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The Prince's Plan
She can’t trust him…or her desire for him.
Marnie Ducello is way past second chances. Most days she’s fighting to forget the past and stay sober—a combination she doesn’t always pull off. She’s done waiting for Prince Charming. So when a sexy stranger turns out to be an arrogant, cab-stealing jerk, Marnie isn’t surprised. If only her rash reaction to his rudeness hadn’t resulted in her arrest. . .
Singer Danny Roland is no prince. He has fame, fortune, and a not-so-hidden addiction. He’s running from memories of the lives he’s ruined. Keeping his personal demons under control and out of the tabloids is what Danny wants more than anything. After a simple drug deal goes very wrong, Danny decides to make karmic amends—by finding the woman he abandoned to the police. Marnie’s a recovering addict, too, so he offers her the deal of a lifetime: a job as his personal assistant and a safe space in his home to live in if she stays sober.
Marnie is soon swept up into Danny’s world of prying paparazzi and vengeful exes. She can’t help the burning attraction between them, but she can’t trust Danny—or herself. And when Danny’s brother begins to pursue her, Marnie and Danny must both come to terms with the painful secrets that haunt them. They’re both broken…but maybe together they can be unbreakable.
Marnie Ducello is way past second chances. Most days she’s fighting to forget the past and stay sober—a combination she doesn’t always pull off. She’s done waiting for Prince Charming. So when a sexy stranger turns out to be an arrogant, cab-stealing jerk, Marnie isn’t surprised. If only her rash reaction to his rudeness hadn’t resulted in her arrest. . .
Singer Danny Roland is no prince. He has fame, fortune, and a not-so-hidden addiction. He’s running from memories of the lives he’s ruined. Keeping his personal demons under control and out of the tabloids is what Danny wants more than anything. After a simple drug deal goes very wrong, Danny decides to make karmic amends—by finding the woman he abandoned to the police. Marnie’s a recovering addict, too, so he offers her the deal of a lifetime: a job as his personal assistant and a safe space in his home to live in if she stays sober.
Marnie is soon swept up into Danny’s world of prying paparazzi and vengeful exes. She can’t help the burning attraction between them, but she can’t trust Danny—or herself. And when Danny’s brother begins to pursue her, Marnie and Danny must both come to terms with the painful secrets that haunt them. They’re both broken…but maybe together they can be unbreakable.
495 pages, ebook
Published February 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 31, 2017
Deeply engrossing.
Class of the protagonist meets elegance of the lady.
Plot :
I have told myself to not to provide you any spoilers. The Prince's Plan is about Danny and Marnie and their struggles. Both are a lot different from each other and sometimes the same. Marnie is the sober girl who wants to forget her past and dealing with it is becoming a heavy task for her. Danny is an addict who gets Marnie arrested at the first few pages! Quite exciting thing to do for him!
Danny tries to make amends by offering Marnie a deal for a life time : Becoming his personal assistant and to keep her own sober self.
In the convoluted relationship they are, you, the reader, exchange your sides quite frequently as to with whom you've to root for. They have a difficult time controlling their desires for each other.
With The Prince's Plan, E. M. Youman presents you a fresh and delightful story. A book that will be read by you more than once.
Writing Style :
Moving and intelligently woven characters will demand you to plunge deep in their oceans of emotions. I admit that it took me a while to get my head into the story but once I was all set, it had be enchanted to itself. If you're looking for something light to read, then this one won't do justice to you. It is a seeker for your attention and gets hold of it till the end.
It was written with the perspective of both the protagonists that made certain that you're not going to miss any of the drama. The fluid and pellucid writing manner ensures you of a worth remembering time with it.
The cover is equally exciting. It keeps fueling your eagerness with curiosity and thrills about what to except from the book and how high to keep your hopes with it.
It was my first time reading E.M. Youman and definitely not the last.
Verdict : A complete choice for a serious addictive read.
Class of the protagonist meets elegance of the lady.
Plot :
I have told myself to not to provide you any spoilers. The Prince's Plan is about Danny and Marnie and their struggles. Both are a lot different from each other and sometimes the same. Marnie is the sober girl who wants to forget her past and dealing with it is becoming a heavy task for her. Danny is an addict who gets Marnie arrested at the first few pages! Quite exciting thing to do for him!
Danny tries to make amends by offering Marnie a deal for a life time : Becoming his personal assistant and to keep her own sober self.
In the convoluted relationship they are, you, the reader, exchange your sides quite frequently as to with whom you've to root for. They have a difficult time controlling their desires for each other.
With The Prince's Plan, E. M. Youman presents you a fresh and delightful story. A book that will be read by you more than once.
Writing Style :
Moving and intelligently woven characters will demand you to plunge deep in their oceans of emotions. I admit that it took me a while to get my head into the story but once I was all set, it had be enchanted to itself. If you're looking for something light to read, then this one won't do justice to you. It is a seeker for your attention and gets hold of it till the end.
It was written with the perspective of both the protagonists that made certain that you're not going to miss any of the drama. The fluid and pellucid writing manner ensures you of a worth remembering time with it.
The cover is equally exciting. It keeps fueling your eagerness with curiosity and thrills about what to except from the book and how high to keep your hopes with it.
It was my first time reading E.M. Youman and definitely not the last.
Verdict : A complete choice for a serious addictive read.
October 18, 2016
actual rating 4,5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Usually, I don't read this kind of books but I was interested in this one and I was offered an ARC, so I blindly went into the deep and I loved every second of it. I didn't really know what I was reading about until I found out that the book is actually about two addicts who struggle to stay sober and live the life they deserve. They've been through a lot of shit and it's hard to say no to the tempting drugs even though they try really hard.
The Prince's Plan isn't a light read, it has a heaviness to it that I actually liked and the struggles and their lives it describes are the things that got me into it. I was almost immediately engrossed with their story and I liked everything. E. M. Youman has done a wonderful job and you can't say her book is sweet or chick lit, it tells a story focused on a real and dangerous problem, on real and true struggles and losses and everything is written in a very good way. I was speechless when I finished reading it and the only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is because there was something that I just couldn't cope with and was too much for me but that's why I as well gave a half to the four stars, because I love it all the more for the same reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
I value the way she's written everything. She shows the struggles they have to go through, the craving for the forbidden substance, the things they had to do in order to get high, it had a realistic touch to it and I am very impressed with the book.
The characters are many and different, they are well developed and distinguishable, they have personalities of their own and every one of them is in place. I won't go through all of them, I'll just say a few words about Dannie and Marnie. They've both been through a lot of hard stuff in their lives, they've both lost people and done things they regret. They are strong because they chose to live and to fight with their addiction rather than succumb to it.
It was very interesting fo me to read their stories. I wanted to know more and more about them and E. M. Youman has done a wonderful job at keeping us interested by giving away just bits and pieces to put off the want for knowledge just a page or two more until she gives away the real deal.
The story is not slow pacing, it flows away easily and there is a lot of character development. The difference between Marnie in the beginning and Marnie in the and as well as Danny in the beginning and in the end is very big and a distinguishable one. It can be clearly seen how their minds changed, how their way of speaking and thinking changed and their perspectives as well. They went through a lot together and they learnt to trust each other and work together bit by bit.
I loved The Prince's Plan and that's why I can't go into details. I simply loved it and I recommend it to all who like reading books of this kind.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Usually, I don't read this kind of books but I was interested in this one and I was offered an ARC, so I blindly went into the deep and I loved every second of it. I didn't really know what I was reading about until I found out that the book is actually about two addicts who struggle to stay sober and live the life they deserve. They've been through a lot of shit and it's hard to say no to the tempting drugs even though they try really hard.
