Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: The Arrangement
AUTHOR: Felice Stevens
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 201 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 20th, 2016
BLURB:
Carter Haywood lives for the weekends—specifically the one weekend every month when he escapes real life, with all the pressures of work and caring for his special needs brother, to do whatever he wants, with whomever he wants. Sex is only a release; he’s not looking for love, a relationship or even a second night with the same man, until he walks into a bar and finds someone who makes leaving it all behind impossible. After one incredibly passionate encounter, he breaks his rule and goes back. He needs to see this man again. And again.
Damaged goods. That’s all Reed Kincaide sees and hears when he looks in the mirror. Anxiety and ADHD define his life and he’s learned to keep people at a distance, never letting them get close enough to know who he really is. When Carter proposes a monthly weekend of sex without strings, it’s the ideal arrangement for him. Or so he thinks. Every month, leaving Carter proves to be more and more difficult. It’s not only the intensely hot sex they have in their hotel suite; Reed wonders about the secret life Carter refuses to share.
As months pass and they grow closer Reed finds himself falling for Carter, but he needs more than hurried hugs and farewell kisses. He wants it all. Letting Reed into his carefully constructed family life could upset Carter’s whole world, but it might be the risk he’s finally willing to take, if it means keeping Reed. Once bodies are engaged, the heart is sure to follow, and Carter and Reed discover that holding on to each other is the first step in letting go of the past.
REVIEW:
This one was just ok for me. What I’ve always liked about this authors style of writing is her ability to create such flawed, amazingly emotional, and endearing characters. With this story I felt what really lacked for me was my connection to the characters. I felt like I wasn’t invested at all in their happiness because the connection wasn’t there. This also dragged a bit. I found myself getting bored early on and I found it hard to get myself back into the story.
Reed has spent his whole life battling his own very real demons. Day by day he’s built a solid foundation and routine that’s only made him stronger. Learning from past mistakes he vows never again will he fall for the wrong man.
Carter has too many responsibilities to start anything serious. He only allows himself a short amount of time for the personal human connection he desires.
Both men meet and the attraction is something they can’t ignore. They embark on an “arrangement” that is suppose to remain only physical but as these things tend to happen, emotions soon follow.
This story had a Taylor V. Donovan ‘By Degrees’ series feel to it, which I REALLY liked. I think lovers of those books would appreciate this one as well.
Needless to say this author is a great storyteller even if this particular story wasn’t my favorite. All the emotions and feels are here. This has all the angst, drama, and passion I’ve become accustom to with any Felice Stevens story.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite from her but it wasn’t terrible. I think any fan can and will appreciate it.
RATING: 
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