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Sweeten the Deal
She's lonely, rich, and ten years too young for him—but she’s also his "sugar daddy," and they couldn't have less in common. Opposites attract in this charming new romance by Katie Shepard.
MBA student Caroline Sedlacek knows her personal balance sheet is a little lopsided. On the asset side, at twenty-two she’s got an NCAA trophy, a great education...and the two million dollars she unexpectedly inherited. Liabilities? She's never had friends, a boyfriend, or any life experiences away from the tennis court or the classroom. She'd love to invest herself in everything else, but "everything else" never came easily for her.
In the ten years since he left art school as a vaunted prodigy, Adrian Landry has won shows and major prizes—and done his best to shed his reputation as a pretty man who makes pretty paintings. Though currently broke and sleeping off a bad break-up on his college roommate’s couch, he knows this is the chance to get his life back on track at thirty-three—he just needs the money to find a new gallery.
When Adrian’s roommate lists him on a thinly veiled escort site, Caroline is not the patron he expected. She’s way too young, way too naive, and loudly uninterested in having sex with him. Instead, they’re both going to get exactly what they want: a little culture on her side, and a lot of cash on his. Aside from their sugar baby arrangement, they’ve got nothing in common. But as they reel from the symphony to the Haymarket, they learn that what they want and what they need might be two very different things.
MBA student Caroline Sedlacek knows her personal balance sheet is a little lopsided. On the asset side, at twenty-two she’s got an NCAA trophy, a great education...and the two million dollars she unexpectedly inherited. Liabilities? She's never had friends, a boyfriend, or any life experiences away from the tennis court or the classroom. She'd love to invest herself in everything else, but "everything else" never came easily for her.
In the ten years since he left art school as a vaunted prodigy, Adrian Landry has won shows and major prizes—and done his best to shed his reputation as a pretty man who makes pretty paintings. Though currently broke and sleeping off a bad break-up on his college roommate’s couch, he knows this is the chance to get his life back on track at thirty-three—he just needs the money to find a new gallery.
When Adrian’s roommate lists him on a thinly veiled escort site, Caroline is not the patron he expected. She’s way too young, way too naive, and loudly uninterested in having sex with him. Instead, they’re both going to get exactly what they want: a little culture on her side, and a lot of cash on his. Aside from their sugar baby arrangement, they’ve got nothing in common. But as they reel from the symphony to the Haymarket, they learn that what they want and what they need might be two very different things.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2023
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10599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
September 28, 2023
Thank you Berkley Romance (YES THAT'S RIGHT!!! I FINALLY GOT APPROVED!!!) for the ARC. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest (yes, even when it's Berkley).
Writing: loved | Plot: LOVED | Ending: I actually didn't want it to end
SYNOPSIS
Caroline is a sheltered 22-year-old who's determined to make her grandma proud by living a "big life." Armed with a light 2-million dollars from granny's will, Caroline decides to "invest" in Adrian, a struggling artist who she hopes can teach her how to be a sophisticated lady.
MY OPINION
OOOHHWEEEEE!!!!!!! I legit stayed up to 1am two nights in a row to finish this baddie. Not only is this my first Berkley approval (mama we made it), but the cover is EVERYTHING, the premise is JUICY, and I legitimately LOVED IT. Now, do I think this will be for everyone? Absolutely not. This is what I call a "niche banger." It's not your typical contemporary romance written at a high-school level with sitcom banter and boss babe moments. In comparison to other romances I've read, the writing is elevated, the storytelling more thoughtful, the humour is dry, and the actual romance is subtle and most certainly a slow burn. If you want to assign some popular tropes to this I would say fake dating and age gap (he's 33 and she's 22).
Before I go any further, I want to make something clear CAROLINE IS NOT NEURODIVERGENT . I've seen a trend where readers are trying to place every "quirky" or "unique" character on the spectrum regardless of what the author says. Can we stop? You can be socially awkward due to a sheltered upbringing, childhood bullying, or just a plain ole introverted personality.
I liked that Shepard poked fun at "armchair diagnosis" in regards to Caroline's lack of social skills and general naiveté in the book. She does a great job of making it clear that Caroline's behaviour is because: 1) she spent every free minute playing tennis (as someone who played at a high level—I've met a many Carolines in my life) 2) she grew up in a small town where no one leaves and everyone's in your business and 3) she was constantly put down by her family and told she's incompetent/doesn't know what she's doing/can't trust herself etc.
Ok, now moving on from my Ted Talk. I think this plot can be difficult to pull off, but pull it off she did. I absolutely loved Caroline. I loved how genuine she was. I loved how authentic her social anxieties were without totally overshadowing and consuming her humorous and playful personality. And I loved how Caroline didn't want to change her core personality, she just wanted to expand her interests and learn more about the world. Her open-mindedness to different interests was refreshing in a sea of FMC who make it their entire goal to be "not like those other girls."
And Adrian... *dreamy sigh* He gave me Fitzwilliam Darcy vibes in a good way. He just seemed... proper and thoughtful. A lot of the tension between Adrian and Caroline gave me the same vibes as the ICONIC "hand flex" scene from Pride & Prejudice (2005 version). It was very subtle and had me actually wanting to fling the door open and embrace the spice YEAH I SAID IT!!!! I WENT THERE!!! Anyways. I enjoyed the emphasis of romance in Adrian's POV and the exploration of self and friendship (and a lil romance) in Caroline's POV. They were well-balanced and skillfully executed despite being in third-person. This is the first male POV that didn't make me want to kick someone in the nuts at full velocity. Great job, Shepard!
This is one of the VERY few books I've read in the last two years that I legitimately didn't want to end. When I saw that % in the corner of my Kindle creep up, I actually felt sad. I would LOVE to see this as a movie and if the author is open to being paid in eternal thanks, I'd love a sequel. Just give me 10 pages idc. I NEED IT!!!!
