A Daring Arrangement: The Four Hundred Series

Joanna Shupe

Oct 2017 · The Four Hundred Series Book 1 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this eBook

Set in New York City’s Gilded Age, Joanna Shupe’s first book in her Four Hundred series features 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 loves. 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.

Ratings and reviews

Ms. Shupe never fails to fascinate. Her stories are full of contradictions but are a charming display of what it means to be human. Flawed, real and alluringly sensual, within her stories she speaks of courageous women with hot tempers and enduring dreams and strong men with wicked appeal and emotions that run deep. A Daring Arrangement seduces with danger and quenches the need for a little romance as well. Julius and Nora are impetuous, obnoxious and dare I say clueless when it comes to love and life. They have much to learn about many things, including themselves and the heart is the perfect teacher to show them the way.

New York City 1890 The Gilded Age in America. Amazing!! Fantastic!! I just hope I can give this story the credit it deserves!! From the first page as we find our heroine Lady Honora Parker in a restaurant with her aunt and uncle and they hear loud noises from above in the ceiling. I will just say it involved horses, lots of drink and a rich birthday boy! Honora is desperate to get back to England where her true love awaits. She has been sent to her aunt's in America to get her away from the starving artist she loves. Yes I know.. She is determined to cause a scandal by getting engaged to the most outrageous gentleman she can find so her father will demand she return to England to avoid the scandal. Julius Hatcher, self made over the top wealthy financier fits that bill. Regardless of his being so handsome it hurts and with a great personality, Honora convinces him to act as her fake finance. Julius has his own reasons for agreeing to the plan. He wants to have doors opened for him in society he has not been allowed in so he can find the men liable for his father's death. All I can say is I truly could not put this book down once I started. It was a whirlwind full of adventure, laughter and intense emotions with sparks flying off the page. I am so glad I have found this author and this series and cannot wait to read the next one!!! Joanna Shupe's writing is flawless and spell binding. This is one of the best books I have read this year and will go on my keeper shelf!!

Just discovered her books and I love them!

About the author

Joanna Shupe has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage. She lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.