The Arrangement

by Amity Malcom

Mya Monroe and Lucas Gentry have crossed paths before, but only one of them remembers that first glance.

Six days before she is supposed to say “I do,” Mya shows up at Lucas’s high-end New York City floral shop, rain-soaked and alone.

With her wedding called off and Mya seeking the way back to her own happiness, she agrees to partner with the sexy business owner for one month in exchange for a full refund on her extravagant floral budget.

Relinquishing control, mind and body, will push her to the edge as the two work together to pull off the most prestigious gala of the year.

Could surrendering to Lucas be what brings her back from the brink?

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2022

About the author

Amity Malcom writes books about people, sex, and people having sex. Her books are full of humor and heat that she only wishes she possessed in real life the way her characters do on page.

When she isn’t procrastinating on her next manuscript by devouring romance books at an unhealthy pace, you can find her exploring Washington DC alongside her wife, planning extravagant vacations she’ll never be able to afford, and trying with haste to pet every animal on the planet.

Only four awards away from winning an EGOT, Amity is proud to be a champion of underrepresented relationships and loves to celebrate queer joy in all its various forms.

Reviews

[KT]

did i like amitys book "inked" better? yes! but did i like this book? also yes! i think the sole reason why i liked "inked" better was because there were some really hilarious parts (i still think about the vibrator on the plane scene frequently) and amity didn't go that route with "the arrangement".

do you like your romance FAST, HOT, and DIRTY? then this is the book for you. please be aware before reading it has an age gap and the male has some possessive tendencies. in and out of the bedroom (or limo, same same).

the only thing that threw me off was there was some editing issues in here (i know amity uses an editor so not her fault). i want to scream at amity "LET ME BETA READ FOR YOU PLEASEEEEE" because it was some pretty simple stuff that should have been picked up on. but i digress.

read it if you like it dirtyyyyy.

[Jenn E]

Oh the spice! 🌶🌶🌶🌶 I thought I was getting into a cute love story and I sure did get quite the LOVE story! The character development was great and I really liked the character of Mya. Lucas was definitely a surprise in who he ends up showing himself as.

I personally am not one for the spicy romance. The writing was well done and created an easy and quick read. The only thing I would have liked to see different is a little more build up in their relationship. Lucas almost came across as creepy to me the way it just jumped right in.

Thank you to KatieandBreypa as well as the lovely Amity for gifting me this copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Erika Clements]

This book went from 0 to 60 real fast! Mya on one page ordering $75,000 worth of flowers to finding her fiancé a cheater on the next. With the wedding off, she goes back to Winston's flowers & speaks with the owner, one handsome, rugged, lumberjack of a man. She wants to repurpose the flowers so they don't waste but he wants her to find purpose and is deadset on melting her icy exterior and breaking down her walls. Full of everything you'd expect from a love story and then some spice to add to the flavor this met all of my expectations!

[Chantal Riley]

A sweet and spicy romance that ticked all the boxes.

When Mya catches her fiancé with her best friend, it seems her perfectly put together life isn’t so perfect after all. After a fate fueled run-in with Lucas, the florist for her wedding, Mya begins to see that maybe perfect isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

*Received and reviewed an advanced copy of The Arrangement by Amity Malcom in an exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Amoty and Katie & Brey for this ARC. All views are my own.

[Jahara - Jarjarbindings]

"What do you want, Ms. Monroe?"

Mya Monroe is an uptight, professional, everything in its place and always in control, New Yorker, who is planning the wedding of the century! That is until the wedding is broken off and she must cancel everything, including the extravagant floral order from the rather good looking floral shop owner, Lucas Gentry, who knows this isn't the first time their paths have crossed, has some ideas up his sleeve, an arrangement, partnering with him for a whole month an exchange for a full refund on her 75k flower order.
Can Mya relinquish control of her mind and body to find out what true happiness feels like?
🌻 I was given this book an exchange for an honest review from @katieandbreypa and the lovely author, and honestly, it was just the perfect amount of, spice and storyline and character development I needed in a happy feely love story! This would be an awesome vacation read! Thank you so much for sharing this book with me! Also can we talk about how gorgeous that cover is?