Before I wrap this up, I want to reiterate that this book has a very specific audience. If Abigail Dean (Girl A, Day One) wrote a romance book, I imagine it would be something like this. Take that as you will. FYI if this premise speaks to you, may I suggest The Hook Up Plan on Netflix. It's a French series where the FMCs friends (unbeknownst to her) hire a male escort to help her get over a difficult breakup. Different premises but very similar subtle, slow burn vibes.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid plot execution (it could've gone sideways), wonderful characters, subtle slow burn romance that actually had me caught up, funny when it needed to be, thoughtful when it needed to be, I may have teared up a bit but no one will ever know the truth, for the first time in a long time I didn't want a book to end
Cons: this is very pretentious former college athlete wanker of me but it's Division II not Division Two (throw tomatoes at me)
Writing: loved | Plot: LOVED | Ending: I actually didn't want it to end
SYNOPSIS
Caroline is a sheltered 22-year-old who's determined to make her grandma proud by living a "big life." Armed with a light 2-million dollars from granny's will, Caroline decides to "invest" in Adrian, a struggling artist who she hopes can teach her how to be a sophisticated lady.
MY OPINION
OOOHHWEEEEE!!!!!!! I legit stayed up to 1am two nights in a row to finish this baddie. Not only is this my first Berkley approval (mama we made it), but the cover is EVERYTHING, the premise is JUICY, and I legitimately LOVED IT. Now, do I think this will be for everyone? Absolutely not. This is what I call a "niche banger." It's not your typical contemporary romance written at a high-school level with sitcom banter and boss babe moments. In comparison to other romances I've read, the writing is elevated, the storytelling more thoughtful, the humour is dry, and the actual romance is subtle and most certainly a slow burn. If you want to assign some popular tropes to this I would say fake dating and age gap (he's 33 and she's 22).
Before I go any further, I want to make something clear CAROLINE IS NOT NEURODIVERGENT . I've seen a trend where readers are trying to place every "quirky" or "unique" character on the spectrum regardless of what the author says. Can we stop? You can be socially awkward due to a sheltered upbringing, childhood bullying, or just a plain ole introverted personality.
I liked that Shepard poked fun at "armchair diagnosis" in regards to Caroline's lack of social skills and general naiveté in the book. She does a great job of making it clear that Caroline's behaviour is because: 1) she spent every free minute playing tennis (as someone who played at a high level—I've met a many Carolines in my life) 2) she grew up in a small town where no one leaves and everyone's in your business and 3) she was constantly put down by her family and told she's incompetent/doesn't know what she's doing/can't trust herself etc.
Ok, now moving on from my Ted Talk. I think this plot can be difficult to pull off, but pull it off she did. I absolutely loved Caroline. I loved how genuine she was. I loved how authentic her social anxieties were without totally overshadowing and consuming her humorous and playful personality. And I loved how Caroline didn't want to change her core personality, she just wanted to expand her interests and learn more about the world. Her open-mindedness to different interests was refreshing in a sea of FMC who make it their entire goal to be "not like those other girls."
And Adrian... *dreamy sigh* He gave me Fitzwilliam Darcy vibes in a good way. He just seemed... proper and thoughtful. A lot of the tension between Adrian and Caroline gave me the same vibes as the ICONIC "hand flex" scene from Pride & Prejudice (2005 version). It was very subtle and had me actually wanting to fling the door open and embrace the spice YEAH I SAID IT!!!! I WENT THERE!!! Anyways. I enjoyed the emphasis of romance in Adrian's POV and the exploration of self and friendship (and a lil romance) in Caroline's POV. They were well-balanced and skillfully executed despite being in third-person. This is the first male POV that didn't make me want to kick someone in the nuts at full velocity. Great job, Shepard!
This is one of the VERY few books I've read in the last two years that I legitimately didn't want to end. When I saw that % in the corner of my Kindle creep up, I actually felt sad. I would LOVE to see this as a movie and if the author is open to being paid in eternal thanks, I'd love a sequel. Just give me 10 pages idc. I NEED IT!!!!
Before I wrap this up, I want to reiterate that this book has a very specific audience. If Abigail Dean (Girl A, Day One) wrote a romance book, I imagine it would be something like this. Take that as you will. FYI if this premise speaks to you, may I suggest The Hook Up Plan on Netflix. It's a French series where the FMCs friends (unbeknownst to her) hire a male escort to help her get over a difficult breakup. Different premises but very similar subtle, slow burn vibes.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid plot execution (it could've gone sideways), wonderful characters, subtle slow burn romance that actually had me caught up, funny when it needed to be, thoughtful when it needed to be, I may have teared up a bit but no one will ever know the truth, for the first time in a long time I didn't want a book to end
Cons: this is very pretentious former college athlete wanker of me but it's Division II not Division Two (throw tomatoes at me)
October 7, 2023
This book reminded me of a gender-reversed "Pretty Woman" with a refreshing twist on the dynamics between the characters. Instead of the typical physical exchange, the heroine hires the hero for his brain cells, emphasizing their intellectual connection. I absolutely adored this unique concept, which seamlessly blended elements of fake dating and friends-to-lovers tropes, immersing me in Caroline and Adrian's captivating love story.
One of the aspects that captivated me from the start was Caroline herself. Despite the age difference, which some might find concerning, I couldn't help but fall for her sunshiny disposition and kind-hearted nature. At only 22 years old, she possessed a maturity beyond her years. In addition to her personal growth, she found herself navigating a new financial situation with a 2 million dollar inheritance. It was refreshing to see that she didn't succumb to the pitfalls of instant wealth and debt like many of her peers. Instead, she sought to use her newfound resources wisely.
Enter Adrian Landry, a struggling artist and talented painter, who was nursing his wounds after a devastating breakup. Despite his artistic prowess and multiple awards, he found himself broke and crashing on his friend's couch. Desperate to make ends meet, he reluctantly turned to an escort site as a last resort. Serendipitously, he connected with Caroline, who sought more than just physical companionship. She was interested in exploring culture, art, and the world, desiring a deeper intellectual connection.
Their meeting was unconventional, but it didn't hinder the blossoming of their affection for one another. As they spent more time together, their connection grew stronger, surpassing their initial expectations. I found myself completely invested in their tender and heartfelt romance, rooting for them every step of the way.
