Thank you to the author, NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re looking for a scandalous, drama filled, engaging read - look no further! I devoured this in a single sitting and while certain aspects of the plot were predictable, I wasn’t expecting the level of investment I felt for the characters and definitely found myself surprised at some of the twists the tale took.

I would definitely pick up more from this author in the future.

This book was so interesting. For most of the story I found the characters to be quite tedious but the writing was so great it kept me hooked in the story.
I liked seeing how the characters developed throughout the story and found by the end I was invested in their lives.
There is limited spice in this book but it is peppered through.

It took me a minute to get into... but I was intrigued by the middle of it. At first, I wrote off the love interest as cold and unlikeable but I guess that is the point. Very happy I stuck with it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Refreshing story with a dark, spicy romance!

The introduction is what really hooked me to this book.
A few pages afterward, however, the story started unfolding and the tone became more serious.

I liked Addie. She seemed to be a strong and resourceful character. It's totally different with Declan, though. His actions made me uncomfortable to the point of considering DNFing this.

The writing is also good, but I wished it to be a bit shorter. I feel like having over 600 pages for the plot is too long.


Thanks to Marmack Books, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my first ARC. I couldn’t have started off with a better book.

This was a quick read with lots of twists and turns. I found myself loving Jack and Adelaide’s side of the story and was hoping nothing but the best for their relationship.

This book was a fun read and I once I got started it was hard to put it down!

A fun, easy, romantic escape

Adelaide is a college student who writes papers for other people to help pay for her college. She is caught by someone from her past and is blackmailed into having an affair with Jack, an older wealthy man.

This surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I liked Adelaide and I liked Jack. I liked the struggle they each had - is this a real relationship, what does the future hold, etc. You don't read from Jack's point of view, but you can tell from his actions how he is feeling - or you think you do.

There is a LOT of sex in this book. It is well written, but I admit I skimmed some of it - I read for the relationships.

I really liked this book. It is perfect for one of those mindless, reading escapes. Curl up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket and a glass of wine and enjoy!

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, which did not impact my review.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

I got absolutely lost in Rules of Arrangement. It’s a story of old lovers and making difficult decisions. The main female character, 22 year old Adelaide is so relatable. She is doing her best to get through College.

When her childhood boy next door waltzes back into her life, everything is changed. Pursuing his lost art collection from Jack, a
charismatic art dealer is his only goal. Little does Addie know she is about to be pulled in to a front row seat.

A whirlwind of lies, secrets, and trysts. Rules of Arrangement keeps you on your toes.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this book!

To be perfectly honest, I can see why some readers would be interested in this book! It is fast-paced, scandalous, and sexy with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked! Although, I was not overly into this book. And I think I would attribute this to the characters, not the writing style itself.

I did not feel like I could connect with Adelaide and Declan infuriated me until the very end and Jack was just a meh character for me. I did enjoy some moments and my rating is based solely on the end where the characters somewhat redeemed themselves in my opinion ( or maybe I just felt more favorably towards them at this point ? ).

If I did not force myself to finish this book out of pure spite, I believe I would have DNF'd after 5 chapters due to Declan's treatment of Adelaide and the very off-based inner thoughts of Adelaide that had me a little irked to keep reading. These moments still occurred throughout the book, that made other reviewers stop reading, but again I did not want to DNF, no matter how much they put me off.

Maren Mackenzie's debut work is great, for the right audience! I just was not in that category, though I did have some fun reading towards the end when all the plot points begun to happen!

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC! This book came out on 2nd Feb, 2022!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review:
Adelaide Wright basically writes other students' assignments and papers for cash and when a former childhood friend catches her in the act, he blackmails her to infiltrate Jack Nolan's inner circle in order to get back his paintings but Adelaide soon realised Jack isn't the heartless monster she was told he was .
I actually liked the story even though it seemed cliché at times. The writing was good and the characters had depth. I appreciated that the romance wasn't the only thing the story focused on. Loved the family relationship and how the story focused on this as well especially estrangement. We see Adelaide struggle with independence after having had a toxic relationship with her sister and we see her sister's POV too!
Not gonna lie but I liked the family dynamics a lot more than the romance. Also, Jack had his own secrets so this read was very exciting. I enjoyed reading this!
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Thanks to netgalley for the arc of this book. It really hit me by surprise. I LOVED this book. I was first iffy because i'm not a fan of age gaps more than 10 years but i couldn't help loving this couple. it was also a story like i've never read before. The plot was so intricate and it kept me hooked.

So I read the first chapter of this book and couldn't really get into it so I took a break. Then I started it again and couldn't stop myself till I was done. IT WAS ADDICTING. I was reading a very interesting book at the same time but I completely abandoned it when I started this. WHEW.

The writing style got me hooked honestly. It was flowing and easy to tag along. I usually read a book for the characters but the characters had no depth and they weren't likable. The only thing I like about Jack is his bank account and the only thing I like about Adelaide is Jack. So believe me when I say I really liked the writing style.

