To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne

Love Is Blind meets You’ve Got Mail in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy following two thirty-somethings who meet on a blind dating app—only to realize that their online chemistry is nothing compared to their offline rivalry.

Perpetually cheerful and eager to please, Gracie Cooper strives to make the best out of every situation. So when her father dies just months after a lung cancer diagnosis, she sets aside her dreams of pursuing her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop. She soon finds out that the store’s profit margins are being squeezed perilously tight, and complicating matters further, a giant corporation headed by the impossibly handsome, but irritatingly arrogant Sebastian Andrews is proposing a buyout. But Gracie can’t bear the thought of throwing away her father’s dream like she did her own.

Overwhelmed and not wanting to admit to her friends or family that she’s having second thoughts about the shop, Gracie seeks advice and solace from someone she’s never met—the faceless “Sir,” with whom she connected on a blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos.

But although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life… and they can’t stand each other.

 

 

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really fun, sweet, and sexy read – whilst it has a You've Got Mail vibe, it is a good story in its own right. I liked that Gracie's reason for keeping the business going was to honour her parents. Her siblings had moved on, and she was somewhat stuck holding her life on pause to maintain the dreams of her dad. It was really engaging to see how her team did their best to do enough to make it work.

Obviously we can see the two parts of Sebastian, but somehow there is enough that is appealing about him, that we give him the chance to make Gracie's life better and for her to get the chance to fulfil her desires and plans, rather than love those of others. That means giving up some of the past, but the future looks a lot brighter by the end of the story.

 

 

LAUREN LAYNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Connect with Lauren

Instagram  ~  The Lauren Layne Community  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lauren Layne Reader Group (Fans)

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne to read and review.

Yours to Keep by Lauren Layne

An irresistible baseball star and a resistant hometown girl stumble into love in a flirty romance by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Pro baseball shortstop Carter Ramsey is about to be Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, but the only title that matters to him is out of reach: World Series MVP. Benched by a recent injury, Carter retreats to his hometown to recover. His ten-year class reunion and a potential reconciliation with the sweetheart he left behind could be perfect distractions. Until another old acquaintance throws Carter a curveball.

Olive Dunn admits that her former high school science partner is still a handsome charmer. But she wasn’t swayed then, and she won’t be swayed now. Because Olive remembers Carter’s little shortcoming: he tends to bail the moment it suits him, without a backward glance. Best to keep her feelings strictly platonic while he’s in town.

Except the entitled boy she knew is a changed man: solid, reflective, and generous. As they ease back in to their familiar friendship, things take a surprising turn, and Carter and Olive must decide if what they have is a passing flirtation or a real shot at love.

Don’t miss book one in the Man of the Year series, Yours in Scandal. For reviews & more info, click HERE.

Book 2
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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sexy, small-town, comedy romance

This is the second book in the series, and I definitely enjoyed book one, but this was just such a fun read. I am a big Lauren Layne fan, and when she does snark and sports, you can guarantee a fun read. I read this in a day, because I really just had to know how she was going to turn it around.

So Carter is back in his hometown, facing rehab from an injury which could end his career. All this leads to introspection about his future, and his lack of a solid future. He cannot deny that part of the reason he was persuaded home was for the ten-year high school reunion. He and his sweetheart, Felicity, parted ten years ago, promising they would marry each other if still single in ten years’ time. She is recently divorced, and though they haven't seen each other in the intervening decade... who knows!

But then the very first thing that happens is that he meets his temporary neighbour whilst home, Olive Dunn, his onetime chemistry lab partner. And let's be honest, as first impressions go, it is to say the least confusing, but certainly she is not the supermodel type he is used to in New York City. But we can see the hints of a spark... but are still mindful of Felicity waiting in the wings. Yes, this can lead to plenty of low-level angst, but in the meantime, they are friends.

I cannot tell you how many times I laughed at the wit and the silly in this book. I was also cheering on the potential for a really great relationship, and undoubtedly some sexy, if complicated by the arm-in-a-cast scenarios. It really is a fun book, there is such a cool vibe built up between them, and it is never spoiled by nastiness, even if rumours abound.

Hugely enjoyable, perfect escapism, and if you ever feared you couldn't play softball, well I think Olive will have you beat.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
Yours to Keep is the second book in the Man of The Year series by Lauren Layne, but can be read as a standalone without any issues. Layne is one of my favorite authors and my go-to for a perfect happily ever after rom-com book. I never have any issue getting swept away into the story from the first page to the last page.

Carter Ramsey, a pro baseball shortstop, is soon to be Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year. But when a recent injury has him benched, he decides to spend some time recovering back in his hometown and maybe finally reconnecting with his high school sweetheart. However, life throws Carter a curve ball when he finds himself neighbors with his old lab partner, Olive Dunn.

I really ended up pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed both Olive Dunn and Carter Ramsey’s story. It was a nice change of pace that Yours to Keep didn’t take place in Manhattan, but in Connecticut. Plus, I just loved Olive’s character and how she was such a strong female character. I loved reading how Carter and Olive’s friendship evolved throughout the story. Plus, I really just felt like the chemistry and friendship came across so authentic.