Overall, this debut novel delivered a feel-good and heartwarming reading experience. The fresh and intelligent concept added a layer of depth to the story, making it stand out from the crowd. I eagerly look forward to exploring more works from this talented author in the future, as their writing style and ability to create engaging characters has left a lasting impression on me.
I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this incredible debut book. Their generosity in sharing the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is truly appreciated.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
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One of the aspects that captivated me from the start was Caroline herself. Despite the age difference, which some might find concerning, I couldn't help but fall for her sunshiny disposition and kind-hearted nature. At only 22 years old, she possessed a maturity beyond her years. In addition to her personal growth, she found herself navigating a new financial situation with a 2 million dollar inheritance. It was refreshing to see that she didn't succumb to the pitfalls of instant wealth and debt like many of her peers. Instead, she sought to use her newfound resources wisely.
Enter Adrian Landry, a struggling artist and talented painter, who was nursing his wounds after a devastating breakup. Despite his artistic prowess and multiple awards, he found himself broke and crashing on his friend's couch. Desperate to make ends meet, he reluctantly turned to an escort site as a last resort. Serendipitously, he connected with Caroline, who sought more than just physical companionship. She was interested in exploring culture, art, and the world, desiring a deeper intellectual connection.
Their meeting was unconventional, but it didn't hinder the blossoming of their affection for one another. As they spent more time together, their connection grew stronger, surpassing their initial expectations. I found myself completely invested in their tender and heartfelt romance, rooting for them every step of the way.
Overall, this debut novel delivered a feel-good and heartwarming reading experience. The fresh and intelligent concept added a layer of depth to the story, making it stand out from the crowd. I eagerly look forward to exploring more works from this talented author in the future, as their writing style and ability to create engaging characters has left a lasting impression on me.
I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this incredible debut book. Their generosity in sharing the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is truly appreciated.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
October 17, 2023
A delightful age gap, fake dating, and opposites attract contemporary romance.
After inheriting 2 million dollars from her grandmother, Caroline left Texas to study MBA in Boston. To go live a big life as her grandmother wishes.
Being new in town, Caroline has no friends and decides to find a sugar baby who can show her around the city. She found a starving artist Adrien whose friend signed him up on an escort site. He agrees to be her "guide".
I found the two MCs to be adorable!!! Caroline is insecure and socially awkward but quirky and loves to talk about balance sheets. She has a good heart. Adrien is sweet, and caring, and is just down on luck and recently been dumped by his fiance. I like Tom, Adrien's roommate too! 😘
Sweeten the Deal is spicy, peppered with funny dialog. I had some good laughs along the way. I wish Caroline had a friend back home that would make the story more realistic. The pace in the middle was a little slow for me and the conflict near the end didn't feel right. I know the author needs something, but still. I think you'll enjoy it if you're interested in campus life, music, theater, and art. 3.5⭐
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this DRC.
Published Oct. 17, 2023!
After inheriting 2 million dollars from her grandmother, Caroline left Texas to study MBA in Boston. To go live a big life as her grandmother wishes.
Being new in town, Caroline has no friends and decides to find a sugar baby who can show her around the city. She found a starving artist Adrien whose friend signed him up on an escort site. He agrees to be her "guide".
I found the two MCs to be adorable!!! Caroline is insecure and socially awkward but quirky and loves to talk about balance sheets. She has a good heart. Adrien is sweet, and caring, and is just down on luck and recently been dumped by his fiance. I like Tom, Adrien's roommate too! 😘
Sweeten the Deal is spicy, peppered with funny dialog. I had some good laughs along the way. I wish Caroline had a friend back home that would make the story more realistic. The pace in the middle was a little slow for me and the conflict near the end didn't feel right. I know the author needs something, but still. I think you'll enjoy it if you're interested in campus life, music, theater, and art. 3.5⭐
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this DRC.
Published Oct. 17, 2023!
September 20, 2023
Two wolves live inside me: One that wants to be a sugar mommy and one that wants to be a sugar baby ✨
The premise of this book sounded so fun, and I’m pleased to say that it held up pretty well! The age gap was a bit of a hurdle—one I’m not sure was fully cleared—but I still really enjoyed the romance. Even though there were some things I wasn’t fully sold on, this book felt like a fantasy. The vibes were right and the writing was nice, so I can’t complain!
When there’s a ten-year age-gap…I’d prefer the him not call her sweetheart idk it just feels so patronizing and a bit icky! She did hold the money and power which was nice, but yeah I was still a bit 👀 in the back of my mind. She was so sheltered because of her family, so it was both nice to have him be an adult with some things figured out but also just so clear that there were ten years separating them.
I definitely wanted to see his terrible friends get told off because they were SO mean to her!!! She’s such a good person because I was seething. I’m also like…I know he kind of reckoned with the person he used to be, but HOW was he ever friends with them?? He wasn’t a bad person at all, but he had some growing to do too, which I do think was accomplished by the end.
Overall, this was a really nice reset book! I really enjoyed the audiobook—the narrator also narrates The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, so it was like hearing an old friend. I wanted something light and fluffy with genuinely good people (surprisingly hard to find). It was my first book by Katie Shepard, and I’m looking forward to what she comes out with next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️.75*/5
*The sex scene ended before we saw him climax on page, so it’s partially fade to black in my opinion. The foreplay was hot and pretty explicit, so I’m not sure why it ended when it did…definitely felt the whiplash there as I was really anticipating their connection.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and PRHaudio for an ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
The premise of this book sounded so fun, and I’m pleased to say that it held up pretty well! The age gap was a bit of a hurdle—one I’m not sure was fully cleared—but I still really enjoyed the romance. Even though there were some things I wasn’t fully sold on, this book felt like a fantasy. The vibes were right and the writing was nice, so I can’t complain!
When there’s a ten-year age-gap…I’d prefer the him not call her sweetheart idk it just feels so patronizing and a bit icky! She did hold the money and power which was nice, but yeah I was still a bit 👀 in the back of my mind. She was so sheltered because of her family, so it was both nice to have him be an adult with some things figured out but also just so clear that there were ten years separating them.