I give The arrangement by Amity Malcom ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tammy Mobley]

I was an ARC reader for this one. It came at the perfect time. Lucas Gentry is EVERYTHING! He is a dominant main male character, but isn't over powering. He is patient, understanding, and all around a true romantic. Mya is your typical lost female lead. The spin I really enjoyed in this story is that the female main character seems to have her life together. She has a great career, no need for financial assistance, and life's plans are all laid out for her. Once these plans derail this unexpected arrangement opens the doors to what is meant to be. Lucas Gentry is by far any partners emotional dream.

[Allison Yochum]

I think that I need to start this off with this fact: I am a prude when it comes to my reading choices. I’ll entertain a rom com every now and then, but I usually steer clear of super spicy extra steamy novels. It just isn’t really my thing. I picked up The Arrangement because the storyline seemed unique, and having just gotten married myself not too long ago, I was interested in the wedding vendor and bride-to-be arrangement. While steam and spice isn’t really my thing (and this one is spicy!) I enjoyed this book.

I really loved the story, and I thought it was overall a well written book. The whole idea of Lucas pining for Mya over the years completely unbeknownst to her and then playing the role of her florist for her wedding was the meet-cute kind of vibe I love! I could feel the pull that Lucas felt towards Mya through the author’s words. I think the spice scenes were well done (even if it’s not my thing). I also can’t get enough of a novel set in NYC. The descriptions of the settings were so rich and well written that I felt like I was there myself.

One thing that I didn’t love (and don’t love to see in romance novels) is when the female lead changes who she is entirely really quickly after meeting her romantic interest. Mya was very uptight and type A at the beginning of the novel. Very quickly after striking The Arrangement, Mya becomes more laid back, starts to give up her career, and changes her personality entirely. I felt like there were some loose ends that I’d like to have seen tied up, and I would have liked to get a deeper understanding of the characters on a more complex level.

While this one was a little hot and heavy for my taste, I loved the story, the setting, and the author’s style. If spicy and steamy is your style, then I know you’ll love this one!

I did receive a free copy of this book from @KatieandBreyPA and the author for my honest review.

[Adriana | nannersreads]

Thank you to Amity Malcom and Katie and Brey PA for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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The Arrangement was a quick, fun read! There were a lot of elements that caught my attention off the bat. I love when MCs fall into arrangements (AHA) that will inevitably make them fall for each other. I also love when one person in the relationship who’s usually really type A learns to relinquish control a little bit. It’s one of my favorite tropes in romance!
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Mya and Lucas have some cute moments and I wanted to fall in love with their relationship. But it kinda felt like the spice came out of nowhere in this book. I definitely wasn’t ready for it and I’m not sure Mya was either? Lucas is sweet at times, but I kept side eyeing him at other points. This was insta-lust to the max. Overall, I think it’s a cute premise, but I also think it would have benefited from a slightly slower pace.
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The writing style was easy to read and fall into and I still love the premise. I will definitely be giving another Amity Malcom book a try in the future! The Arrangement wasn’t my exact cup of tea, but it will almost certainly be someone else’s! If you’re looking for a quick read with slight BDSM elements (and I do mean slight), then this might be for you!
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The Arrangement is available for purchase in ebook and paperback formats. It is also available through Kindle Unlimited.

[Ashley Mertz]

The Arrangement
Amity Malcom
4 Star Review

Mya Monroe just about has all her wedding shenanigans in order when everything is abruptly called off. Dave, Mya’s fiancé is caught red handed with Mya’s best friend. Marching into the floral shop to cancel her floral arrangements, Mya walks out with another arrangement in hand. Lucas Gentry, the local florist, couldn’t let her off without a price to pay.

The Arrangement is a fast paced, easy to read STEAMY romance. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the transformation made between both main characters, Mya and Lucas. The relationship between the two happened very quickly and seemed quite forced. The verbiage used by Lucas in the beginning was a bit disturbing for me and I did not care for it.

