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Mile High City Romance #1
A Convenient Arrangement
Cuffing season has come for lesbians.
Jess Archer, digital journalist for the internet’s hottest lesbian media platform, has been assigned to research cuffing, from an up close and personal perspective. She’s not sure it’s really her thing, but the assignment gives her the chance to write something more substantial than her usual fluff pieces. All she needs now is a willing lesbian.
For Cody Dawson, signing up for Jess’s project is a no-brainer. She gets to date an interesting woman, enjoy her company, and not disrupt the tidy life she’s built for her son. Everything’s perfect until she starts falling for Jess. When she realizes she’s heart-deep in the feelings she’s agreed not to have, their convenient arrangement becomes anything but.
Jess Archer, digital journalist for the internet’s hottest lesbian media platform, has been assigned to research cuffing, from an up close and personal perspective. She’s not sure it’s really her thing, but the assignment gives her the chance to write something more substantial than her usual fluff pieces. All she needs now is a willing lesbian.
For Cody Dawson, signing up for Jess’s project is a no-brainer. She gets to date an interesting woman, enjoy her company, and not disrupt the tidy life she’s built for her son. Everything’s perfect until she starts falling for Jess. When she realizes she’s heart-deep in the feelings she’s agreed not to have, their convenient arrangement becomes anything but.
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First published October 14, 2021
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About the author
Jaime Clevenger
38 books328 followersJaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 23, 2021
Cuffing...
I don't know how common the word "cuffing" is to everyone else but it's a new word to me. And it has nothing to do with handcuffs but everything to do with short-term coupling. The premise of this story is that Jess wants to write an experience piece about "cuffing" and Cody volunteers to be her "cuffing" partner because she too needs a short term partner for work-related reasons.
The relationship is convenient but the chemistry between the characters is fairly strong and there are plenty of scenes with build-up of sexual tension, that are pretty well-written and engaging. But those scenes end up mostly anti-climatic because of Cody's son. I gotta be honest, I'm not a fan of the needy little five year old and his innocent disruptions. But since that's directly linked to how the story flows eventually, I suppose it works.
To be fair, while I'm not a complete fan of the premise, this story is pretty well written and for some reason, I liked it better than Clevenger's Three Reasons To Say Yes, which features a short-term relationship and butch mum as well. This comes to me as a surprise because I haven't had much luck with either authors' books but it seems like their combined effort is a winner.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know how common the word "cuffing" is to everyone else but it's a new word to me. And it has nothing to do with handcuffs but everything to do with short-term coupling. The premise of this story is that Jess wants to write an experience piece about "cuffing" and Cody volunteers to be her "cuffing" partner because she too needs a short term partner for work-related reasons.
The relationship is convenient but the chemistry between the characters is fairly strong and there are plenty of scenes with build-up of sexual tension, that are pretty well-written and engaging. But those scenes end up mostly anti-climatic because of Cody's son. I gotta be honest, I'm not a fan of the needy little five year old and his innocent disruptions. But since that's directly linked to how the story flows eventually, I suppose it works.
To be fair, while I'm not a complete fan of the premise, this story is pretty well written and for some reason, I liked it better than Clevenger's Three Reasons To Say Yes, which features a short-term relationship and butch mum as well. This comes to me as a surprise because I haven't had much luck with either authors' books but it seems like their combined effort is a winner.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
3.5 stars. Writing a book together seems like a daunting task to me, but Rey and Clevenger pull it off very nicely with this book. It’s always fun to see authors (and also two publishers in this case) working together. Clevenger and Rey actually wrote two books together, this being the first, that are set in the same universe. The second book “Love Accidentally” will be released next month and the main characters are already introduced in this book as friends of the mains in this book.
The title already indicates what this book is about, a short-term dating arrangement that works for both parties. Jess is a columnist that needs to write about cuffing, which is basically coupling up during the winter holiday months and breaking up soon after to enjoy a free single life again. Cody is a single mom and scientist/teacher at the university and she has no time to date even if she would like to. Her goal is to get tenure at the university and the final evaluation date is near. However, some of her superiors frown upon her single mom status, so a relationship, even if it is short-term, would be convenient.
Both Clevenger and Rey know how to write a butch-femme romance and if you enjoyed the hot butch mom angle in Clevenger’s “Three Reasons To Say Yes”, you’ll be happy to see another hot butch mom in this book as well. You can see that this is written by two seasoned authors, I liked both characters and they show enough character development throughout the book and the writing flows naturally, although I found the pace a bit slow in places.
One of the strongest points in the book is the chemistry, the sexual tension between Jess and Cody is rolling of the page. I don’t need sex scenes in a romance novel, but this book was screaming for it and unfortunately that is where it disappointed me. Most sex scenes were fade to black or cut short and the sexual fantasies that are hinted at never made it on page. I know these authors can write some steam, so I was hoping for more in that department. It also didn’t help that there was relatively little one-on-one time due to Cody’s kid. I realize this was done to emphasize how much a kid affects your life, but I just could have done with less kid time. This could be just me and perhaps it wouldn’t bother someone else who likes kids better than I do, but I wanted more time for romance and between the sheets.
The plot is not very surprising, but I was fine with that, however the lack of communication (leading to a conflict) did bother me. When your readers know more about your feelings than your actual girlfriend, that is a sign that something is very wrong. These are two intelligent grown up women, I expected more in the communication department.
I find it difficult to rate this book, it is an entertaining romance that is well written, and it was an above average read for me, but I would have liked to see better communication and more one-on-one time for romance and steam, so it’s a solid 3.5 stars for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The title already indicates what this book is about, a short-term dating arrangement that works for both parties. Jess is a columnist that needs to write about cuffing, which is basically coupling up during the winter holiday months and breaking up soon after to enjoy a free single life again. Cody is a single mom and scientist/teacher at the university and she has no time to date even if she would like to. Her goal is to get tenure at the university and the final evaluation date is near. However, some of her superiors frown upon her single mom status, so a relationship, even if it is short-term, would be convenient.
Both Clevenger and Rey know how to write a butch-femme romance and if you enjoyed the hot butch mom angle in Clevenger’s “Three Reasons To Say Yes”, you’ll be happy to see another hot butch mom in this book as well. You can see that this is written by two seasoned authors, I liked both characters and they show enough character development throughout the book and the writing flows naturally, although I found the pace a bit slow in places.
One of the strongest points in the book is the chemistry, the sexual tension between Jess and Cody is rolling of the page. I don’t need sex scenes in a romance novel, but this book was screaming for it and unfortunately that is where it disappointed me. Most sex scenes were fade to black or cut short and the sexual fantasies that are hinted at never made it on page. I know these authors can write some steam, so I was hoping for more in that department. It also didn’t help that there was relatively little one-on-one time due to Cody’s kid. I realize this was done to emphasize how much a kid affects your life, but I just could have done with less kid time. This could be just me and perhaps it wouldn’t bother someone else who likes kids better than I do, but I wanted more time for romance and between the sheets.
The plot is not very surprising, but I was fine with that, however the lack of communication (leading to a conflict) did bother me. When your readers know more about your feelings than your actual girlfriend, that is a sign that something is very wrong. These are two intelligent grown up women, I expected more in the communication department.
