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Necessary Arrangements #2

An Agreement with the Soldier

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An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B08T7N5PY2 can be found here

A broken soldier...
John Godfrey, the Baron of Ashbury, has spent most of his life as a soldier. He was never meant to become a baron. But circumstances have changed and now that he's back home, he has to face another battle - saving his failing estates. Marriage to an heiress seems like the simplest solution and finding a lady of his heart turns out to be an easy task. But can a beautiful, clever and free-spirited lady truly love the broken shell of a man he's become?

And his lady angel...
Miss Samantha Lewis has never felt anything akin to an infatuation she feels for John. Marriage to a man she already desires sounds like a dream come true. Only the moment the vows are spoken, he's changed and turned into a surly beast. Samantha will not give up on her idea of wedded bliss, even if it means turning both their lives upside down to achieve it.

Will their union be doomed? Or is theirs a match made in heaven?

This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, off page death, bullying, nightmares and other.

Reader discretion is advised.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2021

631 people are currently reading
493 people want to read

About the author

Sadie Bosque

42 books233 followers
Sadie Bosque is a steamy historical romance author. Surrounded by the enchantment of the historical setting, her love stories communicate to the modern reader through the experiences of her characters. The heroes and heroines of Sadie’s stories are flawed, imperfect creatures with big hearts. Sadie believes that a happily ever after has to be hard-earned. The trials and tribulations her characters go through make them stronger and make the HEA so much sweeter.

For a free novelette exclusive to my subscribers signup: https://sendfox.com/sadiebosque

Follow me on Bookbub for latest sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadie...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
April 10, 2021
An Agreement with the Soldier
Necessary Arrangements Series #2
Sadie Bosque
https://www.facebook.com/sadiebosquea...
Release Date 04/13/2021

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

John, Baron Ashbury, has spent most of his adult life as a soldier. He was never meant to become a baron. But circumstances have changed and now that he's back home, he has to face another battle - saving his failing estates. In order to accomplish that, he needs to find an heiress and marry her. Finding a lady of his heart turned out to be an easy task. But can a beautiful, clever and free-spirited lady truly love the broken shell of a man he's become?
Miss Samantha Lewis has never felt anything akin to an infatuation she feels for John. A marriage to him sounds like a dream. Only the moment the vows are spoken, he's changed and turned into a surly beast. Sam will not give up on her idea of a blissful marriage, even if she ends up turning both their lives up-side down to achieve it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will he keep step-back from the extended hand she offers ...

After the first book, I was curious about John. And while it was not really a love triangle, a trope I much dislike, because it leaves always one of the party to be hurt and hurting. In this case, it was John, the circumstances were different from a real love triangle as it was others’ deeds that tore them apart, yet the result is the same as during their time off, his lover met someone else.
So now is his story, one about a much damaged broken man, determined to believe the worst about himself.

The prologue is such a moving and lovely introduction to this story.
Samantha or Sam grew up in a loving family, each one of her siblings has special place in her heart, even the brother she lost to the war-fields. Alas along the years, she never was able to feel an once of the link she has for her kin, why she is is left on the shelves, her heart mourning a love that might never come.
Until an unconventional encounter put on her path a man who lacks everything to be able to walk unscathed the floors of the ton, no flourish words nor society’s grace is to be expected from him. He is even close to rudeness in his detailing of his many flaws.
Still, this fellow stirs unknown feelings for the true innocent she is. And for the first time, she will have to battle, to even go against herself if she wants to dig her way in his heart.
John while appearing unharmed by the war, bears deep and painful inner scars, wounds they continue to fester even long after the battle went to a stop. He can’t stand crowds, loud noises, heavy scents, closed spaces. Why, when he has no other choice than to acquire a wealthy bride, he sees it as only a transaction. And in no way did he think he will get to live with his new spouse. Yet when a twist of fate lends him the bride of his dreams, he is even more lost than before. Scared to disgust, frighten and hurt her.
He shouts at every turn he is to be avoided, he runs away after each confrontation, he refuses to listen, only commanding.
So like a spooked animal, with calm and patience, Sam slowly wins his trust, the damages are so intense, he will never be able to be whole again. Yet is he willing to fight for his heart, to give them a chance even knowing the road will be long and paved of hardships.