I definitely wanted to see his terrible friends get told off because they were SO mean to her!!! She’s such a good person because I was seething. I’m also like…I know he kind of reckoned with the person he used to be, but HOW was he ever friends with them?? He wasn’t a bad person at all, but he had some growing to do too, which I do think was accomplished by the end.
Overall, this was a really nice reset book! I really enjoyed the audiobook—the narrator also narrates The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, so it was like hearing an old friend. I wanted something light and fluffy with genuinely good people (surprisingly hard to find). It was my first book by Katie Shepard, and I’m looking forward to what she comes out with next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️.75*/5
*The sex scene ended before we saw him climax on page, so it’s partially fade to black in my opinion. The foreplay was hot and pretty explicit, so I’m not sure why it ended when it did…definitely felt the whiplash there as I was really anticipating their connection.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and PRHaudio for an ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
April 14, 2024
Very cute concept with the guy being the escort, sort of a Pretty Man, and I wish the author had put him in a brown polka dot shirt for giggles. Screw Caroline’s family they can shove off. Would read again and would recommend.
Update from hearing author talk about this yesterday- she had intended the role reversal of having the woman be the ‘sugar daddy’ and sadly I wasn’t able to ask about if it was meant to be a nod to pretty women but the author was very engaging!
Update from hearing author talk about this yesterday- she had intended the role reversal of having the woman be the ‘sugar daddy’ and sadly I wasn’t able to ask about if it was meant to be a nod to pretty women but the author was very engaging!
December 12, 2023
This was surprisingly different from most romcoms, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The characters had a lot of personality, the plot was fun, the banter made me smile, the romance was sweet and the narration was excellent (especially Caroline's accent). I'd reread this at some point.
dnf
July 28, 2023I can’t do it. I’m so so bored and it’s like pulling teeth to read this. Maybe I can eventually come back to this, but for now ending at the 16% mark.
October 31, 2023
I never once understood why Caroline wanted to go to the opera or museums. I thought the book would be about her paying an older guy to show her how to fit in with her peers, learn about football and party. Instead she does a bad job of fitting in with the arts crowd too. She is way too young and inexperienced for Adrian, and he has his own issues to work through. I also don’t think saying “I think she is neurodivergent” and then never mentioning it again is any kind of good disability rep or makes the book make sense.
November 2, 2023
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book thoroughly confused me. Neither character had enough backstory/explanation or growth. I never really understood why Caroline was so set on doing "cultural" things. There was no real explanation of this by the author. Caroline also really liked baking, but again, no explanation of why or where that came from. Did she watch a lot of cooking shows or youtube? Did she do it because she dreamed of traveling to exotic places? No idea.
From the beginning, I assumed Adrian would eventually help her figure out more about herself or at least how to network and act around her fellow students, but no. He was just straight up a douche for the entirety of the book. I've never read a more whiny, woe-is-me character who had such little self awareness. I get that people struggle and don't always become successes overnight, but I'm sorry, reading about two men in their 30s who are still living like college kids was not attractive or interesting.
The age gap also really bothered me. It was clear how inexperienced Caroline was with literally everything (even just having conversations with people?) even though I felt like she had a lot of potential for growth, but we never saw it. Adrian being so much older than her but still having zero maturity (or personality) just further highlighted how he literally didn't even try to help her or do anything (even when she was paying him) other than sulk in his own issues, which he never actually make bold attempts to improve.
In the end, them ending up together made no sense and almost felt like Caroline was reverting back to some of the ableism and manipulation that her family supposedly did to her during her childhood and teen years (again, zero explanation of this).
Disappointing and hard to read when I couldn't root for either character.
This book thoroughly confused me. Neither character had enough backstory/explanation or growth. I never really understood why Caroline was so set on doing "cultural" things. There was no real explanation of this by the author. Caroline also really liked baking, but again, no explanation of why or where that came from. Did she watch a lot of cooking shows or youtube? Did she do it because she dreamed of traveling to exotic places? No idea.
From the beginning, I assumed Adrian would eventually help her figure out more about herself or at least how to network and act around her fellow students, but no. He was just straight up a douche for the entirety of the book. I've never read a more whiny, woe-is-me character who had such little self awareness. I get that people struggle and don't always become successes overnight, but I'm sorry, reading about two men in their 30s who are still living like college kids was not attractive or interesting.
The age gap also really bothered me. It was clear how inexperienced Caroline was with literally everything (even just having conversations with people?) even though I felt like she had a lot of potential for growth, but we never saw it. Adrian being so much older than her but still having zero maturity (or personality) just further highlighted how he literally didn't even try to help her or do anything (even when she was paying him) other than sulk in his own issues, which he never actually make bold attempts to improve.
In the end, them ending up together made no sense and almost felt like Caroline was reverting back to some of the ableism and manipulation that her family supposedly did to her during her childhood and teen years (again, zero explanation of this).
Disappointing and hard to read when I couldn't root for either character.
December 14, 2023
rating: 3.75
Caroline (a 22 year old MBA student) has recently inherited 2 million dollars from her grandmother and has moved to boston to start a new life away from her controlling and toxic family. she's expecting to finally start a new happy life... except she can't seem to make friends at her new college and spends most days alone, so on a whim she decides to make a profile on an escort site. Adrian is a 32 year old artist who as recently called off his engagement and is now living on his best friends couch. he cant bring himself to pain any new paintings and is strapped for cash. one night his best friend signs him up as an escort on an escort sight. and well, you can guess what happens next.
the vibes:
- dual pov
- 3rd person
- age gap (10 years)
- opposites attract
- 3/5 🌶️
this was my first book by this author and it was such a fast read. i had to read it all in one sitting because i ~needed~ to see what happened between these two characters. There was just something about them, the way he was so protective of her in certain aspects and their chemistry!! however, i feel like certain things that the characters said were demeaning towards sex workers and like, come on its 2023 let's not do that. but i'd be interest to see if others feel like this or if i'm just being to sensitive.