Adelaide was VERY annoying. She was writing essay papers for money and she was such a drama queen about it. Like girl, you were selling papers, not contracts that could possibly start a nuclear war?! Seriously, she was writing people's HOMEWORKS but she was acting like she was selling their kidneys. She needed to calm the fuck down.

Now, this portion of my review will involve spoilers because I need to rant. Read at your own risk: In Maine, she had no right to go through Jack's stuff like that. NO RIGHT. He didn't owe her any explanation about his WIFE IN A FREAKING COMA, they weren't dating or anything? Just because it looked like they MIGHT date doesn't give her the right to act this way? It was obvious he was involved with a woman before, I mean duh? Adelaide shouldn't have been sniffing around if she wasn't ready for answers. PLUS she needs to stop acting like a victim when she only came into his life to steal from him, come on. If someone has to apologize IT'S YOU BITCH. Also, he took you to his most important place, the place he feels most vulnerable about. He was supposed to have a life with his wife in that house and he didn't take anyone there due to that BUT YOU. IT WAS SPECIAL. AND YOU JUST FUCKED IT UP? YOU COULD'VE AT LEAST LET THE MAN EXPLAIN TOO. I AM PISSED. Reading this book in one sitting got me through many emotions but my ANGER towards Adelaide is a whole another thing. Don't get me wrong, Jack is a dipshit and annoying and kinda misogynistic if you ask me BUT he didn't deserve THAT kind of judgment. Anyway.

One more thing, Declan should just crawl back into whatever hole crawled up from and rot there. I'd say he should go to hell but I don't wanna feel bad for Satan himself. (Don't pull the "Ooooh but he was sick!" card, most serial killers were sick but we don't get them off the hook, do we? And I am SURE he would hurt someone if he wasn't stopped.)

Now that I'm done ranting, I'd like to talk about the main reason why this book gets a 4-star rating instead of 5. Flat and unseasoned characters, is one thing. The supposedly strong woman character dropping everything because of a man is another thing. Adelaide didn't give a rat's ass about her 'best friends' or her grades after Jack came into the picture. Yes, he is rich and all that but you should never make a man the center of your universe and depend on him. You, of all people Adelaide, should know better than to be dependent on someone and be let down because your needs weren't convenient for the other party. Learn something for once.

Okay. I am calm. Go read this book. (By the way on the spicy scale, I'd give this book 2.5 out of 5, if you are wondering.)

This is was such an easy, enjoyable read. The characters were wonderful to get to know and I was hooked as soon as Jack was introduced.

I love me an age gap romance! Adelaide and Jack’s attraction to each other was instant, however as their relationship becomes more complicated, it’s as if their romance goes from a fast to a slow burn as we watch them figure it out.

I absolutely adore Adelaide. A college student who has experienced more than your average 22-year-old, she’s scrappy and has a bit of a chip on her shoulder. So it was really nice to see her become so vulnerable with Jack.

I really loved how many emotions I went through as I got to know Declan. One moment, I sympathized with him and the next, I hated his guts, then back to sympathizing. That’s a sign of a great story, in my opinion!

Overall, I loved this book and I couldn’t put it down. I will absolutely recommend it to everyone I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Marmack Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book started out a bit slow but quickly picked up and I was not disappointed. The characters were detailed and had emotional depth and the love story between Addie and Jack was on point. I was deeply drawn into the description of the art scene and the scandal and really intrigued by this author’s debut novel. I am honestly looking forward to reading more from Maren Mackenzie.

This was a great read. I loved the development of the relationship between Jack and Addie and the definite chemistry they shared. There were several twists and turns to keep the story exciting and interesting. Perfect beach read!

This novel had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. College senior, Adelaide, struggles with having enough money, and to get by she writes papers for other people. It's the only thing helping her make it hopefully to graduation. But when her art history TA, Declan, finds out her secret he threatens to reveal it to the college. The only way he will keep his mouth shut is if she recovers his stolen paintings from a notoriously cutthroat art dealer.

Jack is older, wealthy, and a power player in a world where money, sex, and high art rule. Adelaide’s only way into his exclusive circle is through an arrangement that leaves her at Jack’s beck and call. While being his arm candy she has to be strong in her restraint to not reveal her true motives of why she is actually there. But when chemistry unexpectedly sparks between them it becomes clear that Jack isn’t quite the villain Declan described him to be.

Adelaide is pulled in varying directions as her relationship with Jack intensifies, and so do Declan’s demands. Soon enough the only thing holding her life together is a tangle of secrets and lies that could unravel at any moment.

This book was so incredible, and I absolutely love the way that Adelaide and Jack are painted within this story. The journey Adelaide takes through this story had me holding on tight around every twist and turn this story made. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

Adelaide is a college senior with a big secret. A secret big enough to get her kicked out of college months before graduation. When new TA Declan finds out about her secret, he starts to blackmail her: get back his stolen paintings or he will go to the dean. Adelaide is helplessly pulled into this revenge plan, which has only one correct way. She has to seduce art dealer Jack Nolan.

