An Amazon Top-100 Bestseller!My name is Courtney Jane Salinger…and I’m sick of games.Sick of the Friday night bar-scene-cum-meat-market. Sick of the boy-girl, man-woman, mars-venus, flirtation-without-expectation, game-playing nonsense.Sick of awful dates and one-night stands, booty calls and guys who don’t call back, mixed messages or NO messages and—and—and…I’m sick of all of it. I’m done.I … and—and—and…I’m sick of all of it.
I’m done.
I just can’t do it anymore.
It’s too hard, and worse: little by little, it’s making me hard.
It’s breaking my heart.
What DO I want?
That’s easy.
I want a house in suburbia with a white picket fence.
I want babies to buckle into a minivan.
But most of all, I want to be married.
I want a husband.
So I’ve made an important decision: I’m making my escape from the dating world and the single life.
I’ve filled out my application on ArrangeMe.com and I’m putting my fate into the hands of experts.
Is it a little scary?
Sure.
I mean, I have no idea who I’ll end up with. After all, I’m planning to marry a complete stranger.
But between you and me?
I can’t wait.
Being arranged can’t possibly be worse than being single.
Can it?
more
Katy Regnery has started a new series called Arrange Me. The series is based on the idea that arranged marriages by someone who knows each party is better than dating loser after loser. At least that is Courtney’s thoughts and she has applied to Arrangeme.com. She is ready to be married and have a family. After all, arranged marriages are part of many societies. Too bad, it can’t be someone she knows. After all, she has everything else she needs, a great job, friends, family – but she wants to be married.
This is not my favorite book that Katy Regnery has written. I did not connect with the main character, nor did I find the premise realistic. However, I found myself swept away within the story despite my reservations. I think this is a book that many of Katy’s fans and soon to be fans will enjoy.
This book was awesome! It’s the first in a duet, and I cant wait to read the second book!!
I have a confession. Until Arrange Me, I hadn’t read Katy Regnery. I believe I connected with her newsletter subscription through a group giveaway and began receiving emails from her about upcoming releases. One of those emails was offering ARCs for Arrange Me. The premise sounded interesting: Courtney is tired of the dating game and decides to use a website to arrange a marriage. Yes, you read that right. She isn’t interested in the dating scene anymore. She wants an arranged marriage, as a way to forgo the challenges of the dating scene. Josh is the bartender at the local haunt that Courtney and her friend, Dina, frequent. Courtney believes Josh is attracted to Dina, so she doesn’t have eyes for him…initially. One night, when Courtney announces her intent in only seeking marriage without dating, Josh’s interest in Courtney is peaked. He has always had an interest in her, but something about her quest intrigues him. Once he recognizes his attraction to her, Courtney begins to recognize her attraction to Josh. Unfortunately, she has already committed to the process of the marriage arrangement. Oh, so many complications!
First, you need to realize that Arrange Me is part of a duo. It doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger like some duets end where you feel like strangling the author who left you waiting and wanting for more…now. Instead, it leaves Josh and Courtney’s situation open. I appreciate that I don’t currently find myself anxiety-ridden for the next book. I’m ready to read the next book, but this doesn’t feel like a “do-or-die” type of cliffy.
I wasn’t sure what I would think about this book. Again, I was intrigued by the arranged marriage premise. I hadn’t read it before, and it’s interesting to consider the consequences of this type of arrangement. What I didn’t expect was the fact that I couldn’t put this book down. I began it on a whim in the morning and finished it in the early afternoon. It’s a seamless read, as the characters connect so easily, the style is engaging, and the story is compelling.
I’ve been reading so many romances lately where the female h struggles with finding someone who will simply love and accept her. It seems to be a running theme in my current literature choices. It is also a current struggle for me so I could connect in some ways to Courtney’s struggle with a committed lifetime acceptance with a partner. She is a strong, successful, beautiful woman who should inspire the readers of this book. In Josh, she finds someone who sees her and wants her to feel loved. Unfortunately, he has his own struggles. His parents have been married for over thirty years in a very traditional marriage. He carries the notions of this type of marriage into his interest in Courtney, complicating much of the story. However, together, these two are very sweet with each other. I loved their chemistry, and you recognize quickly why they are attracted to each other because they bring out the best in each other.