I find it difficult to rate this book, it is an entertaining romance that is well written, and it was an above average read for me, but I would have liked to see better communication and more one-on-one time for romance and steam, so it’s a solid 3.5 stars for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
“A Convenient Arrangement” is the first of a two-book collaboration between authors Aurora Rey and Jaime Clevenger. It’s also a collaboration between two different publishers, Bold Strokes Books and Bella Books, which I thought was really cool.
Jess Archer, a journalist for an online magazine, is tasked with writing a column on cuffing. She meets Professor Cody Dawson who needs a date for some school functions. The two hit it off and decide to give a short, no strings relationship a go, both knowing it has an expiration date in three months. This is not my typical kind of romance as I usually hate insta romances and that’s exactly what this is. Jess and Cody jump into their relationship very quickly but it didn’t bother me here.
I really liked this at the beginning. I liked both Jess and Cody but as the story progressed, I started liking Cody less and less and that took away some of my enjoyment. Jess and Cody were both very good about setting rules and guidelines (though they weren’t nearly as good at following them.) They talked a lot and seemed to do a good job with communicating with one another. However, it seemed as time went on, they stopped telling each other their issues, which of course lead to problems later on. Also, Cody was filled with doubts and started second-guessing everything to do with Jess. I still liked this enough to want to finish it but Cody’s continual doubts really got in the way of my enjoyment.
I know I started of negatively but there were some really great things about this too. I was really impressed with not being able to tell this was written by two people. Rey and Clevenger did an excellent job with the way they weaved their story together. Jess and Cody have outstanding chemistry right from the beginning and are very likable. I also liked the inclusion of Ben, Cody’s son from a previous marriage. I did think he was more polite and better mannered than most five-year-old’s but I still found him to be cute and really liked his relationship with Jess and her family. The black moment I could see coming from a mile away but luckily, it didn’t last long.
While I have overall mixed feelings on this one, I think most people will get more enjoyment from it than I did. I let my annoyance with the second-guessing get in the way so it’s more of me thing for why I didn’t love this. This is well written and has a lot of heart. I should add that Ben plays a big role here, so if kids aren’t your thing you might want to miss this one.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jess Archer, a journalist for an online magazine, is tasked with writing a column on cuffing. She meets Professor Cody Dawson who needs a date for some school functions. The two hit it off and decide to give a short, no strings relationship a go, both knowing it has an expiration date in three months. This is not my typical kind of romance as I usually hate insta romances and that’s exactly what this is. Jess and Cody jump into their relationship very quickly but it didn’t bother me here.
I really liked this at the beginning. I liked both Jess and Cody but as the story progressed, I started liking Cody less and less and that took away some of my enjoyment. Jess and Cody were both very good about setting rules and guidelines (though they weren’t nearly as good at following them.) They talked a lot and seemed to do a good job with communicating with one another. However, it seemed as time went on, they stopped telling each other their issues, which of course lead to problems later on. Also, Cody was filled with doubts and started second-guessing everything to do with Jess. I still liked this enough to want to finish it but Cody’s continual doubts really got in the way of my enjoyment.
I know I started of negatively but there were some really great things about this too. I was really impressed with not being able to tell this was written by two people. Rey and Clevenger did an excellent job with the way they weaved their story together. Jess and Cody have outstanding chemistry right from the beginning and are very likable. I also liked the inclusion of Ben, Cody’s son from a previous marriage. I did think he was more polite and better mannered than most five-year-old’s but I still found him to be cute and really liked his relationship with Jess and her family. The black moment I could see coming from a mile away but luckily, it didn’t last long.
While I have overall mixed feelings on this one, I think most people will get more enjoyment from it than I did. I let my annoyance with the second-guessing get in the way so it’s more of me thing for why I didn’t love this. This is well written and has a lot of heart. I should add that Ben plays a big role here, so if kids aren’t your thing you might want to miss this one.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2021
‘A Convenient Arrangement’ by Jamie Clevenger and Aurora Rey follows the story of journalist, Jess Archer and hot butch professor, Cody Dawson, as they partake in ‘cuffing’. Cuffing, as described by Jess, is the hot new lesbian trend where you jump into a relationship by fall and break up by spring. I’m not sure why but the whole basis is not having the intention of a full long term relationship.
I liked this book, Cody and Jess had a strong chemistry and I loved their dialogues together. Jess was my favorite character here, just so hard to not like. Even scenes with Ben, Cody’s son, were delightful to read and I enjoyed them! I don’t have much thoughts on this book to be honest. Was a cute simple read, maybe potential for more entertainment in some smaller plot detailed, like Cody’s ex wife. The predictable nature of this book was a bit lame. From page one you know what’s gonna happen so that’s the reason for my one minus star.
I recommend for a casual read!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review.
October 30, 2021
Review of A Convenient Arrangement by Aurora Rey and Jaime Clevenger, audiobook narrated by Kira Omans
This is a rare collaboration between two authors from different publishing houses, Aurora Rey, who’s signed to Bold Strokes Books, and Jaime Clevenger, a Bella Books author. Together they have written two books (so far) in the Mile High City Romance series: A Convenient Arrangement published by Bold Strokes Books and Love, Accidentally released by Bella Books.
Jess Archer, a lesbian media platform journalist is assigned to write an article about cuffing season from her own experience but now she has to find a willing woman. Cody Dawson needs a date for work engagements while keeping things light as she’s dedicated exclusively to her five-year-old son. A temporary arrangement is a solution for both of them but what happens when feelings get in the way?
I loved the main premise of the book, the practice of cuffing, that is, dating during the months of winter to keep warm when it’s dark and cold, only to dump the temporary partner when springtime arrives. Kind of no strings attached but with a twist.
I’ve never imagined a collaboration between these authors but after listening to this novel it now makes absolute sense to me. Both authors excel at writing butch/femme romances and their styles are very compatible. They both create emotionally vulnerable butches and strong femmes. Additionally, they both write the butch/femme sexual dynamic really well, specifically strap-on sex. All of the above is present in this novel.
I liked the main characters, they have great chemistry together and the secondary characters are also very well fleshed out, especially the five-year-old boy. This novel also introduces Amelia and Finn, the main characters of Love, Accidentally. Having said that, the plot felt a bit slow at times and the ubiquitous conflict around the 80% mark felt a bit contrived.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kira Omans who did a good job. Her voices were distinct and the performance of emotions was very good. I’m glad I got to hear the audiobook, I think it improved the story overall. 4 stars.
Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
This is a rare collaboration between two authors from different publishing houses, Aurora Rey, who’s signed to Bold Strokes Books, and Jaime Clevenger, a Bella Books author. Together they have written two books (so far) in the Mile High City Romance series: A Convenient Arrangement published by Bold Strokes Books and Love, Accidentally released by Bella Books.
Jess Archer, a lesbian media platform journalist is assigned to write an article about cuffing season from her own experience but now she has to find a willing woman. Cody Dawson needs a date for work engagements while keeping things light as she’s dedicated exclusively to her five-year-old son. A temporary arrangement is a solution for both of them but what happens when feelings get in the way?
I loved the main premise of the book, the practice of cuffing, that is, dating during the months of winter to keep warm when it’s dark and cold, only to dump the temporary partner when springtime arrives. Kind of no strings attached but with a twist.