With this second book, the author offers us a magnificent tale of heartbreaks and sorrow but also hope in the resilience of the human soul. Her heroes are blood and flesh, so flawed they are perfect in their imperfections. Sometimes, acting irrationally out of anger, then reasoning and rethinking their acts like any fleshy persons would. John is broken but with Sam who is as much complex as he is, as she peals off the many layers covering the intricacy of her spirit, to free her inner strength, he might be able to reach an equilibrium between his fears and his heart.
5 stars

I do hope we will see Isabel’s story in the future.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,594 reviews15 followers
April 22, 2022
Such unlikeable characters...

It was an interesting idea to try to portray a soldier's PTSD in that era but gah... He was such a jerk, the antithesis of romantic, and so self-centered. That anyone would consider a guy who declared he'd never love them, only wanted their big dowries, and didn't give a crap about any kids they might have was pathetic on both sides ("Well at least he's honest!" Really? 😮)

He's controlling, becoming angry when she leaves the house alone. Then we find he's a jerk in bed, too. I hurt you? Sorry, I couldn't help myself. My bad.

The whole time, Sam makes excuses for him. Maybe if women then weren't so desperate for a husband, men like this wouldn't have been the norm. Wouldn't *still* be so prevalent.

Toss in some irritating editing misses (let his CONSCIOUS be his guide, well-being without the hyphen, etc.) and it's a wonder I made it to the end. *sigh*
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,203 reviews124 followers
July 30, 2021
An Agreement with the Soldier, by Sadie Bosque. I so love this book. I am absolutely head over hills for this book and the author. The writing in this love story is magnificent. I am blown away by the ensuing drama that takes place between John and Samantha.
Don’t worry, it’s not like the whining, foot stomping, throwing ones self on the ground drama. This drama comes from down deep in your soul drama. It’s The emotional up hill battles. The conflicts that most beings face on a daily basis. The anguish and suffering depths that a person feels that there is no way out of.
That’s what this book is. I loved how Samantha was there always for Evie and John. I loved how John loved Sam no matter what. Both John and Samantha are strong characters that are perfect for each other. I had a great time reading the passionate love affair’s that John and Sam shared in.
I would have liked more details from these scenes. The strong plot and drama made up for the lobe scenes. I think that This book reads with realism. The writer definitely did her research and supplied the book with supportive information.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
May 24, 2021
Excellent Start, Then Fizzle

After an absolutely stunning and heartbreaking epistolary prologue, I had high hopes for the book. Unfortunately, after that beautiful but tragic beginning, the book went south for me rather quickly. First, the author had prodigious information dumps when we first meet the characters. I like my backstory to be shown rather than told, even if it takes a while to get the entire story out. Second, I am typically a sucker for the wounded hero trope, but the author made him too unlikeable. I did not like the way he treated the heroine. Sure, he has what we would call PTSD, but that's no excuse for a man to treat a woman poorly. Just inside the book, the author states the possible triggers and other uncomfortable aspects of the story. She really should have put these in the book's description at the bottom. While I don't mind certain ones of what was listed, I do have a few issues with some. It just could have been an amazing story, but it fell short too often.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Izzie (on pause) McFussy.
711 reviews65 followers
February 22, 2023
2.5⭐️ Other than the prologue which was very touching, nothing else worked for me. Actually, by chapter five I disliked the mood and put the book aside. Then, a week later I returned only to discover I didn’t care for the MCs bickering, illogical plot points, repetitious words (frown, growl, surly), or the ending. There was an abundance of anachronistic phrases, and the 21st century heroine must have traveled to Regency England in a time machine.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,810 reviews1,456 followers
April 13, 2021
The hero, John, accidentally received the heroine’s letters while he was recovering in the army hospital. The letters (that were meant for her brother and signed anonymously as “Angel”) gave him hope and a reason to keep fighting during those agonizing months when he was sick. Now 5-years-later John is back home and his estate & tenants are in desperate need of an heiress. John ends up going to visit his oldest friend (and former fiancée/the heroine from book 1) to request her help in finding him a wife. She sends him in the direction of her cousin, an heiress and duchess named Evie, and John decided she’ll do for his “marriage of convenience”. But Evie wants to marry for love and when John ends up meeting her best friend Samantha, sparks fly. Especially once he realizes she’s his Angel who wrote the letters all those years ago that saved him.