Approximately three fourths of the way through the book it took a turn for me. Lucas saves the day when Mya’s mom throws a wrench in their lunch date. The way Lucas responded to Mya’s needs warmed my heart. And the ending, well everyone truly enjoys a happy ending! Although there were things I did not like about this book, I still give it a four star. Amity Malcom did a great job putting together a storyline that was enjoyable and easy to read.

Thank you, @katieandbreypa, for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.

[Jane]

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was a good, quick romance that can be read in one sitting. Mya is a successful interior designer with a rigid, strictly scheduled life. At the beginning of the book she is engaged and orders flowers for her wedding from floral store owner Lucas. When the wedding is called off, she enters into an agreement with Lucas to partner with him for one month in exchange for a full refund on her extravagant floral budget. During this time Mya is able to figure out how to relax and start being happy again, and Lucas finds himself falling in love again.

This was a sweet story with a bit of heat. The story is rather simple and a bit far-fetched, but it works for a romance novel. Lucas' character is hot. The author does a great job of creating a sweet, loving character that also loves to take charge and dominate his partner. I enjoyed seeing Mya unwind and stop being so uptight. The two definitely had chemistry and I'm a sucker for a happy ending.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from @katieandbreypa and @amitymalcom. All opinions are my own.

[Krys | I Like the Walrus Best]

I picked this book up thinking it was going to be a cute Hallmark-type romance. Then I hit chapter seven and discovered I was reading an erotic BDSM novel. Reminder to next time check the genre of book and the author’s other works!

Malcom’s writing is easy to read and handles the BDSM scenes with respect, knowledge and class (I learnt a lot). She builds well rounded characters who maintain their personality through the sex scenes and undergo growth through the book.

I would have liked more scenes at the start of the book to see the tension build between Mya and Lucas. It made their relationship seem very rushed at the start. I would like to read the scene where Lucas sees Mya for the first time - it would have made a great prologue. Also, the character of Charlotte bugged me. I couldn’t figure out why she and Mya were friends. If you removed her from the story, it wouldn’t change the plot at all.

This is not a genre I have ever read and am unlikely to read again but I appreciated the good writing and character development. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I leave this review voluntarily and is my honest opinion.

[Patty Baumeister]

Book Review
The Arrangement
A Novel Written By Amity Malcom
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Mya Monroe is a successful career woman whose life is just about perfect. That is until she catches her fiancé with her best friend and maid of honor six days before their wedding. Now she needs to cancel the wedding. Enter Lucas Gentry, the sexy owner of Winston’s Flowers. Mya needs to find a way for the $75,000 she spent on flowers for the wedding to not go to waste. Lucas comes up with an “arrangement” to put the flowers to good use. This calls for Mya to work with Lucas on an upcoming gala where her ex fiancé will be in attendance.

Lucas was able in the story to help Mya get over her broken heart and have the strength to go for what she truly wants.

I did find the romance between Mya and Lucas to be too forced and happening too quickly. This book is very spicy! 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Thank you to katieandbreypa and Amity Malcom for an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

“You’re perfect. You make everything brighter just by being in this world.”

“Maybe happily ever afters are actually for me.”

[Melissa]

If you want a book full of spice, this is it!! A true 4.5 for me!

Mya Monroe is a workaholic at her design firm, and likes things that are safe. She’s supposed to be getting married, which leads her to Lucas Gentry - a renowned florist. He’s known how beautiful Mya is for two years, and has never forgotten her for one day. They’re cordial at first, Mya being engaged and all. What happens when her world is turned upside down because of her best friend though?

Lucas is a gentleman, compassionate, filled with desire, and had a bit of a troubled past. He knows now what a bit about what he wants in life, but like Mya, isn’t sure if he deserves it.

Are either of them ready to leave their hearts on the floor? Can either of them believe they’re meant to be loved, and do what’s actually best for them? Can Mya learn to unwind, and let her guard down?

If I get further into it, I’ll give the entire book away really. I will say though that if you also need a book with a Happily Ever After…this is it.

[Hannah]

🌶A sweet yet steamy summer read 🌶

Malcom’s novel is very fast paced, the romance picking up very quickly (not to mention the spicy scenes that actually took me by surprise by how quick they feature!)