I’ve never imagined a collaboration between these authors but after listening to this novel it now makes absolute sense to me. Both authors excel at writing butch/femme romances and their styles are very compatible. They both create emotionally vulnerable butches and strong femmes. Additionally, they both write the butch/femme sexual dynamic really well, specifically strap-on sex. All of the above is present in this novel.
I liked the main characters, they have great chemistry together and the secondary characters are also very well fleshed out, especially the five-year-old boy. This novel also introduces Amelia and Finn, the main characters of Love, Accidentally. Having said that, the plot felt a bit slow at times and the ubiquitous conflict around the 80% mark felt a bit contrived.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kira Omans who did a good job. Her voices were distinct and the performance of emotions was very good. I’m glad I got to hear the audiobook, I think it improved the story overall. 4 stars.
Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
November 14, 2021
A Convenient Arrangement by Aurora Rey and Jaime Clevenger is a contemporary romance that is based on a type of relationship I’d never heard of before. "Cuffing" or "cuffing season" is a type of temporary relationship where two people get together as a couple for a certain period of time, often during the big holiday months of November through January, and then “break up” at the end of the season. One idea for this is that the two are assured of having a date for all the parties and events during this time. Intimacy may or may not be an added bonus. Yeah, I know where your mind went when you saw the word ‘cuffing’. No, it has nothing to do with restraints in the bedroom. Don’t worry, my mind went there too. ;)
In this novel Jess Archer and Cody Dawson decide to try cuffing for the holiday season. For Jess, it is a work project, and she will be blogging about it as a journalist. Cody likes the idea of dating someone interesting, and she can enjoy this time without changing the life she has made for herself and her son Ben. Both women know in their minds this relationship is temporary, but did they remember to tell their hearts?
This is obviously a character driven plot, which is good because both authors are excellent at character development, and it shows. Both Jess and Cody are easy to connect with. The chemistry between them is hot, and it is easy to see the two could (and should) become more than temporary girlfriends. I must tell you, though that Ben, Cody’s son, stole my heart. Of course, who wouldn’t fall in love with a cute as a button, curly blond-haired five-year-old with a heart as big as himself. I became as invested in him as I did Jess and Cody.
There are some really angsty moments for all three of these characters that really kept me reading. There are also some steamy, sexy moments for Jess and Cody. I guess that tells you what the two women decided on with the intimacy question.
A Convenient Arrangement is an entertaining, sexy and heartwarming story that I recommend to all who love romance. Don’t be surprised when you fall in love with Ben.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
In this novel Jess Archer and Cody Dawson decide to try cuffing for the holiday season. For Jess, it is a work project, and she will be blogging about it as a journalist. Cody likes the idea of dating someone interesting, and she can enjoy this time without changing the life she has made for herself and her son Ben. Both women know in their minds this relationship is temporary, but did they remember to tell their hearts?
This is obviously a character driven plot, which is good because both authors are excellent at character development, and it shows. Both Jess and Cody are easy to connect with. The chemistry between them is hot, and it is easy to see the two could (and should) become more than temporary girlfriends. I must tell you, though that Ben, Cody’s son, stole my heart. Of course, who wouldn’t fall in love with a cute as a button, curly blond-haired five-year-old with a heart as big as himself. I became as invested in him as I did Jess and Cody.
There are some really angsty moments for all three of these characters that really kept me reading. There are also some steamy, sexy moments for Jess and Cody. I guess that tells you what the two women decided on with the intimacy question.
A Convenient Arrangement is an entertaining, sexy and heartwarming story that I recommend to all who love romance. Don’t be surprised when you fall in love with Ben.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
Well this was a pleasant surprise. I have not read a coauthored fictional book before and found A Convenient Arrangement to be a cohesively written story. I tried to pick out two different writing styles and could not. What I found was an engaging story about cuffing. I had never heard of this term before. It refers to having a prearranged termination for a fall into winter relationship. This relationship gets you through the major holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years but ends just after Valentine’s Day. It originates in the heterosexual world (of course!).
Jess Archer is an online columnist for my winner of the best zine title ever, Sapphisticate. She is a lesbian lifestyle writer who is assigned to find a partner for three months and focus her column on the ins and outs of cuffing. Cody Dawson is a single parent of a five year old who is more than willing for a no strings attachment to Jess.
This is a fun premise for this romance. It is a twist on the faux romance kind of, but not. It cannot truly be pigeonholed which is a bonus in the romance genre. Yet it has the familiarity of past romances which is comforting. Yes I want my cake and to eat it too!
The sexual tension is very well done with a slow build up. The fade to black on the sex scenes once we arrive there however was disappointing. We were shut out of the crescendo in this piece.
A Convenient Arrangement is an enjoyable read which I recommend to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jess Archer is an online columnist for my winner of the best zine title ever, Sapphisticate. She is a lesbian lifestyle writer who is assigned to find a partner for three months and focus her column on the ins and outs of cuffing. Cody Dawson is a single parent of a five year old who is more than willing for a no strings attachment to Jess.
This is a fun premise for this romance. It is a twist on the faux romance kind of, but not. It cannot truly be pigeonholed which is a bonus in the romance genre. Yet it has the familiarity of past romances which is comforting. Yes I want my cake and to eat it too!
The sexual tension is very well done with a slow build up. The fade to black on the sex scenes once we arrive there however was disappointing. We were shut out of the crescendo in this piece.
A Convenient Arrangement is an enjoyable read which I recommend to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2021
I picked this one up for the weird lifestyle term/practice (cuffing) as much as anything else. Plus, you know going in that this particularly experiment isn't going to work as planned because it's a romance and I'd see a lot more low star reviews if they did cuffing as designed.
And I was encouraged because I liked Jess and Cody very well from the start. Cody is very naïve about kids, but she's a bit isolated in raising Ben so I actually bought it when she thinks "I'll just tell him that Jess is a friend. He already knows that friends aren't permanent so won't get attached." I bought that she thinks it, mind. It was always pretty clear that wasn't going to work out as planned. Ben himself is a bit too ideal as a character. Not quite a plot moppet (his actions don't steer plot at all), but he's no impediment, either. I did like how interactions with him showed Jess's latent talent with children and particularly her attachment to Ben.
And I liked Jess, too. Her job is a bit too ideal and her boss is made of awesome, but then Clevenger throws in a couple co-worker relationships that were multi-layered and interesting, so that was wonderful, too. Indeed, the story itself was well-paced and fun and I was engaged throughout.
And if you can smell the "but" coming, I'm happy to oblige. There's a late story dark moment that was a bit shallow. Rote, maybe? I hated how it snuck up on them and I hated their reactions and that Cody digs into her opinion and extends it. Which is to say that it went on way too long and I hated her irrationality.
Anyway, this comes it at a solid four stars, I think. It was good and I liked the characters. This is a little generous because much of the background and events were unsupported. But I was engaged and didn't really care.
A note about Steamy: There was steam. I've lost details because I let this review go too long. Middle of my steam tolerance (so a couple/few scenes that didn't go too long).
