I Do, Now What?: Secrets, Stories, and Advice from a Madly-in-Love Couple

by Giuliana Rancic, Bill Rancic

Bill and Giuliana Rancic are now the hosts of NBC’s  Ready for Love,  a new relationship show featuring three of America’s most eligible guys searching for their soul mates.

Five million viewers tuned in to The Style Network for Giuliana DePandi and Bill Rancic’s fairy tale wedding in Italy, as the passions, tears, and champagne flowed. But what happened once the honeymoon was over? After all, she’s been stationed in Los Angeles as one of E! Entertainment’s most popular personalities, and he’s kept his home in Chicago, where this handsome winner of The Apprentice has been busy running an empire of his own. How, we’ve wondered, is this marriage really working out?

With all the funny, frank, and characteristically down-to-earth personality that fans of their hit reality show, Giuliana & Bill, have come to adore, this glamorous couple takes you behind the scenes of their real-life marriage. Like all newlyweds, they’ve faced the big issues that wedlock manages to invite, including money (to merge or not?), household chores (she’s disorganized, he’s a neat freak), arguments (without staying mad), and trying to have a baby (it’s not as easy as they thought!). Sharing their newfound and sometimes hard-won insights, they offer suggestions on such topics as communication, giving and receiving support, trust and jealousy, quality time, friends and in-laws, fighting fair, and sex and romance.

A must-read for newly married couples, or those about to take the plunge, or anyone who wants to know the secrets of everlasting love, I Do, Now What? is an upbeat real-world resource for the most ambitious journey of a couple’s marriage!

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Self Help, Marriage, Chick Lit, Relationships

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Giuliana Rancic is an Italian-American television personality who immigrated to the United States with her family at age seven. She is a former anchor with E! network's E! News and still co-hosts red carpet events for the network. She is also a co-host on E!’s Fashion Police. She is married to entrepreneur and author Bill Rancic. Giuliana is a breast cancer survivor and mother to son, Edward Duke Rancic.

Reviews

[JH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can you say over-compensating? We get it. They're in love. But truly secure couples don't need to advertise.

Speaking of security...why do they feel the need to share text messages and email passwords with one another and actually use them "when we're bored"? I'm sorry, but you can have a wonderful marriage and still be an individual person with individual interests and opinions.

In terms of the financial advice, they offer a lot of common sense tidbits, as well as a lot of hot air that would be better provided by a PF blog or two. Not to mention the fact that we're being advised not to fight about money by two high-powered professionals who probably don't really have anything to worry about.

Kind of like how we're being advised about how to decide who does which chores by people who have a cleaning lady.

Another thing that bugged me is how Bill seemed to keep implying that every problem they'd had was because of Giuliana. She's the messy one who needed to change. She's the shopper who needed to curb her spending. She's the fiery Italian who needs to learn not to interrupt and to control her temper. She lied about her age when they first started dating. Jeez, nobody is perfect but the book didn't seem very fair to her.

The end of the book offered some ok advice about how to behave maturely during disagreements, but I'm not sure I needed to hear it from these people.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I'll admit it. I like the Rancic's. Sure, they are celebrity jet-setters with seemingly everything that anyone could want. Fame, fortune, clothes lines, their own shows, houses in L.A. & Chicago. But, from what I see, they really do have a close, happy marriage with advice for every married couple, no matter how long or little time you have been married. They offer advice that is relevant in all relationships. Life is short, have fun and enjoy those around you. There are much bigger issues to deal with, why not have fun with your spouse while you can? Though their advice has probably been offered by many before them, they offer it in a funny, personal style that strikes home for the couples of today. They are great reminders of how to treat each other amidst the day-to-day grind. The resounding theme is really, do you want to have fun and enjoy each other or squabble over minute issues that are meaningless? They choose to have fun, as I think we all should.

This is a quick, easy read with funny stories that I think most will be able to relate to. Bottom line from the Rancic's is, why shouldn't the person you vowed to spend the rest of your life with be your best friend and one that you enjoy being with more than anyone? Isn't that the point of marriage really? Be happy, have fun and treat them the way you want to be treated and, most of all, communicate!

