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Homestead Legacy #1
The Arrangement
1895. New York.
Gabriel Webster’s pack is in trouble. His father’s failing health and his mother’s untimely death mean that the vultures are circling. It won’t be long before his family’s assets are stripped and his pack disbanded. When an offer of help arrives in the form of a marriage of convenience, he has little choice but to accept.
The arrangement would be the perfect solution, if not for one thing. Gabriel is to marry Nathaniel Hayward, the Alpha who was badly injured in the accident that killed his brother ten years before—and the man Gabriel has been in love with for as long as he can remember.
Trapped in a business arrangement masquerading as a marriage—in a strange, empty house with a damaged husband who barely tolerates him — isn’t what Gabriel expected from life.
But sometimes the last thing we want is the beginning of something more.
And an ending can be the start of something beautiful.
**A standalone story set in the Homestead universe**
Novel - 54k
Gabriel Webster’s pack is in trouble. His father’s failing health and his mother’s untimely death mean that the vultures are circling. It won’t be long before his family’s assets are stripped and his pack disbanded. When an offer of help arrives in the form of a marriage of convenience, he has little choice but to accept.
The arrangement would be the perfect solution, if not for one thing. Gabriel is to marry Nathaniel Hayward, the Alpha who was badly injured in the accident that killed his brother ten years before—and the man Gabriel has been in love with for as long as he can remember.
Trapped in a business arrangement masquerading as a marriage—in a strange, empty house with a damaged husband who barely tolerates him — isn’t what Gabriel expected from life.
But sometimes the last thing we want is the beginning of something more.
And an ending can be the start of something beautiful.
**A standalone story set in the Homestead universe**
Novel - 54k
ebook
First published August 30, 2019
65 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Alex Jane
26 books181 followersAfter spending years creating stories in her head, Alex started writing them down and then found she couldn’t stop.
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
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September 8, 2019
3.75 stars!
This is my second taste of Alex Jane's shifter world and characters, and it's very nice, welcoming place with warm people, and feels pleasantly homely. 30-year-old Nate is a recluse due to an injury, and Gabriel, a few years younger, in risk of losing his home. The storyline was the classical romance trope marriage of convenience, which created a situation of forced proximity and growing affection, all tropes of which I'm a fan of. Since I've read many M/F historical romances with similar plot, this story didn't hold that many surprises for me, but was still an enjoyable read. I loved the surly, silent Nate, who hides his insecurities behind a stern facade, and the more socially adept, sunny and pragmatic personality of Gabriel—and how well they complemented each other.
My only disappointment in this book was the resolution of the UST. The chemistry between the pair had a nice, long build-up only to be rushed through when the protagonists finally fell in bed together. What little there was on page was good, it was simply too small a portion compared to how the well penned attraction and longing had made me expect a lot more. Not sure why we were told ? I would gladly have swapped the heavy-on-telling epilogue for more pages about the pair at the point where they'd acknowledged their attraction to one another.
Regardless of my minor complaint, I will definitely pick up the next book in the series when it's released. This was a good book!
This is my second taste of Alex Jane's shifter world and characters, and it's very nice, welcoming place with warm people, and feels pleasantly homely. 30-year-old Nate is a recluse due to an injury, and Gabriel, a few years younger, in risk of losing his home. The storyline was the classical romance trope marriage of convenience, which created a situation of forced proximity and growing affection, all tropes of which I'm a fan of. Since I've read many M/F historical romances with similar plot, this story didn't hold that many surprises for me, but was still an enjoyable read. I loved the surly, silent Nate, who hides his insecurities behind a stern facade, and the more socially adept, sunny and pragmatic personality of Gabriel—and how well they complemented each other.
My only disappointment in this book was the resolution of the UST. The chemistry between the pair had a nice, long build-up only to be rushed through when the protagonists finally fell in bed together. What little there was on page was good, it was simply too small a portion compared to how the well penned attraction and longing had made me expect a lot more. Not sure why we were told ? I would gladly have swapped the heavy-on-telling epilogue for more pages about the pair at the point where they'd acknowledged their attraction to one another.
Regardless of my minor complaint, I will definitely pick up the next book in the series when it's released. This was a good book!
July 1, 2021
I LIKED THIS BOOK... UNTIL I READ IT!
Although technically short, with 8+1 chapters, the story was long enough with consistent chapters and a stuffed narration, the blurb was interesting as well... HOWEVER, the story-line was unbalanced and felt rushed around the chapters 8 and 9. The key scenes were flat and disappointing. The way the relationship between Nate and Gabe developed was sparkless and below par.. I expected something better than the cliché lovemaking scene.
Let's be honest; this is not a historical, this is merely a fantasy... I say merely because there is no development of the 'were' side of the characters, it could have very well been a traditional fiction. The Alpha, Beta and pack mentions were there for the sake of decoration and decorum only. Moreover, the narration was machinal and the language gave absolutely no historical vibes. Except maybe some depictions of outfits and architecture, there is no strong reference to the late 19th century's lifestyle and epoch.
For me, this book ended when it was supposed to have an unexpected twist that would give the story another breath, it ended when the story-line became interesting... this is why I am disappointed. Another disappointment for the frigging glasshouse that was oh-so-important to Gabe (important enough to appear on the cover), and was all over the place in the beginning of the story, before being totally forgotten...
Was the author so annoyed and desperate to complete the book? That's how it felt!
Speaking of the author. It's almost endearing to read their "warning". They say the story is a standalone. Well, that's basically a non-event as the book is the first one of a series, the first books are always standalones unless they are botched and hastily completed like this one. I won't say that this book is a standalone though because it deserves a second part... a second part that should have been within this same first book, not in another.