And I was encouraged because I liked Jess and Cody very well from the start. Cody is very naïve about kids, but she's a bit isolated in raising Ben so I actually bought it when she thinks "I'll just tell him that Jess is a friend. He already knows that friends aren't permanent so won't get attached." I bought that she thinks it, mind. It was always pretty clear that wasn't going to work out as planned. Ben himself is a bit too ideal as a character. Not quite a plot moppet (his actions don't steer plot at all), but he's no impediment, either. I did like how interactions with him showed Jess's latent talent with children and particularly her attachment to Ben.
And I liked Jess, too. Her job is a bit too ideal and her boss is made of awesome, but then Clevenger throws in a couple co-worker relationships that were multi-layered and interesting, so that was wonderful, too. Indeed, the story itself was well-paced and fun and I was engaged throughout.
And if you can smell the "but" coming, I'm happy to oblige. There's a late story dark moment that was a bit shallow. Rote, maybe? I hated how it snuck up on them and I hated their reactions and that Cody digs into her opinion and extends it. Which is to say that it went on way too long and I hated her irrationality.
Anyway, this comes it at a solid four stars, I think. It was good and I liked the characters. This is a little generous because much of the background and events were unsupported. But I was engaged and didn't really care.
A note about Steamy: There was steam. I've lost details because I let this review go too long. Middle of my steam tolerance (so a couple/few scenes that didn't go too long).
December 13, 2021
Fake dating, but real dating for a while so we call it cuffing? Very strange concept, of course straight people came up with it.
I have no clue why people would participate in cuffing, this short term coupling seems to be a recipe for disaster. Jess is writing an experience column about it and Cody has her own work related reasons to need a partner for a bit. The chemistry between the two is undeniably there, this of course leads to a whole new set of issues. At least in my mind, but with cuffing anything goes, or so it seems. Cody has a very needy 5 year old son, Ben, he plays a big part in this story and how it develops. I really didn’t like all his interruptions, I get it but it seemed slightly over the top as well. As does his behaviour in general, he’s five going on 50 at times.
I like a good fauxmance, but this cuffing is something else that makes it less likeable of a premise, at least for me. I think the authors actually did a great job on writing this together, the story has a nice flow and is an easy read. I could have doen without the drama after 80%, this formulaic nonsense really has to stop, no one enjoys it so late in the game. Especially in this case it could have come much sooner, should have even. There is communication in this book, but not about the right things I think, it’s a little frustrating at times. Overall it’s pretty enjoyable and a good effort on collaboration.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
I have no clue why people would participate in cuffing, this short term coupling seems to be a recipe for disaster. Jess is writing an experience column about it and Cody has her own work related reasons to need a partner for a bit. The chemistry between the two is undeniably there, this of course leads to a whole new set of issues. At least in my mind, but with cuffing anything goes, or so it seems. Cody has a very needy 5 year old son, Ben, he plays a big part in this story and how it develops. I really didn’t like all his interruptions, I get it but it seemed slightly over the top as well. As does his behaviour in general, he’s five going on 50 at times.
I like a good fauxmance, but this cuffing is something else that makes it less likeable of a premise, at least for me. I think the authors actually did a great job on writing this together, the story has a nice flow and is an easy read. I could have doen without the drama after 80%, this formulaic nonsense really has to stop, no one enjoys it so late in the game. Especially in this case it could have come much sooner, should have even. There is communication in this book, but not about the right things I think, it’s a little frustrating at times. Overall it’s pretty enjoyable and a good effort on collaboration.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
October 18, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I never really heard of cuffing before so it was great to learn something new.
Jess and Cody have great chemistry the dialogue between them is good I like that they talk even though there are some ups and down. I love Cody son Ben he add to the story his relationship with his mother and Jess was great. I did find a bit annoying that Cody colleagues didn’t like that she was single mom which prompt her into giving cuffing a try. I like even when you have plan sometimes it’s doesn’t work because you forget that your heart is involve and it catches you off guard. Enjoyable Read.
I never really heard of cuffing before so it was great to learn something new.
Jess and Cody have great chemistry the dialogue between them is good I like that they talk even though there are some ups and down. I love Cody son Ben he add to the story his relationship with his mother and Jess was great. I did find a bit annoying that Cody colleagues didn’t like that she was single mom which prompt her into giving cuffing a try. I like even when you have plan sometimes it’s doesn’t work because you forget that your heart is involve and it catches you off guard. Enjoyable Read.
December 4, 2021
4 stars.
I'll hold my hands up, didn't have clue what cuffing was, I needed google.
Anyway, I loved it! I've not come across a story like this one before (not that I can think of), it's sweet and cute. There's chemistry and spark between the two main characters Jess and Cody. And I enjoyed watching how their relationship flourished over time, as well as the barriers they hit and fought to overcome over the months.
Just for the record.... cuffing has nothing to do with handcuffs.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I'll hold my hands up, didn't have clue what cuffing was, I needed google.
Anyway, I loved it! I've not come across a story like this one before (not that I can think of), it's sweet and cute. There's chemistry and spark between the two main characters Jess and Cody. And I enjoyed watching how their relationship flourished over time, as well as the barriers they hit and fought to overcome over the months.
Just for the record.... cuffing has nothing to do with handcuffs.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this was a joint effort by Rey and Clevenger, I figured I’d enjoy it, since I’m a fan of both. This is a lovely sweet romance that I was really enjoying until the manufactured drama near the end.
So, here we have Jess, a columnist for a lesbian magazine who is tasked with writing about “cuffing”, which I had never heard of but apparently is a thing. This is where you hook up with someone for the “holiday season” and break up by Valentines Day. All Jess needs is a woman willing to “cuff” with her.
Enter Cody, a professor at a local university who is on the tenure track, and has a five year old son, Ben. Cody needs a girlfriend to enhance her tenure chances because she wants to befriend the lesbian president of her university.
This isn’t really a fauxmance, in that they actually do have a relationship, and almost everyone knows the truth behind it. They also hit it off really well and are attracted to each other and Jess and Cody’s son Ben love each other. Their relationship is sweet, they spend a lot of time together, and their interactions feel organic and unfold naturally. Ben is also a sweet kid, and I really liked his interactions with Jess. The supporting characters of Cody’s BFF Amelia and Jess’ roommate Finn also make up the new pairing in the follow up book Love, Accidentally, Gillian and Shannon and Jess’ boss and family also add to the story.
The main issue I had here was Jess’ column. She’s writing about how she’s dating “Carrie” and has previously met Cody’s boss, Gillian, to interview her, plus she befriends Gillian’s wife Shannon, so it seems completely ridiculous that they wouldn’t read her column and know Cody was Carrie. There’s also some other melodrama with Ben’s birth mother and all of this culminates into a completely contrived drama right at the 85% mark, as you’d expect.
Lesfic/wlw writers, please hear me when I say that readers DO NOT NEED YOU TO DO THIS, it is not entertaining or interesting to see two characters who up to now have managed to communicate pretty well suddenly become unreasonable and break up for no reason except that you think we need you to insert drama to keep us reading to the end. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to battle to the end of what was a good book because of this. Please, I beg you, STOP WITH THIS ALREADY.
Overall, I enjoyed this. Both characters are interesting, separately and together, Ben was cute, the relationship was sweet. I knocked a star off for the drama stuff, but fans of these authors should enjoy this.
