I realized that it was in place of “God”, not regular everyday cussing like I thought in the beginning of the book. You will see what I mean if you just read it. Which I recommend that you do!
Hazel is a new to me author, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this thought twisting make you think sweet story. This is a story about three friends that have grown up together. George, the future King, Garrett the kings bastard and Ava, and close family friend. This story will take you on a journey back to the intriguing days in the court. Where Assassins Rome in the shadows and no one can tell who they are. The Kings life and his air are both in danger so Garrett’s job is to protect George and Ava. Can George be a king that his father would be proud of, if he ever ascends the throne. Can Garrett keep everyone in his life safe? Even though he has an extremely well trained guard? Can Ava keep her heart under wraps or will her duty to the crown tear her away from her family?
This book right from the start pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. Ava is a strong, independent who wants nothing more than be able to live her life. George is her best friend and ex fiance who comes to see her after four years and breaking their engagement to protect her. Garret is the strong always doing what he can to try and save his family. When things are put to the test and some will be hurt and life for two or them will be put to the test? Will they all be able to handle everything or will other forces keep two of them apart? Who will sacrifice the most and leave everything behind? Amaz read that pull every emotion you have and lay your heart open. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Ava's life has never really been her own to rule over. The King of Telliva plays political chess with those closest to him as the pieces. Ava is one of those pieces. To strengthen the Royal lineage, Ava had been bethrothed to her best friend the Prince. Their lives constantly watched and protected due to fear of assassination. This a compelling story, full of intrigued, suspense and of course love. Can't wait to read number 2 in this series. Loved it.❤❤
This is Hazel’s debut and she knocked it out of the park!!!!! I’m not one for historical romances but this right here is my jam.
Ava is straight savage and my fave I still think she needs to kill a few characters butttttt that’s just my opinion. Lol can’t wait for the next one!!! I need it now!
This book is great. I'm not a big romance fan but this one had be staying up too late to finish. I can really relate to Ava and I love the fiery dynamic between her and Garrett. It's an interesting story line and leaves me extremely excited for book two.
This is a must read! Hazel did a phenomenal job on her first book. I can't wait to read book 2. You won't regret reading this. Ava is a badass and I can't wait to see what is in store for her.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. I was honestly a little hesitant about this at first. I usually don't read a lot of historical romances, due to the fact that I've read a lot of them and there are a lot of bad ones out there. This one, however, has surpassed any expectations.
First off, one would never guess that this is the author's debut. It is well written and she is incredibly creative with the storyline. The main female character is strong and the book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I highly recommend it.
I feel like I should preface this by saying, Hazel Grace has just written her debut novel, but you would NEVER have known it. It was filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, humor, swoon worthy scenes, great substance and a wonderfully written plot and storyline. What more could you want?
Ava is all you could wish for in a heroine. She is feisty, strong, smart, lovable, sweet as sugar, but wouldn’t hesitate to cut you off at the knees (if she needed to). 😉
Garrett is a hunk of a man that would protect you with his life, nurse your wounds/ailments until you were back to full strength, and show you his emotionally romantic side until you had hearts floating out of your eyes. 😍
The secondary characters bring a whole other layer to an incredibly full story. Arranged is wrapped up into a pretty mysterious bow that will keep you guessing the whole time. It does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s not a ‘oh my gosh, another cliffhanger, I’m going to pull my hair out now’ type of situation. I think everyone knows how I feel about cliffhangers by now. I usually HATE them, but this one, not so much. In a weirdly complete way, it is a satisfying ending that makes me yearns for more. I HIGHLY recommend this book! Kudos to Hazel Grace on a job well done!!👏
This book has your heart doing flips . Our leaf heroine is strong, loyal, determined and doesn't back down. Gotta love that! She is thrust into trials that test her will. Hazel Grace gives her a strong supporting group of characters and a vivid world that draws you in. Bravo on debut novel . Can't wait for more!
How had I not read this before!? Seriously! DO NOT sleep on this book! It’s fantastic! I love the setting and the characters! I’m so excited to read the next in the series!!