The Arrangement #BookReview #thearrangement @scoutpressbooks #bookworm #thriller @rhardingwriter @gallerybooks

Synopsis from Simon & Schuster:

A Pretty Woman tale turns toxic and deadly in this provocative thriller of sex, obsession, and murder from Robyn Harding, the “master of domestic suspense” (Kathleen Barber) and the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Party and Her Pretty Face.

Natalie, a young art student in New York City, is struggling to pay her bills when a friend makes a suggestion: Why not go online and find a sugar daddy—a wealthy, older man who will pay her for dates and even give her a monthly allowance? Lots of girls do it, Nat learns. All that’s required is to look pretty and hang on his every word. Sexual favors are optional.

Though more than thirty years her senior, Gabe, a handsome corporate finance attorney, seems like the perfect candidate, and within a month, they are madly in love. At least, Nat is…Gabe already has a family, whom he has no intention of leaving.

So when he abruptly ends things, Nat can’t let go. But Gabe’s not about to let his sugar baby destroy his perfect life. What was supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement devolves into a nightmare of deception, obsession, and, when a body is found near Gabe’s posh Upper East Side apartment, murder.

Emotionally powerful and packed with page-turning suspense, The Arrangement delves into the sordid, all-too-real world of shadowy relationships between wealthy, powerful men and the young women who are caught in their web.

About: The Arrangement is a mystery thriller written by Robyn Harding. It was published on 7/30/2019 by Scout Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 343 pages. The genres are mystery, thriller, and fiction. According to the publisher’s website, “Scout Press is a new literary imprint dedicated to being on the lookout for modern storytellers. A scout is always on the front line — the first to see what is on the horizon; what is coming next. We publish ambitious, conversation-starting novelists who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary fiction while also creating books that will stand the test of time.” Please see below for more information about the author and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading The Arrangement on 5/9/2020 and finished it on 5/18/2020. This book was an excellent read! I enjoyed both views very much. They both have the confident attitude that I like. Nat didn’t want to settle down with her high school boyfriend. She wanted to chase after her dreams and if living paycheck to paycheck to do it, she would do it. Because it’s better than sitting around and wondering what ifs. Gabe knew he’s successful and knew what he wanted and knew how to get it. The topic of this story is interesting. I recalled reading the news years ago about a high end call girl, Governor Spitzer, and that madam in New York, so it’s exciting to read something similar now.

This book started with a prologue, told in the third person point of view following Natalie. She called her estranged dad who left her and her mom more than a decade ago, to help her. She had been arrested. Then the story began, four months earlier, with Nat, 21 art student in New York, woken up hungover with her co-worker from the bar next to her. Banging in the kitchen told Nat that her roommates are mad at her again. Nat who was constantly knocked down from the many bills hanging over her. One day when everything seemed to fall apart, Nat was introduced to a new way of earning money. Desperate, Nat took the opportunity. The alternating view was Gabe. Gabe was a successful lawyer. He’s unhappy with his home life but he had other ways to keep himself busy.

The Arrangement was very well written and hooked me from the start. Definitely a couldn’t put down book! The story was a fast paced read. That twist at the end was unexpected. I felt like the ending was incomplete because Nat was still contemplating. This book explained why some girls chose to put themselves in situations they normally wouldn’t. They were at the end of their ropes and desperate to pay their bills. They wouldn’t choose the lifestyles because they loved it. On the other hand, money sure can buy everything. I highly recommend everyone to read this book. I’m excited to read this author’s new book The Swap next!

Pro: fast paced, page turner, family, diversity

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or Simon & Schuster’s website

About the Author:

Robyn Harding is the author of several books, including the international bestseller, The Party, and wrote and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and children. Visit her at RobynHarding.com or follow her on Instagram @RHardingRriter or Facebook @AuthorRobynHarding. (Photo and info obtained from Simon & Schuster’s website).

More Information about Scout Press Books

Website: http://scoutpressbooks.com | Twitter:  www.twitter.com/scoutpressbooks | 

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Scout Press Books/Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine