Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2)

Love on Lexington Avenue is the second book in Lauren Layne’s Central Park Pact series. Those of you who read the first book in the series have been introduced to Claire Hayes. However for those of you who are new to the series, let me give you a quick recap. Claire is the recent widow of Brayden Hayes, the SOB who cheated on our girl with new friends Naomi Powell and Audrey Tate. The premise of the series sounds kind of odd, but Layne makes it work. The friendship between the three ladies is a highlight of book one and now of book two. Claire’s book begins with her still adjusting to life as a newly single gal. She decides to make a few changes to her life, starting with a major renovation to her apartment that is beginning to seem a little dull. The first step to this new plan: find a contractor to do the job.

The second step to Claire’s new plan is finding a way not to clobber the sexy, rough around the edges, opinionated contractor Scott Turner. Third step? To not to fantasize about Scott in his sexy jeans and flannel shirts because that’s hardly her type. And besides… she’s still healing from her husband’s betrayal that has made her a little weary of dating and men.

Scott Turner, the contractor extraordinaire has his own issues with relationships too, as in he’s not interested in commitment. His mind isn’t on staying put anywhere to put down roots. His job keeps him on the go more often than not and Scott likes it that way.

Once the renovations start… new cabinets, new color schemes, and new plans come to fruition. Claire and Scott, two complicated and jaded people have to decide if their budding feelings are strong enough to trade in their scars for another shot at love.

My favorite thing about this book is the banter between the two leading characters, Claire and Scott. From scene one to scene 101, their chemistry was off-the-charts sexy and special and unique. Layne wrote a truly believable story about second chances at love, keeping a close group of friends around for advice, and letting a special person see you can be vulnerable and strong at the same time.  And of course, I love the friendship between Claire, Naomi, and Audrey. I love that these three women help each other spot the Prince Charmings from the players, so each lady can have their happily ever after.

I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1)

Passion on Park Avenue was a great start to Lauren Layne’s new contemporary romance series. Naomi Powell and Oliver Cunningham, childhood adversaries, did share passionate moments, fights, and chemistry, but I enjoyed their relationship and connection most of all. It was a little bit different than some of LL’s past books because it focused more on the romance of the two main characters rather than the sex scenes. 
One of the highlights of the book was the budding friendship between Naomi, Claire, and Audrey. These three woman meet in the worst of circumstances: at the funeral of the man they’ve ALL been seeing. But despite that less than desired detail, Layne makes it work for the story and something wonderful comes from the situation: a bond is formed between them. They start looking out for each other. Layne’s writing of the trio reminds me of the special and unique bond between another favorite team of besties: the smart, sassy, and fashion-forward ladies of Sex and the City. The search for true love in the Big Apple isn’t easy and it requires some true friends to help spot a loser and a keeper. 
I’m excited for Claire’s story and I want to live in her guest bedroom. Would that be possible, LL? 🙂

I was given an ARC copy on Netgalley to read and write an honest review.

The Prenup by Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne does it again with her own charming, unique brand of storytelling about two polar opposites who find themselves in a marriage of inconvenience… ten years later. Charlotte Spencer hasn’t seen or heard from Colin Walsh since the day she said “I do”. Charlotte and Colin both had their reasons for getting married all those years ago. Charlotte wanted to start her own business in San Francisco and Colin needed a green card to stay in the country. End of story, right? NOT!

Colin requests for Charlotte to return to New York, stating there was something important to discuss. This request sparks confusion and concern. During their meeting, her husband announces he wants a divorce and is engaged to be married to someone else. And if that wasn’t enough, Charlotte’s thrown another curve ball. Uh-oh. The couple discovers that to finally be granted their divorce: they must follow the prenup’s instructions of living together for three months.

For me as a reader, the fun part of the story begins when these two people who are basically strangers are forced to live together. Charlotte and Colin have to live through each other’s habits and quirks. During the three months, they start to respect and appreciate each other. It was even more thrilling to read about when their growing feelings started to complicate the already complicated situation. Layne wrote two characters who were vastly different, but fitted perfectly together in an apartment for three months. But contemporary romance readers, like me, will be wishing for an extension on that prenup. Like forever.

Romance readers who enjoy a good happily-ever-after should pick up this book and read it. I don’t think you will be disappointed in your choice. Just embrace it! 🙂

I was given an arc copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Hard Sell (21 Wall Street #2)

Lauren Layne is back with the 2nd book in her Wall Street series. Ian Bradley’s best friend, Matt Cannon is the main character is this sexy, funny, wonderful read. Matt is the rich, smart as a whip, playboy with the world at his feet… until his private life winds up in a popular newspaper. The scandal threatens his job/livelihood/bachelorhood.

When Matt is told by his bosses that his bachelor ways must change, he goes to his enemy/friend for her help. Sabrina Cross is a highly sought-after fixer with a track record of making people’s problems go away fast. Sabrina also has an affinity for making Matt’s life difficult and though he hates to admit it— more exciting.

Matt asks Sabrina to pretend to be his girlfriend to ease the public’s perception of him. And to his surprise, she says yes. But not without a contract to define the rules to this request. Rule # 1: No sex during the time needed to fix his reputation.

Matt and Sabrina’s fake relationship turns to soft touches and sweet kisses. It soon begins to feel a little too real and these two people with commitment issues have to decide if they want to be together— for real.