The Prince's Plan isn't a light read, it has a heaviness to it that I actually liked and the struggles and their lives it describes are the things that got me into it. I was almost immediately engrossed with their story and I liked everything. E. M. Youman has done a wonderful job and you can't say her book is sweet or chick lit, it tells a story focused on a real and dangerous problem, on real and true struggles and losses and everything is written in a very good way. I was speechless when I finished reading it and the only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is because there was something that I just couldn't cope with and was too much for me but that's why I as well gave a half to the four stars, because I love it all the more for the same reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
I value the way she's written everything. She shows the struggles they have to go through, the craving for the forbidden substance, the things they had to do in order to get high, it had a realistic touch to it and I am very impressed with the book.
The characters are many and different, they are well developed and distinguishable, they have personalities of their own and every one of them is in place. I won't go through all of them, I'll just say a few words about Dannie and Marnie. They've both been through a lot of hard stuff in their lives, they've both lost people and done things they regret. They are strong because they chose to live and to fight with their addiction rather than succumb to it.
It was very interesting fo me to read their stories. I wanted to know more and more about them and E. M. Youman has done a wonderful job at keeping us interested by giving away just bits and pieces to put off the want for knowledge just a page or two more until she gives away the real deal.
The story is not slow pacing, it flows away easily and there is a lot of character development. The difference between Marnie in the beginning and Marnie in the and as well as Danny in the beginning and in the end is very big and a distinguishable one. It can be clearly seen how their minds changed, how their way of speaking and thinking changed and their perspectives as well. They went through a lot together and they learnt to trust each other and work together bit by bit.
I loved The Prince's Plan and that's why I can't go into details. I simply loved it and I recommend it to all who like reading books of this kind.
January 31, 2017
When I stumbled upon the blurb of "The Prince's Plan", I was so excited to read it and the blurb was quite interesting. Also the book had a very good GR rating so I decided to request the author for an ARC!!
EXPECTATIONS
REALITY
What in the hell did I read? Oh why bear this torture!!b>This book definitely didn't work for me Beginning was OK and I thought that maybe it would get interesting after few chapters but it just went down hill. Somewhere near the middle I seriously wanted to smash my head into the wall *and in not a good way*
PLOT
The story is about Marnie and Danny, two recovering addicts who helped each other to overcome their addiction and ultimately fell in love. Sounds interesting right?? but believe me its not as good as it sounds.
This book meant to be a dark romance with drugs, abuse, rape and what not but it wasn't so. I was not able to connect to the characters or story and I really tried to get into the book.
Marnie and Danny were supposed to heal each other with love as they had somewhat similar problems. But Danny!! I didn't like him at all and what I hated was his relationship with his ex. I mean, grow-up Man you say that you love Marnie and then you are having sex with your ex and one night stands *are u kidding me?* so much for romance.. Also the story was more elaborated than required. First few chapters were even not needed. There was nothing romantic until the middle of the book.
I was not even unable to understand Danny's and marnie's relationship. They were hooking with each other and then someone else.
This book had worked for most of the readers but not me. I just don't like cheating and all. If its supposed to be a love story then please give us love not betrayals!!
Again I expected to really like this book but as I already mentioned, it was not my type.
But I suggest the readers to take a look on other reviews before making their call
Thanks for reading my review
For more visit-http://ammiesbookobsession.blogspot.in/
xx
January 4, 2017
This ARC was given to me for an honest review.
This is my first read by E.M. Youman and it was an insightful and moving read. Although I read for the enjoyment of it, this was a very heavy but absorbing read due to the subject matter: addiction.
The hero, Danny (singer) and heroine, Marnie's lives revolved around trying to say sober and Danny proved to be the bigger man by sponsoring Marnie after he had her arrested (yep!) and then as a karmic relationship flip if you will, Danny decides to take her in and employed her as a quasi- assistant and sounding board for acts of his past. The struggle seemed so real in this story and the demons rode both of their backs!
Danny and Marnie's origin and relationship was a growing and dynamic one (journey) and yes, "The Prince's Plan" does contain very mature sexual scenes! But in the end, sobriety was gained and we have a enlightening and thought-provoking HEA!
Highly recommended and you will love Youman's writing style too!
5 bold stars*****
This is my first read by E.M. Youman and it was an insightful and moving read. Although I read for the enjoyment of it, this was a very heavy but absorbing read due to the subject matter: addiction.
The hero, Danny (singer) and heroine, Marnie's lives revolved around trying to say sober and Danny proved to be the bigger man by sponsoring Marnie after he had her arrested (yep!) and then as a karmic relationship flip if you will, Danny decides to take her in and employed her as a quasi- assistant and sounding board for acts of his past. The struggle seemed so real in this story and the demons rode both of their backs!
Danny and Marnie's origin and relationship was a growing and dynamic one (journey) and yes, "The Prince's Plan" does contain very mature sexual scenes! But in the end, sobriety was gained and we have a enlightening and thought-provoking HEA!
Highly recommended and you will love Youman's writing style too!
5 bold stars*****
November 14, 2016
2 “Sex, drugs and a little music” Stars
ARC provided by the author.
Thank you.
Here’s another book I expected to love based on premise and great ratings on Goodreads, but couldn’t connect at all.
The premise is quite promising: two broken people trying to get past their addiction and start a new life get together and fall in love. The problem is, 50% into the book and there isn’t a sign these two are falling in love.
This review is about to get spoilery, so… warning, SPOILERS AHEAD.
With the first half of the book focusing on everything else but the romance, and the characters not being likable enough to keep my attention, when the romance finally kicked in I was already disconnected from the story.
On the positive side, the writing was pretty solid. There were the eventual POV shifts, but other than that, the writing was good.
Again, I expected to really like this book and, if you can get past the issues I had with the story, you might, too. Just take a look at the other reviews before you make that call.
December 27, 2016
The Prince's Plan, E. M. Youman
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: New Adult, Romance
I really didn’t know what to expect with this, loved the description but the author only has a 14 page short, and a quick non fic read out, so they weren’t any help for me to try to see if her writing style and I gel.
I hummed and hawed for a bit and finally took the plunge.
And I’m so glad I did. Don’t be fooled by the title, this is no fluffy romance, no fifty times removed royalty tale, but a very realistic and at times gritty romance. I really enjoyed it even though it was very slow to get started.
That start was just so, so slow though, and TBH I didn’t like what we saw of either Danny or Marnie to begin. He comes over as a typical selfish, arrogant star, only wanting to help Marnie to appease guilt he feels over his past. Marnie is just an enigma, we don’t know why or how but she’s prostituting herself for drugs, and doesn’t want to get clean.
I really couldn’t take to them, and maybe if this hadn’t been a review I’d have given up, but that would be a shame and I’d have missed out on what's been a great read, with characters that are flawed, do things wrong, aren’t always grateful for help – real people actually just like most of us.
Addicts have their own code of morality – basically everything is someone else’s fault. They steal, its your fault for putting temptation in front of them, take drugs when they’ve promised to give up – your fault again for believing them...and that's how it goes. they’ll lie, cheat, steal from closest family, nothing matters when they need the next hit.
So after a real tragedy Danny is currently clean, and when he sees Marnie he sees a chance to help someone. Its not all goodness of the heart stuff though, his main reasons are his conscience and hoping to pay for some past issues that way. You can’t change the past though, whatever good deeds you do in the present.