Arrange Me is more than the trope of arranged marriages. It’s asking us to consider our best match in life. It’s challenging us to consider the idea that “love at first sight” isn’t necessary; instead, beginning with friendship and admiration might be the best place to begin a lifetime commitment. I won’t tell you the secrets of this book because you really need to read it for yourself. I know this reader cannot wait for April to come to read the second part of this engaging, compelling, and thoughtful story.
Overall:
Courtney is a successful woman who decides to change up her life and is ready to marry. She then decides to take this step of her life into her own hands by going to an online matchmaking site. She doesn’t listen to those around her and continues with her plan of following through with the outcomes of the dating site. The only thing is nothing ever goes as planned.
This story was a different type of love story. There were many questions left for us to wonder about, because of the cliffhanger at the end of the book. However with this cliffhanger the book really pulled me in and kept me wanting more. I can’t wait to see/read about what happens between the characters and to hopefully see them get their happily ever after.
Arrange Me is book 1 in The Arranged Duo, and I can’t wait for book 2!
Courtney is a successful 29 year old who’s sick of the whole dating game. She knows exactly what she wants, and is ready to take extreme measures to get it. Enter arrangeme.com where for just $399 experts will analyze you and pair you up with your perfect match.
Her friends think she’s crazy and attempt to talk her out of it while she waits for her match, but she’s determined. She’s getting her dream – wedding, husband, white picket fence – all without the headache that comes from dating. She’s all in until she starts to develop feelings for someone who not only thinks she’s crazy for doing this, won’t commit to forever when they barely know each other. And then she gets her match and puts her future in fates hands.
This book was adorably sweet and fun. With great characters, and interesting storyline and off the charts chemistry, it’s definitely the fun, light read I’ve been needing!
What do you do when you are sick and tired of the dating scene and all the losers you find? Well Courtney decides she is going to forgo it all and take part in an arranged marriage. After she made that fateful decision, she listened to the website she signed up with and decided that a dating moratorium was just the thing while she waited for the company to find her the man she would marry.
There’s only one problem and that’s Josh, the bartender at the bar Courtney and her best friend Dina go to every Friday night. After Josh overheard Courtney and Dina talking about arranged marriages and the fact that Courtney paid a company to arrange a marriage for her, he starts seeing her in a new light and he’s smitten. He knows better though, he knows that he can’t date her, you don’t date customers no matter how gorgeous, kind, and caring they are. The two decide on friendship and you watch as they both develop feelings and try to steer clear of them. You see the relationship growing and desperately want Courtney to forego the arranged marriage and be with Josh, but you have to wait to find out if they do end up together.
Ms. Regenry does an awesome job with this unconventional rom-com. It’s not typical, I mean we are talking about an arranged marriage, something very uncommon in America. The writing is excellent, the story quirky and unforgettable. I don’t want to wait until May for book 2 I’m like Veruca Salt in this and “I want it now!”
I highly recommend this story if you love rom-coms, it won’t let you down, you’ll devour it like I did!
I was provided an ARC of this story, this is my honest and voluntary review.
4.5 stars
Katy Regnery is one of those rare authors that I will read anything she writes. So when I heard about this book, I was so curious. It’s different from what she has written before and that is what drew me to this book.
Courtney is tired of the run-of-the-mill boring dates and relationships that are going nowhere. She is goal oriented and knows what she wants from her job and life. She wants a husband. To skip the dating disasters and one-night stands, she fills out an application for arrangeme.com. I love her attitude because I would be scared to death. She is so optimistic you can’t help but pull for her to find her match.
Little did she know her match was right under her nose. Josh has been serving Courtney drinks at the local bar, but she assumed he liked her best friend. They talk every week and she enjoys his company. They soon realize they have so much in common, including plays that he loves to write. But poor Josh, because he starts to have feelings for her but she friend-zones him for her future husband she knows nothing about yet. I just wanted to tell her to wake up and see what is in front of her face.
I love how well they get along and are a perfect fit together. With their lives so opposite, you wonder if they will get their happily ever after. I was drawn into their story and couldn’t stop reading this book. I can’t wait to get the rest of their story. I want Courtney and Josh to get the ending they both deserve. This book is light, fun, and so enjoyable!
I feel like I need a disclaimer for this review….
Arrange Me is the first book of a duet, so the story is not 100% complete and I feel the need to hold back a little bit until I have a chance to see the whole story.