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know some of the criticism this book received was that these two have not been married long enough to write a book on marriage, but obviously its not going to be the older couples who have been married for 30+ years that are interested in this book. I thought it was a good book for a young couple, maybe not the most profound book on marriage, but they had some good tips.
I think my favorite parts of the book were hearing the inside scoop on their private life- like Giuliana's dating past. I didn't really know who she was linked to in the past, and she doesn't name names in the book, but I figured it out and its a pretty interesting story between her and her ex Jerry O'Connel.
If you don't like these two on their reality show or her on E! News, then you won't like the book because its written exactly the way they talk, which is why I liked the book as much as I did. I got a little bored around the chapter with their fertility issues, but maybe it'll be helpful for other couples having those same issues.
They seem like a good couple for the most part, but you always have to wonder about those in Hollywood, so I really hope they survive! I will be crushed if they don't!!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back and forth between "it was okay" and "I liked it". I actually really like Giuliana- I watch her on E!News and on her show Giuliana and Bill. But even so- I didn't love the book. Even though the couple has been through some challenges (e.g., infertility), they have only been together for 4 years and married for 3. Therefore, it is a bit hard to believe that they have already figured out all the secrets to a long happy marriage and we should all listen.

It also felt a little "preachy". They spoke a lot about their "check-in" times and how they always respect each other and never say anything to hurt their partners, etc etc. That's great! But in real life people are flawed and we get frustrated and have long days at work and unfairly yell at our partners occasionally about their socks on the floor. So that felt a little unrealistic.

They have some fun anecdotes about their relationship that are interesting, especially if you have been following them on their shows...so you'd probably enjoy it if you genuinely like them.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I admit it...I like reality tv.
I watch Survivor, I get obsessed with Big Brother, Khloe is my favourite Kardashian and I've watched an episode of Guiliana and Bill's show.

They are cute. She seems real, he seems a little stiff but willing to loosen up for the woman he loves.

They hadn't been together long when they wrote this book so I thought it might be weird to get martial advice from a couple who's been together for 4 years and married for only two. But their advice, like the anecdotes included in the book, are more common sense than any big revelation.

I liked that each chapter covered a different aspect of relationships and I liked that each of them had their say...often alternately in an interview style.

It was a quick read, not gonna change the world but a nice snapshot of nice people at a happy time in their life.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it, I really like them in general. Although they have some super good advice on marriage, it is apparent in certain areas when dispensing advice that 1)they do not have to worry about a budget and can spend money more than the average bear can and 2)they don't have kids! It is a lot harder to be whimsical and spontaneous when you have to worry about what you are spending on a date and arranging for children to be cared for. I do love these two so I won't hate, I'm just saying.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Giuliana and Bill, so I don't know if I can be impartial.

I've wanted to read this book for some time. I really enjoyed the look at another couple's marriage and what works and doesn't work for them. Though a lot of it is common sense, it did give me a few ideas of things that I could incorporate in my marriage to help keep it strong for years and years to come. I liked the "inside" look at their marriage. It's nice to read about a couple so dedicated to their marriage... especially in Hollywood.

[Charlotte Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I felt this book was fantastic. Yes, it was super specific to their lives and their marriage but I enjoyed it and I might not agree with everything they said but it was well written and I'd recommend it.

[Heather Mathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I LOVE Giuliana & Bill! Very cute personal ancedotes about marriage and relationships in general.

[Aimeekay · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, this is not an adult book, yet it's not a little kid book either. I'd say geared more towards middle school/junior high age children, maybe even as low as 4th or 5th grade in interest level. But some parts may be a bit too scary/creepy for the younger ones. (Yes, I regularly read kids books. I figured out early on it is a great way to see what my kids are reading and what is influencing them.)
As the title says this book is a the beginning of a series, and a very good beginning at that. Andy McDougal has lots of mysteries in his life. What happened to his classmate Donnie who disappeared? What's his Gramma hiding in the chest in the attic? More importantly will he be able to avoid being killed by the school bully Hugh Dinkley, or at least hold him off long enough, so he can finish reading Crypt of the Chimera?
Andy is an average middle-schooler. He loves to draw and he loves to read Ian Warwick's books, despite his father's disapproval of these hobbies. Andy is even able to combined them when the publisher of The Crypt of the Chimera offers a contest for young artists to illustrate the next copy of the book to be printed. But Donnie could draw too, and he disappeared. Plus ever since he began reading the new book strange similarities between it and his daily life keep occurring. The biggest of these is the chest in Warwick's book that is identical to the one in his grandmother's attic.
I liked this book, it was entertaining, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. This is the first book, and it is a mystery, so there were quite a few unanswered questions at the end, but I think it was a strong start. I also think it is a great read if you are looking for a book to help encourage a younger reader, especially one who isn't too into puppies or kittens. Or one who might not be interested in some of the more serious middle school classics. As I said before it's not for very young kids, people go missing and get turned inside out, so please keep that in mind if you have a young person in mind to give it to for some summer reading. It also comes in paper-back so if you don't feel like handing over your e-reader you don't have to. (I personally am already planning to order it for a few children I know.) Even if you think it is a bit out of your age bracket still, I encourage you to read it too. Compared to some of the other things I've read lately it was a nice change of pace, but still kept me interested in seeing where the story was going and how it was going to turn out.