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher on Netgalley to post an honest review.

Hot Asset (21 Wall Street #1)

This book marks the beginning of a new HOT and HILARIOUS series by romance expert, Lauren Layne or LL, as I call her. Hot Asset is the first book in the 21 Wall Street books, following rich, successful players on the Wall Street scene. In the prime of his rich life of business and pleasure, Ian Bradley, comes under suspicion of insider trading… UH OH! And with that tip comes the SEC agent, Lara McKenzie to investigate him and his firm. Ian is already in a bit of a pickle with the whole possibly going to jail part, when he starts having feelings for the woman with the sexy glasses and smart ponytail. And soon, they’re both fighting the attraction brewing between them.

“I’ve kissed my fair share of women-more than my fair share. But I’ve never needed to kiss one like I do this woman, never felt like I’ll regret it the rest of my life if I don’t take my chance.”

After their hearts and bodies win over their willpower, they have to figure out a way out of this mess of an investigation. But with the careers and heart on the line, who comes out on top?

Lara McKenzie isn’t a one-night kind of woman. She’s an all-the-nights kind of woman. Surprisingly, the thought doesn’t freak me out nearly as much as it should. ”

I thought Ian and Lara’s romance was fab! It was a total disaster at first, since she was there to prove he committed a crime, but when you get past that (which they did), it really romantic to see them falling in love. And I love the other characters, Matt, Kennedy, Sabrina, and Kate. I can’t wait to find out more about their stories! I sense romance and drama is brewing…

I just have to say that I love Ian-almost as much as Cole Sharpe from the Oxford series. If it was possible to meet a man like either one of these two, my body couldn’t handle the emotions!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Hollywood Playboy by Natasha Madison

Hollywood Playboy was so good and entertaining! Natasha wrote a fantastic drama. One that was filled with deeply romantic feelings and rich emotions. She had comedic bits too, so you know that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel (or as readers call it… a happy ending).

I would recommend this book to readers and wanted to let you know that there will be more in this series.

I received an arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Huge Deal (21 Wall Street # 3)

Huge Deal is the third book in Lauren Layne’s 21 Wall Street series. This one is the long-awaited story of brooding, alpha Wolfe Kennedy Dawson and his very off-limits, secretary extraordinaire Kate Henley. If you have read the previous two books in the series, you will know these two take pride in torturing each other and will do anything and everything to get under other’s skin. Even date their boss’ kid brother.

When Kate begins dating Kennedy’s younger sibling, Jack, who she comes to find is just as easy on the eyes and has a knack for telling corny jokes. She realizes that he is easy to talk to and the complete opposite of her boss. As Kennedy see the two together on more than one occasion, he has to come to terms with the fact that he’s starting to see Kate differently and maybe his feelings for her go beyond employer/employee.

Once their hearts are on the line, the two people who thrive on order realize that love is unpredictable. But well-worth it when it is true love. Maybe all the time Kennedy and Kate spent annoying the other…they were just investing in forever.

Layne wrote the comedy, tension, love story between Kennedy and Kate And when they FINALLY let their guards down, their scenes were almost fan-worthy. But I also loved the comedic scenes with their friends Matt, Sabrina, Ian, and Lara. Even Jack and Jarod. This group reminded me of another close-knit group in Central Perk coffee house. Being an Uber-Friends lover myself, I appreciated the likenesses of both.

This book was my favorite of the three in the series. And way worth waiting for! I can’t wait for more…. Who will be the Rose DeWitt-Bukater to Jack Dawson? Will she also allow all the Titanic references? And who will steal charming, billionaire Jarod Lanham’s heart? We shall see…

So, the 5th and final book of the very popular Oxford series by Lauren Layne, or called LL by me, was released today. And you’re thinking, “how could LL possibly top Cole’s book or even Lincoln’s?” But let me tell you, she can and she DID! If you’ve been reading this wonderful series along with the rest of us, then you’ve met sexy ginger Hunter and friendly, easy-going Brit. Best friends and co-workers and have been for years. And happy to be those things. No really. But ALL the definitions of friendship, dating, sex, workplace relationships, and yes, love changes with the simple request of one friend to another. Boy, do things change between Hunter and Brit.

This, she realized as her eyes fluttered closed. This was what it meant to ache for a kiss. To want it so badly, a little piece of you would die if you didn’t feel his lips on yours, like she couldn’t survive if Hunter didn’t kiss her…

I thought LL did the last book in the series justice. Just the right amount of comedy with appropriate mix of sex and “I Love You” scenes. As a huge Friends fanatic, the last chapter was the best last chapter ever. Of course I will miss this series, but there’s more great storytelling to come for Mrs. Layne!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Fair Game

New York woman Vivian comes back home to Texas to take over her father’s gaming company and meets one of his employee, Liam, an adorably geek with an attitude that drives her crazy. As she helps her family and the business, she begins to fall for the small town life again and Liam himself. But when the work she’s doing comes to a close, she has to plan her next move. Does she live the town she’s starting to fall in love with and the guy too?

I thought it was a likable story!

I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

International Guy: Paris, New York, Copenhagen

I really wanted to like this book, but it was lacking in all the parts that make a good romance what it is. I love a good billionaire that hates love and doesn’t want it for himself, but then meets the love of his life. And I love far off excursions. Maybe it was the author’s writing style that wasn’t for me.
Oh well, I would try a different book though.

I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.