Arrange Me by Katy Regnery

Arrange Me is the first book in a duology, and while the main plot is wrapped up, the book does not stand alone as a stand-alone narrative and finishes on a slight cliffhanger. As long as the reader is anticipating it, this is not a significant issue. A strong, forthright heroine, Courtney is Courtney.

Even if her path is unusual and no one in her life is encouraging, she decides what she wants to do and goes out to do it. Some readers, like Courtney’s best friend, might find her approach to marriage dubious or ludicrous, in which case they might wish to steer clear of this book.

Josh is a little more of a mixed bag, but in a way, it just means he has more at risk. Josh must determine whether being with Courtney is worth realigning his priorities because she makes it plain that she wants to be married and have children. He has a couple instances that don’t quite feel heroic, but they may still be true to life; one of these is when he describes his “style” of girl as having “large tits and a good heart.”

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The relationship between the major characters has a strong narrative arc. Despite their long-standing friendship, they both believed the other was simply platonically interested in them. She is a successful financial adviser who comes from an affluent family, while he is a struggling playwright who works as a bartender to pay the bills.

This gap in their lifestyles adds to the tension between them. However, their shared characteristics provide a solid basis that goes beyond just physical attraction. The love tension builds gradually over the course of their friendship and then is teased until they come together.

Particularly Courtney’s best friend Dina, the supporting cast is a key component. When Courtney decides to arrange a marriage, she contacts Dina about Indian custom. These scenes give the narrative some dimension. Overall, a good narrative, especially if you enjoy the premise and find it original.

About The Book

My name is Courtney Jane Salinger…
and I’m sick of games.

Sick of the Friday night bar-scene/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 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?