I enjoyed Arrange Me and found myself identifying with Courtney, our main character, while also wanting to reach into the pages of the book and shake her. Ms Regnery does an excellent job of capturing the feeling of life being successful on one track, but something missing from other pieces and exploring unconventional approaches to fix the perceived wrong.
When I reached the end of Arrange Me, I had mixed feelings. Part of me felt like the book had a natural ending that would have left the door for following up works, but part of me is anxious for the second installment to see what happens with Courtney’s journey and if she can find the happiness she is looking for.
Where to start with this book! I absolutely adore Katy Regnery’s work, so when she announced ‘Arrange Me’ as her first 2019 release, I totally fangirled! The way Regnery depicts romance just gives me all the feels. She writes emotion, passion, want and lust and you can’t help but get heavily caught up in the story of her characters- this book was no exception.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and it was incredibly addictive and I read it all in one sitting (no breaks). It is a story that is about Courtney, a woman who is in her late twenties and is sick of going on bad dates and meeting sleazy men. She wants something real, commitment, and something long lasting.
Out in a busy New York bar, Courtney tells her friendly barman Josh of her hopes, confessing that she wants to give up dating in the hopes of becoming married. In the moment he doesn’t believe she is serious, but can’t help the way in which her suggestion plays on his mind.
Courtney through her determination spots an advert for ‘Arrange me’, a show based on the popular reality series ‘Married At First Sight’, determining this is what her life has in store for her, she signs up. Knowing that within three months she will be matched and married.
If you expect it to go smoothly, think again, for the moment Courtney announces her plan, Josh is unable to stop himself from getting to know her more, realising by the day that he should not date her due to his employment terms, but also because he’s not at the stage in his life where he feels like he can offer her what she wants.
It’s very much a story of bad timing and differing perceptions of marriage. It was interesting to learn each characters perception of such a commitment, and about Dina, Courtney’s Indian friend’s parents arranged marriage. It discusses the difference between an arrangement due to culture over an arrangement for convenience.
The big question is will the characters both get the happily ever afterwards they deserve? But most of all, will they find a way to be together?
This book was everything I wanted it to be, and I was completely obsessed. I adore Josh and how sweet and protective he is over Courtney, and you wish for him to be everything that Courtney wants and more, but you also find yourself sympathising with Courtney’s need for commitment and her want to settle down.
It was an amazing read and I am so incredibly excited for book 2 to find out how it all ends!
Today’s dating world is not what it used to be, and while we can thank dating websites and apps for a lot of those changes, due to their ease of use and a plethora of choices, single people have also changed the dynamics of dating, swiping left or right, looking for nothing more than a one-night stand, and not settling for one woman when there seems to be a never-ending supply.
What’s the complete opposite of the dating games that Courtney Jane Salinger is no longer willing to play…how about a website called ArrangeMe.com where you submit an application and let the experts do their arrange marriage magic.
Can you imagine how desperate Courtney is to take such an extreme step…I mean, it shouldn’t be that difficult to find a happily ever after, but it sure seems like it is and what’s even more mind boggling is the fact that what Courtney wants is what everyone deserves in life.
But here’s the thing, in any kind of arrangement, there’s a bevy of things that can go wrong, which means that even in an arranged marriage, there are no guarantees, even after the decision is made and the journey begins, and with some interesting outside interference, it’s unclear if Courtney made the right or wrong decision, even when everything is said and done.
I haven’t read a Katy Regnery romance story in quite some time, so when I saw the sign-up for an advanced copy of Arrange Me, I instantly filled out the form. I love Regnery books because they’re unique, not only in their concepts and content but also in the paths she takes her characters on, and I’m excited that Courtney’s story will continue in Arrange Us.
4 Poison Apples
Arrange Me felt new and different to what I’ve read recently. Our Heroine, Courtney, is over the dating scene and wants her happily ever after now. Enter Arrange Me, a matchmaking service that guarantees a groom. The hitch is that Courtney won’t meet him…until their wedding.
It’s at her favorite after-work bar that she comes to this conclusion. And her favorite bartender/playwright Josh is there to listen to her plan. And Josh discovers that he…doesn’t like this idea…at all.
The two become friends (if your definition of friendship includes sexual attraction and tension) but Courtney is still determined to go forward with her dream.
No spoilers here – you’ll just have to read the book to find out. Does she find her Mr. Right? Does she give Josh a chance?