Marnie comes to stay, but is sullen, unhappy, argues with him....and you’d think being an addict himself he’d know all that is par for the course, but he’s kind of shocked, he expected her to be grateful.
He’s tough with her though, insists she works hard, sticks to a routine and slowly things start to work out.
Right from the start there’s a sizzle between them but he’s determined not to go there and makes that plain to Marnie from day one.
Working so closely they get to understand each other better, and of course want to help each other. That doesn’t always go well, especially as like us they only know parts of the past.
Marnie’s clearly holding a huge secret, and its not until quite well in the book we begin to get hints of what it is and why she fell into drugs. When it does come out its heart-breaking, and by then I’d come to like her and admire what she was trying to do, even though when she lapsed I was wanting to shout at her “no...Marnie, no!”
There’s so much going on here as well as the fame and drugs story, and its so real, so true and sad, when often books tend to romanticise drugs and addiction. You know the sort, 30 days in rehab and they come out clean and perfect, when most times its a hard slog with lots of setbacks.
There’s an incident towards the end that shocked me, came out of the blue and led to some huge changes. One part of me was saying “what the heck is going on? where did that come from? and why?” Yet odd things like that really do happen, and they have a huge impact on so many lives. It seemed to bring Danny and Marnie much closer, made them look at each other and how they feel.
Its a not a sex fest romance, Danny does have *interludes* with other ladies, but between him and Marnie very little happens until the end. That works, fits the story, and the reasoning and incidences that led to that felt very genuine.
I really enjoyed this book, far more than I thought I would. Its very character based, really gets into the minds of both of them, and how addiction changes people, how easy it is to get started and how hard to stop.
It shows well too how family and friends get hurt by addicts, how they lose trust, faith, can’t ever really believe they are clean until a proven time has passed. Even then addicts are always addicts, it only takes one time to spiral them back.
If you want light and fluffy romance, a spicy, sensual easy read this isn’t the book for you.
If you want some tough and gritty drama, real characters and situations with a romance that finally ends in a HEA then try this. Its got all that and more!!
Stars: Four and a half, a great read, but I wish it hard been a little quicker to start, and that I’d have liked Marnie and Danny earlier. That would have made it a five for me.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: New Adult, Romance
I really didn’t know what to expect with this, loved the description but the author only has a 14 page short, and a quick non fic read out, so they weren’t any help for me to try to see if her writing style and I gel.
I hummed and hawed for a bit and finally took the plunge.
And I’m so glad I did. Don’t be fooled by the title, this is no fluffy romance, no fifty times removed royalty tale, but a very realistic and at times gritty romance. I really enjoyed it even though it was very slow to get started.
That start was just so, so slow though, and TBH I didn’t like what we saw of either Danny or Marnie to begin. He comes over as a typical selfish, arrogant star, only wanting to help Marnie to appease guilt he feels over his past. Marnie is just an enigma, we don’t know why or how but she’s prostituting herself for drugs, and doesn’t want to get clean.
I really couldn’t take to them, and maybe if this hadn’t been a review I’d have given up, but that would be a shame and I’d have missed out on what's been a great read, with characters that are flawed, do things wrong, aren’t always grateful for help – real people actually just like most of us.
Addicts have their own code of morality – basically everything is someone else’s fault. They steal, its your fault for putting temptation in front of them, take drugs when they’ve promised to give up – your fault again for believing them...and that's how it goes. they’ll lie, cheat, steal from closest family, nothing matters when they need the next hit.
So after a real tragedy Danny is currently clean, and when he sees Marnie he sees a chance to help someone. Its not all goodness of the heart stuff though, his main reasons are his conscience and hoping to pay for some past issues that way. You can’t change the past though, whatever good deeds you do in the present.
Marnie comes to stay, but is sullen, unhappy, argues with him....and you’d think being an addict himself he’d know all that is par for the course, but he’s kind of shocked, he expected her to be grateful.
He’s tough with her though, insists she works hard, sticks to a routine and slowly things start to work out.
Right from the start there’s a sizzle between them but he’s determined not to go there and makes that plain to Marnie from day one.
Working so closely they get to understand each other better, and of course want to help each other. That doesn’t always go well, especially as like us they only know parts of the past.
Marnie’s clearly holding a huge secret, and its not until quite well in the book we begin to get hints of what it is and why she fell into drugs. When it does come out its heart-breaking, and by then I’d come to like her and admire what she was trying to do, even though when she lapsed I was wanting to shout at her “no...Marnie, no!”
There’s so much going on here as well as the fame and drugs story, and its so real, so true and sad, when often books tend to romanticise drugs and addiction. You know the sort, 30 days in rehab and they come out clean and perfect, when most times its a hard slog with lots of setbacks.
There’s an incident towards the end that shocked me, came out of the blue and led to some huge changes. One part of me was saying “what the heck is going on? where did that come from? and why?” Yet odd things like that really do happen, and they have a huge impact on so many lives. It seemed to bring Danny and Marnie much closer, made them look at each other and how they feel.
Its a not a sex fest romance, Danny does have *interludes* with other ladies, but between him and Marnie very little happens until the end. That works, fits the story, and the reasoning and incidences that led to that felt very genuine.
I really enjoyed this book, far more than I thought I would. Its very character based, really gets into the minds of both of them, and how addiction changes people, how easy it is to get started and how hard to stop.
It shows well too how family and friends get hurt by addicts, how they lose trust, faith, can’t ever really believe they are clean until a proven time has passed. Even then addicts are always addicts, it only takes one time to spiral them back.
If you want light and fluffy romance, a spicy, sensual easy read this isn’t the book for you.
If you want some tough and gritty drama, real characters and situations with a romance that finally ends in a HEA then try this. Its got all that and more!!
Stars: Four and a half, a great read, but I wish it hard been a little quicker to start, and that I’d have liked Marnie and Danny earlier. That would have made it a five for me.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
March 27, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
The Prince’s Plan is about Danny who is a celebrity, singer and actor and a recovering addict who bumps into Marnie at his favourite restaurant. There is something about Marnie that catches his eye but he isn’t sure what, besides her being an addict too.
Danny decides he wants to help Marnie become sober by hiring her as his personal assistant while providing her with a sober environment with everything paid for. But Marnie has more issues then just using.
The book takes us on an emotional rollercoaster getting to know them, while learning about their secrets and how and why they become addicts. While at the same time hoping, they will get together.
There is so much happening in this book that you don’t want to put it down. The emotions are raw and the author makes you feel all kinds of emotions for the characters that at times your sat there reading, yelling at the characters for being so stupid on certain things haha
I am going to give this book 5 stars and luckily for you all this book was released last month so get onto it.
The Prince’s Plan is about Danny who is a celebrity, singer and actor and a recovering addict who bumps into Marnie at his favourite restaurant. There is something about Marnie that catches his eye but he isn’t sure what, besides her being an addict too.
Danny decides he wants to help Marnie become sober by hiring her as his personal assistant while providing her with a sober environment with everything paid for. But Marnie has more issues then just using.
The book takes us on an emotional rollercoaster getting to know them, while learning about their secrets and how and why they become addicts. While at the same time hoping, they will get together.
There is so much happening in this book that you don’t want to put it down. The emotions are raw and the author makes you feel all kinds of emotions for the characters that at times your sat there reading, yelling at the characters for being so stupid on certain things haha
I am going to give this book 5 stars and luckily for you all this book was released last month so get onto it.
January 2, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I was sent this book from the author I didn't know anything about this book. When I started to read I found out it was about two addicts who were struggling to stay sober. I found the book really interesting and learnt about the two main characters life in an amazing way! This book DOES contain mature/sexual scenes!
