Arrange Us (Arranged Duo, #2)

by Katy Regnery

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Arrange Us by Katy Regnery is book two in the Arranged Duo series and continues the story of Josh and Courtney. Arrange Us picks up from where Arrange Me, left off. Courtney and Josh are married, but they know nothing about each other as theirs was an arranged marriage, which was organised through a website called Arrange Me that specializes in matching couples based on certain algorithms. Courtney has realized her dreams of being married and Josh has gotten the girl to whom he has been attracted from the first time he met her. However can they stay married, much less to have a happily ever after.


Arrange Us highlighted the issues and the high points of marriage. Courtney and Josh are learning things about each other that they never knew before. Some of these discoveries led to insecurities rearing its ugly head. Josh had a hard time dealing with Courtney’s wealth, while Courtney felt insecure about her looks and wondered why he chose her when he had his pick of women. These two sure had many issues dealing with in their marriage. Parents’ disapproval, insecurities, egos, lack of trust, failing to communicate and deception. There should never be a need for deception, but sadly, this has happened a lot in marriages, which leads to a breakdown in the relationship.


I wondered if Josh and Courtney could move past their issues.


I found the story engaging. I especially loved the marital advice offered at the start of each chapter. Told from both Josh and Courtney’s POV, it helped me to understand situations from their perspective. I may not have agreed with most of their actions, or how they handled most of their problems, but I understood why they thought they had to make those decisions.

I have to admit Courtney’s behavior got on my nerves. She constantly whined and cried when things did not go her way. Josh patience shined at these trying points. Josh was not without his faults though. He needed to be a little more understanding. He needed to realise Courtney was used to a certain style of living, it would not change so quickly now that he is married her.

The issues were resolved easily with little or no conflict.


Narration

I thoroughly enjoyed the narration. It is my first time listening to JF Harding and Brooke Hayden. Both narrators did a great job in bringing the character’s emotions and voices to life.


Conclusion/Recommendation

Overall, a good story and one I enjoyed.