Arrange Me was a great little whirlwhind of a read. Start the countdown for May 20 and the release of Arrange Us!
Are you ready for outrageous? I can always use a quick fun read. Regnery brings the outrageous with this arranged marriage business.
Courtney is sick of dating. It’s all a game she’s tired of playing. But her solution is a bit over the top. She’s going to jump straight to marriage with a complete stranger. For those of you that love the reality tv scene like The Bachelor or Love Island then this book is for you. Court is going to pay a website to find her perfect match and arrange a marriage for her. Of course they also offer a discount if you use them to plan the wedding. Best of all they will provide marriage counseling (also at a discounted rate) to help make sure you get everything this nightmare, I mean dream come true marriage has the potential to be.
Her friends try to make her see the absurdity of her decision. She won’t tell her overly critical rich parents about her plans. Thanks heavens she has a crazy Aunt Lucy that I just loved. She gives the best wedding toast ever! Her favorite bartender Josh has the most to lose if she goes through with her plan because he’s falling for her.
Just as Courtney can taste her happily ever after (several puns intended) reality comes racing back in to kick you over the cliff to leave you hanging. That’s right folks. Hang tight with me. I have all the faith that Regnery, one of my favorite authors will make Arrange Us worth the wait.
Read this book on the plane yesterday and when I got home! Omg loved it! It’s light and fun. I normally read emotional and dark books so this was a great change. Courtney is a lovable character and the dialogue is amazing. Kept me hooked. I didnt realize there will be a second book but there will be! Can’t wait! Some loose ends will surely be tied up.
This “what could possibly go wrong” book had just the right mix of humor and heart to keep the pages turning and leave me happy for now and anxious to get my hands on the second book in this duo.
Courtney Jane Salinger probably represents almost all of us at one time or another – sick of the dating scene, just wanting to get started with her happy ever after. I’m not quite sure I would have opted for the “Arrange Me Too” option, but hey, after a few drinks, leaving your love life in the hands of some self-proclaimed experts might not sound like a bad idea to me either! Things do get complicated when Josh enters the picture, but she’s made a commitment to the “Arrange Me Too” program and she is sticking to it, especially since Josh has told her he can’t give her what she wants most – marriage. So complete stranger it is for Courtney Jane Salinger and she’ll figure things out once she gets to meet who is waiting for her at the end of aisle on her wedding day – what could possibly go wrong?!!
This was a fun read that was easy to get through with some fun banter and dialogue between the characters. The characters had a realness to them that made them easy to relate to, even when I found myself disagreeing with their decisions. Courtney’s parents left much to be desired, but I just loved her aunt. And Dina…I love me some Dina! She’s that best friend we all need that helps us keep it real but is there to support us in the end no matter what – and I’m hoping there may be a book for her in the future (hint, hint!)
Being the first book of a duo, this did leave a lot of loose ends, but there was as definite happy for now with a healthy dose of “what could possibly go wrong” left for book two. Another great story from Katy Regnery!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from the author.
This was a sweet read. The concept of an arranged marriage is intriguing. To be wedded to someone that you don’t know but having the respect and faith that it will work out is scary and amazing.
Courtney Jane Salinger is tired of the dating game and decides to take a leap of faith and have herself matched and be married, sight unseen. She is someone that craves the HEA and wants it now. Josh Dalton is the faithful bartender who serves Courtney most every Friday night. He’s a flirt, a struggling playwright, and has finally figured out that he has feelings for Courtney. But Courtney wants forever and Josh can’t give her that. So off to ArrangeMe.com Courtney goes to get her life HEA. But sometimes life has a way of throwing you a curve ball and all you can do is try to swing and get on base.
This is the first book of a duo. I look forward to to seeing how this arranged marriage works out or will the consequences of Courtney’s decision be her downfall with those she loves.
“Marriage _ the certainty, the inherent partnership, the unconditional love, the promise of a sweet forever…”
How far are you willing to go to find THE one?
Katy Regnery talks about a common issue with a uncommon story.
Courtney decides to pay professionals to find her perfect match, but not just for dating him. For MARRYING him. Yes an arranged marriage, she won’t meet her husband before D-day.