Caroline (a 22 year old MBA student) has recently inherited 2 million dollars from her grandmother and has moved to boston to start a new life away from her controlling and toxic family. she's expecting to finally start a new happy life... except she can't seem to make friends at her new college and spends most days alone, so on a whim she decides to make a profile on an escort site. Adrian is a 32 year old artist who as recently called off his engagement and is now living on his best friends couch. he cant bring himself to pain any new paintings and is strapped for cash. one night his best friend signs him up as an escort on an escort sight. and well, you can guess what happens next.
the vibes:
- dual pov
- 3rd person
- age gap (10 years)
- opposites attract
- 3/5 🌶️
this was my first book by this author and it was such a fast read. i had to read it all in one sitting because i ~needed~ to see what happened between these two characters. There was just something about them, the way he was so protective of her in certain aspects and their chemistry!! however, i feel like certain things that the characters said were demeaning towards sex workers and like, come on its 2023 let's not do that. but i'd be interest to see if others feel like this or if i'm just being to sensitive.
October 23, 2023
Shepard's prose and her wit are both razor sharp in this book featuring two people who meet through the unlikeliest of circumstances—and find the acceptance and love they hadn't known they'd been searching for. Adrian and Caroline are beautifully rendered, sympathetic characters who I was rooting for (as a couple, and as individual characters) from the moment they showed up on the page. The result is a tender, lyrical book that I just adore.
March 21, 2024
Katie Shepard’s novel Sweeten the Deal throws all gender norms and stereotypes in the trash for a sweet, juicy, and unique contemporary romance that was simply refreshing and fun to read. The writing and banter was elevated from the average romance novel (no criticism intended to any novel, just something I noticed about this). I found the story to be subtle and more elegant than what I expected.
Caroline is a sheltered, 22-year-old MBA student who is driven by making her grandmother proud of her. When she inherits $2 million from her grandmother, she suddenly becomes aware by how much she has sacrificed in relationships with others in service of her goals. She doesn’t have friends, a boyfriend, or many experiences outside of school and tennis.
Adrian couldn’t be more different from buttoned up Caroline. He’s a struggling artist with no money, not home of his own, but a wealth of talent and creative energy. If only he had money to fund a gallery, he could finally make something of his passion.
When is roommate lists him on an escort site, he ends up assisting Caroline. Young, naïve, and uninterested in intimacy, Caroline is nothing like he expected. But perhaps she can learn to open herself to culture and creativity while he can get the cash he needs. These two have nothing in common, but it soon becomes clear that they may be exactly what each other needs.
I found it interesting that Caroline wasn’t written as the typical, neurodivergent character whose “quirkiness” is a symptom of her struggles she’s looking to overcome. Instead, Caroline knows exactly who she is, and she’s just looking to open up to more experiences that she shied away from in the past due to her goals.
Caroline has a bright and sunny disposition and a caring soul. I thought she often read older than 22 years, despite her admitted lack of life experience. Caroline is a character who thinks first before leading with her heart, so part of her story with Adrian is about testing the waters in leading with her heart and curiosity rather than pragmatism and intellect.
Adrian was bringing romance and passion, while Caroline is bringing a desire for self-exploration. The two were balanced and somehow compatible. At times gender reversal in romance can feel forced or broken, but it didn’t at all here. There was a symmetry to their dynamic that I can’t quite explain—you’ll have to read it.
An intelligent concept delivered with elegance that is unique to the genre. Feel-good, heartwarming, refreshing, and engaging—this was one of the better romance books for me and I loved it!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Caroline is a sheltered, 22-year-old MBA student who is driven by making her grandmother proud of her. When she inherits $2 million from her grandmother, she suddenly becomes aware by how much she has sacrificed in relationships with others in service of her goals. She doesn’t have friends, a boyfriend, or many experiences outside of school and tennis.
Adrian couldn’t be more different from buttoned up Caroline. He’s a struggling artist with no money, not home of his own, but a wealth of talent and creative energy. If only he had money to fund a gallery, he could finally make something of his passion.
When is roommate lists him on an escort site, he ends up assisting Caroline. Young, naïve, and uninterested in intimacy, Caroline is nothing like he expected. But perhaps she can learn to open herself to culture and creativity while he can get the cash he needs. These two have nothing in common, but it soon becomes clear that they may be exactly what each other needs.
I found it interesting that Caroline wasn’t written as the typical, neurodivergent character whose “quirkiness” is a symptom of her struggles she’s looking to overcome. Instead, Caroline knows exactly who she is, and she’s just looking to open up to more experiences that she shied away from in the past due to her goals.
Caroline has a bright and sunny disposition and a caring soul. I thought she often read older than 22 years, despite her admitted lack of life experience. Caroline is a character who thinks first before leading with her heart, so part of her story with Adrian is about testing the waters in leading with her heart and curiosity rather than pragmatism and intellect.
Adrian was bringing romance and passion, while Caroline is bringing a desire for self-exploration. The two were balanced and somehow compatible. At times gender reversal in romance can feel forced or broken, but it didn’t at all here. There was a symmetry to their dynamic that I can’t quite explain—you’ll have to read it.
An intelligent concept delivered with elegance that is unique to the genre. Feel-good, heartwarming, refreshing, and engaging—this was one of the better romance books for me and I loved it!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
“sweetheart, all i want to do is something i know will put a smile on your face.” ♡₊˚
ugh this was so damn cute!! :) i loved every page of this. the synopsis is what originally piqued my interest - she’s new in town and is looking for someone to show her the ropes and bring a little more to her life, he’s a starving artist looking for a way to pay rent, they meet online and she essentially becomes his sugar momma.
what really caught my interest though was the writing! it felt very reminiscent of emily henry, emily wibberley & austin suegmund-broka, who are authors i absolutely adore. i loved the amount of details, i loved the emotion and the character progression. caroline was such a relatable character with her need for lists and explanations. i loved seeing her find her own way with her life in boston, and finding someone like adrian who helped her come out of her shell. they were seriously adorable!!
i think my only hiccup was that i felt like their romantic relationship progressed a little too fast - they were certainly friends and were headed that way, but it kinda felt like suddenly a switch had been flipped. i also wish they had been a little more communicative about what they had wanted towards the end, because it led to a disagreement, but it did end up with a sweet reunion so there’s that at least lol
i’m very happy to have picked this up! i can’t wait for the book to be published so that i can grab a physical copy for my shelves!
