Review: Heartwrenching Yet Frustrating At Times Too
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 5, 2013
The rocky road of romance, hot sex, and miscommunication to a HEA continues in The Arrangement, the fourth book in the Courtland Chronicles by Cat Grant.  Just when it looks like Eric, Ally, and Nick finally find some moments of happiness the many truths being hidden finally come out in this explosive installment of this melodramatic and scintillating saga.Eric continues his path of being self-involved and manipulating his lovers to his desires in this frustrating story that makes me wonder yet again why they're drawn to him as he continues to be overbearing, uncommunicative, and self-absorbed.  Everything he does he claims to do because he wants to keep his lovers safe and I believe that, I just wish he'd actually talk things out.  I know that actions speak louder than words but in this case actions create even bigger problems and almost tear their triad apart.  The brief glimpses of sadness and weakness that we see from Eric are what I long to see as this humanizes him and makes me drawn to him too.By marrying Eric, Ally thought all her problems were over but her loneliness and low self-esteem lead to problems with alcohol that brings anger from the outside to their doorstep.  Just when you think she's conquered her demons her weaknesses return and another roadblock comes between them and their HEA.  She's just as guilty as Eric in jumping to conclusions and keeping life altering events from those she loves.Nick is the stabilizing force in their triad and is my favorite by far as he's always supportive of the others.  He asks for very little in their triad, just to be acknowledged and not a dirty secret.  He's the one to mediate their issues and is the voice of reason at all times.  Even as a traumatic event befalls his family he's still there for others.  Of all of them he's the one most deserving of a HEA.When they can shut away the harsh realities of the world the bedroom becomes a steamy and immensely satisfying place where they all ultimately find a way to be equal.  A lot of times though sex is in place of talking which gets frustrating knowing that their lives would be so much better if they JUST TALKED.  Politics also get in the way as Eric uses work to hide out from the issues in their triad.  The political world is portrayed vividly as are the ramifications of being left of center.  It was implausible to think Eric could continue in politics with his real life just bubbling beneath the surface but the issues of blackmail felt out of place and a bit over the top.On a whole though I still find myself drawn to these characters no matter how infuriating they can be.  This saga continues to be heartwrenching and with the triad's HEA still uncertain I can't help but be invested in their story.  These characters are flawed but through Ms. Grant's talented writing you can't help but be drawn to them foibles and all.  So here's to the continuing soap opera that the ending of The Arrangement promises to bring next.