When I saw this was a joint effort by Rey and Clevenger, I figured I’d enjoy it, since I’m a fan of both. This is a lovely sweet romance that I was really enjoying until the manufactured drama near the end.
So, here we have Jess, a columnist for a lesbian magazine who is tasked with writing about “cuffing”, which I had never heard of but apparently is a thing. This is where you hook up with someone for the “holiday season” and break up by Valentines Day. All Jess needs is a woman willing to “cuff” with her.
Enter Cody, a professor at a local university who is on the tenure track, and has a five year old son, Ben. Cody needs a girlfriend to enhance her tenure chances because she wants to befriend the lesbian president of her university.
This isn’t really a fauxmance, in that they actually do have a relationship, and almost everyone knows the truth behind it. They also hit it off really well and are attracted to each other and Jess and Cody’s son Ben love each other. Their relationship is sweet, they spend a lot of time together, and their interactions feel organic and unfold naturally. Ben is also a sweet kid, and I really liked his interactions with Jess. The supporting characters of Cody’s BFF Amelia and Jess’ roommate Finn also make up the new pairing in the follow up book Love, Accidentally, Gillian and Shannon and Jess’ boss and family also add to the story.
The main issue I had here was Jess’ column. She’s writing about how she’s dating “Carrie” and has previously met Cody’s boss, Gillian, to interview her, plus she befriends Gillian’s wife Shannon, so it seems completely ridiculous that they wouldn’t read her column and know Cody was Carrie. There’s also some other melodrama with Ben’s birth mother and all of this culminates into a completely contrived drama right at the 85% mark, as you’d expect.
Lesfic/wlw writers, please hear me when I say that readers DO NOT NEED YOU TO DO THIS, it is not entertaining or interesting to see two characters who up to now have managed to communicate pretty well suddenly become unreasonable and break up for no reason except that you think we need you to insert drama to keep us reading to the end. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to battle to the end of what was a good book because of this. Please, I beg you, STOP WITH THIS ALREADY.
Overall, I enjoyed this. Both characters are interesting, separately and together, Ben was cute, the relationship was sweet. I knocked a star off for the drama stuff, but fans of these authors should enjoy this.
October 27, 2021
Two wonderful authors come together and seamlessly write a delightful romance. Jess Archer is an online journalist living in Denver. She is tasked to write about and share her experience in cuffing. That is becoming a couple in the fall, go through the holidays and break up before spring. Cody Dawson is a professor that is in the process of applying for tenure. She also has a five year old son. Cody meets Jess through a friend and would like to give cuffing a try. She hasn't been in a relationship since her ex left. And a date for some upcoming university functions would be beneficial. It's a win win situation. Except of course no one plans on feelings to come into play.
I love couples that can talk and both Cody and Jess communicate well. That doesn't mean that there aren't bumps and misunderstandings. But the flirting and couples check-ins are fabulous in this book. Cody definitely has some walls after a spouse walks away and protecting her son is a priority as well. I'm not a big fan of kids in romances but Ben adds greatly to the story. Jess's relationship with him is almost as important as with Cody for everything to work. And he talks and behaves like a child (okay a really, really, polite and sweet child). The authors can bring heat but I thought a scene kissing in a restaurant was as hot as their first time together. I love these characters and felt sad when I finished the book realizing my time with them was done. Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and the authors for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I love couples that can talk and both Cody and Jess communicate well. That doesn't mean that there aren't bumps and misunderstandings. But the flirting and couples check-ins are fabulous in this book. Cody definitely has some walls after a spouse walks away and protecting her son is a priority as well. I'm not a big fan of kids in romances but Ben adds greatly to the story. Jess's relationship with him is almost as important as with Cody for everything to work. And he talks and behaves like a child (okay a really, really, polite and sweet child). The authors can bring heat but I thought a scene kissing in a restaurant was as hot as their first time together. I love these characters and felt sad when I finished the book realizing my time with them was done. Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and the authors for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2022
Really enjoyed this - sort of fake but not really! Claevenger & Rey do an excellent double act - I couldn't see the join! Well impressed - will definitely go for number 2 as both in Book 1.
December 2, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I came for the lesbian romance and I can't say I was disappointed one bit. I hope this becomes a series with new characters!
A Convenient Arrangement follows Jess Archer, a lesbian journalist for the queer magazine Sapphisticate, and Cody Dawson, a junior faculty member up for tenure consideration. When Jess's boss asks her to write a piece about cuffing, Jess is hesitant at first, but decides to try it in hopes it will give her a break from fluff pieces. Cody knows having a signifcant other to bring to academic events would only improve her chances of getting tenure, but as a single parent her first concern is always about her son.
Jess and Cody had great chemistry from the start. I loved their every interaction and how they got to know each other. I wouldn't quite say this is fake dating, but it's a twist on the trope for sure. I loved how there were always feelings involved and both of them were concerned they were falling too fast. We also got a couple lesbian jokes, and one about a U-haul and I'm here for this kind of queer content.
I have nothing negative to say about this. My only complaint is I wished it was longer! I loved the story and these characters so much. This book was the perfect holiday read, and crossed off every box I had. Can't wait to dive into Love, Accidentally!
Rep: white lesbian single mother MC, white lesbian female MC, queer Black female side character, many white lesbian female side characters, queer Latine Senator side character, Black female side character.
CWs: Abandonment, emotional abuse (past mentions and current trauma), injury/injury detail, sexual content.
I came for the lesbian romance and I can't say I was disappointed one bit. I hope this becomes a series with new characters!
A Convenient Arrangement follows Jess Archer, a lesbian journalist for the queer magazine Sapphisticate, and Cody Dawson, a junior faculty member up for tenure consideration. When Jess's boss asks her to write a piece about cuffing, Jess is hesitant at first, but decides to try it in hopes it will give her a break from fluff pieces. Cody knows having a signifcant other to bring to academic events would only improve her chances of getting tenure, but as a single parent her first concern is always about her son.
Jess and Cody had great chemistry from the start. I loved their every interaction and how they got to know each other. I wouldn't quite say this is fake dating, but it's a twist on the trope for sure. I loved how there were always feelings involved and both of them were concerned they were falling too fast. We also got a couple lesbian jokes, and one about a U-haul and I'm here for this kind of queer content.
I have nothing negative to say about this. My only complaint is I wished it was longer! I loved the story and these characters so much. This book was the perfect holiday read, and crossed off every box I had. Can't wait to dive into Love, Accidentally!
Rep: white lesbian single mother MC, white lesbian female MC, queer Black female side character, many white lesbian female side characters, queer Latine Senator side character, Black female side character.
CWs: Abandonment, emotional abuse (past mentions and current trauma), injury/injury detail, sexual content.
November 2, 2021
Jess, a columnist for Sapphisticate (great name!), an online mag for lesbians, writes about lifestyle stuff when her boss says she should write about cuffing. I may very well be in the minority that I know what this is and that it has nothing to do with BDSM or role-playing in the bedroom, but then again, my head is full of all sorts of things like this that make people not want to play Trivial Pursuit with me.
Cuffing just means hopping into a short term, winter relationship, with or without sex, to get through the season, with the two parties going their separate ways by spring. A way to pass those months and all the festivities that go with them with a temporary partner since a ton of things for the season are usually for couples.