I will have to admit that The Prince's Plan is NOT light read.. It can be quiet heavy but I still liked the way the book was. You will immediately feel drawn into theirs lives and what it was like for Danny and Marnie to stay sober and get the lives that they truly deserved.
E.M. Youman has done such an incredible job writing her book. But, you can't say that her book is sweet or a chick lit.. This books is telling a story on a very dangerous and very real problem that many people suffer from, the struggles it causes, the losses you go through.. It is all written in the most amazing way! I was amazed when I finished this book as it was truly incredible!!
This story is not slow paced in any way, you will fly through the books easily. The difference between Marnie and Danny at the beginning compared to them at the end is very clear and easy to see. they have gone through a lot together and learnt to trust each other slowly.
I love The Prince's Plan it was simply beautiful and i highly recommend it!
When I was sent this book from the author I didn't know anything about this book. When I started to read I found out it was about two addicts who were struggling to stay sober. I found the book really interesting and learnt about the two main characters life in an amazing way! This book DOES contain mature/sexual scenes!
I will have to admit that The Prince's Plan is NOT light read.. It can be quiet heavy but I still liked the way the book was. You will immediately feel drawn into theirs lives and what it was like for Danny and Marnie to stay sober and get the lives that they truly deserved.
E.M. Youman has done such an incredible job writing her book. But, you can't say that her book is sweet or a chick lit.. This books is telling a story on a very dangerous and very real problem that many people suffer from, the struggles it causes, the losses you go through.. It is all written in the most amazing way! I was amazed when I finished this book as it was truly incredible!!
This story is not slow paced in any way, you will fly through the books easily. The difference between Marnie and Danny at the beginning compared to them at the end is very clear and easy to see. they have gone through a lot together and learnt to trust each other slowly.
I love The Prince's Plan it was simply beautiful and i highly recommend it!
February 10, 2017
Marnie and Danny's story is an emotional journey that explores the pain and suffering of drug addiction. Danny seems to have it all but in reality fame and fortune are no protection. Marnie is at her wit's end. She realizes that we all deserve a second chance and that help can make make them both stronger. I cared for these two damaged characters. Their struggles touched me. I wanted them to find the peace and strength that they so desperately sought. E. M. Youman has written powerful characters that draw you in and make you care for them. I couldn't stop reading until I learned how it would all end. This author is new to me but I definitely want to read more of her books. I enjoyed The Prince's Plan. Her well drawn plot, strong characters and powerful dialogue are an unbeatable combination.
February 7, 2017
I was rooting for these two throughout the book. They both struggle with addiction and it just goes to show that addiction doesn't care if you are rich and famous, or poor on the streets. And not everyone has their best interest at heart. But he was drawn to her from the first time he saw her. This was a slow burn and not what I usually read. But it was interesting. And very serious, and sometimes very upsetting. I received an exclusive arc of it.
July 31, 2017
copy received for honest review.
I am not sure how to describe this story other than messy. It started off pretty good but somehow got twisted. Messy characters with messy lives. It is a story of addiction and the hard road to recovery. The main characters are both recovering addicts. The story is a seesaw of highs and lows for both. It seems like mostly lows. The romance is sketchy. There is a lot of interaction between the main characters and other people. It wasn't clear how they developed feelings for each other. I am not sure if I see them together forever.
I am not sure how to describe this story other than messy. It started off pretty good but somehow got twisted. Messy characters with messy lives. It is a story of addiction and the hard road to recovery. The main characters are both recovering addicts. The story is a seesaw of highs and lows for both. It seems like mostly lows. The romance is sketchy. There is a lot of interaction between the main characters and other people. It wasn't clear how they developed feelings for each other. I am not sure if I see them together forever.
February 2, 2017
I voluntarily review this for receiving an advanced reader copy of The Prince's plan by E.M. Youman.
This is a great book.
Danny is a famous rock star and actor but also a recovering drug addict. Marnie is also a drug addict who is trying to get clean. Danny offers her a sober environment to live in and also a job while becoming her sponsor. This book is about their struggles to stay sober and their relapses and individual personal past struggles as to why the used. They each start falling for the other but believe the other doesn't want them. Can they work through their own issues and work together on staying sober and become a couple or does Brian, Danny's brother cause problems that will have Marnie walking away forever?
This is a great book.
Danny is a famous rock star and actor but also a recovering drug addict. Marnie is also a drug addict who is trying to get clean. Danny offers her a sober environment to live in and also a job while becoming her sponsor. This book is about their struggles to stay sober and their relapses and individual personal past struggles as to why the used. They each start falling for the other but believe the other doesn't want them. Can they work through their own issues and work together on staying sober and become a couple or does Brian, Danny's brother cause problems that will have Marnie walking away forever?
March 8, 2017
The Prince’s Plan – E.M. Youman – Review
This book was provided as an ARC from author for an honest review.
My overall rating for this book is a very strong 5 stars.
Love rating – 4
Heat rating - 3
OH MY GOSH!!! What an amazingly gritty and raw story. It was quite a tough read, not because it was a bad story it was fantastic, but because of the subjects and emotions involved like the drug abuse. I’m so glad I persisted with it, it was so worth it. I will defiantly be keeping this book on my list to re-read at some point.
“She can’t trust him…or her desire for him.
Marnie Ducello is way past second chances. Most days she’s fighting to forget the past and stay sober—a combination she doesn’t always pull off. She’s done waiting for Prince Charming. So when a sexy stranger turns out to be an arrogant, cab-stealing jerk, Marnie isn’t surprised. If only her rash reaction to his rudeness hadn’t resulted in her arrest. . .
Singer Danny Roland is no prince. He has fame, fortune, and a not-so-hidden addiction. He’s running from memories of the lives he’s ruined. Keeping his personal demons under control and out of the tabloids is what Danny wants more than anything. After a simple drug deal goes very wrong, Danny decides to make karmic amends—by finding the woman he abandoned to the police. Marnie’s a recovering addict, too, so he offers her the deal of a lifetime: a job as his personal assistant and a safe space in his home to live in if she stays sober.
Marnie is soon swept up into Danny’s world of prying paparazzi and vengeful exes. She can’t help the burning attraction between them, but she can’t trust Danny—or herself. And when Danny’s brother begins to pursue her, Marnie and Danny must both come to terms with the painful secrets that haunt them. They’re both broken…but maybe together they can be unbreakable.”
The only thing I would like to say that I didn’t like about this book was the amount of sexual encounters there were for Danny. I didn’t want to read that about him, because of course, I’m rooting for him to be with Marnie.
When we first encounter Marnie she is just starting her journey of sobriety, she is struggling and keeps encountering issues that really test her. What a feisty girl she is, at first I saw her as quite weak but once you get to see more of her story you realise how truly strong she is. I loved seeing the growth in both the characters but especially loved watching Marnie become stronger and accept herself as a person who is a true survivor.
When we met Danny my first thoughts were what a selfish narcissistic ass, but as we get to know him, you really get to see underneath the star that the world loves. He starts to realise how lonely he is and that some people only really want to be friends or lovers because of who he is, but with Marnie it’s totally different, he can see she really likes him for who he is and can see past the star. Even though his actions started out as self-serving he really did help Marnie with her sober journey, but he still has his own addiction problems to deal with and his sobriety is really tested as well.
