Tropes: friends to lovers; marriage of convenience; MFC is a writer
Steam level: 2-3 (slow burn open-door sex)
Second in a series. Works as a standalone, but I wondered if the dynamic between the MC's was mostly established in the first book.

3.25 stars.
Aspects of this book I liked:
--Writing style is strong
--Behavior and dialog are pretty true to the period, Also good period details without being overkill.
--The MMC is a sweet cinnamon roll. He was the star of the story for me. If you're looking for a book with lots of lovely grovel, this book has it.
--The steam between the MC's is effective without being purple prosey.
--The humor and lighthearted scenes work well. They reminded me a little of Eloisa James.
--Good banter between characters, especially the sisters.

What I didn't like as much:
--MFC spends too much of the book moaning about not being pretty enough, being a woman, gossipy mean girls, her brother, MMC being a jerk whenever he makes a mistake or even when the mistake isn't on him. Urk.
--I love the friends to lovers trope but struggled with the friends part here. A little over-angsty. MMC spends so much time apologizing and worrying about how MFC sees him, and I'm not really sure what he sees in her. MFC has trust issues that seem to come out of nowhere and I didn't get the point of the marriage of convenience; just talk things over. Maybe their relationship was established more in the previous book?
--The baddie here is such a flat character. An unmitigated witch who just seems to want to cause trouble.

Overall: I thought this was a 4 star read at times, but then would get so annoyed with MFC or the witchy baddie that I wanted to DNF. With more character development this would be a solid 4 stars.

A fun romp of a series with a Duke trying to marry off his sisters.
Fortuity is now the sister on the marriage mart but she is secretly in love with Matthew who has sworn never to marry.
She concentrates on writing novels because she desires to be published and does not have hope for a marriage.
She is good friends with Matthew which is hard especially as circumstances and people force them apart.
Loved the first story and now this second one with the strength and humor of these sisters wanting to marry for love.

Fortuity's Arrangement by Maeve Greyson is a delightful and heartfelt Regency romance that masterfully blends the tension of unspoken love with the intrigue of a marriage of convenience. Set in the world of high society, this tale of Lady Fortuity Abarough and Viscount Matthew Ravenglass is a compelling exploration of hidden desires, unrequited love, and the courage to pursue one's dreams, all set against a beautifully crafted historical backdrop.

Fortuity, the plain and overlooked sister in a family of beauties, has always resigned herself to the idea that love may never be in the cards for her. Her passion lies in writing, and she’s content with her pen, creating worlds that offer her the escape and fulfillment she cannot find in real life. Yet, when her brother forces her toward marriage for the sake of the family estate, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. The unexpected twist comes when Fortuity confides in the one man she secretly loves—Viscount Matthew Ravenglass—and he offers to help her achieve her dream of becoming a published author.

Their friendship, however, takes a turn when a meddling relative forces them into a marriage that neither truly desires. Fortuity insists on a marriage of convenience, determined to keep her heart safe from the pain of a union devoid of love. Matthew, having sworn off marriage after a painful jilting, is just as adamant about remaining emotionally distant. Yet, as they navigate the complexities of their arrangement, the chemistry between them deepens, and Matthew begins to realize that his feelings for Fortuity run far deeper than friendship.

Greyson’s writing is engaging and full of warmth, and she captures the essence of Regency society with ease. The tension between Fortuity and Matthew is palpable and will keep readers turning pages, eager to see if they can overcome their fears and misunderstandings. Fortuity is a wonderfully relatable heroine—independent, determined, and brave enough to chase her dreams despite the societal expectations placed upon her. Matthew is a brooding yet charming hero whose emotional journey is one of growth and redemption, making his eventual transformation into a man capable of loving Fortuity all the more satisfying.

Fortuity's Arrangement is a beautifully told story that explores themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth. The slow-burn romance between Fortuity and Matthew is both tender and believable, and readers will root for them to find happiness despite the odds. For fans of Regency romance and stories of second chances, this book is a must-read. It’s a touching tale about overcoming the past, embracing love, and forging one's own path in a world that is often determined to set your fate for you.