Well, I won't say more. These are the things that bothered me the most. As I said, I am very disappointed, the book could have been amazing if it weren't sabotaged. And, for the werewolf side, it was too weak in the story, it felt like a stain stuck to the intrigue. I wanted to rate it 3 stars while reading it but, with the ending it had, I will rate it 2 stars and I am way too generous in my rating, because, if I took into consideration the categories of the book -fantasy and historical fiction- I would have rated it 1 star as it was neither. I rated 1 star books that were much better than this one.
All in all, this is not a proper fantasy and definitely NOT a historical.
Although technically short, with 8+1 chapters, the story was long enough with consistent chapters and a stuffed narration, the blurb was interesting as well... HOWEVER, the story-line was unbalanced and felt rushed around the chapters 8 and 9. The key scenes were flat and disappointing. The way the relationship between Nate and Gabe developed was sparkless and below par.. I expected something better than the cliché lovemaking scene.
Let's be honest; this is not a historical, this is merely a fantasy... I say merely because there is no development of the 'were' side of the characters, it could have very well been a traditional fiction. The Alpha, Beta and pack mentions were there for the sake of decoration and decorum only. Moreover, the narration was machinal and the language gave absolutely no historical vibes. Except maybe some depictions of outfits and architecture, there is no strong reference to the late 19th century's lifestyle and epoch.
For me, this book ended when it was supposed to have an unexpected twist that would give the story another breath, it ended when the story-line became interesting... this is why I am disappointed. Another disappointment for the frigging glasshouse that was oh-so-important to Gabe (important enough to appear on the cover), and was all over the place in the beginning of the story, before being totally forgotten...
Was the author so annoyed and desperate to complete the book? That's how it felt!
Speaking of the author. It's almost endearing to read their "warning". They say the story is a standalone. Well, that's basically a non-event as the book is the first one of a series, the first books are always standalones unless they are botched and hastily completed like this one. I won't say that this book is a standalone though because it deserves a second part... a second part that should have been within this same first book, not in another.
Well, I won't say more. These are the things that bothered me the most. As I said, I am very disappointed, the book could have been amazing if it weren't sabotaged. And, for the werewolf side, it was too weak in the story, it felt like a stain stuck to the intrigue. I wanted to rate it 3 stars while reading it but, with the ending it had, I will rate it 2 stars and I am way too generous in my rating, because, if I took into consideration the categories of the book -fantasy and historical fiction- I would have rated it 1 star as it was neither. I rated 1 star books that were much better than this one.
All in all, this is not a proper fantasy and definitely NOT a historical.
August 29, 2019
Charming diary of an arranged marriage
To be completely honest, The Arragement gave me this strong vibe of being a sort of a diary,and I loved it. It's full of recounts of daily activities, impressions on people,situations and surroundings. And of course,elaborate detailing of Gabriel's feelings.
The story definitely charmed me. A slow burn,arranged marriage and fated mates romance with the sweetest main characters: Gabriel and Nathaniel. It's adorable the way they circle each other,with tentative touches and small steps toward one another,fearful of rejection. All the while both cutely oblivious to the fact that their feelings have been reciprocated all along.
If Gabriel can acclimate to a new home and their love can survive the revealing of painful secrets...maybe they can turn their marriage into a real one and have an everlasting, enduring bond.
I really enjoyed The Arragement. All the characters are endearing, main and secondary ones alike, and the story left me with an amazing sense of family and belonging.
Definitely a must read.
To be completely honest, The Arragement gave me this strong vibe of being a sort of a diary,and I loved it. It's full of recounts of daily activities, impressions on people,situations and surroundings. And of course,elaborate detailing of Gabriel's feelings.
The story definitely charmed me. A slow burn,arranged marriage and fated mates romance with the sweetest main characters: Gabriel and Nathaniel. It's adorable the way they circle each other,with tentative touches and small steps toward one another,fearful of rejection. All the while both cutely oblivious to the fact that their feelings have been reciprocated all along.
If Gabriel can acclimate to a new home and their love can survive the revealing of painful secrets...maybe they can turn their marriage into a real one and have an everlasting, enduring bond.
I really enjoyed The Arragement. All the characters are endearing, main and secondary ones alike, and the story left me with an amazing sense of family and belonging.
Definitely a must read.
February 10, 2020
Oh, you KNOW I am here for a marriage of convenience story. With werewolves! And childhood friends! This was fun.
August 27, 2019
A marriage of could be the key to saving his pack, even at the risk of losing his heart….
After the death of his alpha, and with no heir and his father’s health slowly going down, Gabriel’s pack is seriously threatened. An unexpected solution comes with a proposal by Nathaniel Hayward, a wealthy alpha who used to be Gabriel’s deceased brother’s best friend. But after the tragedy that killed his friend and left him badly injured, Nathaniel is a damaged in more than one way. Will Gabriel be able to recover the man he once loved? Or is he lost forever?
This is a sweet story about fated mates, regrets and second chances in love. Set by the end of the nineteenth century, and character based, it flows smoothly and sweetly, like the romance it portrays. Both main characters are likeable, but I think I grew more attached to Gabriel, who despite his naivety, shows strength and stubbornness when it comes to deal with his very reluctant alpha. The secondary characters are also lively and likeable.
In short, a very cute story worth your time.
I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
After the death of his alpha, and with no heir and his father’s health slowly going down, Gabriel’s pack is seriously threatened. An unexpected solution comes with a proposal by Nathaniel Hayward, a wealthy alpha who used to be Gabriel’s deceased brother’s best friend. But after the tragedy that killed his friend and left him badly injured, Nathaniel is a damaged in more than one way. Will Gabriel be able to recover the man he once loved? Or is he lost forever?
This is a sweet story about fated mates, regrets and second chances in love. Set by the end of the nineteenth century, and character based, it flows smoothly and sweetly, like the romance it portrays. Both main characters are likeable, but I think I grew more attached to Gabriel, who despite his naivety, shows strength and stubbornness when it comes to deal with his very reluctant alpha. The secondary characters are also lively and likeable.
In short, a very cute story worth your time.
I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 28, 2019
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
I LOVED "Alphas' Homestead" series and this book is just as awesome as all the other books <3
It is a fast paced, old-friends (to strangers)- to-lovers story with absolutely lovable characters. It is a BEAUTIFUL love story. It felt a little bit like retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but with MCs who shared their childhood.
Alex Jane writing style is fantastic, she can make forget about the whole real world and just get sucked in the 1800s. It's a wonderful feeling!
I love believable characters with MCs that feel real. I crave love stories with getting to know each other, spending as much time together as possible, fighting low self-esteem and actual WOOING! It makes everything sooo much better. This book is heartwarming and soooooo full of emotions I couldn't stop reading. I just had to finish and see Nathaniel and Gabriel finally happy. They are perfect for each other.
I recommend this book to every MM fan, especially those who loves good, old, falling in love step by step!
I LOVED "Alphas' Homestead" series and this book is just as awesome as all the other books <3
It is a fast paced, old-friends (to strangers)- to-lovers story with absolutely lovable characters. It is a BEAUTIFUL love story. It felt a little bit like retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but with MCs who shared their childhood.
Alex Jane writing style is fantastic, she can make forget about the whole real world and just get sucked in the 1800s. It's a wonderful feeling!
I love believable characters with MCs that feel real. I crave love stories with getting to know each other, spending as much time together as possible, fighting low self-esteem and actual WOOING! It makes everything sooo much better. This book is heartwarming and soooooo full of emotions I couldn't stop reading. I just had to finish and see Nathaniel and Gabriel finally happy. They are perfect for each other.
I recommend this book to every MM fan, especially those who loves good, old, falling in love step by step!
September 9, 2019
Lovely. Really enjoyed this story, the first in Alex's new Homestead Legacy series which is of course a spin-off from the Alpha's Homestead series. There is a teeny, tiny catch-up with Tad and Samuel as this story is set in New York, but the main focus of the story is poor Gabriel and what happened 10 years previously to his elder brother Reuben and Reuben's best friend Nate...whom Gabriel was rather keen on and hero worshipped. 4.5 stars from me.
Such a gentle series, with delightful characters. Thanks Alex.
Such a gentle series, with delightful characters. Thanks Alex.
November 20, 2019
Had a very slow start that was quite difficult for me to get into but as the story progressed I was fully consumed by the story completely. I am a huge fan of pining — and there was LOTS of pining. On top of that we get brothers best friend, not one of them but BOTH of them being virgins and just the right amount of angst to tie it all together. Overall it was a nice little read and I would definitely read more by this author <3
3.5 beautiful stars !!
3.5 beautiful stars !!
September 3, 2019
Really nice and easy reading.
I liked it :)
It doesn't seems really historical (a plus for me)
I liked it :)
It doesn't seems really historical (a plus for me)
September 16, 2019
I don't understand why the author decided to try and market this as a 'shifter' book. The only wolf that can shift in this world is the alpha, which is only mentioned once not shown on page. The only on page shifting was the beta's who can change their nails and teeth. Other than that I think the only difference between these 'wolves' and humans was that they had enhanced hearing? It was also mentioned that they ran on the night of the full moon. So they are just a group of people running around a forest? It seems silly.
The shifter angle itself had no bearing to the story line. Every time that it was used as a plot point it could have been replaced with a more appropriate historic aspect: joining households instead of packs, arranged marriage for financial security rather than pack security, injured in a duel rather than being attacked, etc.
Another annoyance, it was suppose to be set in the early 1900's in New York but that could have been easily missed. It could have been modern day set anywhere if it wasn't for the mention of the transport. And how did they managed the (illegal) gay marriage aspect? Did they hide it? Pretend that they're were just good friends who for some reason lived together? (Not just the MC's but the others) It wasn't explained.
Overall I was just annoyed with this book and I don't understand how everyone else loved it. I won't be reading anything else from this author.
The shifter angle itself had no bearing to the story line. Every time that it was used as a plot point it could have been replaced with a more appropriate historic aspect: joining households instead of packs, arranged marriage for financial security rather than pack security, injured in a duel rather than being attacked, etc.
Another annoyance, it was suppose to be set in the early 1900's in New York but that could have been easily missed. It could have been modern day set anywhere if it wasn't for the mention of the transport. And how did they managed the (illegal) gay marriage aspect? Did they hide it? Pretend that they're were just good friends who for some reason lived together? (Not just the MC's but the others) It wasn't explained.
Overall I was just annoyed with this book and I don't understand how everyone else loved it. I won't be reading anything else from this author.
September 7, 2019
I honestly don’t think this author can write a bad book, and I don’t think there is a character written that I didn’t fall in love with. Gabriel and Nathaniel were no exception. Seeing Nathaniel just open up and bloom was the best thing. He was so lonely and guilt ridden he had no self confidence at all. Gabriel was so compassionate and loving he as perfect for Nate. To see their second chance at life was a privilege.