The relationship between Danny and Marnie is a complicated one. It was really nice to see them trying to be friends at first because Marnie was just starting out with sobriety, but they were both struggling with the attraction towards each other. They have a great working relationship and at times I got frustrated at Danny for what he was making her do but was also quite funny for me to read. I also was really impressed by the side characters, I really wanted to hate a few people but after a while I got over it and embraced them into the story. For example Danny’s sister I found to be really annoying and I thought she was a bit hard on Danny but I soon forgave her.
It was an amazingly well written book, the fluidity of the writing was perfect and I never felt bored or waiting for something to happen, there was always something going on that kept me engrossed in the story. It was also written in the dual POV which is my favourite way to read. I love knowing what both main characters are thinking.
This book shows you the real struggles of addiction and how easy it can be to relapse and give into the temptation to be numb to everything for a while to supress the emotional pain. This book really hammers home that you never truly get over being an addict you just have to take one day at a time.
This book was provided as an ARC from author for an honest review.
My overall rating for this book is a very strong 5 stars.
Love rating – 4
Heat rating - 3
OH MY GOSH!!! What an amazingly gritty and raw story. It was quite a tough read, not because it was a bad story it was fantastic, but because of the subjects and emotions involved like the drug abuse. I’m so glad I persisted with it, it was so worth it. I will defiantly be keeping this book on my list to re-read at some point.
“She can’t trust him…or her desire for him.
Marnie Ducello is way past second chances. Most days she’s fighting to forget the past and stay sober—a combination she doesn’t always pull off. She’s done waiting for Prince Charming. So when a sexy stranger turns out to be an arrogant, cab-stealing jerk, Marnie isn’t surprised. If only her rash reaction to his rudeness hadn’t resulted in her arrest. . .
Singer Danny Roland is no prince. He has fame, fortune, and a not-so-hidden addiction. He’s running from memories of the lives he’s ruined. Keeping his personal demons under control and out of the tabloids is what Danny wants more than anything. After a simple drug deal goes very wrong, Danny decides to make karmic amends—by finding the woman he abandoned to the police. Marnie’s a recovering addict, too, so he offers her the deal of a lifetime: a job as his personal assistant and a safe space in his home to live in if she stays sober.
Marnie is soon swept up into Danny’s world of prying paparazzi and vengeful exes. She can’t help the burning attraction between them, but she can’t trust Danny—or herself. And when Danny’s brother begins to pursue her, Marnie and Danny must both come to terms with the painful secrets that haunt them. They’re both broken…but maybe together they can be unbreakable.”
The only thing I would like to say that I didn’t like about this book was the amount of sexual encounters there were for Danny. I didn’t want to read that about him, because of course, I’m rooting for him to be with Marnie.
When we first encounter Marnie she is just starting her journey of sobriety, she is struggling and keeps encountering issues that really test her. What a feisty girl she is, at first I saw her as quite weak but once you get to see more of her story you realise how truly strong she is. I loved seeing the growth in both the characters but especially loved watching Marnie become stronger and accept herself as a person who is a true survivor.
When we met Danny my first thoughts were what a selfish narcissistic ass, but as we get to know him, you really get to see underneath the star that the world loves. He starts to realise how lonely he is and that some people only really want to be friends or lovers because of who he is, but with Marnie it’s totally different, he can see she really likes him for who he is and can see past the star. Even though his actions started out as self-serving he really did help Marnie with her sober journey, but he still has his own addiction problems to deal with and his sobriety is really tested as well.
The relationship between Danny and Marnie is a complicated one. It was really nice to see them trying to be friends at first because Marnie was just starting out with sobriety, but they were both struggling with the attraction towards each other. They have a great working relationship and at times I got frustrated at Danny for what he was making her do but was also quite funny for me to read. I also was really impressed by the side characters, I really wanted to hate a few people but after a while I got over it and embraced them into the story. For example Danny’s sister I found to be really annoying and I thought she was a bit hard on Danny but I soon forgave her.
It was an amazingly well written book, the fluidity of the writing was perfect and I never felt bored or waiting for something to happen, there was always something going on that kept me engrossed in the story. It was also written in the dual POV which is my favourite way to read. I love knowing what both main characters are thinking.
This book shows you the real struggles of addiction and how easy it can be to relapse and give into the temptation to be numb to everything for a while to supress the emotional pain. This book really hammers home that you never truly get over being an addict you just have to take one day at a time.
January 28, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was definitely not your typical romance. There were a lot of heavier elements, but they worked. I kind of wish that the physical connection between the two main characters would have been explored a little sooner in the book. It took a bit to get into, but I'm glad I stuck with it.
November 3, 2016
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I received this book in exchange for a review in ARC. First of all, thank you E.M. Yoman for sending the book.
This synopsis says it all. I think it even says too much. I have been seeing a lot of books with too much details in the review - it says most of the book plot! It doesn’t need to, but in this case it suits the book. It doesn’t spoil anything and it doesn’t reveal all the dark secrets that exist in this book.
I really liked the theme of the book. Danny is a rock star that has a drug problem. Marnie is a drug addict that is trying to stop consuming. They meet by accident - when Danny is being a jackass (as he is in part of the book) and Marnie is just randomly being in her life.
After some things happen, Danny decides he was a jackass (yes, you were) and tries to find Marnie and help her. Now, being a ex-drug addict and helping a drug addict is really hard. Imagine being an alcoholic and trying to quit and ALSO try to help someone else stop being an alcoholic. It doesn’t work out. But it might.
I can relate to the addiction theme. I never did drugs or alcohol. Instead, I had (have) a depression and I turned to cutting. Most people who don’t cut can’t possibly understand the addiction. But there is one. Just like people shoot veins because they get addicted and it helps them forget what they’ve been through, people cut. Cutting, for me at least, was more about “punishing” me for what I thought I did wrong. Everytime I cut it hurt. And the pain I felt after the cut made me think that I was paying for what I “did” wrong. And after the pain stopped, I had negative thoughts about myself again. And so I cut again. And again.
Stopping cutting was one of the hardest things I did. But I did it. I did it with the help of frieds and family. And that’s what Danny tries to do. He sets up a regime for Marnie. He will give her so much to do that she doesn’t even have time to breathe, meaning that she won’t do drugs.
But there’s kinda a flaw. I disliked Danny most of the book. Which is a good thing. The narrator doesn’t try to sugarcoat him. And while I did understand (kinda) why he did it, it was way easier to empathize with Marnie. Throughout the book we see that while Danny thinks he’s helping Marnie, my thought was that it was actually kinda the opposite. More like they were helping each other.
I’m probably already spoiling a little bit but I think not.
It was a lovely book, one that tried (and did!) try to show what addiction was like. Marnie doesn’t suddenly recover. She doesn’t suddenly stop being afraid or addicted. She doesn’t recover overnight. It takes time, patient and time, and time. And, more, wanting to change.
I think this book, overall, deserves a 7/10 stars. There was a thing that I disliked - the “hotness”, the “raw” sex. It had little descriptions of the sexual encounters but it bothered me as a reader. I have no problem with it but personally I don’t like it. There weren’t that many “sexual” encounters but there were enough to give the book less stars.
Anyway, you must read this book. It’s a good book and tries to describes accurately what’s like to have an addiction.
Here are some quotes that stuck with me that can represent the book.
“You have to confront whatever’s bothering you and look it straight in the eye. It’s alright to forgive yourself, and it’s okay to fight back, because if you don’t kick the shit out of it, then it kicks you. It’s a dog eat dog world, but you can control if, if you want.”
“Addiction is a very forgiving disease, because it’s in your head”
“You are an addict. There is no moderation. The very meaning of addict is someone who can’t stop.”
http://readtillyoudie.tumblr.com/post...
http://read-till-you-die.blogspot.pt/...
