Natalie (Nat) Murphy is a 21-year old art student, really struggling financially to make school work as well as survive in New York. As she reaches a desperate point, one of her fellow students who seems to be living well beyond her means suggests that she consider her solution…become a “Sugar Baby” and find herself a safe “Sugar Daddy.” After some soul searching, she decides to give it a try and connects with Gabe Turnmill, a wealthy, fifty-ish lawyer who is handsome and powerful.
One of the reasons I wanted to read this story is because I’ve struggled to understand how young, intelligent women turn to this kind of solution and I trusted this author to give me that insight. Well, mission accomplished as Nat’s descent from a young, talented and idealistic student to the mess she found herself embroiled in was well chronicled and ultimately inevitable. While we have all heard the stories, what resounded for me was just how much Nat was a victim, even though she was the one shunned and judged. The manipulation of young women by powerful older men is so clearly illustrated without filter…it’s that eye opening, even as Nat isn’t always portrayed sympathetically. It’s just tough getting around the predatory behavior.
I also chose to listen to this story and found the narrator wonderful. I thought it challenging to effectively capture both Nat and Gabe but Amanda Dolan pulled it off nicely. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her future book performances.
Some may consider this journey predictable but it’s the subtleties throughout that demand attention…Nat’s interpretations of Gabe’s lies and attentions and his dependence on manipulation. It is a part of who he is and most others like him who create Sugar Babies (note I lay their creation squarely at the feet of these men). You’ll even find yourself liking him. Nat isn’t completely innocent but she certainly was a victim and that’s something that came through loudly. I’ll never look at these young girls the same way again and for that I’m grateful to this story.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 30, 2019
- Narrator: Amanda Dolan
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 15 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Wow, this sounds so good! I’ve also caught myself thinking about how young women find themselves in these situations. It never seems as cut and dry and people make it out to be. I’m really keen to try this book! It has a lovely cover too ❤ Lovely review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jen💜 The author certainly did her research and I hope you give it a try. It opened my eyes.
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Wonderful through review, Jonetta!! I have this one on my never ending list, but was unsure about it. I am definitely interested after reading your review.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I listened with an open mind and heard things I didn’t expect. I’d love your perspective on this one!
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Excellent review, Jonetta! I loved this book so much and she did such a wonderful job showing how you could end up in this situation.
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Thank you, Stephanie💜 It certainly opened my eyes.
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You’re welcome. It definitely was eye opening; I really had no idea that went on.
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One of the most powerful things about reading/listening it really let’s us gain perspective or walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
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Well stated, Kimberly💜
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I love that this book taught you something, Jonetta. One of my favorite reasons for reading, and it’s the best when it’s unexpected. Lovely review, and I really want to read this one. I loved Her Pretty Face.
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Thank you, Jennifer💜 Im always grateful when I’m informed while being entertained. I loved Her Pretty Face, too, which was the final push for getting this one. I think you’ll enjoy this one, too.
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Fab review! You’ve definitely made me curious about this story.
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Thanks, Yvo! Hope you give it a try.
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Great review, Jonetta! I am adding this book to my TBR!
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Thank you, Kris💜 Hope you enjoy!
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Great review Jonetta, this sounds really good! I’m always intrigued about books like this as well.
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Thank you, DG💜 It definitely reeled me in.
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I’m not familiar with this author or narrator, but it sounds like a story that I would enjoy. Wonderful review, Jonetta.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Oh, Melanie, this has your name on it! Thank you💜
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Dang, the premise alone has me intrigued. Like you, I’ve always wondered at how people get themselves into these situations, knowing it really does happen in real life. So this just might be a read I need to invest in just for the insight alone.
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That’s exactly why I read this and Alexandra, it’s obvious the author did her homework.
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Oh, I like it when an author can make it ring true, so much better. Research is key!
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Incredible review! It sounds a bit frightening. I just listened to Amanda Dolan for the first time. She is narrating the Mythos Academy Colorado series by Jennifer Estep.
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Thanks, Anne! It’s just daunting.
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