March 26, 2020
Tropy story that didn't capture my attention --probably because I couldn't define what sort of story it was. It certainly wasn't a paranoral werewolf story, nor a historical. What it was lacked depth in plot, characterization and most of all, any type of relationship. For me, this was very much a "light" story or what could have possibly been a story.
September 12, 2019
Sweet
This is one of those sweet stories that leaves you with a smile and a light heart. It has over tones of beauty and the beast, which is a favorite of mine. Time well spent.
This is one of those sweet stories that leaves you with a smile and a light heart. It has over tones of beauty and the beast, which is a favorite of mine. Time well spent.
April 20, 2020
I liked this werewolf historical romance for the sweet depiction of the clans communal living arrangements and the complete lack of the usual “grrrr” and alpha overload.
June 29, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a nice arranged marriage book in an alt-historical setting. The withdrawn, taciturn alpha husband feels like a staple character type in stories like this, but it's a character type that I like and he was fleshed out enough to feel like his own person, so I enjoyed it. There was a lot of mutual pining and the story is very much a slow burn, which made the pacing of the last two chapters feel a bit off, with the second-to-last chapter feeling too rushed and the last chapter feeling too dragged out. But overall it was a fine read.
This was a nice arranged marriage book in an alt-historical setting. The withdrawn, taciturn alpha husband feels like a staple character type in stories like this, but it's a character type that I like and he was fleshed out enough to feel like his own person, so I enjoyed it. There was a lot of mutual pining and the story is very much a slow burn, which made the pacing of the last two chapters feel a bit off, with the second-to-last chapter feeling too rushed and the last chapter feeling too dragged out. But overall it was a fine read.
February 1, 2020
This was cute, but I also felt like I should've liked it much more than I did. I think my main issue was that while it was a slow burn (which is what I gravitate towards), it's pretty short (not sure if it's longer than novella-length, but if so, not by much), so there wasn't quite as much development prior to them getting together as I would've liked.
I also felt like the paranormal/shifter element could've been more developed. It basically felt like an afterthought to everything else going on. Like, there's talk about their packs merging, but we get basically none of Gabriel's pack, and I had no real sense of what was involved in that or how it was going, or anything. It just felt light on the worldbuilding, and this is supposed to be the first in a series (although I think the author has other series set in this world, so maybe that's where I'd get more of that?). It really felt like the paranormal element could've been removed from this book entirely and nothing much would change, other than I guess needing some justification for why two men would agree to a marriage of convenience in the 19th century.
Anyways, that's a lot of nitpicking, but I did enjoy this. It took me a little while to get into it, but I loved the bit where But in any case, Nate and Gabriel were very cute, and this was just a sweet little romance.
I also felt like the paranormal/shifter element could've been more developed. It basically felt like an afterthought to everything else going on. Like, there's talk about their packs merging, but we get basically none of Gabriel's pack, and I had no real sense of what was involved in that or how it was going, or anything. It just felt light on the worldbuilding, and this is supposed to be the first in a series (although I think the author has other series set in this world, so maybe that's where I'd get more of that?). It really felt like the paranormal element could've been removed from this book entirely and nothing much would change, other than I guess needing some justification for why two men would agree to a marriage of convenience in the 19th century.
Anyways, that's a lot of nitpicking, but I did enjoy this. It took me a little while to get into it, but I loved the bit where But in any case, Nate and Gabriel were very cute, and this was just a sweet little romance.
August 30, 2019
It’s been a while since I read a book from start to finish in a matter of hours, but I couldn’t have done anything else once I read the first paragraph of The Arrangement. Set in an alternative version of 1895 this is a beautiful and gentle love story filled with all the feels without ever getting over-dramatic or angsty.
The story is told from Gabriel’s perspective and it’s hard not to feel for him when he accepts a marriage proposal not because he expects to live the rest of his life in a loving relationship but to help his father and his fellow pack members. When it subsequently becomes clear that his reluctance doesn’t stem from disliking the man he’s to marry but, quite the opposite, from having loved him for years and fearing he’ll spend the rest of his life dealing with that love being unrequited, my heart broke for him.
Except, that’s not exactly what’s happening. In fact, it was wonderful that almost from the start it was quite obvious to the reader (but not to the characters themselves) that these two men clearly belong together. I don’t mean this in a ‘it’s a romance therefore we’ll get a happy ending’ sorta way. Gabriel’s thoughts, even before he admits as much out loud to himself, make it clear he’s never gotten over his childhood crush for Nathaniel whereas Nathaniel’s words and behavior, right from the start, make it perfectly obvious to the reader that for him too this is more than a marriage of convenience, even if he treats it as such.
This story is the slowest of slow burns. In fact, for a long time it is more about Gabriel settling into his new life and finding his feet with the other pack and house mates, than his, seemingly non-existent, relationship with Nathaniel. But that’s only on the surface because through their daily life and interactions they do grow closer, almost despite Nathaniel doing what he can to stop that from happening, be it in tiny, almost imperceptible but totally natural stages.
It was endearing and funny how while Nathaniel was the Alpha, Gabriel was on several occasions the more capable, decisive of the two. And when, at last, the real reason for Nathaniel’s standoffishness becomes clear, my heart broke for him too.
Having said that, and with my heart broken twice, I have to stress that this is not an angsty read at all. It’s emotional, touching, and occasionally sad, but never dark or painful—which is, of course, exactly how I love my stories.
Also, apropos of nothing, how could I possibly fail to fall for an Alpha with a liking for licorice. 😊
To sum it all up, The Arrangement is a delightful, touching, and very well written story featuring two outstanding main characters as well as a cast of entertaining and fully fleshed secondaries. I highly recommend this book.