Mya and Lucas, the main characters, have a great chemistry towards the end of the novel and there’s a clear development of their characterisation and how they’ve changed each other, although at the start their interactions felt a bit forced.

The plot was very sweet and everything that you could ask for in a spicy whirlwind romance. Occasionally some of it was a little far-fetched but if you’re able to extend your belief the novel is well worth reading (especially if you’re into reading spicy scenes!)

The Arrangement is a great summer read with minimal conflict that will leave you feeling content and joyful.

Disclaimer: I received a copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Paris Browne]

Let it be known that there need to be more florists in romance, because Lucas Gentry was so God damn attractive. He's meant to be the wedding florist, but when Mya finds her fiancé cheating they end up coming to an arrangement so that she doesn't have to pay for her unused flowers.
I thought the writing (in third person, which is different for Amity) was really lovely and I loved how she effortlessly moved between Lucas and Mya's perspective without allocating specific chapters.
I loved how Lucas was so patient with Mya and the walls she's built up so high to protect herself and the outward image she's created to meet expectations. I enjoyed the relationship with her parents and the fact that there are some steps to repair the relationship.
Lucas was incredibly attractive, and I loved his dominant bedroom antics followed by soft and gentle aftercare. He was the man that Mya didn't know she needed, but they're truly perfect for one another.

[Introverted Z]

Actual rating: 🌟 2.5/5

I'm sorry but I tried reading this until the very end but I just can't.

The story had a good premise at first but as the plot progressed, I slowly started to become slightly disinterested in it. In terms of plot, I wish Mya and Lucas' relationship had more development.

However the one thing I didn't like the most was Lucas. I was just not a fan of him at all. I felt like he was too demanding at times and was going all possessive of her, especially during the first half of the book. Plus, no offense but the age difference was way too much for me and I felt a bit uncomfortable. So in the end, its all a matter of preference.

All in all, in terms of spice all the spice were there. But in terms of plot, I wish it was better. I could see that this book is meant to be a quick read but its not for me.

[Charlotte]

Mya has had her life planned out. Expectations of the upper class has guided her to marrying Dave. Plain, boring, but safe Dave. That is until, safe Dave is stupid enough to FaceTime Mya (while she’s at a dress fitting) of him getting it on with the maid of honor. Mya pulls up her big girl panties and dumps the jerk and now has to figure out how not to waste the flowers for the ceremony in 6 days. Insert Lucas, oh swoon-worthy, dreamy, hot florist. Watching the arrangement manifest into some real and exciting spice and love was the best. Mya’s growth of letting go and doing what makes her happy, not what’s expected of her? Amazing. While the relationship does feel rushed, it’s a quick read and it balanced well with all the other ongoings of plot points and characters

[Heidi | Paper Safari Book Blog]

This is a fun romance. Mya Monroe is used to doing and being exactly what is expected of her thats why she is marrying a man that doesn't satisfy her but when 6 days before her wedding she finds he is sleeping with her best friend she decides to take control of her life back. Canceling wedding plans is never easy and when she wanders into the flower shop that was doing the arrangements for her wedding to see what she can salvage of her money and her pride she finds herself being drawn in by the remarkably talented and alluring florist.

This is a really sweet romance that isn't too angsty with big break up fights etc...it was just what I needed after reading some more dramatic stuff. It left me with a smile on my face and feeling like I could take on the world.

[Josefin]

This book was definitely not what I expected! It started out very sweet with Lucas and Maya crossing paths and him turning her world upside down by asking "What do you want, Ms. Monroe?". At this point I thought this read was going to be a light hearted rom-com, but that's not really the case. There are definitely cute and romantic moments throughout the book, but the focus is on the spice. It definitely has some 50 shades of grey vibes! 🌶️

I'm generally not a fan of the main male character being controlling and overprotective, so I knew quite early on that this wasn't gonna be a five star read for me. With that said, the story is well written and if you're in to that type of story you're gonna LOVE this read!