Case in point (kinda) is Cody, super butch mom of one, and a professor seeking tenure. She's told by a couple of people that it probably would be a good idea to get an in with the female president of the university, who is married to a woman. Can't hurt, right? Cody reads the article Jess writes, and leaves her a voice mail (awkward and cute) about being her cuffing partner for the season.
It doesn't hurt that they meet at a fall fare where Jess is dressed up as a giant pineapple and is great with all the kids who come by to take a shot at knocking stuff down.
They agree to be each other's plus one, lay out some ground rules (no pressure for sex, but if it comes up later, they can talk about it), and we're in business. Cody has a date to go to school functions with someone, and Jess gets content for her column. It is, to coin a phrase, a convenient arrangement.
Of course, they're both hot, and there's some smoldering going on. They continue on, Cody making inroads with her ultimate boss because Jess and the president's wife get along like a house on fire. Jess adores Cody's son Ben, and he her. There are some Moments when it looks like they will hook up only to be interrupted by Ben, or something else. Readers who are not fans of kids or interruptus will be unlikely to be happy.
Cody and Ben wind up going with Jess to her family Thanksgiving, an everyone has a blast. Jess' family love both of them, and they are quite taken by the mob of people.
But then, oh no! People in their 30s who can't communicate! Cody gets a call from Anastasia, her ex-wife who has shown zero interest in Cody, and the other mom wants Ben to come out at stay for two weeks. Jess agrees to go - they look forward to being in a hotel room without a kid - but Jess gets a special request to interview a politician in DC and then an interview with an outfit in Philly, where she submitted a resume. Jess doesn't tell Cody about the Philly connection, which by this point is a no-no: I couldn't figure out what was to be gained by Jess not telling Cody, since by now they're in love with one another.
We all know that there is a HEA at the end, because that's the genre and not a spoiler.
No major complaints about any of it, and Ben really steals the show. Again, if you're not okay with a kid being one of the most important things in someone's life, this is no the book for you. There are no drawn out, steamy sexytimes here - most are fade to black. It's an easy read and everyone is normal.
Three and a half stars out of five, rounded up to four.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Cuffing just means hopping into a short term, winter relationship, with or without sex, to get through the season, with the two parties going their separate ways by spring. A way to pass those months and all the festivities that go with them with a temporary partner since a ton of things for the season are usually for couples.
Case in point (kinda) is Cody, super butch mom of one, and a professor seeking tenure. She's told by a couple of people that it probably would be a good idea to get an in with the female president of the university, who is married to a woman. Can't hurt, right? Cody reads the article Jess writes, and leaves her a voice mail (awkward and cute) about being her cuffing partner for the season.
It doesn't hurt that they meet at a fall fare where Jess is dressed up as a giant pineapple and is great with all the kids who come by to take a shot at knocking stuff down.
They agree to be each other's plus one, lay out some ground rules (no pressure for sex, but if it comes up later, they can talk about it), and we're in business. Cody has a date to go to school functions with someone, and Jess gets content for her column. It is, to coin a phrase, a convenient arrangement.
Of course, they're both hot, and there's some smoldering going on. They continue on, Cody making inroads with her ultimate boss because Jess and the president's wife get along like a house on fire. Jess adores Cody's son Ben, and he her. There are some Moments when it looks like they will hook up only to be interrupted by Ben, or something else. Readers who are not fans of kids or interruptus will be unlikely to be happy.
Cody and Ben wind up going with Jess to her family Thanksgiving, an everyone has a blast. Jess' family love both of them, and they are quite taken by the mob of people.
But then, oh no! People in their 30s who can't communicate! Cody gets a call from Anastasia, her ex-wife who has shown zero interest in Cody, and the other mom wants Ben to come out at stay for two weeks. Jess agrees to go - they look forward to being in a hotel room without a kid - but Jess gets a special request to interview a politician in DC and then an interview with an outfit in Philly, where she submitted a resume. Jess doesn't tell Cody about the Philly connection, which by this point is a no-no: I couldn't figure out what was to be gained by Jess not telling Cody, since by now they're in love with one another.
We all know that there is a HEA at the end, because that's the genre and not a spoiler.
No major complaints about any of it, and Ben really steals the show. Again, if you're not okay with a kid being one of the most important things in someone's life, this is no the book for you. There are no drawn out, steamy sexytimes here - most are fade to black. It's an easy read and everyone is normal.
Three and a half stars out of five, rounded up to four.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
October 21, 2021
Before I start my review, first let me apologise for being MIA the last 10 days or so - work and life have been hectic with my twinadoes turning four, a well-needed family holiday and some big projects at work. Although I was reading, I just couldn't get those spare moments to put thoughts to paper and publish some thoughts on the books I've been reading.
In regard to A Convenient Arrangement, I thought it was a sweet lesfic book. I was interested to learn the term 'cuffing', as I was very much like Jess and thought it had something to do with BDSM. 😆
I liked how this relationship started out with the mutual arrangement, but I was a tad perplexed with how quickly feelings developed. I was also a bit disappointed by the lack of communication between the mains, and the unnecessary angst caused by this. It's especially frustrating to read when the mains were in their 30s.
Cody and Ben's relationship was lovely to read though, and I really enjoyed seeing their family dynamic. I liked the way Jess was integrated in their lives, and in retrospect, the way family is explored in this book as a whole was lovely.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I found the sex scenes slightly underwhelming. They weren't the usual steamy pieces that I come to expect of Clevenger, but overall A Convenient Arrangement is a very sweet romance.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
In regard to A Convenient Arrangement, I thought it was a sweet lesfic book. I was interested to learn the term 'cuffing', as I was very much like Jess and thought it had something to do with BDSM. 😆
I liked how this relationship started out with the mutual arrangement, but I was a tad perplexed with how quickly feelings developed. I was also a bit disappointed by the lack of communication between the mains, and the unnecessary angst caused by this. It's especially frustrating to read when the mains were in their 30s.
Cody and Ben's relationship was lovely to read though, and I really enjoyed seeing their family dynamic. I liked the way Jess was integrated in their lives, and in retrospect, the way family is explored in this book as a whole was lovely.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I found the sex scenes slightly underwhelming. They weren't the usual steamy pieces that I come to expect of Clevenger, but overall A Convenient Arrangement is a very sweet romance.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2022
SO Much Fun!
Jess is a reporter whose editor wants her to write a series on the cuffing trend of getting a girlfriend to spend the winter with and breaking up by Valentine’s Day. She’s not really sure how good of an idea it is but it’s a good chance to spread her journalistic wings. All she needs is a woman to go along with it. Enter Cody. She’s a busy single mom who loves the idea of spending time with a woman who doesn’t expect forever and gives her some much needed adult time. The only problem is maybe forever wouldn’t be so bad….
This was sweet, warm, funny, full of feels tale is just about perfect!! I loved this book. It was a true romance with enough conflict to keep your attention but low angst, just lots of love and good feels and warm fuzzies. I adored Jess and Cody, they are charming, interesting and so real, there is even an adorable little boy to make your heart melt even more. No one writes a story like Ms Rey and teaming up with Ms Clevenger was a stroke of genius! They are an amazing duo who really know their stuff. This will be a book I read again and again!