When i first read the blurb i expected a light romcom and i had a lot of questions. Who does that? Why? How can you marry someone you don’t know? How fast can you fall in love? How fast can you trust someone? Isn’t physical attraction necessary ? …
I never watched tv shows with this kind of subject because for me love is not a science. Love is irrational, magical, inexplicable; It’s about chemistry between two human being and not between two questionnaires.
Finally this book has more depth than i thought. Yes it’s a beautiful slow burn romance with heat, sweetness, funny banter… But the debate about arranged marriage is really interesting. I particularly liked the discussions between Courtney and Dina, her amazing bff.
I understand Courtney’s motivations. Boring dates, douchebags, disappointments, heartbreaks, waste of time… At some point you don’t trust your judgement anymore, you see all your friends tying the knots, you loose hope… And when you’re desperate you’re ready to try everything. Courtney is not stupid just desperate.
I understand her future husband’s motivations too. Arranged marriage is a risk, a bet, but sometimes you find someone whose worth the risk.
Katy Regnery likes fairy tales so of course, Courtney’s husband is a prince charming, as beautiful, smart, funny, kind and brave as her.
This book smartly shows us that life brings surprises, unexpected factors that science can’t anticipate. Courtney has to deal with some of those unexpected elements. Her husband too.
I can’t wait for book 2. Marriage is about compromise, sharing dreams, it’s an everyday work and sometimes reality can make things difficult (some people too). Courtney will have to face the world with someone she barely knows and i’m sure the author will make this journey interesting and moving.
If book 1 is kind of the recipe of Love, i think book 2 will be the recipe of a successful marriage.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Though this isn’t the first book I’ve read about this kind of relationship, it was unique in the way it all came about. The characters were unique enough to draw my attention and the story was told in a way that kept me reading…all that said…
I spent a good portion of this book thinking that Courtney was an idiot! I didn’t understand how she could give up what was right in front of her for the unknown. I felt bad for her in the history of her relationships, but at the same time, I felt like she was giving up a little too quickly.
Josh is so cute…and he’s so HOT! The couple of times he leaps over the bar to defend the honor of someone or to rush out after someone were just perfectly captured moments that made me fall for him. He was someone I could easily see in real life and yet the best fictional boyfriend, too.
The story was a little slow going in places. The characters made me crazy with their back and forth and the lies here and there. And the ending, UGH! I just wanted a little more time. I am eager to read the next book and see what else can possibly happen to Josh and Courtney as they try to find their way in life.
**** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ****
Katy has done it again! What an absolute treat this book was. Courtney is tired of the dating game and is ready to settle down. Follow her on her journey to find the love she’s looking for. My heart is full after reading this book. Katy, you have a way with words. 5 well deserved stars.
OMG! Katy Regnery has taken contemporary romance to an entirely new level with Arrange Me. She has captivated my mind, as always, with her fantastic characters and imagination. I have read every story written by Ms. Regnery without hesitation, always greatly anticipating the magical journey she will lead me on. And as expected, Arrange Me is now added to that long list of exceptional storytelling by her writing brilliance and creativity.
Ms. Regnery has completely drawn me into the world of Courtney Jane Salinger, and I didn’t want to put my iPad down. But alas, at the turning of the final page, I am left to wonder about Courtney’s future and what will happen next. But, you know what? I absolutely loved every minute of it! And as I sit here reliving Arrange Me in my mind, I excitedly await the continuation of Courtney’s story with hope that she will find the life, love, and eternal happiness she is longing for.
I really loved and enjoyed reading this book. Katy never seems to amaze me with her stories as they all seem to just catch your eye and you never want to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next one in this series ‘cuz yes it does end on a tiny cliffhanger and yes I want to know what happens next! The story about arranged marriages also reminds me of a Belgian show here where the candidates in the show do the same thing as Courtney, the lead female in this story, and it’s intriguing to say the least 🙂
Courtney has had enough of dating and when one evening she sees an advertisement on TV where experts set up people together and arrange them to get married based on a lot of research, she fills in an application thinking that this is the way she needs to go…
Josh is a bartender and tries to make ends meet every month. When he and Courtney get talking, there’s a sizzling chemistry between them that they can’t seem to deny but for both of them it can only be friendship. But that friendship quickly turns into something more and makes Courtney second guess her decision to get “arranged” with a complete stranger. Although there’s something between them, she won’t go back to that old life and when the day finally comes for her to get married, she’ll be in for a big surprise and life as she knows it will never be the same…