[Cathy]

I marked it as "did not want to finish" not because it isn't good, but because it doesn't really apply to me as a permanent singleton and because I really have to get it back to the library. I read about half and skimmed the rest.

The book is frequently cute, generally thoughtful, but kind of preachy. It's as much a product of Bill's motivational speaker career as an autobiography - too self-help book for me, but many people will like that aspect. They set it up so that each chapter has a theme, and they explain their theory of how that theme helps create a stronger marriage through stories from their relationship. They aren't shy about telling tales that make each one look bad, which I appreciate in a book that is supposed to help people and not just be entertaining; it makes them more relatable than if they seemed perfect all of the time. Bill frequently comes off as pretty rigid (and preachy) but I think this is partly because he's so entrenched in his motivational career; he seems to feel like every story had to tell a lesson or make a point, and it doesn't always come off well on the page where we can't see his shy grin or self-deprecating shrug. He also seems extremely loving and devoted, and very thoughtful as well of both his wife and his family. Giulianna admits to occasional flightiness in the past and some Hollywood shallowness, but generally she was more relatable to me. She also comes across as very loyal and loving. Overall they're the same very cute and genuinely caring couple from their TV show. She seems to have gained more maturity from their relationship and marriage than he seems to have relaxed, but this is, of course, only one representation of their life. Where the TV show is more light with a great deal of heart, this is more serious with a lot of levity. The book would make a great gift for couples or single people with hopes of being part of a successful couple some day.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became helplessly addicted to the reality show "Guiliana & Bill" while out on medical leave from teaching because of the love and friendship shared between these two people. I even cried along with Guiliana as they faced infertility issues. (I am a softie and I just hate to see people hurt!) When their book came out I knew I would be reading it, and I must say for what it is, it is a five star read for me. Most people that know me know this isn't my usual genre, but I think the thoughts about marriage and being newlyweds presented by the Rancics are sincere and provide good food for thought. The little anecdotes made me smile, and I really couldn't get enough of the words of wisdom passed on to Bill from his deceased father.

As a newlywed myself (three years this July!) I appreciate and see the value in learning how to constantly assess and improve my marriage with my husband. We are a team, and I see that in the Rancics. Unlike many books on the subject of marriage and starting a life together, this book wasn't full of itself or preachy.

Beyond that, we just can't relate to some of the issues the Rancics have. Juggling two homes, making huge purchases, and jetting off at a moment's notice is not part of our life and never will be. (Remember, I teach high school.) I don't have much sympathy for the L.A. mentality when so many are struggling - when good, hard-working people are struggling. Sometimes anecdotes that reflected this irritated me, but I went with it.

All in all, it's an interesting look at a marriage that provides a platform for discussion with a partner. I still love the Rancics and I hope they get their big family.

[Sue Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

***CHECK PAPER MUSTANG (www.papermustang.com) REVIEW SITE FOR GIVE AWAY OF THIS BOOK UNTIL NOV. 4TH***

This story is written deep in the heart of science fiction. From the beginning, it’s easy to tell this is going to be a life-changing story and certainly is for the very believable Andy McDougal. Try as you might, even if you don’t like sci-fi that much you will be drawn into Andy’s story.

Whether you feel sorry for him or want him to fail, it doesn’t matter. The author leaves that up to you and just strings you along to find out what in the world is happening.