The story is told from Gabriel’s perspective and it’s hard not to feel for him when he accepts a marriage proposal not because he expects to live the rest of his life in a loving relationship but to help his father and his fellow pack members. When it subsequently becomes clear that his reluctance doesn’t stem from disliking the man he’s to marry but, quite the opposite, from having loved him for years and fearing he’ll spend the rest of his life dealing with that love being unrequited, my heart broke for him.
Except, that’s not exactly what’s happening. In fact, it was wonderful that almost from the start it was quite obvious to the reader (but not to the characters themselves) that these two men clearly belong together. I don’t mean this in a ‘it’s a romance therefore we’ll get a happy ending’ sorta way. Gabriel’s thoughts, even before he admits as much out loud to himself, make it clear he’s never gotten over his childhood crush for Nathaniel whereas Nathaniel’s words and behavior, right from the start, make it perfectly obvious to the reader that for him too this is more than a marriage of convenience, even if he treats it as such.
This story is the slowest of slow burns. In fact, for a long time it is more about Gabriel settling into his new life and finding his feet with the other pack and house mates, than his, seemingly non-existent, relationship with Nathaniel. But that’s only on the surface because through their daily life and interactions they do grow closer, almost despite Nathaniel doing what he can to stop that from happening, be it in tiny, almost imperceptible but totally natural stages.
It was endearing and funny how while Nathaniel was the Alpha, Gabriel was on several occasions the more capable, decisive of the two. And when, at last, the real reason for Nathaniel’s standoffishness becomes clear, my heart broke for him too.
Having said that, and with my heart broken twice, I have to stress that this is not an angsty read at all. It’s emotional, touching, and occasionally sad, but never dark or painful—which is, of course, exactly how I love my stories.
Also, apropos of nothing, how could I possibly fail to fall for an Alpha with a liking for licorice. 😊
To sum it all up, The Arrangement is a delightful, touching, and very well written story featuring two outstanding main characters as well as a cast of entertaining and fully fleshed secondaries. I highly recommend this book.
August 18, 2019
What a great read. This book may have been set back in the 1809’s but honestly for the most part, it did not feel that way. I am not one to enjoy books that are written in historical times but this book was nothing like most historical books that I have read. Though there are some references to carriage rides and maybe even their dress wear, other then that I felt like this was a book that was written in the modern times. So that in my opinion made it hat much better.
Gabriel comes from a pack that is felling. His mother was the Alpha of the pack. When she passed his family was left with no Alpha. Years before his mother died his brother, which was also an alpha, was killed in an accident with his best friend, Nathaniel. Nathaniel did not die but he was badly injured. So without an Alpha for Gabriel’s pack, money has been dwindling and before long his father health will get the better of him as well.
When a letter comes unexpectedly from Nathaniel wanting to marry Gabriel and bring their packs together in order to help Gabriels pack, Gabriel is skeptical. After much thought to it, and the fact that when he was younger he had the hots for Nathaniel, Gabriel decides to take Nathaniel up on the offer and marry him.
Gabriel really did not know what to expect when he married Nathaniel but he had hoped hey could at least become friends. But Nathaniel is standoffish and Gabriel is starting to believe that he does not like him in the least.
Nathaniel has several secrets that he has kept from Gabriel. But the one thing that Nathaniel does not know is he does not want Gabriel to leave. He wants things to work between them if no other way then as friends. As these two start to tear down walls that have been in place for a long time, they actually both start to see different aspects of the other. The eventually grow close and hopefully nothing I’ll come between them. But how will Gabriel react once he finds out themany secrets that Nathaniel has been hiding? Will he still want him?
His was a great read. I truly look forward to the next book in this series if this book was anything to on. I do not think I have read any of Alex Jane’s other books but I will definitely following this series from her on out!! Great read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Gabriel comes from a pack that is felling. His mother was the Alpha of the pack. When she passed his family was left with no Alpha. Years before his mother died his brother, which was also an alpha, was killed in an accident with his best friend, Nathaniel. Nathaniel did not die but he was badly injured. So without an Alpha for Gabriel’s pack, money has been dwindling and before long his father health will get the better of him as well.
When a letter comes unexpectedly from Nathaniel wanting to marry Gabriel and bring their packs together in order to help Gabriels pack, Gabriel is skeptical. After much thought to it, and the fact that when he was younger he had the hots for Nathaniel, Gabriel decides to take Nathaniel up on the offer and marry him.
Gabriel really did not know what to expect when he married Nathaniel but he had hoped hey could at least become friends. But Nathaniel is standoffish and Gabriel is starting to believe that he does not like him in the least.
Nathaniel has several secrets that he has kept from Gabriel. But the one thing that Nathaniel does not know is he does not want Gabriel to leave. He wants things to work between them if no other way then as friends. As these two start to tear down walls that have been in place for a long time, they actually both start to see different aspects of the other. The eventually grow close and hopefully nothing I’ll come between them. But how will Gabriel react once he finds out themany secrets that Nathaniel has been hiding? Will he still want him?
His was a great read. I truly look forward to the next book in this series if this book was anything to on. I do not think I have read any of Alex Jane’s other books but I will definitely following this series from her on out!! Great read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 2, 2019
*happy sigh* *happy sigh* *happy sigh*
I was so happy when Alex said they would be writng a spin-off series after Homestead Alphas finished. The Arrangement is the first in the new Homestead Legacy series and I adored it every bit as much as I did its predecessor.
The Arrangement stars Gabriel and Nathaniel and both them and their story absolutely stole my heart. There is something about the Homestead world that from the first page it wraps you up in a lovely little fog and you don't ever want to leave.