[Devons book corner]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Arrangement was a good book. I feel like it started out strong but it didn't continue that way. I would have liked to see more development on Mya and Lucas' relationship. I did enjoy the book, just would have liked to see a few things done differently with the characters. I feel like Mya went from this horrible character to a gem in no time at all. It just felt forced to me. I think those changes would have helped tremendously. With that being said, it was a fun, simple read. Even though I personally feel like the characters need some work, they were enjoyable and likeable for the most part. And the spice!!!! It's not a cute, sweet Hallmark romance. It's hot, steamy and sexy as hell.

[N.L. Craig]

When Mya catches her fiance having an affair with her best friend, it is down to her to cancel the wedding. But when the florist has a proposition that will help her save money and benefit him to spend time with her, she doesn't say no.

The sexual tension is high, the spice is on fire and characters you can't help to read on.

I flew through this novel! Malcom writes with ease allowing the reader to be captured by the characters.

Mya shows growth throughout, from being quite rigid and regimental in routine to slowly relaxing and softening, while Lucas shows his soft side as a florist but also his dominant side when it comes to Mya.

The narrative is easy to follow and is a novel you can get lost in and read in one sitting.
An author I would easily pick up again.

[noteriasu]

Very sweet love story. Fast paced and engaging. Mya is a strong independent woman, with an icy exterior but an extremely vulnerable side. I loved seeing her explore that part of her personality and learn to embrace it with the help of Lucas. That man is a dream. We all need a Lucas in our life. He's understanding, supportive and most importantly hella intense 🥵. The spice is nice, that mouth of his is filthy 💀 I was not expecting him to go off like that 😩🧎🏻‍♀️

I think this would be a great read if you're looking to get into smut but are still new to the genre. It's contemporary romance but has some elements that will definitely ease you in the wild world of spicy books 😂.

Thanks to Amity Malcom and Katieandbreypa for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review ♡

[Living_in_a_book_world]

I usually don't prefer third person writing but sometimes I can get passed it. This story made it difficult. I felt there wasn't much chemistry between the characters to draw me in.

What I liked: Mya getting a backbone and starting to enjoy herself and what she wanted. I loved the scene where she called Lucas to help her. Lucas was confident and I amused with how he presented himself in that scene. I was entertained with his dirty talking skills and some of the scenes. This book is worth a try if you don't mind third person and enjoy smutty reads.

[Crystal Cruz]

Hot and sweet. Those are the only two words to describe the overall feel of the book. Lucas was incredibly sweet to Mya helping her find her confidence and happiness, but also able to help her lose control in bed, or honestly any place he could get her 😉. And Mya, sweet Mya! She helped him feel worthy of love too! Thats what I loved a lot about their relationship it was all mutual and a healthy amount of give and take. This was a sweet read and I adored it.
4.5/5

[Erika Watts]

Lucas and Mya have a quick, but romantic falling in love story that has just the right amount of spice. I loved the way they got to know more about each other and the confidence both brought to one another. The book was an easy read because it was so captivating and fast-paced. Definitely worth the read if you like whirlwind romances!

[Gabriela]

3.5⭐

What I liked
The story is very easy to read and follow. It is steamy and hot. Lucas is an interesting character with a complicated history. Mya is introduced to the readers as an awful person who becomes a sweetheart in less than 200 pages.

What I didn't liked
The premise of the love story between Mya and Lucas seemed a bit forced to me. Same as the fast development of Mya's character, from the most annoying person into a sweetheart.The arrangement signed by Mya is not at all plausible even if the author gives some explanations.

I received this eARC in exchange of a honest review.

[Kimberly]

Overall - I recommend this book. The characters are wonderful and the story / journey within the book is amazing. Loved the character growth in the book, and of course - the romance was hot!
I struggled reading for a bit as the first 1/2 of the book, the writing felt a bit choppy. However suddenly, it was smooth and perfectly wonderful.

[Kelley]

Get ready to meet your favorite new florist!! He’s tall, dark and handsome….. and caring, giving and loves his family. Lucas is intense in all the best ways. You’re not gonna be able to put this down!

[Elisha McGee]

Lucas might be one of my favorite book characters so far 😍
Amity Malcolm did it again!

[Hayley]

cute quick read

This book is set in 3rd person so if you don’t like that you may want to pass, but the overall story and setting is cute! Spice is very spicy!