The question of what is under the bed that Andy struggles with during parts of the book is one that every kid wonders. If the lights go out is there something that comes alive under the bed or in the closet? Why is it that we are unable to not think things are different in the dark?

Richardson spins a wonderful tale full of heroes, villains, and mystery in this book and I believe it will end up being a classic. It’s a great ‘read to me’ story, too, as long as your children are not too prone to night mares. I loved this book and the way it wove in and out of reality and fantasy and kept me interested throughout. I believe the age group chosen will be delighted with this book and consider it a must read.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage advice and stories from the stars of the reality show, Guiliana & Bill. I enjoyed the stories and banter between the two of them -- as it reads exactly like an episode from their show -- but the marriage advice was anything but rocket science. This could be because I've been married for almost 17 years while they'd been married only 3 when they wrote this book.

"If the grass looks greener on the other side, it's because they take care of it." - Cecil Selig

"Marriage is the one choice that will impact every decision you'll make for the rest of your life." - Bill Rancic

"Once you go down ... a path of disrespect, it's hard to know the difference between what's acceptable and what's not because you become a little more permissive with your words each time you violate your commitment." - Bill Rancic

"Women prefer to give and receive emotional support. Men like to give and receive suggestions about how to fix a problem." - Guiliana Rancic

"That's what life is about: knowing you're loved and knowing someone carved time out of their busy day to make your day better. I try to demonstrate this to Guiliana as often as I can." - Bill Rancic

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a wedding gift, and I knew nothing about Giuliana or Bill going in. With that said, it was painful. I honestly stopped about 20 pages in to look them up online to find out if they are still together because I couldn't imagine them lasting more than six months based on what I had read. Giuliana boasts about her little white lies all throughout the book, and let's be honest...a lie is a lie. She thinks it's funny to waste Bill's money, and she insults his intelligence left and right. She can't even be bothered to learn what he likes or wants so she can give him thoughtful gifts. She basically just admits she doesn't care and he'll get what he gets. Her personality was just such a turnoff for me. There was no way I could find any part of their marriage to be relatable to my own, I'm happy to say. If you're into their show or their dynamic already, you may enjoy this. I just could not move past what a stuck up brat she was. I don't understand why anyone would tolerate this behavior from their spouse, but I guess there really is a match for everyone out there.

[Ethan Fleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quite impressed with this book! Before Kristin told me who this couple was, I just thought it would be a good newlywed read, nbd. As I started to read it more, I got so caught up in Bill and Guliana's lives, and I am now telling Kristin that I want to watch their show :) They just seem like good people, a great couple to model one's life around. The book design too was very easy to read and follow. Each chapter is a different topic every couple faces, with an introduction by both, then a back and forth with great storytelling, fun bulletpoints and tips, and some funny/honest stories blended throughout. After reading this book, it just kind of made me want to live their lives. They are clearly doing something right with life, and they share a lot of their story here. Definitely recommend!!!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started watching the InStyle show Giuliana & Bill, and then got hooked into reading this book by them. While I'm not married, I think they offered good tips in relationship advice in general.

I did like the thoughtful things that Bill would do for Giuliana, but the book, to me, made it seem like he was always fixing Giuliana's bad habits or lies, or that he was the victim when things went wrong in the relationship. However, watching their TV series, it seems that Giuliana can be a bit of a ditz. I think it really helps to at least watch an episode of their show, if you are going to read this book.

Again, it was fun to read the stories about their relationship. I'll just have to skip over the chapter on Sexy Time with your spouse.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the positive is that the book was easy to read and interesting because it read like "their voices."

I was disappointed, though. For one thing, most of the anecdotes they shared were featured on their show. So that was boring. Another problem I had with it is that they've only been married for two years. A lot of their advice was strange, because it seemed so giddy and honeymoon-phaseish. I guess that's because they are still in the honeymoon phase! I'm not sure someone should dole out advice when they've only been married for two years. Or maybe I shouldn't have read it since I've been married over three times that.

Pretty disappointed.