In order to save his pack Gabe enters into an arranged marriage with Nate. For Gabe it's no hardship really as he's been in love with Nate, his brother's bestfriend, since he was a boy. Before Gabe was old enough for things to happen between them tragedy struck and an accident not only killed Gabe's brother but left Nate injured and scarred. Nate at first seems to not be the same man that Gabe once fell in love with. And that's kind of heartbreaking as Gabe has been aching for this man for years. Then there's Nate - as we get to know him you soon realise just how tortured the poor man has been and you became desperate for him and Gabe to get their happy ending.
The Arrangment is the type of book you savour and never want to end.
I was so happy when Alex said they would be writng a spin-off series after Homestead Alphas finished. The Arrangement is the first in the new Homestead Legacy series and I adored it every bit as much as I did its predecessor.
The Arrangement stars Gabriel and Nathaniel and both them and their story absolutely stole my heart. There is something about the Homestead world that from the first page it wraps you up in a lovely little fog and you don't ever want to leave.
In order to save his pack Gabe enters into an arranged marriage with Nate. For Gabe it's no hardship really as he's been in love with Nate, his brother's bestfriend, since he was a boy. Before Gabe was old enough for things to happen between them tragedy struck and an accident not only killed Gabe's brother but left Nate injured and scarred. Nate at first seems to not be the same man that Gabe once fell in love with. And that's kind of heartbreaking as Gabe has been aching for this man for years. Then there's Nate - as we get to know him you soon realise just how tortured the poor man has been and you became desperate for him and Gabe to get their happy ending.
The Arrangment is the type of book you savour and never want to end.
August 26, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(3.75 stars)
Set back in the late 1800's, this has a different take on shifters. Gabriel's pack is without an alpha and is actually in trouble. When an offer for Gabriel's hand in marriage seems to be an answer to their problems, the only issue is who is doing the offering. His late brother's best friend is offering for Gabriel's hand, a man that they haven't seen since the unfortunate incident that both killed his brother and left Nate with scars. Gabriel accepts the offer and the two marry, but Nate keeps his distance and for the most part avoids Gabriel in the day to day matters. Will Gabriel be able to break through the walls that Nate has erected? Will Nate give Gabriel a chance to make this into more than just an arrangement?
This was an ok story, more of a slow burn, this takes time to get to the point. I found some parts a bit lagging. The shifter aspect of this was lacking, in fact if there wasn't the few mentions I would not have taken it for a shifter story at all. All in all it was still just an ok story, I give this 3.75 stars.
(3.75 stars)
Set back in the late 1800's, this has a different take on shifters. Gabriel's pack is without an alpha and is actually in trouble. When an offer for Gabriel's hand in marriage seems to be an answer to their problems, the only issue is who is doing the offering. His late brother's best friend is offering for Gabriel's hand, a man that they haven't seen since the unfortunate incident that both killed his brother and left Nate with scars. Gabriel accepts the offer and the two marry, but Nate keeps his distance and for the most part avoids Gabriel in the day to day matters. Will Gabriel be able to break through the walls that Nate has erected? Will Nate give Gabriel a chance to make this into more than just an arrangement?
This was an ok story, more of a slow burn, this takes time to get to the point. I found some parts a bit lagging. The shifter aspect of this was lacking, in fact if there wasn't the few mentions I would not have taken it for a shifter story at all. All in all it was still just an ok story, I give this 3.75 stars.
August 30, 2019
Oh my! I adored this book which is set in the Homestead universe. The development of the relationship between Gabriel and Nathaniel is gentle and all the more perfect and realistic because of this. That isn't to say that all is plain sailing and Gabriel has a definite feisty streak. As the alpha, Nathaniel is quite shy and uncertain about Gabriel, but his love is there if you care to look. I am so glad the author didn't take the route I thought she might of "curing" one of the main characters. (You'll understand what I mean by that when you read the book!)
The secondary characters are just as important to the story and so well developed. I loved every one of them. As this is Book One, I hope we get to see some of their stories too. And I can't finish this review without saying how amazing the writing is. The descriptions add so much detail and move this book up to the next level.
The secondary characters are just as important to the story and so well developed. I loved every one of them. As this is Book One, I hope we get to see some of their stories too. And I can't finish this review without saying how amazing the writing is. The descriptions add so much detail and move this book up to the next level.
August 31, 2019
Great story
This was a clever, engrossing mix of victorian and shifter. Loved the world building and loved the writing. Will definitely seek out more from this author
This was a clever, engrossing mix of victorian and shifter. Loved the world building and loved the writing. Will definitely seek out more from this author
January 7, 2020
Honestly I could read about the characters Alex has created all the time, another gorgeous story.
October 2, 2020
I stumbled upon The Arrangement while looking for something to fill the hole that Marina Vivancos's Honeythorn left behind in my heart. While The Arrangement had its own charms, it didn't live up to my expectations.
I liked most aspects of the story. The characters were likable, and individually, I could empathize with them. The setting was good: an estate with gloomy weather and a greenhouse in half-ruin? Picturesque. The premise of the story (what really made me decide to pick this one up) was right up my alley, too: a shifter-romance that featured a marriage of convenience.
So why didn't this book work its magic on me? To begin with, there was no chemistry between the main leads. The entire relationship between Nate and Gabriel felt disjointed. We are told Gabriel has loved Nate for years - but there isn't a strong foundation for this. All we get is Gabriel reminiscing about spending time together with Nate as children. There's nothing that points Nate apart. Even when they reunite after ten years, their first meeting is stilted - not filled with tension, just plain awkward. For most of the story, we see the two live together with little interaction, which makes Gabriel's lust seem intense and uncalled for. Since their pairing wasn't developed well, any progress the couple made didn't make sense to me. Add on the fact that said progress was slow, and you know why the book didn't work for me.
