Before I read this story, I had no idea what a “sugar baby” was. Now I know, thanks to this mostly forgettable story by the author of THE PARTY. Everyone is entitled to a flopper sometimes, and this one is Harding’s.

Struggling college student Natalie joins the over-the-top world of sugar daddies and babies when she is literally on her last dollar and has nowhere to turn. She is lacking self-confidence, but once she is dressed in designer duds and has a gorgeous older man on her arm, she becomes a sensual viper, living it up and loving every minute of it – even the intimacy. Then Daddy has a change of heart and decides to give all his attention to his beleaguered wife and hippie daughter, so Natalie loses her mind. The rest of the book is about Natalie boozing it up, complete with crying jags, stalking, and unhealthy behavior. Then there is a murder; Natalie is blamed and faces jail time.

At this point the book becomes interesting due to the plot twist and further development of Gabe’s wife. Natalie is a one-dimensional whiny girl who is in over her head, and it was hard to become invested in her future. Gabe was a typical narcissist rich guy, and I could see him dumping Natalie a mile away.

Harding’s writing style is great as usual, but there wasn’t the usual suspense that she is known for in this book. Even the ending with the twist seemed to sputter out and die with no lasting effects. I’m sure there will be lots of people who think I’m nuts for not loving it – but we are all entitled to our own opinion. ( )

Picked this up to realise I'd already read the first 10 or so percent and was about to drop it again but decided to persevere. I liked this, but I didn't really connect to any of the characters. They all felt slightly shellish, as though they were characters created to fit into an exciting plot, instead of characters I could really invest in. ( )

2.75? this kinda just sucked. i would have dnf'd but i was on a 15 hour flight and this was my only audiobook so here we are ( )

Good until the end then...really wtf ( )

Nat Murphy is a 21 year old poor art student living in NYC. She has a failed relationship with an old boyfriend, she is late paying rent, and she leaves the apartment she shares with her roommates messy. She is at her wit's end, when her friend and classmates tells her about being a "sugar baby". Nat is initially horrified, and later intrigued when she realizes she could pay her bills, have nicer clothes, and be exposed to finer things. She agrees to do it, telling herself she will only do it until she has earned enough to get out of debt.
Her first date is with Gabe, a 50 year old successful attorney with an 18 year old daughter. Nat is a messy drunk that night, but Gabe likes her. After a few more dates, and lots more alcohol, they become involved. Nat thinks Gabe is divorced, but he is not. When Nat finds out the truth, she is furious, and Gabe is found murdered.
But, did Nat do it? She can't remember.
The Arrangement is an interesting thriller, but it made my skin crawl to realize that there are these arangements out there. I found the conclusion of the trial somewhat unexpected, as well as the reveal. The story kept my interest, but honestly young women--pull yourself together, don't drink to excess, and don't sign up to be a sugar baby! ( )