I received this book in exchange for a review in ARC. First of all, thank you E.M. Yoman for sending the book.
This synopsis says it all. I think it even says too much. I have been seeing a lot of books with too much details in the review - it says most of the book plot! It doesn’t need to, but in this case it suits the book. It doesn’t spoil anything and it doesn’t reveal all the dark secrets that exist in this book.
I really liked the theme of the book. Danny is a rock star that has a drug problem. Marnie is a drug addict that is trying to stop consuming. They meet by accident - when Danny is being a jackass (as he is in part of the book) and Marnie is just randomly being in her life.
After some things happen, Danny decides he was a jackass (yes, you were) and tries to find Marnie and help her. Now, being a ex-drug addict and helping a drug addict is really hard. Imagine being an alcoholic and trying to quit and ALSO try to help someone else stop being an alcoholic. It doesn’t work out. But it might.
I can relate to the addiction theme. I never did drugs or alcohol. Instead, I had (have) a depression and I turned to cutting. Most people who don’t cut can’t possibly understand the addiction. But there is one. Just like people shoot veins because they get addicted and it helps them forget what they’ve been through, people cut. Cutting, for me at least, was more about “punishing” me for what I thought I did wrong. Everytime I cut it hurt. And the pain I felt after the cut made me think that I was paying for what I “did” wrong. And after the pain stopped, I had negative thoughts about myself again. And so I cut again. And again.
Stopping cutting was one of the hardest things I did. But I did it. I did it with the help of frieds and family. And that’s what Danny tries to do. He sets up a regime for Marnie. He will give her so much to do that she doesn’t even have time to breathe, meaning that she won’t do drugs.
But there’s kinda a flaw. I disliked Danny most of the book. Which is a good thing. The narrator doesn’t try to sugarcoat him. And while I did understand (kinda) why he did it, it was way easier to empathize with Marnie. Throughout the book we see that while Danny thinks he’s helping Marnie, my thought was that it was actually kinda the opposite. More like they were helping each other.
I’m probably already spoiling a little bit but I think not.
It was a lovely book, one that tried (and did!) try to show what addiction was like. Marnie doesn’t suddenly recover. She doesn’t suddenly stop being afraid or addicted. She doesn’t recover overnight. It takes time, patient and time, and time. And, more, wanting to change.
I think this book, overall, deserves a 7/10 stars. There was a thing that I disliked - the “hotness”, the “raw” sex. It had little descriptions of the sexual encounters but it bothered me as a reader. I have no problem with it but personally I don’t like it. There weren’t that many “sexual” encounters but there were enough to give the book less stars.
Anyway, you must read this book. It’s a good book and tries to describes accurately what’s like to have an addiction.
Here are some quotes that stuck with me that can represent the book.
“You have to confront whatever’s bothering you and look it straight in the eye. It’s alright to forgive yourself, and it’s okay to fight back, because if you don’t kick the shit out of it, then it kicks you. It’s a dog eat dog world, but you can control if, if you want.”
“Addiction is a very forgiving disease, because it’s in your head”
“You are an addict. There is no moderation. The very meaning of addict is someone who can’t stop.”
January 9, 2017
I received this ARC for an honest review I enjoyed it very much. It was really dark and really freaking hot!!!
May 2, 2018
The Prince's Plan is a moving, gritty tale of addiction and battling and winning out over addiction. Marnie in particular has had a really rough life. In the beginning of the book she's newly sober and working with a support group to maintain her sobriety. She meets Danny outside a diner and she somehow ends up being thrown into the back of a police vehicle and taken away. Sufficed to say, their first meeting did not go well for the 2. But, Danny finds her and offers her a deal: become his PA, stay with him, and stay sober.
It may sound like a heaven sent plan, and that Danny's a prince, but in reality, Danny was doing it for not so noble reasons. What happens between the two as they live and work together is a long, drawn out story of them battling their demons, their addictions, and finally, toward the end, falling in love. If you are looking for a flowers and candy kind of romance, or even a romance at all, then The Prince's Plan is not for you. It's not sweet, it's not pretty and it's not even really a romance. It's dark, it's raw and it's brutal. If you would prefer your reading with a dark bent, with actual realistic, human actions and reactions, then The Prince's Plan should definitely be on your TBR list.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
It may sound like a heaven sent plan, and that Danny's a prince, but in reality, Danny was doing it for not so noble reasons. What happens between the two as they live and work together is a long, drawn out story of them battling their demons, their addictions, and finally, toward the end, falling in love. If you are looking for a flowers and candy kind of romance, or even a romance at all, then The Prince's Plan is not for you. It's not sweet, it's not pretty and it's not even really a romance. It's dark, it's raw and it's brutal. If you would prefer your reading with a dark bent, with actual realistic, human actions and reactions, then The Prince's Plan should definitely be on your TBR list.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
January 4, 2017
This book was provided as an ARC from author for an honest review. This was an amazing story about two people who helped each other overcome drug addiction. I haven't ever had to deal with this but know that its a daily process and you can often fall off the wagon.
Marnie at first appeared weak to me prostituting herself out to buy drugs. As I said AT FIRST! She tried to stay sober after suffering a big loss but finds out that her sponsor at the time fell off the wagon and she feels that she has no one. Marnie meets Danny at a Diner and their first encounter could be described as a disaster.
Danny is a famous actor/singer also battling addiction. He struggles and even though he has family supporting him they also feel that he will fail again. After his run in with Marnie he cant get her off his mind. When he finds her she is going through withdrawals and he wants to help her. He offers her a job as his personal assistant and pretty much runs her life trying to keep her distracted so she will continue to stay sober.
Danny and Marnie form kind of a friendship together. I think that they both have feelings for each other but don't know how to handle them. In parts of the book I felt Danny was pretty harsh with Marnie. Even though he wasn't using I think he used sex to replace the drugs. I hope you decide to read this book I thought it was great and I would re read in a heartbeat. Two people have everything and everyone working against them read and see how the story ends. Will they end up together or will they let their past determine their future.
Marnie at first appeared weak to me prostituting herself out to buy drugs. As I said AT FIRST! She tried to stay sober after suffering a big loss but finds out that her sponsor at the time fell off the wagon and she feels that she has no one. Marnie meets Danny at a Diner and their first encounter could be described as a disaster.
Danny is a famous actor/singer also battling addiction. He struggles and even though he has family supporting him they also feel that he will fail again. After his run in with Marnie he cant get her off his mind. When he finds her she is going through withdrawals and he wants to help her. He offers her a job as his personal assistant and pretty much runs her life trying to keep her distracted so she will continue to stay sober.
Danny and Marnie form kind of a friendship together. I think that they both have feelings for each other but don't know how to handle them. In parts of the book I felt Danny was pretty harsh with Marnie. Even though he wasn't using I think he used sex to replace the drugs. I hope you decide to read this book I thought it was great and I would re read in a heartbeat. Two people have everything and everyone working against them read and see how the story ends. Will they end up together or will they let their past determine their future.
February 18, 2017
Phenomenal
Exceptional storytelling, even with the outrageous tigers thrown in. Although it served a purpose, it was preposterous and a bit silly. Two addicts that overcame their pasts for a future.
Exceptional storytelling, even with the outrageous tigers thrown in. Although it served a purpose, it was preposterous and a bit silly. Two addicts that overcame their pasts for a future.
November 1, 2016
First off, this book got me right in the feels. It's truly an unorthodox love story.