John and Sam end up getting married instead and arrive back to his estate that is in desperate need of repairs. John starts pulling away from Sam and loses himself in the busy work of the estate. Sam is determined to have a real marriage and friendship and continues to try and reach out to her grumpy, cold husband. John has PTSD from the war and that is why he’s been keeping Sam at arm’s length, to protect her from himself when he has violent nightmares and anxiety attacks.

I really liked Sam and how much she wanted to make their marriage work. She came from a big, loving family and wanted that in her own marriage as well. It was sweet to see her with John and how they had a friendship first. I’m always here for a scarred hero in need of emotional work and John was definitely that, struggling with life after the war. I also liked how they hired other soldiers to help fix up the estate and lands and how some of the soldiers were able to share stories with John on how they were dealing with life after the war. I look forward to stories in the future for Sam’s friend Evie and maybe Sam’s siblings as well.

Thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts & review.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews89 followers
November 29, 2021
A wonderful adult historical romance I truly loved.

As a sucker for broken heroes, especially surly grumpy ones, I can vouch for the touching brokenness of this one here. John is the perfect broken hero, with all the faults and character traits one would expect in a proud broken man. The kind you don't know weather to empathise with, pity or hate.

And I loved the way in which Samantha's gentleness, understanding and kindness balanced the brute. Beautifully done.

Heartbreaking and uplifting, touching and heartfelt, this tale is one of sorrow and hope that centres around the determination of the human heart and resilience of the human soul. It is a flawed love story of flawed characters that not only highlights the emotional battles broken people go through, but also makes you see the beauty in flawlessness itself.

If you're a fan of the genre, don't hesitate to give this one a try. It may not be quite perfect but it's a beautiful read!
Profile Image for Elle Cheshire.
494 reviews44 followers
April 13, 2021
Firstly, thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the first book in the Necessary Arrangements series; A Deal with the Earl, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Our soldier, John, was introduced to us in the first book and I was certainly hoping we would get to see more of him, and that he would get to have his story told. This book did not disappoint!

John has had a hard past and I love that the author didn’t shy away from depicting his PTSD and showing us how difficult this was for many soldiers to deal with, especially during a time period where symptoms are trauma are not understood or recognized by the high society. I loved seeing John’s life and watching him eventually learn to cope and understand what he needs and how to interact with others well despite his trauma.

Sam was an amazing character, she brought a great dynamic to the story and I adored how accepting and kind she was. She cares so deeply for everyone in her life and that she never gave up on anyone, even when she had every reason to. Sam was such a bright light in the book and in the lives of the characters in this story, I couldn’t help but love her and want her to get her happy ending. I enjoyed the relationship between John and Sam and watching as it grew, I was so invested that their struggles were just as frustrating for me.

The setting was again, expertly written, and felt effortlessly historical and accurate to life in high society at that time. I enjoyed seeing the different perspectives of these two characters and of their experiences with the ton. These two people were irrevocably impacted by the war and this was a very interesting storyline explored by the author. I loved the prologue, which immediately gave us an insight into Sam and her family as well as an excellent starting point for the relationship of our two characters. The pacing was good, though I was eager for the wedding to happen sooner than it did!

Another character that features was Evie, who we met previously as well and Evie has been a character I’ve loved ever since she was introduced, as the granddaughter of the characters in the prequel novella, she was one that really made an impact on me. I love how alive and bright she is and cannot wait to read her book – as this story nicely set up the possibility of her story being told next and I am certain it will be another excellent story.

A quick note that whilst this series is all done with interlinked characters, they all feel very distinct and different so there is no confusion, and you could read each book separately or out of order if you wanted as they are unique stories in their own right. However, the characters do overlap so there would potentially be some spoilers.