huge thank you to berkley publishing and netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
ugh this was so damn cute!! :) i loved every page of this. the synopsis is what originally piqued my interest - she’s new in town and is looking for someone to show her the ropes and bring a little more to her life, he’s a starving artist looking for a way to pay rent, they meet online and she essentially becomes his sugar momma.
what really caught my interest though was the writing! it felt very reminiscent of emily henry, emily wibberley & austin suegmund-broka, who are authors i absolutely adore. i loved the amount of details, i loved the emotion and the character progression. caroline was such a relatable character with her need for lists and explanations. i loved seeing her find her own way with her life in boston, and finding someone like adrian who helped her come out of her shell. they were seriously adorable!!
i think my only hiccup was that i felt like their romantic relationship progressed a little too fast - they were certainly friends and were headed that way, but it kinda felt like suddenly a switch had been flipped. i also wish they had been a little more communicative about what they had wanted towards the end, because it led to a disagreement, but it did end up with a sweet reunion so there’s that at least lol
i’m very happy to have picked this up! i can’t wait for the book to be published so that i can grab a physical copy for my shelves!
huge thank you to berkley publishing and netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 2, 2023
This book made me feel good. There are all sorts of issues with it, but it made me feel good so this is a 3.5 rounded up.
Caroline has escaped her very controlling and relentlessly terrible family in Texas and is earning her MBA at Boston College. She has always found it hard to make friends. Her family took her out of grade school because she was bullied, the other women on her tennis team (she was a good player and attended a crappy college on an athletic scholarship) did not like her and it appears her coach didn't either. When she gets to BC she memorizes scripts to interact with people and tries to integrate but she is unsuccessful. It is made clear that she is very beautiful but she is weird in some way. It is hinted she might be on the autism spectrum, but no diagnosis is ever offered. Adrian, our MMC never notices anything odd about her. Caroline hires Adrian on a sugar baby website to teach her how to live in Boston and get some culture so people don't find her off-putting. No sex, just dates to cultural events. Adrian is an artist who just lost his gallery when he broke up with the wealthy gallery owner who was also his long-time girlfriend and cannot make rent, hence the sugar baby gambit. Somehow this turns into a lovely story, contrived and lovely but lovely nonetheless. They talk of art and books and French baking and good coffee and other things that make me happy. The moral of the story seems to be that commerce is more important than art, which is not great but it works for our couple. (Note that the spice on this one is mild - there is nothing beyond cheek kissing for the first 3/4 of the book and only one really graphic sex scene.) Not life changing, but certifiably romantic.
Caroline has escaped her very controlling and relentlessly terrible family in Texas and is earning her MBA at Boston College. She has always found it hard to make friends. Her family took her out of grade school because she was bullied, the other women on her tennis team (she was a good player and attended a crappy college on an athletic scholarship) did not like her and it appears her coach didn't either. When she gets to BC she memorizes scripts to interact with people and tries to integrate but she is unsuccessful. It is made clear that she is very beautiful but she is weird in some way. It is hinted she might be on the autism spectrum, but no diagnosis is ever offered. Adrian, our MMC never notices anything odd about her. Caroline hires Adrian on a sugar baby website to teach her how to live in Boston and get some culture so people don't find her off-putting. No sex, just dates to cultural events. Adrian is an artist who just lost his gallery when he broke up with the wealthy gallery owner who was also his long-time girlfriend and cannot make rent, hence the sugar baby gambit. Somehow this turns into a lovely story, contrived and lovely but lovely nonetheless. They talk of art and books and French baking and good coffee and other things that make me happy. The moral of the story seems to be that commerce is more important than art, which is not great but it works for our couple. (Note that the spice on this one is mild - there is nothing beyond cheek kissing for the first 3/4 of the book and only one really graphic sex scene.) Not life changing, but certifiably romantic.
November 4, 2023
At 22 Caroline Sedlacek unexpectedly inherits two million dollars from her grandmother's will and uses it to escape her life and her family's expectations. Her greatest desire is to experience all the things she wasn't allowed to growing up with a strict focus on competitive tennis. Adrian Landry is a struggling artist suddenly finding himself homeless, jobless and newly single. The two come together via an escort site and embark on a fake dating/sugar baby arrangement. Did this give off reverse Pretty Woman vibes - yes, it did & I was here for it!
I love how Adrian tried to keep things friendly and platonic because of their age gap. Caroline's journey to figure out what she wanted in life and what would make her happy was well done. Though the family angle could have been explored a bit deeper. I loved how sheltered and socially awkward she was. Navigating social events and meeting new people was hard for her but she was absolutely delightful and I was rooting for her all the way. Adrian was caring, well meaning and a bit lost at 33, having to start over and figure out his path to happiness and success as well.
A fun romance, filled with banter and it definitely has some steam but it wasn't over the top.
I love how Adrian tried to keep things friendly and platonic because of their age gap. Caroline's journey to figure out what she wanted in life and what would make her happy was well done. Though the family angle could have been explored a bit deeper. I loved how sheltered and socially awkward she was. Navigating social events and meeting new people was hard for her but she was absolutely delightful and I was rooting for her all the way. Adrian was caring, well meaning and a bit lost at 33, having to start over and figure out his path to happiness and success as well.
A fun romance, filled with banter and it definitely has some steam but it wasn't over the top.
October 7, 2023
This was a fun age gap, fake dating slow burn that sees a wealthy young heiress hiring a struggling older artist she finds on the internet to be her pretend boyfriend. The premise was a little weird for me (read not very plausible/realistic) but if you can get over that, it was a cute opposites attract, friends to lovers, dual POV romance with great narration by Savannah Peachwood. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
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May 8, 2023Hi friends! This is my second book. Below are content warnings.
This book depicts ableism, emotional abuse by a parent against their child, prior death of a grandparent, alcohol and marijuana use, infidelity of a secondary character, vulgar language, and explicit sex.
This book depicts ableism, emotional abuse by a parent against their child, prior death of a grandparent, alcohol and marijuana use, infidelity of a secondary character, vulgar language, and explicit sex.