Jess is a reporter whose editor wants her to write a series on the cuffing trend of getting a girlfriend to spend the winter with and breaking up by Valentine’s Day. She’s not really sure how good of an idea it is but it’s a good chance to spread her journalistic wings. All she needs is a woman to go along with it. Enter Cody. She’s a busy single mom who loves the idea of spending time with a woman who doesn’t expect forever and gives her some much needed adult time. The only problem is maybe forever wouldn’t be so bad….
This was sweet, warm, funny, full of feels tale is just about perfect!! I loved this book. It was a true romance with enough conflict to keep your attention but low angst, just lots of love and good feels and warm fuzzies. I adored Jess and Cody, they are charming, interesting and so real, there is even an adorable little boy to make your heart melt even more. No one writes a story like Ms Rey and teaming up with Ms Clevenger was a stroke of genius! They are an amazing duo who really know their stuff. This will be a book I read again and again!
October 10, 2021
A new trope for me, cuffing. But it was an enjoyable read, Although a colab where you can distinguish the 2 authors the book was cursive and a great read. The story flowed seamlessly.
Jess is a journalist who is tasked to write about cuffing in the lesbian community. She needs to find a willing participant to her research. Cody is single mom chemistry professor who needs a date to a work event. And do the shorty begins. Jess and Cody have good chemistry and the dialogue is peppered with excellent humour. Of course there’s some back and forth and the threat their initial setup puts on their relationship but this is a good read that I recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Jess is a journalist who is tasked to write about cuffing in the lesbian community. She needs to find a willing participant to her research. Cody is single mom chemistry professor who needs a date to a work event. And do the shorty begins. Jess and Cody have good chemistry and the dialogue is peppered with excellent humour. Of course there’s some back and forth and the threat their initial setup puts on their relationship but this is a good read that I recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2021
This was my first experience with both writers and this sparked my interest. I’ve started to peek into their back catalogue to add to my future read list.
The characters were approachable and nuanced with a good dynamic. The dialogue and interactions were well written but I found myself wishing for a bit more angst with steeper highs and lows. Overall the story flowed well and it introduced me to the whole premise and world of cuffing.
PS. I had never heard of Cuffing before reading this. I would have thought it made more sense as a subconscious behavior than deliberate arrangement as it’s written in the story.
The characters were approachable and nuanced with a good dynamic. The dialogue and interactions were well written but I found myself wishing for a bit more angst with steeper highs and lows. Overall the story flowed well and it introduced me to the whole premise and world of cuffing.
PS. I had never heard of Cuffing before reading this. I would have thought it made more sense as a subconscious behavior than deliberate arrangement as it’s written in the story.
November 9, 2021
Great collaboration from two amazing authors. Really slow burn but worth the wait. Loved the characters and the kid of course steals the show!
November 2, 2021
its an ok read. I actually enjoyed it quite a lot tbh did not feel like this is written by more than one author so that was good, i did not even notice when i requested the book. I went for it since I liked the description. the characters were likable enough. However, I thought sometimes that they're not really representing a 5 years old, the dialogue and the sentences were quite older than that age IMO. AND I don't know, Jess and the kid relationship seems so fake to me. to me its not realistic that everyone likes everyone from the very first moment they meet. How can she love Codys son so fast and him her.
Overall, this is way better than most of the things i read this year.
Overall, this is way better than most of the things i read this year.
December 24, 2021
It felt like Cody knew what she wanted, and that was her.
3.5 stars. As a collaboration, this was super successful. I'm not sure how Clevenger and Rey handled the co-writing of this unique romance, but it wasn't obvious that there were two authors; it was so seamless. I've really liked the books that I've read from them separately, and though this has some bumps, I enjoyed it quite a lot!
Jess is a columnist for a sapphic publication, and her editor wants her to work on a piece about cuffing (couples getting together for the colder months, and agreeing to break it off come spring). She enters into a fauxmance/relationship of convenience with Cody, a single mom professor working towards tenure who needs a date for some work related functions. I loved the single parent aspect of this; there's something about butch women being super strong and maternal that just makes my heart glow. I loved Cody and her relationship with Ben (especially given the uniqueness of their situation), and Ben himself didn't suffer from too much of the 'kids don't act like that' syndrome that you always see in books. (He did a little, but not a lot.) Seeing Jess bond with him was adorable, just the kind of fluff I love to see in single parent romances.
The romance was wonderful; I could not stop smiling while reading this. From the adorable meet-cute to getting to know each other on dates, they just had that spark. I fell in love with both characters individually, and they were great together. Cody especially: such a dreamboat. There were lots of thwarted opportunities thanks to parenthood, but it was still just steamy enough. (I do wish there had been one less FTB scene.) I feel like these authors just mesh really well; the writing is super simple, but I was 100% swept up in the relationship. The conflict that stemmed partially from a lack of communication did disappoint me, especially because what I loved about the first 3/4 of the book is that they communicated so well. It's not that it was unbelievable; in the circumstances you can definitely see people reacting in certain ways. But I just wasn't impressed, and it did sour the book for me a teensy bit. It didn't last long, thankfully.
I know I'm definitely going to be reading the companion romance, because I really liked what little we saw of those characters. This was such a fun romance!
☆ Review copy provided via the publisher and NetGalley. Thank you!
November 3, 2021
4/5 stars
I am completely new to the term ‘cuffing’, but if my experience could turn out anything like Jess and Cody, then absolutely sign me up. This is my first time reading from both of these authors, but this book was fantastic. There were so many heartwarming scenes, the sparks of chemistry flew off the page, and the story was engaging from page one. As someone that reads the ‘relationship of convenience’ tropes so often (because I love it), I really enjoyed exploring the idea of ‘cuffing’. It felt like a refreshing and interesting spin on a classic trope, sparking some new life in a pretty old storyline.
More than anything, this book just made me smile uncontrollably. The romance felt very down to earth and genuine, as if I was going to bump into Cody and Jess at the local shops. While the chemistry could get fiery at times, at its heart, the romance is sweet and heartwarming.
I also really enjoyed how the book dealt with Cody as a single mother of Ben (who is an absolute delight), and how she navigated the difficulties of romance while being solely responsible for a child. It was challenging at times, but felt very real and honest, which is probably what added to the genuine feeling of the story., I enjoyed the navigating and blossoming of the small family dynamics just as much as I loved the one-on-one times between Jess and Cody. I love a romance book that brings us well-developed and interesting side characters that add life to story, and that is exactly what we got here. Altogether, it was engaging, sweet and a beautiful story.
I am completely new to the term ‘cuffing’, but if my experience could turn out anything like Jess and Cody, then absolutely sign me up. This is my first time reading from both of these authors, but this book was fantastic. There were so many heartwarming scenes, the sparks of chemistry flew off the page, and the story was engaging from page one. As someone that reads the ‘relationship of convenience’ tropes so often (because I love it), I really enjoyed exploring the idea of ‘cuffing’. It felt like a refreshing and interesting spin on a classic trope, sparking some new life in a pretty old storyline.
More than anything, this book just made me smile uncontrollably. The romance felt very down to earth and genuine, as if I was going to bump into Cody and Jess at the local shops. While the chemistry could get fiery at times, at its heart, the romance is sweet and heartwarming.