The book took me a while to get into because the beginning was a bit slow. However, once the love interest was introduced, it started picking up. The writing flowed really nice and was able to keep me engaged, even when Declan would pop up on page (ohhh how I hated him). Adelaide was a fun and sassy protagonist to read about. She was so strong willed and transparent, I loved it. Jack was a successful businessman, who consistently invested money in “relationships”. Fake relationship with a billionaire, count me in!

Not going to life but I was a little hesitant about the whole age gap romance hype that was radiating around this book. However, it was really smoothly flowing with the plot that I forgot all about it. After a while, it didn’t really seem like an issue until it was mentioned on page by the characters. The only thing about the romance side that had me cringing was how instant it felt. I would have liked it to be more slow-burn. It also felt like the romance interfered with the whole revenge plan (that was until Declan would pop up *shaking my head*). It was still very thrilling to read because every interaction between Adelaide and Jack had me anxious and anticipating a dramatic confrontation.

Overall, it was a fun and easy read. And I may or may not have stayed up until 2 am reading it.

Adelaide is earning much needed cash by writing papers for other students at college. Declan is her art history TA and has discovered what she is doing. Now he is blackmailing her to recover some paintings that he says have been stolen. Is he telling her the truth? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and intrigue. Great characters and an entertaining story. I liked it.

(3.5 stars) It felt almost shockingly easy to slip into this book. From the first chapter, I felt quite the pull to get me to keep reading and not stop, so I did just that and devoured every page. The book is immensely compelling, and the academia vibes in the setting and its atmosphere were wonderful. Give me an ivy-covered school and a high-end art world, and I’m pretty much sold. The plot is fun and engaging, and the pacing was very well-done. I was never bored.

But… I’m not so sure how I felt about the characters. Adelaide was at times fascinating, but, at other times, she felt half-written. She’s an incredibly smart young woman who knows enough about a broad variety of topics to successfully write college papers for other students, but she’s somewhat dull in conversations and lets herself be manipulated by the men around her. I wished she had more agency. And then there were the “I’m-not-like-other-girls,” “I-don’t-know-I’m-beautiful” vibes that occasionally emanated from her. Adelaide also falls prey to the whole “hot-guy-with-nice-abs-is-interested-in-me-so-I-forget-everything-else-that’s-important-to me” trope, neglecting both her schoolwork (which she’s made her priority up until now) and her friends (who are the only people she can open up to).

At times, the romance between Adelaide and Jack — which I didn’t expect to take up so much of the story, but I’m not mad it did — was swoon-worthy and gave all the requisite butterflies. But, then, at other times, I’m not quite sure where their connection was coming from. I never really got a good sense of why Jack actually liked Adelaide. Why did they want to be together? To that end, I also felt like they weren’t given much of an ending together, and Adelaide wasn’t given one on her own; a lot is made about her future, and then the book ends rather abruptly.

I think more depth and understanding of character would have made me like this book a bit more, but I still definitely enjoyed reading it. Maren Mackenzie’s debut novel is richly interesting and well-plotted, it’s glamorous and intriguing. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Marmack Books, and Maren Mackenzie for proving me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Im so glad I had the honor of reading this one. I DID NOT expect it to tug at my heart strings like it did. My emotions were running wild. Perfect amount of scandalous if you ask me. I want more Addie and Jack.
Addie is collecting money for writing other students papers at Cranst,when a past fling finds out and takes ahold of her life by threatening to tell the dean. The only way he won't is if she gives him something she needs in return.
and does she....
The twist in this had my head exploding! Loved it.

I saw a good reads friend review this book and it immediately intrigued me. I just knew I had to read it for myself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. I can see lots of other people enjoying this though! I DNF’ed the book at 50% for reference.

Personally, the writing is just not my style. I’ve read several books written in this way and can’t say I ever really enjoyed them. It’s very simple writing that feels sterile. I generally like writing that’s more emotion-filled, descriptive, and flowery. Which is entirely up to preference because I know some people hate that.

The actual plot sounds incredibly interesting. Set in an art scene with blackmail? That sounds amazing. Except the actual story turned out to be Insta-lust /insta-love and the art scene wasn’t really as impressive as I thought it’d be. I wanted to feel the passion and the art leap off the pages, but instead I got a bland description of Adelaide at random places where she just focused on showing off to Jack. If the aspect of sugaring were explored more, or there was more sexual chemistry between the characters (ones that I could feel off the page) then it would have been more interesting. But instead everything was just flat for me. And the fact that Adelaide is using her real name in this type of situation is dangerous. At one point, Adelaide judges this other sugar baby not thinking about how she herself is the same. Luckily, she comes to that conclusion, but I can’t help but think her thoughts aren’t actually reflecting just how this type of work can impact Adelaide mentally and socially (if say, someone she knows found out).

Honestly, I just did not like Jack, I never took to him and he’s just rude. There’s no personality behind him and I have no desire to continue to find out the story,

The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I can see this working for some people, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.