[Jen Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a few funny and cute parts, but all in all it just seemed like common sense to me.

my pet peeve!!: 'I trust bill, but it's the other women I don't have faith in.'

ok, don't willingly send your husband out with a gorgeous intelligent woman at all times that he may grow to like, but it takes two to tango and he is the one who spoke those vows to you, he is the one who should be wearing the ring and taking it as a sign of his fidelity and commitment to you. Unless the "other woman" roofied him, it is his choice to cheat, she hasn't forced him into anything and she is not the one to be mad at.

[Nicolette Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome book! I absolutely love them as a couple and love to watch their show. I read this book a couple months after I got married and I thought it was such a perfect read. Giuliana and Bill have such great advice on relationships. I love how the book was written as if G and Bill were right there with you telling their story. I really want my husband to read it because I think he would get a laugh once and awhile and really benefit from their advice as well. I would definitely recommend this to all couples! Such a fun book to read, I am sure I will be reading it time and time again!

[Erin]

Eh. It was ok - I borrowed it from a friend and I wasn't overly impressed. I expected more of a story about their first years of dating/marriage. It was also very preachy, and made me think they really thought highly of themselves. The whole book was based around telling the reader how to have a great marriage. But their tips were basically "here are the things that we do and you should do them too because we're super duper awesome!!!"

Definitely not something I recommend unless you are looking for a cheesy self-help type book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything Giuliana and Bill Rancic. I love their reality show and how they communicate with each other. I enjoyed this book as it was broken down into chapters on a variety of marital topics, like communication, family, work, etc., and it was divided into quotes from both Bill and Giuliana which showed how they have worked through problems and situations in their dating and married life. It was interesting just to read about how they work through problems, but you can actually read their talking points and take something away from it for yourself and your relationships.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the couple and it was nice to see how really down to earth and family oriented they are. It is very refreshing to see something other than a 20 year old Hollywood star getting married because they "want to." It's nice to see that marriage is still respected and valued. It is true that marriage is hard work and does take lots of respect and patience. Also, being from the Chicago area, I totally understand Bill's feelings about the "good ol' midwest." Even so, I feel like some parts lagged and it took me longer than I thought it would to get through it.

[Kassi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun read. I enjoyed the back and forth between Giuliana and Bill. Tying their own stories to marriage concepts made it interesting to read through. Granted, a lot of the things they talk about are learned early on in a relationship. My husband and I went through things like this years ago. But it's nice to be able to relate on some level. It's also nice to have as a reminder. Several of the topics are things you should work on throughout your marriage. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Klrober · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My mom suggested I read it after we saw them on the view over the holidays talking about their fertility issues. While they talk about their struggles with infertility, it's really mostly about marriage, love and relationships. What I liked most was that they Bill and Guilliana just seemed like such a "real couple" I wish i had the STYLE Network so I could watch their show. LOL

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not married, but I caught an episode of their reality show and sort of loved it. I thought the book was great. I found some of the stories about Giuliana a bit annoying and she came across a bit selfish and inconsiderate at times, but what do I know. There are some really good example of how to create good communication and the importance of being honest. These practices can be applied to any relationship, not just husband and wife.

[Deshanta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice and anecdotes for newlyweds. I enjoyed the book because B and G keep it real and there's a no holds barred approach to sharing their experience of those first few crucial years in one's marriage. I also enjoyed the fun banter between the couple as the chapters progressed and the fact that you get both a male and female perspective of the situations faced by a couple. Great book for newlyweds, gives you some great perspective on matrimony and how to overcome the odds together.

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book in one sitting and found myself shaking my head a few times. It was okay, and since I enjoy their show I could appreciate their witty banter and general love for each other, but I didn't really gain much from reading this to apply to my own marriage, except maybe to constantly surprise my spouse with lavish trips and gifts. Oh wait, I'm not a rich television host. Guess pizza and beer with my husband at home will have to do!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Rancics reality show and this book is written more or less word for world how they talk and I think I would have loved this book if I had the audiobook instead. But I didnt so the book got a bit slow at times.
However I really liked it, it gave some good advice and I definitly learned something from it. Not stuff I didnt know but more stuff I should have in mind more often.
I found the chapter about fertility very interesting and I appreciate that they shared it with the world.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure if I am even going to finish it - so far it seems to be Bill being super-patronizing and annoyed at Giuliana, and her explaining "what I learned from Bill" and basically how she is changing herself. Some of the stories are fun, but the advice is ridiculous for us - since we are not celebrity millionaires!