Danny is a big movie/rock star. Marnie is a drug addict. They meet by accident one day. Danny is trying to protect his image, since he too was a drug addict. He thought he could help her recover. Danny would go through girls, but his relationship with Marnie was strictly business. He pulled her away from selling her body for drugs. He gave her a job as his assisstant, even though he had never had one. He clothed her, fed her, and put to work. He had hoped keeping her busy would keep her mind off of using drugs. Both of them were attracted to the other, but never acted on it. Life had turned upside down for both, and they each had a horrible past. After trying to end her life, Marnie thought it best not to ruin Danny's life. She moved out of his penthouse, and moved away. After some time, Danny realized he could not exist without her. He found her, and proposed. You will have to read the book to find out all the juicy details.
The book was beautifully written. I teared up more than I like to admit. (A lot of tears!!) I love unique love stories.
This book can also reach out to people struggling with drug abuse. They will be able to relate with the characters on a personal level. They may even be inspired to get some help!!
Keep an eye out for the book!! Get it! Read it! Love it like I do!
Danny is a big movie/rock star. Marnie is a drug addict. They meet by accident one day. Danny is trying to protect his image, since he too was a drug addict. He thought he could help her recover. Danny would go through girls, but his relationship with Marnie was strictly business. He pulled her away from selling her body for drugs. He gave her a job as his assisstant, even though he had never had one. He clothed her, fed her, and put to work. He had hoped keeping her busy would keep her mind off of using drugs. Both of them were attracted to the other, but never acted on it. Life had turned upside down for both, and they each had a horrible past. After trying to end her life, Marnie thought it best not to ruin Danny's life. She moved out of his penthouse, and moved away. After some time, Danny realized he could not exist without her. He found her, and proposed. You will have to read the book to find out all the juicy details.
The book was beautifully written. I teared up more than I like to admit. (A lot of tears!!) I love unique love stories.
This book can also reach out to people struggling with drug abuse. They will be able to relate with the characters on a personal level. They may even be inspired to get some help!!
Keep an eye out for the book!! Get it! Read it! Love it like I do!
November 9, 2016
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC from the author for an honest review. WARNING: This book contains mentions of adult content, such as drug use, rape, sex and language.
I kind of knew what to expect going into this book. But at the same time, it was a complete mystery. Both characters have . . . issues and sufferings. The author is very clear and gives detail straight forward when expressing them. Danny's character had me reeling. Marnie's dark past was heartbreaking. To be straight honest, I teared up at some parts.
The contrast between lifestyles is . . . I wouldn't say drastic, but I would say it is a lot for Marnie to change from the dump life she lives to working as a PA (personal assistant) to Daniel Roland. Danny, though wanting to help Marnie, is in no position to actually sponsor her, when it comes down to it. But truly, it is the thought that counts.
The relationship that Danny has with his family is brought about through the loss of his father. But Danny has lost more than just his father.
This is so unlike anything I've ever read. I cannot conjure up the right words to express what my experience was while reading this. It took me . . . maybe a week, or two, to read this book. It is fairly lengthy. Perhaps some details were best left out, but in the end, it works for the better.
I kind of knew what to expect going into this book. But at the same time, it was a complete mystery. Both characters have . . . issues and sufferings. The author is very clear and gives detail straight forward when expressing them. Danny's character had me reeling. Marnie's dark past was heartbreaking. To be straight honest, I teared up at some parts.
The contrast between lifestyles is . . . I wouldn't say drastic, but I would say it is a lot for Marnie to change from the dump life she lives to working as a PA (personal assistant) to Daniel Roland. Danny, though wanting to help Marnie, is in no position to actually sponsor her, when it comes down to it. But truly, it is the thought that counts.
The relationship that Danny has with his family is brought about through the loss of his father. But Danny has lost more than just his father.
This is so unlike anything I've ever read. I cannot conjure up the right words to express what my experience was while reading this. It took me . . . maybe a week, or two, to read this book. It is fairly lengthy. Perhaps some details were best left out, but in the end, it works for the better.
December 5, 2016
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Overall I really enjoyed this book as I liked Marnie as a character (for the most part). This is especially true after her fist relapse when she realises that drugs aren't worth it and stays sober even when Danny isn't (which is ironic as Danny is supposed to be Marnie's sponsor). The plot was also really memorable (although Marnie's abuse is horrific it's very nature makes it memorable).
What I did have a problem with was Danny's relationship with his ex-girlfriend Nia and his other one-night stands. He claims to really like, and maybe even love Marnie, yet still has sex with random women and his ex Nia who is trying to get back together with him. He also knows that Nia does drugs and that he shouldn't hang around her, namely because he is a recovering drug addict, yet he still does anyway. Considering all this and the fact that Nia has a grudge against him for his continued rejection of a serious relationship, you'd think Danny would be suspicious when Nia gives him 'vitamin powder' as a substitute for drugs. Even I could smell a rat and knew she was giving him drugs before Danny or the audience was told this. Danny even considers the possibility yet quickly dismisses it. Overall this was a good read apart from Danny's treatment of Marnie and his stupidity.
Overall I really enjoyed this book as I liked Marnie as a character (for the most part). This is especially true after her fist relapse when she realises that drugs aren't worth it and stays sober even when Danny isn't (which is ironic as Danny is supposed to be Marnie's sponsor). The plot was also really memorable (although Marnie's abuse is horrific it's very nature makes it memorable).
What I did have a problem with was Danny's relationship with his ex-girlfriend Nia and his other one-night stands. He claims to really like, and maybe even love Marnie, yet still has sex with random women and his ex Nia who is trying to get back together with him. He also knows that Nia does drugs and that he shouldn't hang around her, namely because he is a recovering drug addict, yet he still does anyway. Considering all this and the fact that Nia has a grudge against him for his continued rejection of a serious relationship, you'd think Danny would be suspicious when Nia gives him 'vitamin powder' as a substitute for drugs. Even I could smell a rat and knew she was giving him drugs before Danny or the audience was told this. Danny even considers the possibility yet quickly dismisses it. Overall this was a good read apart from Danny's treatment of Marnie and his stupidity.
January 8, 2017
DNF at 10%
The first thing I didn't like was that it was third person pov. Not my cup of tea. Then as I started reading, I just could not get into the book. I wasn't connecting with the characters...at all. I just didn't like them. I'm OK with reading about addiction, but these two characters were just really hard to like.
So since the book was taking me such a long time to get into, the fact that the book was nearly 500 pages just made me blanch. The last thing I wanted to do was spend a week or more of reading time forcing myself through a book that I just couldn't enjoy.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read more reviews like this one, check out Obsessive Book Nerd!
The first thing I didn't like was that it was third person pov. Not my cup of tea. Then as I started reading, I just could not get into the book. I wasn't connecting with the characters...at all. I just didn't like them. I'm OK with reading about addiction, but these two characters were just really hard to like.
So since the book was taking me such a long time to get into, the fact that the book was nearly 500 pages just made me blanch. The last thing I wanted to do was spend a week or more of reading time forcing myself through a book that I just couldn't enjoy.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read more reviews like this one, check out Obsessive Book Nerd!
November 6, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I must say that I was very impressed. The story was very well written. It as very detailed, which is very important to the reader because it helps us to visualize what is going on. This story was gritty, raw and very real. The subject matter was heavy. It was about two people, Danny and Marnie, who are dealing with addiction and trying to overcome it. I found myself getting emotional at times as I read about the things that they went through. I don't want to give the story away, so you just have to read it for yourself. Thumbs up to E.M. Youman! Great job!
