by Joanna Shupe
Series: The Four Hundred #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Set in New York City’s Gilded Age, Joanna Shupe’s Avon debut introduces an English beauty with a wicked scheme to win the man she loves—and the American scoundrel who ruins her best laid plans…
Lady Honora Parker must get engaged as soon as possible, and only a particular type of man will do. Nora seeks a mate so abhorrent, so completely unacceptable, that her father will reject the match—leaving her free to marry the artist she desires. Who then is the most appalling man in Manhattan? The wealthy, devilishly handsome financier, Julius Hatcher, of course….
Julius is intrigued by Nora’s ruse and decides to play along. But to Nora’s horror, Julius transforms himself into the perfect fiancé, charming the very people she hoped he would offend. It seems Julius has a secret plan all his own—one that will solve a dark mystery from his past, and perhaps turn him into the kind of man Nora could truly love.
A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe is the first novel in the Four Hundred series surrounding the elite families of New York during the Gilded Age. I was completely drawn to this story by its description. An English beauty with a scheme and an American scoundrel make an arrangement..all set against New York City during the Gilded Age? How could I refuse?
Coffee Dates with A Daring Arrangement
- First Date: I was craving a historical romance when HarperCollins brought this book to my attention. I had not read Shupe, but dove in after reading the synopsis. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I love the arrangement trope and upon meeting our heroine and hero I never set this book down until my third date was complete. Lady Honora Parker has been sent to America to stay with her Aunt after her father discovered she was in love with a starving artist. Honora thinks herself in love and sets about to find a way to be sent home. While dining, the chandeliers begin to shake and she discovers through others at her table, that Julius Hatcher, a self-made investor, and notorious scoundrel is celebrating his birthday above with horses. Horses in a restaurant? While eating her meal she hatches the perfect scheme.
- Second Date: In a bit of a stupor, Julius unwittingly agreed to pose as Honora’s fiance’ in return for her help in gaining entry into four hundred. The four hundred are the elite of New York, and Julius has never been admitted into their circle. Something he desperately needs to solve a mystery from his past. I absolutely adored these two together. The chemistry, banter, and snark were delightful and felt genuine. Both are flawed, she is naive but fearless and he is damaged but doesn’t know it. Together they take New York by storm. She will be the death of him, as her need for adventure and outlandishness may very well have him expelled from society forever.
- Third Date: This story was incredibly clever and offered mystery, secrets and of course an arrangement that turns into something more. I loved the suspense kept drama to a minimum and the age-old mystery Julius had to deal with brought growth, forgiveness and sense of value. Honora was a delightful heroine and watching her take on Julius mother, sneak about and come completely undone at the hands of Julius kept me flipping the pages and laughing aloud. Julius is devilishly handsome and while he may behave like a scoundrel the man is all heart, causing me to swoon more than once. As I ended this date, I couldn’t help but smile. It was perfect from beginning to end and I cannot wait to read more from this series.
From the Gilded Age to the wonderful characters and well-developed plot A Daring Arrangement was an absolute delight and sure to earn a place on my top ten romances for 2017.
A delicious romance set against the Gilded Age in NYC -A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe Share on X
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds like a wonderful read. I love a good historical romance every once in a while. I need to try to get my hands on this one. Great review!
Kimberly
I went through a spell where I devoured them reading almost a book a day resulting in a massive burnout. It took almost five years, but I able to weave them back in, and I so enjoy them.
Lorna
5 stars? Yes, I just went and bought it! Sounds wonderful, thanks
Kimberly
Lorna, I hope you love it as much as I did.
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kim I love a read that hits all my musts. Thanks for the wonderful review
Kimberly
Thank you and yes this left me smiling.
Barbara Strickland
If your rating it so much coffee, I am reading the book
Kimberly
I hope you get to read it.
Angela Adams
The word that immediately came to my mind when I saw that book cover was “sultry.” Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Ooo good one Angela 🙂
Heidi
I like that this one was about suspense instead of drama!
Kimberly
Exactly Heidi and I love seeing the Four Hundred.
Sophia Rose
Oh my, I’ve been missing out. This book sounds like its packed full of all the good stuff.
Kimberly
Yes, I think you would devour this Sophia.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have been wanting to read a historical romance for far too long now and I need to fix that. What got me with this review? The laughter! I just love a good book that makes you laugh!
Kimberly
Plenty of laughter can be found within these pages, plus I think you would love the setting 🙂
Blodeuedd
I want her dress 🙂
Kimberly
LOL, You always make me scroll back up to take another look, Linda. Yes, I love her dress too.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
The characters sound great, I’m glad you loved this!
Kimberly
Thank you Kristen 🙂
Renee (Addicted To Romance)
Great review you have here. I just loved this book as well and I adored the setting of the Gilded Age, its just not done often enough. And this book was so engaging and that first scene was hilarious with the birthday part of drunk rich men and horses…so funny.
I adored seeing the chemistry between these two,
Kimberly
Exactly Renee. I am delighted you loved it too 🙂
Lily
hooked from the very first chapter? oh that sounds exciting 😀 the storyline looks so good, I love that he poses as her fiance
Kimberly
It was quite entertaining Lily 🙂
Jenea's Book Obsession
The setting and the characters sound wonderful! I will have to add this to my wishlist. 🙂
Kimberly
Wahoo!
sherry fundin
Don’t read a lot of historical romance, but if it had you laughing out loud and quickly flipping pages, I would surely give this a try.
Kimberly
It was a lot of fun Sherry and I love the time period and setting.
Nadene
This sounds delightful. I need to start reading more historicals.
Kimberly
Good one to start with 🙂
Vanessa
Dang! I really need to read HR soon. I’m loving the sound of this one Kim.
Kimberly
You do! You really do 🙂
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I need to read more Joanna Shupe. I’ve read one novella and I loved it, but I haven’t read any more. So glad you enjoyed this one.
Kimberly
This was my first Quinn, the gilded age got me 🙂
kindlemom1
Well crud, if you gave this five stars then I definitely need to look into it. Thanks for introducing me to it!
Kimberly
LOL, it had all the right elements, Ali.
Alex
It sounds so good !
Kimberly
I hope you get to try it, Alex.
Trish @ Between My Lines
I’m a sucker for a good historical romance. I love that there was a mystery and also lots of swoons! Sounds good Kim.
Kimberly
Me too Trish, although for a long time I burned out on them.
Nick
Sold, Kim, sold! This is my next read and I can’t to fall in love with it just as you did!
Kimberly
I cannot wait to hear your thoughts, Nick!
Melliane
I need to try more books by this author!
Kimberly
Yes, this was my first and I will be reading the rest of the series.
Geybie's Book Blog
Oh wow, I want this book. Thank you for sharing, Kim. Sounds awesome! Love, love, love your review. ❤️
Kimberly
Thank you Geybie. It was a fun one.
Christy LoveOfBooks
This looks fantastic! You know what … I don’t think I’ve ever read an HR that’s set in America. Huh. Time to change that.
Kimberly
Ooo yes, you need to try one set in America 🙂
Mary
That sounds interesting. I haven’t read this author before.
Kimberly
My first time Mary 🙂 looks like I will be reading this series