Overall, I loved this story. The historic atmosphere, the detailed and complex characters, the plot, the romance – I loved every aspect. I will defiantly be reading any and all books from this author and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a delightful, interesting, and layered historical romance.
3,220 reviews67 followers
April 18, 2021
Difficult H, has PTSD and as he's inherited an run down estate, he needs to marry an heiress. The h likes him a lot and she's pleased when they are compromised and have to marry. It had all the right ingredients but it wasn't a great story for me. The H treats the h terribly, due to his inability to feel safe. She's understanding and a great support, but he keeps running from his problems. Don't feel as if he appreciated her much. He's a weak and angry man, luckily she had endless strength. Not really a happy story or happy couple.
918 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2022
I Hate Stupid Errors in Historical Fiction

With internet research at our fingertips, there is no excuse for using modern first names, Scandinavian last names, calling estate tenant farmers "bourgeois," or having the lady of the manor bosom buds with a farmer's wife. If you cannot do the most basic historical research, please stick to contemporary fiction.
Profile Image for Han.
128 reviews17 followers
February 6, 2024
"𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 '𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹.' 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲. 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿. 𝗠𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗜'𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱... 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗜'𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜'𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲."

*~*~*~*~*

Marriage of convenience✔️
Friends to lovers✔️
PTSD representation✔️

*~*~*~*~*

This was the second book I read within the series and I have to admit that I loved it massively! I think it was so much better than the first one and it left me super excited to continue the series!

It’s because of Sadie that my love for historical romances are growing and I’m so grateful for that as it opens me up to an entire world of wonderful stories!

John was a sweetheart in the first story and I believe he deserved better than what he had, and this story allowed him to get his happy ending in a way that he deserved. I won’t say that he is perfect because he is far from it, but for a man who has been through so much, he was so brave to continue with life and do his best for himself.

Sam has become one of favourite characters within the series! She has a heart of gold and I love how strong she is! Sam is full of confidence and never allows something to dampen her spirit, even when things get rough, and the way she cares for others is just beautiful.

The friends to lovers aspect was super cute within this story, especially when it was also a marriage of convenience. I was curious to see how the original set up between John and Evie could be avoided, especially when Samantha comes across as so loyal. I was pleasantly surprised to see how it worked out and I think it was the perfect way to go about things!

In addition to the friends to lovers trope, I also loved the representation of PTSD, but I do feel that it could’ve been represented a little better with flashbacks of scenes that really affected John rather than little things. PTSD is such a horrible mental illness and it was great to see an author show how it can affect daily life, even if you’re no longer in that traumatic place and improving.

Finally, if anything annoyed me massively, it was how often John threw himself a pity party and refused to accept responsibility. It felt as though excuses were being made every time, and in the end it was nice to see him prove himself to Sam, she deserved that and more. Despite his excuses, the ending that Sam and John had highlighted significant character development alongside the found family trope. It was a beautiful ending and I would happily recommend this story to others!
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
October 7, 2021
His 👼Angel💃💋 of the Morning⛅

This is a very emotional 💕💔💕ADULT Historical Recency Romance💕 and Adventure in a series about Returning British Soldiers.
Letters📃 to Her Brother Ben, save John's Life.

Sam💃💋💔 the main female character in this wonderfully written novel is from a large family. Her older sister , Isabel married a former soldier who is also an earl.

Sam has met John,🐺🍆⛲🔪 Lord Ashbury, twice now without being introduced, but he is courting Her best friend, Evie, the granddaughter of a duke.

John 🐺🍆⛲🔪is a former soldier who suffers from PTSD, a condition not recognized in this early time period. It was known as shell shock in those days. He has nightmares 🌙 and headaches.
He prefers his quiet country estate, but came to London to find a wealthy bride 👰. He and Evie are opposites, it would be a marriage of convenience, something she does not want!

Sam💃💋 tries to talk Evie out of the courtship, knowing it would be a disaster for Her and John🐺🍆⛲🔪. Sam💃💋 plans on introducing Her to Her brothers.

Sam's family must go on living when her favorite brother ,Ben ,is presumaby killed in the war. She has no idea her letters were given to John🐺🔪 in the hospital where he lay gravely injured. She is truly an angel 👼 to John🐺🍆⛲🔪!

Could she ever love💘 a soldier🐺🔪? Could she ever love 💘a soldier🐺🔪 with mental difficulties that might shadow him throughout the rest of his life?

