The Arrangement by Robyn Harding

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. - simonandschuster.net

The Arrangement is a terrific thriller. Early on, you’re not even sure who the murder victim is so it’s at first a “whoisit” before it becomes a “whodunnit.” 

While I’d have made different choices, it’s  easy to sympathize with Nat and understand why she chooses to become a sugar baby and fall for Gabe’s perceived charms. I hated that her catty roommates were so judgy of “the Arrangement,” why do they care so much about what two consenting adults do with their time. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The novel is told from both Gabe and Nat’s POV so the reader can see Gabe’s narcissistic dark side contrasted by Nat’s young naive side.  Definitely check out The Arrangement by Robyn Harding. Visit your favorite book store today or click the publishers link in the synopsis for purchasing info. 

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Gabe’s drink of choice is a Rusty Nail which Natalie finds vile but drinks anyway to appear sophisticated and desirable to him.  I had to see for myself if it truly was as vile as Nat described. My boyfriend was game to try it to so we made a visit to the liquor store and I made cocktails. We really don’t know what Nat was talking about as we found them delightful. Those 21 years and older, google the recipe and let me know what you think. 

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for a fair, honest review.