Historical Romance Book Review: A Madcap Arrangement by Laura Beers

She was meant to be his bait, not steal his heart.

Title: A Madcap Arrangement

Author: Laura Beers

Series: Courting the Unconventional

Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐

Disclaimer

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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Thoughts:

Laura Beers books always help me pause and reflect on people’s characteristics. She features characters who must overcome something that holds them back and this book is no different. Theodosia is a magnificently brave and intelligent woman. Her father recently passed on and she has taken over the sole responsibility of running the family estate. It’s in a small village, but it’s certainly no small feat for a young woman to take on this responsibility, and love what she does as well.

Lord Wilton arrives in her village intent on finding the man that swindled his sister out of her dowry. His entire focus is on anger and retribution. So when there’s a report that this wicked man has been seen coming and going from Theodosia’s estate, Lord Wilton is convinced she must be harboring the man or lying for him.

Wilton leans into this angry tendencies and untruthfully invites her to come to London with him as his sister’s companion. Theodosia’s always wanted to see London, but also doesn’t want to walk away from her responsibilities. His conviction convinces her and she puts her trust in him.

What unfolds is two individuals who face some of their biggest fears. Theodosia’s fears are related to losing her independence and being able to do the things she enjoys – including running her family estate and speaking her mind. Both of these elements are constantly challenged and she has to defend herself. Her character traits are admirable.

Lord Wilton has to wrestle with the fact that he doesn’t allow himself to trust anyone or let anyone get close to him. He’s blinding by his anger and takes a lot of it out on Theodosia. There are very emotional parts of this story where his inability to see past his own nose mixed with the things he says to Theodosia, really got me irritated.

But as with any good story, the happy ending is just around the corner. But these two sure had to work at it to find their happily ever after. Which sometimes, I think is the most rewarding kind of love. Love isn’t always easy, but when it’s been tested like this, you know it will have the strength to get a couple through the hardest of times.

Publisher’s Blurb:

She was meant to be his bait, not steal his heart.

Richard Kendall, Marquess of Wilton, is a man on a mission. Determined to find the scoundrel who ruined his sister’s life, he tracks the elusive Mr. Smith to a quiet village—only to discover the man has vanished once again. In his place, Richard encounters Miss Theodosia Smith, a vexing young woman who insists she knows nothing of this mysterious relation. Unconvinced, Richard hatches a bold plan: he’ll take her to London under the guise of serving as his sister’s companion, hoping her presence will lure Mr. Smith out of hiding.

Theodosia finds Lord Wilton to be arrogant, overbearing, and far too handsome for his own good. She has demanding responsibilities managing her deceased father’s estate. Yet the chance to see London is too tempting to resist, even if she must endure his constant suspicion. As their uneasy alliance grows, Theodosia glimpses a man weighed down by duty, while Richard discovers a woman far stronger and more capable than he imagined.

But Richard’s loyalty to his family leaves little room for trust—or for love. And when long-buried truths come to light, he must decide if protecting his family’s reputation is worth the cost of breaking Theodosia’s heart. Because this time, it isn’t just scandal he risks…it’s the only woman who could claim his guarded heart.