Wonderful novel!
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,345 reviews15 followers
April 16, 2021
This book reminds me of the movie Bambi, heartbreak in the beginning, happy ending. However, this story has a lot of heart aching moments. John has returned from the war a changed man, suffering from nightmares and mood swings. Realizing that he needs to marry an heiress, he turns to a childhood friend for help. One thing leads to another, and an unexpected chain of events lead to him marrying Samantha. Thid book tells the story of his horror and her love, as they piece their lives together. It is a really engrossing story, full of emotion and hope. Although I would not call this a sweet tale, it does have sweet, tender and steamy moments. This is really well done, and I am glad I did not miss this experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,174 reviews86 followers
February 3, 2025
I enjoyed this one well enough! It did a great job portraying PTSD—not just the struggles of the soldiers themselves, but also the impact on the people who love them. I don’t have personal experience with PTSD, so I can’t speak to the accuracy, but it definitely felt heartfelt and real.

The romance was really sweet. I loved how patient and caring the FMC was, gently helping the MMC come out of his shell. Their connection felt genuine, and I appreciated the slow, careful way their relationship developed.

Honestly, I’m so excited for the next book in the series. I just know it’s going to be packed with passion and high tension, and I cannot wait!
Profile Image for Jane.
317 reviews
Read
October 16, 2022
John expresses a lot of vulnerability along with a lot of tenderness towards his bride… but he’s also a strong, hard worker with just enough sass to be intriguing. Yum.
Profile Image for Alena Xuan.
606 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2022
Once again, not the worst romance novel. There are some heavy themes here but the writer just barely scratches the surface of them.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,703 reviews22 followers
August 30, 2021
The second book in this series is just as good as the first one & it had me hooked at the first couple pages of the heartbreaking Prologue & it is such an important part of understanding & feeling for the characters in the book.

John Godfrey is the third son of a baron & was never meant to become the Baron of Ashbury but he has & he has left the frontlines but has not left the war behind. He suffers from nightmares, unbridled temper rages & now his estate is falling to pieces because of his father's wastrel ways. He needs to find an heiress to save his title.

Miss Samantha (Sam) Lewis is beautiful, sister to a viscount & in all her seasons, she has never found a man to become interested in or infatuated with & now she is close to being a spinster. She always knew someday her Knight would come rescue her but of that happening were slim. Then she met John & for the first time in her life she felt those butterflies flitting around in her tummy.

They spent time together & enjoyed each other but John was supposed to marry Sam's best friend, Evie. But after an unexpected compromise between them, John & Sam got married. Sam was fond of John & not upset about the marriage but then things changed - she saw the self-named "monster" he became when his temper could not be controlled, his nightmares & the way he stayed away from her. This book delves deeply into PSTD & the drama creates a very emotional read but the strength of Sam trying to believe & help John was amazing & his determination in figuring out how to keep her safe & keep himself moving forward was awesome. There were so many situations & emotional times they went through & you really didn't know until the end how this would end. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down - now you need to read this - don't miss a well-written & emotional experience with a HEA!
Profile Image for Chris ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥.
470 reviews24 followers
September 5, 2023
2⭐️ Let me start by saying that back in 2021, I have read the 1st, 3rd & 4th book in the series, but skipped this one because I wasn’t really interested in John’s story. A couple of days ago I reread *A deal with the earl*, which I enjoyed enormously the second time around…and so I decided to give this one a try. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, the the side characters, the friendships & family banter….but what ruined this book for me was John, our MMC. Look, I get what the author was trying to accomplish here…and I understand that he had PTSD…but that didn’t excuse his idiotic behavior. I didn’t get the feeling that he really cared for her…or that he really loved her. He did his thing during the day without any care for the FMC and at night he acted as if everything was alright. He behaved like a complete jerk for no good reason and then 10 minutes later he would be like “I am so sorry” or “ I am a jerk! Can you forgive your jerk of a husband?“. Sometimes he would even say these things WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE as if she was supposed to forgive him the second he says sorry. And the worst part was…SHE ACTUALLY did it, she forgave him every time! She was such a pushover and found excuses for him for 95% of the book. 🙄🙃