All in all, four stars, for Yours to Keep by Lauren Layne was another fantastic addition. I can’t wait to see what Layne has in store for us next!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this book. The supposed second chance at romance love story is one of the main plot devices but it never comes to pass. What the story does deliver on is the great romance between Carter and Olive.

They are opposites that really do attract; Olive doesn't hold back and Carter realizes that he really likes that about her. Olive soon realizes that Carter isn't some stuck-up ball player who is only here to recuperate and never look back.

This is a series that I can't wait for book three to come out.

LAUREN LAYNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Connect with Lauren

Website  ~  Goodreads
Lauren Layne Reader Facebook Group (Fan Admins)

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Yours to Keep (Man of the Year #2) by Lauren Layne to read and review.

Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne Blog Tour

A political golden boy and the woman of his dreams take the risk of their lives in a sexy romantic comedy of strange bedfellows and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?

Book 1
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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

“I just need to be sure... am I going crazy? I am, right? Our girl’s not seriously telling us she had dinner with the mayor,” Rosalie said, turning to Jane.

“You’re not the crazy one—she is,” Jane said, emphatically pointing at Adeline.

Adeline nibbled on the corner of a chip. “It’s really not the big deal you two are making it out to be. It was just dinner. Pizza.”

“That’s even worse!” Jane said shrilly. “It’s so intimate.”

Adeline glanced over at her calmer friend. “Please tell her there’s nothing intimate about Italian sausage.” She winced as she caught herself. “Yeah, I heard it.”

“It is a little out of character,” Rosalie said slowly. “You haven’t exactly made it a secret how you feel about men these days. To say nothing of your thoughts on elected officials.”

“I didn’t sleep with the guy, we just had pizza.”

“I’d actually be less concerned if you’d slept with him,” Rosalie admitted.

“Agreed,” Jane said, smacking the table. “A sexy fling with the Man of the Year is one thing. A cozy dinner at his place is just...” She threw her hands up. “I can’t. I literally can’t process it.”

“You don’t have to process anything,” Adeline said, dunking the chip into the salsa and stuffing the whole thing in her mouth. “It was a one-time thing. The party’s next weekend, and then I’ll probably never see him again.”

“What if he wants you to be his forever event planner?”

“He won’t. His regular planner’s one of the best in the city, and I’m sure she’ll be back from maternity leave by the time he needs to hire someone again.”

“Is his regular event planner hot and single?” Jane pointed out.

“She’s married.”

“Exactly. Much less susceptible to his sexy face than single you.”

Adeline sighed and looked again to the perpetually calm Rosalie. “Make it stop.”

“Just promise you’ll warn us if you start to fall for the guy,” her friend said, fiddling with her chip. “Much as I love the idea of you landing the hottest guy in the city, I also know just how tricky that would be for you.”

“Tricky is an understatement given he’s likely running against The Bastard in the next election,” she said, knowing that both of her lifelong friends knew she was referring to the father she’d all but disowned.

Adeline hadn’t known Rosalie as long as she’d known Jane, but they still went all the way back to high school. Adeline had been the loose cannon, Jane the genius, and Rosalie had been, well... perfect.

“You know,” Adeline said, looking thoughtfully at Rosalie over the top of her margarita. “I actually thought about setting you and the mayor up.”

“Wait, what?” Rosalie’s eyes went wide.

“You said yourself he was hot,” Adeline pointed out. “You’re also beautiful, well spoken, polished. You never look bad in a photograph, and you never say the wrong thing. I literally can’t think of a more perfect future First Lady of New York.”

“Oooh, I see that!” Jane said, pivoting in her chair to stare at Rosalie.

Adeline gave Jane an exasperated expression. “You were just warning me off of the guy.”

“Warning you off, yes. But Rosalie...”

Adeline tried to ignore the sting. It wasn’t as if Jane were saying anything Adeline herself hadn’t thought. Even if she were inclined to pursue the mayor, and she wasn’t, she knew that she was the last thing someone like him needed. Her past alone made her an inconceivable choice for him, and even if she could keep her past mistakes under wraps, she would never be the right woman for him. She may have mastered the bun and the blazers, but she was still the woman who collected adventurous lingerie and loved tequila.

“The guy’s definitely attractive,” Rosalie said. “But I don’t know that I want one of Adeline’s rejects,” she said with a smile intended to annoy Adeline.

“I wouldn’t let that stop me,” Jane said, fanning herself. “If it weren’t for Dan... Too bad I love that man so damn much. Seriously, Rosalie, let Adeline fix you up, so I can live vicariously.”

“Hello,” Rosalie said, staring at the admittedly, occasionally tone-deaf Jane. “Are you not seeing what I’m seeing?” She pointed at Adeline.

Jane glanced over and narrowed her eyes.