November 25, 2023
This was one rom/com that I really had trouble putting down so I could do more than read except I kept stopping what I was doing just to go back and read one more chapter. I finally gave up last night and turned off the TV at nine o’clock and read and finished this book at eleven ten. I loved it.
Caroline is a very quirky person whose life has been all about tennis until she inherits a lot of money from her late grandmother. Now, Caroline’s father was the one pushing tennis at her to the total deficit of school, friends, boyfriends, social skills, communication skills and just plain people skills, so our girl has relocated herself to Boston for her MBA to escape her stifling family
Caroline wants to know the finer things in life that she has missed and decides the best way to accomplish that ,and to acquire a friend who can teach and escort her, is to hire a man. This is where the story gets funny and eventually romantic since her new escort is new to the website and not so sure he wants to escort anyone.
I loved Caroline and her determination to enjoy the money that her grandmother left her and Adrian’s doubts about this whole thing, especially when he finds himself attracted to this girl who doesn’t believe she’s attractive. Oh, and then there is the eleven year age difference that bothers Adrian but not Caroline.
I really enjoyed the read and I definitely was getting a Pygmalian/My Fair Lady vibe which was lovely.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Berkley Publishing and the author, Katie Shephard.
Caroline is a very quirky person whose life has been all about tennis until she inherits a lot of money from her late grandmother. Now, Caroline’s father was the one pushing tennis at her to the total deficit of school, friends, boyfriends, social skills, communication skills and just plain people skills, so our girl has relocated herself to Boston for her MBA to escape her stifling family
Caroline wants to know the finer things in life that she has missed and decides the best way to accomplish that ,and to acquire a friend who can teach and escort her, is to hire a man. This is where the story gets funny and eventually romantic since her new escort is new to the website and not so sure he wants to escort anyone.
I loved Caroline and her determination to enjoy the money that her grandmother left her and Adrian’s doubts about this whole thing, especially when he finds himself attracted to this girl who doesn’t believe she’s attractive. Oh, and then there is the eleven year age difference that bothers Adrian but not Caroline.
I really enjoyed the read and I definitely was getting a Pygmalian/My Fair Lady vibe which was lovely.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Berkley Publishing and the author, Katie Shephard.
December 3, 2023
Sweeten the Deal is about Caroline Sedlacek, a newly wealthy and sheltered MBA student who wants to experience more of life and culture. Adrian Landry is a struggling and talented artist who needs money to revive his career. When Caroline hires Adrian through an online dating (escort) app, they agree to a mutually beneficial arrangement: she will pay him to accompany her to various cultural events, and he will teach her about art and music.
This book is a fun twist on the classic Pretty Woman story. I enjoyed this unconventional romance.
This book is a fun twist on the classic Pretty Woman story. I enjoyed this unconventional romance.
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August 14, 2023Caroline is young, rich, a bit on the spectrum, and new to Boston, very much on her own as she tries to fend off the family that wants to "manage" her inheritance for her "for her own good."
Adrian is an artist who has pretty much hit rock bottom--broke up with his poison-piece of a fiancee, who incidentally holds all his art, and is crashing at his best friend's. This friend talks Adrian into becoming an escort for a service that offers companions for going out to the theater as well as for the usual reasons escort services exist.
It's wish fulfillment of the "Pretty Woman" kind (only better, I am glad to say) that Adrian's first job is to squire Caroline around to operas and the theater and concerts, so that she can learn what the fuss is about. These two gradually become friends, and then they get closer.
I loved the writing so, so much. There's some bravura stuff in the art discussions that I just inhaled. Oh the phonies, the empty quasi-philosophical BS-slinging couched in preciousness and buzzwords! Adrian and Caroline both get to point out that the emperor is naked in deliciously fun scenes, with a closet non-make-out session that had me whooping with laughter.
There is the usual romance Dark Moment, but it barely lasts, I am relieved to say--these two talk it right out like a couple of adults, bringing this ship sailing into harbor with everyone on board smiling. I can hardly wait to read what Shepard has next for this group of friends!
Adrian is an artist who has pretty much hit rock bottom--broke up with his poison-piece of a fiancee, who incidentally holds all his art, and is crashing at his best friend's. This friend talks Adrian into becoming an escort for a service that offers companions for going out to the theater as well as for the usual reasons escort services exist.
It's wish fulfillment of the "Pretty Woman" kind (only better, I am glad to say) that Adrian's first job is to squire Caroline around to operas and the theater and concerts, so that she can learn what the fuss is about. These two gradually become friends, and then they get closer.
I loved the writing so, so much. There's some bravura stuff in the art discussions that I just inhaled. Oh the phonies, the empty quasi-philosophical BS-slinging couched in preciousness and buzzwords! Adrian and Caroline both get to point out that the emperor is naked in deliciously fun scenes, with a closet non-make-out session that had me whooping with laughter.
There is the usual romance Dark Moment, but it barely lasts, I am relieved to say--these two talk it right out like a couple of adults, bringing this ship sailing into harbor with everyone on board smiling. I can hardly wait to read what Shepard has next for this group of friends!
November 22, 2025
This was a slow start and a premise that seemed a little over the top but it really got me in the end. The relationships dynamics were pretty unique. I especially loved the neurodivergent representation. The author does such a good job of making Adrian someone you are routing for even when from the outside it would seem like he's not going anywhere. And Caroline, my sweet autistic flower. I loved her character and really could see so much of myself in her. I love how they show up for each other.
I've now read this 3 times. It's becoming an all time comfort read.
I've now read this 3 times. It's becoming an all time comfort read.
December 22, 2023
3.5 stars. The middle dragged but the beginning and end were captivating and interesting. Thank God she stood up for herself against her shitty family.
October 17, 2023
Sweeten the Deal
by Katie Shepard
Pub Date: 17 Oct 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Rating: 4/5
A fun read, Sweeten the Deal by Katie Shepherd makes you smile. It follows the story of Caroline who faces challenges in her pursuit of a happy life. The book is light-hearted and sweet, with lots of laughs along the way. It's a great pick-me-up on a rainy day.