Look, I love a good grumpy, mean MMC! Truly…I love angsty romance books with a good antihero! But IF he is mean…or even a bully…I need the heroine to be able to challenge him right back every time he behaves like a brute AND I need him to be obsessed with her, to really feel him longing for her…which wasn’t the case in this book. John was a whiny, pathetic, selfish jerk! Ok, rant over!😂
Profile Image for Jennie.
200 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2021
Samantha, John, and Evie are all on the market for marriage. Evie and Sam are the same age and have been through several seasons. Evie desires to marry only for love, but when her uncle tries to arrange for her to marry an elderly man, she gets desperate to find someone. John is a former soldier whose estate is in dire need of repairs, yet his late father gambled away the money. He needs to find a wife with a considerable dowry. John begins to court Evie, but his meetings with Sam leave him with a feeling he has never known, and she feels the same. Evie and Sam have been best friends for years, but Sam fears her attraction to John may tear them apart. The slowly blooming love between John and Sam creates a whirlwind story as they try to navigate through life. His past as a soldier has left its mark on him, which causes some complications.

This book gave me major The Duke and I vibes, so if you were a fan of that book, I highly recommend this one. I haven’t yet read the first book in this series (I will now!!), but I didn’t feel as though I was missing part of the storyline.

Thank you Sadie Bosque for giving me a copy to review!
Profile Image for Theletter12.
746 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2024
Sam and John

She writes letters to her brother serving in the war. Her brother dies and John is in the hospital and gets her letters by mistake. They are not signed with her name but Dear Soldier and Your Angel. He has to marry but doesn’t feel like he’s much of a catch with his failing estate and ptsd. He’s engaged to her best friend- didn’t care for that plot line. They become friends and he realizes that she is his Angel from the letters and wants to marry her.

They get caught kissing and they are forced to marry. He’s basically a two pump and she is like - eh sex it hurts and was not fun. But later he remedies that. So he’s a bit of a mess with a yo yo of pushing and pulling her emotions - it gets frustrating. Then he ends up strangling her - yeah night terror - very creepy and alarming. She leaves and he begs her to come back- is like it won’t happen again - I won’t sleep in the same room with you… ehh not really sure that’s the solution but yeah. She is pregnant and it’s a baby girl… and even though he’s got night terrors he’s with the baby in the middle of the night… just kind of was odd to me…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
April 17, 2021
John Godfrey, the Baron of Ashbury, has returned from the war a changed man. He has nightmares and abrupt changes in mood. He needs to repair his failing estates and will need to marry an heiress to get the necessary funds. He and Samantha marry, but his behavior changes and the marriage is not a happy one for her. He has become a broken shell of the man he used to be.

Miss Samantha Lewis thought at first that marriage to a man she already desires sounded like a dream come true. But now he acts like a surly beast. Fortunately, Samantha will not give up on him, and she will burn their lives upside down to win his trust and help him deal with his demons.

The author did a wonderful job with the story line and the development of the characters. The story was very touching and definitely made the reader cheer for both of them as they fought to bring John back to functioning in the world he can share with his wife who cares deeply for him. Definitely recommended!
4,720 reviews41 followers
April 15, 2021
A true gem.
What a beautiful cover it almost feels like a fantasy with a fairy tale castle and a lovely princess just waiting for her knight. The book will break your heart in the prologue I know I had tears in my eyes. John Godfrey, the Baron of Ashbury is home from war but the war is still with him. When the only way to save his estate is to marry into money he takes Samantha as a bride. She cares for him but the marriage is not a happy one. This is a very high drama piece and not till the end will you have a clue what is in store for John and Sam. This is a fantastic piece of writing. I am very impressed and highly recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
827 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2021
A very heart wrenching story of a returning soldier’s brokenness and a wife’s enduring love. John Godfrey, the Baron of Ashbury returns from the war, deeply wounded with PTSD, alone, with a crumbling estate that he never should have inherited, and no money to fix it. He seeks a marriage of convenience with a rich heiress. But when he finds his special angel, Samantha, a compromising moment finds him married to her. She adores him, but he is so fearful of hurting her, he keeps running away, leaving her bereft and angry. Throughout the book, the author never sugar coats the disease, or makes it suddenly disappear. They must deal with it throughout their marriage as they learn to understand and unselfishly love one another. Beautifully written
Profile Image for Gloria Pastorino.
Author 82 books59 followers
Read
November 16, 2022
Nothing is easy in a Sadie Bosque’s book. The characters are tormented, the plot is mostly angsty and the happy ending must always be earned. But is life easy? So I think her books are perfect this way, a portrayal of real life and people’s struggles. And John, the hero of the book, is certainly struggling quite a lot. I was torn between wanting to hug him to soothe his wounds and hating him for not letting anyone, and especially Sam, help him heal. And I really loved Sam, because she’s kind and understanding, but also strong and willing to fight for her love and for the life she wants to have. I loved the highly emotional writing and the great depth of the characters.
A couple of words for the audiobook, which is really wonderful, with two great narrators that enhance an already great reading experience.
2,184 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2023
3.5 stars

