I did not read book 1 first but I didn't feel like I really needed to (though I might want to go back TO read it). I got along with the book just fine. I like that we got to see a little bit of what happened in the rehab center for Prue (but with a gut wrenching loss).

You get to see most of Prue after she leaves rehab. She is still having her sex addiction haunt her on the outside. She wants to do better for her son, especially in the midst of her divorce from his father. But the demons are still there and coming for her. She does really well at going to therapy and meetings. I just felt proud of her. I have not gone through a tough addiction like the people in this book, but I have seen someone close to me go through battling alcohol addiction. They got through it with the help of family and friends. I believe that's ultimately what helps Prue get through it too.