An Agreement with the Soldier

Necessary Arrangements, Book 2

By: Sadie Bosque

Narrated by: Sienna Frances, Timothy Campbell

Samantha is determined to build her heaven on Earth with her husband. John is afraid it’s not enough to pull him out of the hellish nightmares of war.

He's a broken soldier...

John Godfrey, the Baron of Ashbury, has spent most of his life as a soldier. He was never meant to become a baron. But circumstances have changed and now that he’s back home, he has to face another battle: saving his failing estates.

The solution to his problems is easy. He needs to marry an heiress. His feelings toward his fiancee’s best friend, however, are extremely complicated. He should marry the lady of his heart. But can a beautiful, clever and free-spirited lady truly love the broken shell of a man he’s become?

..and she is his feisty lady angel.

Miss Samantha Lewis has never been in love. Now it’s just her luck to find herself falling for her best friend’s fiance! John Godfrey is everything she never knew she needed: a strong and brave protector, used to caring for those around him. But war changes even the best of men, and when Samantha and John are finally wed, her husband turns from a perfect gentleman to an angry beast.

This work of fiction contains adult content, strong language, violence, out-of-sight death, bullying, nightmares and other. Listener discretion is advised.

©2022 Sadie Bosque (P)2022 Podium Audio

PTSD IN THE 1800s

John needs money to repair his properties, provide a living, and avoid a prolonged showing on the marriage market. Although desperate to marry he is reluctant to inflict his maladies and conditions upon a wife. He believes that he unloveable, incapable of love, violent, plagued by nightmares, and irrational behavior. John has a fantasy about meeting and marrying the girl he knows as “Angel.” John read the letters Angel wrote to her brother during the war and credits the letters with saving his life. John is set to marry Evie but meets Samantha (Evie’s best friend, awkward!) discovering that she is Angel , the author of the letters. John and Samantha (Sam) are attracted to each other and are discovered kissing at John and Evie’s betrothal ball by Sam’s brother. Evie and John’s wedding is called off and John is “forced” to marry Sam. John explains his conditions and concerns regarding entering into marriage but Sam agrees anyway. They wed and move to the country using Sam’s dowry to save his estates. John is basically angry 24/7 ordering Sam around and exhibiting symptoms of PTSD (not identified as PTSD during the 1800s) and living in a state of desire, fear, rage, and guilt. Sam is lonely, frustrated, bored, and confused underestimating John’s illness. Eventually John’s PTSD results in an act of violence perpetrated on Sam forcing the couple to communicate about John’s condition and it’s ramifications to their relationship.
The book does a good job, given the restraints inherent in a romance novel, of describing the emotional fallout of war and the devastating effects of PTSD on an individual, his or her friends and family, and the difficulties and isolation of fitting into society experienced by the individual. John’s character was portrayed emphatically for the most part given the limited PTSD treatment venues for the 1800s and Sam was in denial not acknowledging the degree of John’s condition until she had to recognize what was happening to him. The ending wrapped up quickly and I won’t go so far as to say it was completely satisfying leaving too many loose ends. However, I recommend the audible book as the narrators are great - one caveat- John’s character can be too intense and aggressive toward Sam’s character at times making for an uncomfortable read. As a health care professional I recognize the potentially devastating effects of living with PTSD and that providing nonjudgmental respect, empathy, compassion, support, and treatment assists individuals with PTSD moving towards wellness.

Not my favorite of the series but still good

Even this not so great story is still miles ahead of other similar stories with the same tropes. I just felt somethings explained about the main characters' personalities were a little contradictory. I also felt the hero was just too miserable and down on himself for my taste and he didn't even resemble the man Julie loved in the first book. He was just mean and aggressive and didn't seem like anything triggered him to be that way in the moment. Also, the ending was kind of abrupt and didn't feel satisfactorily resolved. I was halfway thinking Samantha should have just stayed back with her family cause John was too unstable.

Narration is excellent, story line is decent

I enjoyed this book, though it wasn't my favorite of those I've listened to from this series so far. Be aware that there's PTSD in this book and nightmares/post-war violence. If that's disturbing to you, I'd go ahead and pass this one over.

Gorgeous book and narration!

Nothing is easy in a Sadie Bosque’s book. The characters are tormented, the plot is mostly angsty and the happy ending must always be earned. But is life easy? So I think her books are perfect this way, a portrayal of real life and people’s struggles. And John, the hero of the book, is certainly struggling quite a lot. I was torn between wanting to hug him to soothe his wounds and hating him for not letting anyone, and especially Sam, help him heal. And I really loved Sam, because she’s kind and understanding, but also strong and willing to fight for her love and for the life she wants to have. I loved the highly emotional writing and the great depth of the characters.
A couple of words for the audiobook, which is really wonderful, with two great narrators that enhance an already great reading experience.