3.5 stars
This is the second book in the series.
The H is the soldier childhood friend of the h from book one.
He’s had a truly miserable life. His father hated him. And when the heir and spare both died, the father ran his estates into ruin and squandered all the money.
H has been away at war for what seems like decades before the book begins. And he has PTSD. Certainly not understood in that era.
And then, he reveals his “father” hated him because was the bastard son. He never knows who his real father is.
The h had a beloved brother in the war who died. She is very kind. Very sweet and innocent.
Their meet cute is 🥰.
There are troubles a plenty in their marriage.
The ending was appropriate.
The marriage and relationship will survive.
Profile Image for Anne.
837 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2023
Intriguing second book in the series

A romance with both steamy and frightening moments, this book kept me reading well into the night. An unlikely romance eventually develops between the complex and in many ways broken John and the much more light hearted Sam (Samantha). The author does a wonderful job of creating chemistry between the two and tackles many facets of what we now know to be PTSD. I like that she didn’t sugar coat or quickly solve John’s problem but did find his character sometimes very harsh. This added credibility to his struggles even if it meant that the romance was less fairy tale like. This second book in the series deftly leads us into the third book, Evie’s story - I can’t wait.
Profile Image for Cristiane De.
35 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2023
Esse romance é muito bonito e marcante pelas características dos personagens principais. Ambos marcados pela vida, tendo em comum a mesma causa, com a diferença da proporção dessas marcas. A guerra, em qualquer época, sempre fará isso... Também há os acréscimos de traumas familiares.

Nessa história acompanhamos John e Sam. Casal cheio de química e que se combinam muito desde o princípio. Embora o relacionamento deles inicie de forma diferente, não deixa de ser bonito e agradável ao leitor. Ela é seu anjo e ele passa a ser o seu amor.

É uma leitura bem fluída, ótima construção da história, personagens que conquistam e tem o toque sensual na medida certa. Indico esse romance se receio. Não é um livro longo e o ritmo da história é tão bom que rapidamente se finaliza.


Profile Image for Liezl.
78 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2024
3.5/5

John from A Deal with the Earl finds love in An Agreement with the Soldier!

John makes it very clearly obvious that he worships the ground that Sam walks on, but Sam is the only one he cannot express this to. The trauma from war haunts John and continues to stand in the way of his happiness. To the point of refusing himself of the only woman has brought him moments of peace.

There's lots of nightmares, miscommunications, mood swings, and even an instance of violence. I didn't love how John treated her in the early stages of their marriage, and I think he should have groveled more. But John is very flawed and very much a tortured hero, and Sam is kind, loyal and very determined to make theirs a happy marriage.

I still enjoyed this read and will be tuned in to the next one for my girl, Evie!!
Profile Image for Bea.
9 reviews
November 21, 2024
3.5/ 5

Overall I did enjoy the book, however I think the plot when John gets aggressive in his dream was quite unnecessary and the fact that it happened almost at the end of the book it didn’t sit right with me.

I am not saying it’s John’s fault bc it’s not but it made me SO uncomfortable. He was clearly suffering from PTSD, he was unconscious and he didn’t meant to hurt her but at the said time I completely understand Julies’s family for removing her from the house.

Anyway… queen Sadie next time you decide to write a plot like the make the character scream, or have sleep paralysis or wander around in the woods… when they have nightmares caused by ptsd, and not strangle their wife’s. 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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