Caroline is 22 years old, in college, and just inherited two million dollars from her grandmother. Despite the light-hearted nature of the book, Caroline is still trying to come to terms with her new reality of life without her grandmother and the responsibility of managing her newfound wealth.
A talented artist in his 30s, Adrian has recently broken up with his girlfriend. He lives with his college roommate, and cannot sell enough art to pay rent. He feels lost and desperate, leading him to pursue a risky job offering companionship through a legitimate online escort website. The two decide to form a business relationship so that Caroline can see Boston with an escort, and Adrian can make some money. While Caroline and Adrian intend to keep their relationship strictly professional, they quickly realize they can't deny their friendship. A journey of trust and love awaits them, but will they take the risk?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to review this heart-warming book. I look forward to reading the sequel.
#SweetenTheDeal
#NetGalleyReviews #books #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
by Katie Shepard
Pub Date: 17 Oct 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Rating: 4/5
A fun read, Sweeten the Deal by Katie Shepherd makes you smile. It follows the story of Caroline who faces challenges in her pursuit of a happy life. The book is light-hearted and sweet, with lots of laughs along the way. It's a great pick-me-up on a rainy day.
Caroline is 22 years old, in college, and just inherited two million dollars from her grandmother. Despite the light-hearted nature of the book, Caroline is still trying to come to terms with her new reality of life without her grandmother and the responsibility of managing her newfound wealth.
A talented artist in his 30s, Adrian has recently broken up with his girlfriend. He lives with his college roommate, and cannot sell enough art to pay rent. He feels lost and desperate, leading him to pursue a risky job offering companionship through a legitimate online escort website. The two decide to form a business relationship so that Caroline can see Boston with an escort, and Adrian can make some money. While Caroline and Adrian intend to keep their relationship strictly professional, they quickly realize they can't deny their friendship. A journey of trust and love awaits them, but will they take the risk?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to review this heart-warming book. I look forward to reading the sequel.
#SweetenTheDeal
#NetGalleyReviews #books #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
December 8, 2023
it was interesting and fun but there was something missing and i can't put finger on what exactly
still very fun, the banter was amazing, age gap tastefully done
still very fun, the banter was amazing, age gap tastefully done
July 7, 2024
The story itself was interesting but I found myself continuously becoming annoyed with the characters. Also the MMC saying I love you ???? when they havent done anything other than talk ab art
August 6, 2025
I finished this in an evening and the writing and plot clicked along nicely. I enjoyed especially Caroline's vulnerability and competence but sometimes the way they were presented didn't really give me a clear picture. And I guess that's the issue with the book - aside from being an easy read, it was uncomfortable.
Caroline may have the money, yes, but she's so sheltered and juvenile in her experience and outlook that it just gets...gross. Pieces of it are very patriarchal and smothering. A little too much indulgence and "whatever you want sweetheart"
If I'm honest, I much preferred the way Tom treated Caroline, more as an equal with choices. Adrian is a reluctant, lusting snob and asshole until he decides to pursue a relationship at which point, it's just....decided. He's protective, he puts himself in a position to be a pedantic jerk too many times.
But there's a lot of good here and despite the reservations, Shepherd is really good at setting up scenes that flow well and support development in both character and relationship; I just think this plot didn't work well for me overall.
And there were just so many college jerks!
Overall I have to reduce this 2.75 to a 2, because of the way it felt between the 22 year old ingenue and 33 year old cultured artist. Plainly, money wasn't enough to even the power balance here for me.
Caroline may have the money, yes, but she's so sheltered and juvenile in her experience and outlook that it just gets...gross. Pieces of it are very patriarchal and smothering. A little too much indulgence and "whatever you want sweetheart"
If I'm honest, I much preferred the way Tom treated Caroline, more as an equal with choices. Adrian is a reluctant, lusting snob and asshole until he decides to pursue a relationship at which point, it's just....decided. He's protective, he puts himself in a position to be a pedantic jerk too many times.
But there's a lot of good here and despite the reservations, Shepherd is really good at setting up scenes that flow well and support development in both character and relationship; I just think this plot didn't work well for me overall.
And there were just so many college jerks!
Overall I have to reduce this 2.75 to a 2, because of the way it felt between the 22 year old ingenue and 33 year old cultured artist. Plainly, money wasn't enough to even the power balance here for me.
December 10, 2023
3.5 stars
Flipped gender version of Pretty Woman. Caroline has moved to Boston from Texas. She's socially awkward and uncomfortable in new situations. Hoping to gain knowledge of the arts and confidence, she goes online to an escort service. Adrian is a very handsome, down on his luck artist who needs to make rent. When he posts a profile, he matches with Caroline.
This is a really slow burn. Both Adrian and Caroline are extremely insecure and worry about how they are perceived. They are also really different. Caroline is quantitative and looks at life pragmatically. Adrian is older and more experienced. They complement and help each other.
There's a big plot line about art that sells versus art that critics approve. Adrian had painted pretty pictures that people liked and bought. When he was criticized for being too commercial, he began painting dark canvases about war and his career tanked. Caroline helps him regain creative spark and do the work he loves.
Flipped gender version of Pretty Woman. Caroline has moved to Boston from Texas. She's socially awkward and uncomfortable in new situations. Hoping to gain knowledge of the arts and confidence, she goes online to an escort service. Adrian is a very handsome, down on his luck artist who needs to make rent. When he posts a profile, he matches with Caroline.
This is a really slow burn. Both Adrian and Caroline are extremely insecure and worry about how they are perceived. They are also really different. Caroline is quantitative and looks at life pragmatically. Adrian is older and more experienced. They complement and help each other.
There's a big plot line about art that sells versus art that critics approve. Adrian had painted pretty pictures that people liked and bought. When he was criticized for being too commercial, he began painting dark canvases about war and his career tanked. Caroline helps him regain creative spark and do the work he loves.
January 12, 2024
this made me inexplicably want to cry. maybe I need therapy. anyways loved this! definitely going to be checking out the authors other books. if you liked pretty women (and even if you didn’t like me) you’ll like this.
May 24, 2023
Delightful. Absolutely fell in LOVE with Caroline. The Anastasia girly in me was thriving
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