Before I begin this review, I would like to let you all know that I am collaborating with Hazel on a Saturday Spotlight post for September. I am excited to interview her and look forward to what she has to say. She might even do a giveaway so keep your eyes out. Well, not out…that would be biologically impossible to simply remove your eyes at will. I mean watch my blog for her Saturday Spotlight post near the middle to end of September.
Arranged (Array Series Book #1) 
Author: Hazel Grace
Published: March 29th, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ (3.5)
Buy the book: Amazon
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
They say no good deed goes unpunished.
Isn’t that the truth.
My good deed confined me to my own personal prison, with a target on my back.
But when my childhood best friend, the Prince of Telliva, asks for my help, promising me my freedom in return, I find myself in danger from enemies, both seen and unseen.
I’d give anything to protect and save him. His father knows this, and it’s condemned me to hell, with no way out.
Lies. Deceit. Betrayal.
When the one I’ve vowed to defend is heir to the throne, I can only hope to make it out alive, with my head still intact.
Then he shows up, handsome, and built to kill, threatening to ruin everything. Garrett
I was born a bastard.
A privileged asshole, with little to no regard for anyone else.
But when another attempt is made on my brother’s life, my carefree lifestyle changes.
Murder. Bribes. Lust.
Now I’m stepping in, determined to eliminate those who wish to annihilate my family.
Then, and only then, would I rest…
That is until she betrays me.
This cover was a little perplexing. I was unsure why this young woman was int he forest, let alone in what appears to be a thin, dress, int he col (see the snowflakes). The red hair makes it clear that this is Ava. I do enjoy how the reader is left to imagine her face while reading. This leaves room for imagination! Let’s be honest, as readers, sometimes we enjoy having things left to us. Well…as long as it is not made into a movie and does not fit our expectations.
I was not sure what to expect with this debut novel, but I was not disappointed. This story really embodies the struggles of the times with arranged marriages, manipulative people, and unexpected love. I would like to begin with how great the world building was here. The setting was spot on. The amount of detail that went into this was great, but she did not stop at describing clothing and the castle. She went so far as to describe the articulate workings of the society itself during those times. The characters enhance the story beautifully. We are able to see into the mind of each person, further giving us connections to them, making us more investing in the outcome of their story.
I love Ava! She is such a strong-willed woman. She knows what she wants but also knows what must be done to protect those she loves. I am also going to address the male hierarchy present in this book…which is needed. Yes, it is awful to see women forced to cover their bodies and remain virgins while men are not held to those standards. However, that is exactly what the times were like back then. This was needed to be accurate to the storyline and I think it was well done. So, now that is out of the way…can I mention that I am team Garret? I cannot say too much without giving away vital events in the story. I am not ok with giving spoilers away. If you want to know what happens…pick up the book and read it. That being said, Garret cares for those around him and puts their well being above his own. He comes off necklace in the beginning, but I think he really grew on me. George is great, but I did not see the same interactions with him that I did Garret. Besides, every woman loves a little bad boy, hahaha. It is a trope used often in romance novels, but it works well here. George seems more put together and responsible, he has no other choice being the prince and all. And all I have to say about Lady Chitwood is…I despise her.
The story kept my attention throughout. There were some great plot twists that I did not fully see coming. I was up late reading this novel, needing to see what happened. When I finished I was left on a huge ledge…I need the second book. I have to know what happens! For a debut novel, Hazel really did a great job digging her literary claws in and not letting go.
There is a lot of romance in this book…I mean hello, it is a historical romance novel. What I did not like were the various words used to discuss genitalia. They were off-putting and did not set right with me. I also noticed some cases of repetition in word choice. Repetition is one thing that really stands out to me as a reader. That, and spelling or grammar issues. Those really pull my attention away from the story.
Overall, this was a debut historical romance that was well written and never fails to hold your interest. Arranged will keep you up into the early hours of the morning without you realizing that you need to get up and make your family breakfast in 4 hours. It takes you on an emotional journey with many swoon-worthy moments. This is not a debut novel you want to miss. Hazel is an author to follow if you enjoy historical romances.
The second novel in this series (Aligned) was released June 29th, 2018 and can be found here:
Do you read many historical romances? Is this something that you would enjoy or look into reading? How do you feel about the “bad boy” trope used in romance novels? Let me know what you think below, I love to chat about books if you did not know!
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Loved the post.
Thanks so much!