I also really enjoyed how the book dealt with Cody as a single mother of Ben (who is an absolute delight), and how she navigated the difficulties of romance while being solely responsible for a child. It was challenging at times, but felt very real and honest, which is probably what added to the genuine feeling of the story., I enjoyed the navigating and blossoming of the small family dynamics just as much as I loved the one-on-one times between Jess and Cody. I love a romance book that brings us well-developed and interesting side characters that add life to story, and that is exactly what we got here. Altogether, it was engaging, sweet and a beautiful story.
December 30, 2021
Clevenger is turning into one of my favorite authors. I find her characters very likable. This was a feel-good read for me.
October 17, 2021
I love both authors, Aurora Rey and Jaime Clevenger mostly because they write amazingly, steamy, romance, novels. I had been waiting for this book and had high hopes since I really enjoy both authors. It was a bit of a let down, way too many fade to black sex scenes, so much angst and just a lack of communication between the main characters. When I saw these two authors working together I thought this would be a book I wouldn’t want to put down but it just didn’t get there for me. Also the narrator is tough to listen to. Every character that isn’t femme is made to sound like a man, it’s really not enjoyable to listen to. The ending was sweet, the relationship between Jess and Ben is perfect. I liked the family aspect. I just think it could have been just a bit better or maybe I should have lowered my expectations.
November 30, 2021
I loved A Convenient Arrangement. You will too if you love fake-dating tropes. This is great for the holidays because a major plot point is cuffing. It's like fake dating but a temporary relationship during the holiday season and ending on or around Valentine's Day.
The writing is excellent! It felt like I was peeking in on real people's conversations, not reading about characters in a book. Their chemistry and banter felt so real. This is my first book by Jaime Clevenger & Aurora Rey. But, it won't be my last. I could not stop reading I just needed to know what would happen so I finished it in one day. You will find the 'failure to communicate' & 'overhear and misunderstand/misconstrue' tropes that are used often in romantic fiction, but there are reasons that make more sense than usual with these tropes.
I did not know that A Convenient Arrangement sports the same characters found in ‘Love Accidentally’ until I read some other reader's reviews. I have seen that each can be ‘stand-alone books’ but after reading I want to read the other book too.
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC free of charge. All opinions are my own, it was my choice to read, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Rep: white lesbian female MC, white lesbian single mother MC, queer Black female side character, multiple white lesbian female side characters, Black female side character, queer Latinx Senator side character
TW: emotional abuse (past mentions and current trauma), Abandonment, injury/injury detail, sexual content (a few scenes)
The writing is excellent! It felt like I was peeking in on real people's conversations, not reading about characters in a book. Their chemistry and banter felt so real. This is my first book by Jaime Clevenger & Aurora Rey. But, it won't be my last. I could not stop reading I just needed to know what would happen so I finished it in one day. You will find the 'failure to communicate' & 'overhear and misunderstand/misconstrue' tropes that are used often in romantic fiction, but there are reasons that make more sense than usual with these tropes.
I did not know that A Convenient Arrangement sports the same characters found in ‘Love Accidentally’ until I read some other reader's reviews. I have seen that each can be ‘stand-alone books’ but after reading I want to read the other book too.
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC free of charge. All opinions are my own, it was my choice to read, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Rep: white lesbian female MC, white lesbian single mother MC, queer Black female side character, multiple white lesbian female side characters, Black female side character, queer Latinx Senator side character
TW: emotional abuse (past mentions and current trauma), Abandonment, injury/injury detail, sexual content (a few scenes)
November 4, 2021
So...cufffing...who knew? I was really glad that other reviewers also hadn't heard of this phenomenom cause I was starting to feel a bit ancient, but luckily I am not slipping down the old woman slope. Yet.
Anyways, basically a book about a fake relationship but less fake since it's more of a temporary partner deal.
It was fun to read about Jess and Cody stumbling along, trying to find out how to do this cuffing thing. I liked both characters and being a parent of two 5 year olds myself I liked the inclusion of Ben in the story.
All the interruptions, hesitations about whether or not to let someone meet your kid and limitations in Cody's life because she has Ben felt rather on point, but I can understand it might be frustrating for readers if that's not your cup of tea to read about.
This book was a joint effort by 2 authors but it was done really well and I forgot about the fact that there were two writers until after finishing. I really liked this book and have their other one about Finn and Amalia ready to go on my ereader! Honestly, definitely one to pick up, this was one of the better romances I read in the last couple of months.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me a copy to review.
Anyways, basically a book about a fake relationship but less fake since it's more of a temporary partner deal.
It was fun to read about Jess and Cody stumbling along, trying to find out how to do this cuffing thing. I liked both characters and being a parent of two 5 year olds myself I liked the inclusion of Ben in the story.
All the interruptions, hesitations about whether or not to let someone meet your kid and limitations in Cody's life because she has Ben felt rather on point, but I can understand it might be frustrating for readers if that's not your cup of tea to read about.
This book was a joint effort by 2 authors but it was done really well and I forgot about the fact that there were two writers until after finishing. I really liked this book and have their other one about Finn and Amalia ready to go on my ereader! Honestly, definitely one to pick up, this was one of the better romances I read in the last couple of months.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me a copy to review.
November 19, 2021
What a fun and well-written story about a topic that I have heard of but never read about. I enjoyed the main premise of the book, the practice of cuffing, dating during the months of winter to keep warm when it’s dark and cold, only to dump the temporary partner when warm weather arrives. Kind of no strings attached but with a twist. Very interesting. I also like how these authors collaborate on writing since I have enjoyed how they write independently. Specifically, butch/femme characters. I also enjoy reads with children. A real bonus was the friend group.
Cody Dawson, college professor, needs a date for work engagements while keeping things light as she’s dedicated exclusively to her five-year-old son, Ben. A temporary arrangement is a perfect solution. Jess Archer, digital journalist, assigned to write about "cuffing". Unsure she wants to but her boss says you do it or I will assign to another journalist. All Jess has to do is find someone...to cuff with.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Cody Dawson, college professor, needs a date for work engagements while keeping things light as she’s dedicated exclusively to her five-year-old son, Ben. A temporary arrangement is a perfect solution. Jess Archer, digital journalist, assigned to write about "cuffing". Unsure she wants to but her boss says you do it or I will assign to another journalist. All Jess has to do is find someone...to cuff with.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
October 30, 2021
This book is exactly what I look for in a romance novel. I connected with both MCs, thought their chemistry was fantastic, angst driven primarily from the outside but plenty of insecurities and flaws from the protagonists, very little drama due to miscommunication, interesting secondary characters that add flavor but don't take over, and a cute kid.
I've had one previous experience with Aurora Rey but this was my first read of anything by Jaime Clevenger. It won't be my last. As a matter of fact, I immediately started Love, Accidentally, the second combined effort by the authors focused on Finn and Amelia.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me that opportunity to fall in love with two new women and an adorable kid.
I've had one previous experience with Aurora Rey but this was my first read of anything by Jaime Clevenger. It won't be my last. As a matter of fact, I immediately started Love, Accidentally, the second combined effort by the authors focused on Finn and Amelia.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me that opportunity to fall in love with two new women and an adorable kid.
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