The pacing of the book in general felt choppy. It seemed to keep a slow, albeit steady pace up until 60% through, where it started to go faster, cramming big revelations for the end. Perhaps it wouldn't have felt as inconsistent if the developments that take place in the end were better hinted at throughout the novel.
I also would have liked stronger world-building. Geographically, I know the story is set in New York, but there is no mention of this outside of the blurb. At some point, someone mentions that Nate's sister spent time in California, but that hardly clears things up. Everything else - how many packs are there? Are there lands as well as estates to house them in? Does Gabriel have a wolf? - was left to the liberty of my imagination and assumptions.
I'm not sure what to rate this book as. It isn't bad enough to get 2 stars, but my 3-star books would frown to have it among their midst. 2.5 rounded up? This book had potential, but fell short. I didn't mind reading it, but I'm not likely to recommend it.
I liked most aspects of the story. The characters were likable, and individually, I could empathize with them. The setting was good: an estate with gloomy weather and a greenhouse in half-ruin? Picturesque. The premise of the story (what really made me decide to pick this one up) was right up my alley, too: a shifter-romance that featured a marriage of convenience.
So why didn't this book work its magic on me? To begin with, there was no chemistry between the main leads. The entire relationship between Nate and Gabriel felt disjointed. We are told Gabriel has loved Nate for years - but there isn't a strong foundation for this. All we get is Gabriel reminiscing about spending time together with Nate as children. There's nothing that points Nate apart. Even when they reunite after ten years, their first meeting is stilted - not filled with tension, just plain awkward. For most of the story, we see the two live together with little interaction, which makes Gabriel's lust seem intense and uncalled for. Since their pairing wasn't developed well, any progress the couple made didn't make sense to me. Add on the fact that said progress was slow, and you know why the book didn't work for me.
The pacing of the book in general felt choppy. It seemed to keep a slow, albeit steady pace up until 60% through, where it started to go faster, cramming big revelations for the end. Perhaps it wouldn't have felt as inconsistent if the developments that take place in the end were better hinted at throughout the novel.
I also would have liked stronger world-building. Geographically, I know the story is set in New York, but there is no mention of this outside of the blurb. At some point, someone mentions that Nate's sister spent time in California, but that hardly clears things up. Everything else - how many packs are there? Are there lands as well as estates to house them in? Does Gabriel have a wolf? - was left to the liberty of my imagination and assumptions.
I'm not sure what to rate this book as. It isn't bad enough to get 2 stars, but my 3-star books would frown to have it among their midst. 2.5 rounded up? This book had potential, but fell short. I didn't mind reading it, but I'm not likely to recommend it.
December 29, 2020
4.5 von 5 *
Seit dem Tod seiner Mutter gerät Gabriel Websters Rudel immer mehr in finanzielle Schwierigkeiten. Es droht Schlimmes und als Beta ist Gabriel nicht in der Lage diese Verantwortung zu übernehmen. Eine arrangierte Ehe mit einem wohlhabenden Alpha könnte diese Probleme lösen. Doch Gabriel zögert, denn es handelt sich um Nathaniel Hayward. Schon von Kindesbeinen an hat er für den ehemals besten Freund seines toten Bruder geschwärmt. Und nach dessen Tod hat sich auch Nate aus Gabriels Leben zurückgezogen.
Tatsächlich hat Nate sich generell vor der Welt versteckt. Bei dem Kutschenunfall hat er nicht nur seinen besten Freund verloren, sondern auch noch die Liebe und Anerkennung seiner Eltern. Körperliche und mentale Verletzungen machen ihm nach all den Jahren noch immer zu schaffen. Doch der Verlust einer wichtigen Fähigkeit hat sein Selbstbewusstsein fast völlig zerstört.
Das Zusammenleben wird für Gabriel und Nate zur Herausforderung. Denn Nate ist weiterhin distanziert, aber bemüht. Gabriel hingegen fühlt sich verloren und wird zusehends frustriert. Ihm fehlt eine Aufgabe und ihn verletzt die ständige Zurückweisung. Die Schwärmerei von früher ist längst mehr und Gabriels Liebe scheint einfach nicht erwidert zu werden. Egal wie sehr er sich bemüht.
Eine richtig schöne und herzzerreissende Geschichte. Alex Janes Alpha Reihe hat mir schon gut gefallen. Diese Geschichte gehört in das Universum, kann jedoch unabhängig von der Alpha Reihe gelesen werden. Beide Helden waren mir sehr sympathisch und ich konnte auch viel Verständnis für Nate aufbringen. Allerdings erst, nachdem das große Geheimnis gelüftet wurde. Erst dann waren seine Handlungen und seine scheinbare Herzlosigkeit verständlich. Von mir aus hätte die Geschichte ruhig noch ein paar Seiten vertragen, aber sie hat mich auch so zufrieden zurückgelassen.
Seit dem Tod seiner Mutter gerät Gabriel Websters Rudel immer mehr in finanzielle Schwierigkeiten. Es droht Schlimmes und als Beta ist Gabriel nicht in der Lage diese Verantwortung zu übernehmen. Eine arrangierte Ehe mit einem wohlhabenden Alpha könnte diese Probleme lösen. Doch Gabriel zögert, denn es handelt sich um Nathaniel Hayward. Schon von Kindesbeinen an hat er für den ehemals besten Freund seines toten Bruder geschwärmt. Und nach dessen Tod hat sich auch Nate aus Gabriels Leben zurückgezogen.