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I must say that I was very impressed. The story was very well written. It as very detailed, which is very important to the reader because it helps us to visualize what is going on. This story was gritty, raw and very real. The subject matter was heavy. It was about two people, Danny and Marnie, who are dealing with addiction and trying to overcome it. I found myself getting emotional at times as I read about the things that they went through. I don't want to give the story away, so you just have to read it for yourself. Thumbs up to E.M. Youman! Great job!
November 18, 2016
I received this book via Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
This book took me longer to read than normal. I think because there were many tough topics to absorb. At first I was kind of confused because the prologue was from someone else's point of view. Then when we get into the main characters I found that I connected to them individually but I wasn't fully behind their relationship at first.
I found that this book was well written with a strong storyline and good character development. But for me the pace was slower than my normal read.
This book took me longer to read than normal. I think because there were many tough topics to absorb. At first I was kind of confused because the prologue was from someone else's point of view. Then when we get into the main characters I found that I connected to them individually but I wasn't fully behind their relationship at first.
I found that this book was well written with a strong storyline and good character development. But for me the pace was slower than my normal read.
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November 22, 2016I really was looking forward to reading this book, but it fell way short of a great romance for me. The synopsis is misleading. This is not a romance book. If you're looking for a honest gritty dramatic story based solely on hard core drug use and two urban people's struggle through sobriety and relapses, then you'll absolutely love this book. That was just not was I thought this story would be completely, therefore I'm moving on to a more lighthearted love story or at least something a little less dark. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
February 6, 2017
The book started off a little slow for me but it quickly picked up. Marnie had a rough past and turned to drugs to numb the pain. Something terrible happened to her and her family didn't believe her story. Without any support she was forced into the streets. Danny was a confused Hollywood star. He was always one step away from falling back into his old ways. He thought helping Marnie with his addiction would keep him on track. They both couldn't deny the attraction between them but were afraid they were no good for each other. Excellent writing and the characters were well developed.
January 11, 2017
* ARC BOOK PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NETGALLEY*
This book was wonderful..it impacted the journey for two people Danny and Marnie from being addicted to substance abuse. They both were running from the past instead of accepting it and dealing with the present. They helped each other along the way, and when something off the wall and deadly happened that's when they both realized life was too short. When everything and everyone thought they couldn't make it the stubbornness won.
This book was wonderful..it impacted the journey for two people Danny and Marnie from being addicted to substance abuse. They both were running from the past instead of accepting it and dealing with the present. They helped each other along the way, and when something off the wall and deadly happened that's when they both realized life was too short. When everything and everyone thought they couldn't make it the stubbornness won.
February 19, 2017
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review:
This was a longer story than I’m used to, so it took me a little bit to finish. I think perhaps the beginning could have been trimmed down a bit, as it was not as necessary to the overall plotline. It doesn’t hurt anything by being there, it’s just a little extra padding on an already long narrative.
I enjoyed the theme of addiction and the problems it creates with relationships in general. The author is very direct about the characters’ flaws and things get pretty dark at times. But with that in mind, I struggled to buy into the romance story as it was presented on the surface. For one, the characters don’t seem ready to even be in a relationship (and I support that, they are both recovering addicts battling against relapse). And for much of the book, rather than a love story we get the daily back and forth they each have on the struggle bus. Nothing wrong with that, mind you. It just wasn’t what I thought it would be.
The use of flashbacks in general is something I have trouble keeping my attention focused on. I have to fight the urge to flip through it to get back to present day. That’s more of a personal stylistic preference for my part. But again, since this is a lengthier story, I think a blurb would also suffice here and there.
This was a great book when it comes to addressing the gritty realism of addiction, sex, and relationships. What it was not, however, was a romance, in the sense that romance is definitely not the forefront of this storyline. Great contemporary piece of writing, though. Very honest.
This was a longer story than I’m used to, so it took me a little bit to finish. I think perhaps the beginning could have been trimmed down a bit, as it was not as necessary to the overall plotline. It doesn’t hurt anything by being there, it’s just a little extra padding on an already long narrative.
I enjoyed the theme of addiction and the problems it creates with relationships in general. The author is very direct about the characters’ flaws and things get pretty dark at times. But with that in mind, I struggled to buy into the romance story as it was presented on the surface. For one, the characters don’t seem ready to even be in a relationship (and I support that, they are both recovering addicts battling against relapse). And for much of the book, rather than a love story we get the daily back and forth they each have on the struggle bus. Nothing wrong with that, mind you. It just wasn’t what I thought it would be.
The use of flashbacks in general is something I have trouble keeping my attention focused on. I have to fight the urge to flip through it to get back to present day. That’s more of a personal stylistic preference for my part. But again, since this is a lengthier story, I think a blurb would also suffice here and there.
This was a great book when it comes to addressing the gritty realism of addiction, sex, and relationships. What it was not, however, was a romance, in the sense that romance is definitely not the forefront of this storyline. Great contemporary piece of writing, though. Very honest.
July 29, 2017
I received this early release book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a hard time getting into this book from the very beginning. I thought that maybe it would just take some time to sink into the story and that midway through the book I would be engrossed. Unfortunately that didn't happen for me. I found the characters to be unlikeable and their personalities and situations frustrating and unrealistic.
I felt lost quite a few times and had to go back and reread pages thinking that I had missed pages as the story jumped ahead quite quickly in places. There was one point where Danny was all of a sudden head over heels in love with Marnie, seemingly out of nowhere; as he has been treating her poorly and frequently sleeping with a lot of other women, in one case in front of Marnie. It didn't scream 'true love' to me.
When the part with the tiger happened I couldn't figure out where it even came from. Then I was just deeply disappointed, because, really, a tiger?? How silly is that? Out of all possible life or death situations the author chose to write about one that makes absolutely no sense and is beyond far fetched.
All in all I was really disappointed with this book. From reading the synopsis of the book I had been looking forward to reading it. I had thought the idea original and the story had the potential to be very emotional. For a crier, I did not cry a single time during the reading of this book. It shows how disengaged I was.
I did like that the author tackled the severity and seriousness of addiction. The main characters background stories were heartbreaking and their only redeeming factors. The fact that they continued to struggle with sobriety and relapsed more than once added a touch of realism that the book desperately needed.
To read more of my reviews go to https://opinionatedbw.blogspot.ca/
I had a hard time getting into this book from the very beginning. I thought that maybe it would just take some time to sink into the story and that midway through the book I would be engrossed. Unfortunately that didn't happen for me. I found the characters to be unlikeable and their personalities and situations frustrating and unrealistic.
I felt lost quite a few times and had to go back and reread pages thinking that I had missed pages as the story jumped ahead quite quickly in places. There was one point where Danny was all of a sudden head over heels in love with Marnie, seemingly out of nowhere; as he has been treating her poorly and frequently sleeping with a lot of other women, in one case in front of Marnie. It didn't scream 'true love' to me.
When the part with the tiger happened I couldn't figure out where it even came from. Then I was just deeply disappointed, because, really, a tiger?? How silly is that? Out of all possible life or death situations the author chose to write about one that makes absolutely no sense and is beyond far fetched.
All in all I was really disappointed with this book. From reading the synopsis of the book I had been looking forward to reading it. I had thought the idea original and the story had the potential to be very emotional. For a crier, I did not cry a single time during the reading of this book. It shows how disengaged I was.
I did like that the author tackled the severity and seriousness of addiction. The main characters background stories were heartbreaking and their only redeeming factors. The fact that they continued to struggle with sobriety and relapsed more than once added a touch of realism that the book desperately needed.
To read more of my reviews go to https://opinionatedbw.blogspot.ca/
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