Tatsächlich hat Nate sich generell vor der Welt versteckt. Bei dem Kutschenunfall hat er nicht nur seinen besten Freund verloren, sondern auch noch die Liebe und Anerkennung seiner Eltern. Körperliche und mentale Verletzungen machen ihm nach all den Jahren noch immer zu schaffen. Doch der Verlust einer wichtigen Fähigkeit hat sein Selbstbewusstsein fast völlig zerstört.
Das Zusammenleben wird für Gabriel und Nate zur Herausforderung. Denn Nate ist weiterhin distanziert, aber bemüht. Gabriel hingegen fühlt sich verloren und wird zusehends frustriert. Ihm fehlt eine Aufgabe und ihn verletzt die ständige Zurückweisung. Die Schwärmerei von früher ist längst mehr und Gabriels Liebe scheint einfach nicht erwidert zu werden. Egal wie sehr er sich bemüht.
Eine richtig schöne und herzzerreissende Geschichte. Alex Janes Alpha Reihe hat mir schon gut gefallen. Diese Geschichte gehört in das Universum, kann jedoch unabhängig von der Alpha Reihe gelesen werden. Beide Helden waren mir sehr sympathisch und ich konnte auch viel Verständnis für Nate aufbringen. Allerdings erst, nachdem das große Geheimnis gelüftet wurde. Erst dann waren seine Handlungen und seine scheinbare Herzlosigkeit verständlich. Von mir aus hätte die Geschichte ruhig noch ein paar Seiten vertragen, aber sie hat mich auch so zufrieden zurückgelassen.
April 5, 2020
Esse é um daqueles livros que se beneficiaria bastante de umas 50 páginas a mais.
Primeiro que o livro tem uma linguagem mais "rebuscada"/antiga, justamente por se passar no século XIX - o que já está na sinopse, então okay, não é um ponto a se reclamar, mas é só algo que eu quis destacar. Aí tem a questão do relacionamento entre os personagens, que é uma coisa complexa porque existe aí a questão do irmão do Gabriel - que era melhor amigo do Nathaniel - que morreu num acidente em que o Nathaniel estava presente e etc. Isso é um ponto interessante pra algo que acontece no livro para além do romance, porque o leitor fica intrigado pra saber o que aconteceu, mas a revelação foi feita de forma tão súbita - não rápida, mas súbita - que eu fiquei meio ??? explica isso melhor, porra.
Daí não sei, o livro é bonzinho, os personagens são interessantes e o relacionamento entre eles também, mas eu gostaria que as coisas tivessem sido feitas de forma um pouquinho mais detalhada, até pra dar chance ao leitor de assimilar tudo e entender os sentimentos dos personagens quanto ao assunto.
Primeiro que o livro tem uma linguagem mais "rebuscada"/antiga, justamente por se passar no século XIX - o que já está na sinopse, então okay, não é um ponto a se reclamar, mas é só algo que eu quis destacar. Aí tem a questão do relacionamento entre os personagens, que é uma coisa complexa porque existe aí a questão do irmão do Gabriel - que era melhor amigo do Nathaniel - que morreu num acidente em que o Nathaniel estava presente e etc. Isso é um ponto interessante pra algo que acontece no livro para além do romance, porque o leitor fica intrigado pra saber o que aconteceu, mas a revelação foi feita de forma tão súbita - não rápida, mas súbita - que eu fiquei meio ??? explica isso melhor, porra.
Daí não sei, o livro é bonzinho, os personagens são interessantes e o relacionamento entre eles também, mas eu gostaria que as coisas tivessem sido feitas de forma um pouquinho mais detalhada, até pra dar chance ao leitor de assimilar tudo e entender os sentimentos dos personagens quanto ao assunto.
November 6, 2022
I have this in my memory as a short story but at 54k it's not exactly "short"!
Historical romance with marriage of convenience and some omegaverse thrown in for good measure There's not really any new ground here but if you like those tropes, it's well-written.
Definitely interested in reading more from this author.
Historical romance with marriage of convenience and some omegaverse thrown in for good measure There's not really any new ground here but if you like those tropes, it's well-written.
Definitely interested in reading more from this author.
June 12, 2023
4.5 stars
I still adore this universe and this book fit right in.
Gabriel will pretty much do anything to try to save his dwindling pack...so when he gets the chance to marry his long-time crush Nathaniel, he takes it. The marriage, though, is not what he expected. Nate keeps him at arms length Gabe is baffled.
Amazing feelings start to build and I was swept away. Wonderful.
I still adore this universe and this book fit right in.
Gabriel will pretty much do anything to try to save his dwindling pack...so when he gets the chance to marry his long-time crush Nathaniel, he takes it. The marriage, though, is not what he expected. Nate keeps him at arms length Gabe is baffled.
Amazing feelings start to build and I was swept away. Wonderful.
April 6, 2020
I think I'll need to read this one again sometime soon, after I've had a chance to let it settle into my head. I have some questions about how certain people are portrayed before the end, but I need to give the story some space first. Loved the apology by breakfast -- nice touch!
May 13, 2020
I wish there was more
I loved Gabe and Nate’s story, and I wish there had been more at the end. I wasn’t ready for it to end and I wanted to see them go through the new garden party. I look forward to more in the series, though.
I loved Gabe and Nate’s story, and I wish there had been more at the end. I wasn’t ready for it to end and I wanted to see them go through the new garden party. I look forward to more in the series, though.
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