“Ever since she came back from New Mexico with her hair brown, she’s been like this buttoned-up ice woman. But when she talks about him...” Rosalie made an unrecognizable hissing, clicking noise.

“What was that?” Jane asked.

“Fire igniting,” Rosalie explained. “Whatever, so sound effects and act-outs aren’t my strong suit. The point is—”

“If I sound fiery when I talk about the mayor, it’s only because he’s a control freak and pain in the ass,” Adeline interjected. “The man doesn’t know how to delegate, is hell-bent on carrying on his father’s legacy without ever checking in with himself, and...”

Adeline’s thoughts scattered a little as she realized she wasn’t being entirety fair to the mayor. Yes, he was obsessed with his image, as a man in his position had to be. But he could also be funny and irreverent. He could also be spontaneous and casual.

He’d proven that yesterday, first with the tour of his home, then the invitation of dinner. Even the way he ate pizza was appealing, somehow both buttoned-up precise and outright relishing, all at the same time.

“We need more margaritas.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am a very big fan of Lauren Layne's work, and I think this has a huge amount of promise for a new series. I think the world of politics and romance makes for an interesting combination, and serves well at reminding us about just who these people really are...

Giving us a clean cut, in theory perfect, but actually human, mayor in Robert, and a wild child who has reformed and repressed her former self gives a lot of scope for a very entertaining story – and it is beautifully done. There are the bad guys, the bad guys disguised as good guys, the genuinely good guys... and in politics, even that is all down to interpretation and timing!

I loved the humour, the honesty – even if cloaked in a lie they both knew – and the immediate connection that they both felt and also both knew would be disastrous, politically speaking. I really do recommend this to you as a fabulous read – and be clear, there really aren't any party politics which should affect your enjoyment.

I am very much looking forward to the next installment already!


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne was fun, witty, and an all-around enjoyable read. I absolutely adore Layne and I am a huge fan of several of her series. Plus, I love how her books always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy. Yours in Scandal is a great start to Layne’s new series Man of the Year and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series!

Like most of Layne’s books, I was immediately drawn into this fun romantic comedy that takes place in New York City political world. Robert Davenport is New York City’s youngest mayor and had just been named Man of the Year. Adeline Blake is one of New York City’s premiere event planners. When Robert learns Adeline Blake is actually New York City’s current governor’s wild-child Addie Brennen, it could be his ticket to winning the Governor seat. But Robert can’t stay away from Adeline and pursuing her would be political suicide if anyone were to find out about her scandalous past.

Layne doesn’t disappoint in her new Man of the Year series and I am definitely intrigued and ready to read Yours to Keep, book #2, coming out this September. This book was a delightful, quick read with the right amount of romance and Layne’s signature happily ever after!

4 stars for Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

For me, this book started off pretty slow and I found myself putting it down and picking it up several times before the story lured me in at about the 50% mark.

Robert and Addie are two people who are looking for the same thing, only they don't know it. Robert is all about what he believes that his father would want for him, while Addie wants a family, and not in the public eye.

As they get to know each other, Addie relaxes her guard and falls head over heels. Robert also falls for Addie but doesn't know if that love is stronger than what he believes should be his career path.

After a lot of soul searching, Robert believes he knows what's the best path for him and Addie, if only he can her to take a chance on him.

Interview with Lauren Layne

Tell us about your new series.

The series features three men who are named “Man of the Year” (think: People’s Sexiest Man Alive) and the unexpected ramifications that come with that! Yours in Scandal kicks off the series with a young, wealthy mayor of New York City who falls for his political rival’s daughter.

Why was it important for you to start your series with Addie and Robert?

The real answer? There’s is the book listed first in the contract ;-) In truth I’m equally excited about all three books in the series, and could have happily jumped in anywhere! That said, writing a politician was a unique and fun challenge for me (I tend to write a lot of businessmen!) so a new take on my “hot guy in a suit” was a fun creative challenge!

Even though she is still young, your heroine Addie has lived quite a life. Where did her teenage rebellious streak come from?

The first thing I always do when I get a new story idea is to figure out where the conflict is—I have to make sure these two people, however attracted, can’t get together (easily) by chapter three. When I decided to take on a hero who’s a mayor, I took a step back to think which woman would be most off-limits to him. One with a bit of scandal was the obvious answer, since the spouses of politicians are usually held to the same exacting standards (if not more so) than the politician him/herself! From there, I dug into Addie’s character and her scandal-laden past.

Do you have anything in common with your heroine?

Honestly? No :-) Other than being a little mouthy during puberty, I was a pretty easy kid and teenager, and skipped the rebellious phase, at least according to my parents! I sort of skipped the whole rebellious phase growing up no underage drinking, no missed curfews, I’ve never even gotten a ticket. Though, I think perhaps I was saving up all my rebellious urges for my mid-twenties, where I seemed to chafe really hard at being managed in the corporate world, and quit my practical, well-paying job rather spontaneously and irresponsibly with almost no safety net, and dove headfirst into being a full-time writer. And I suppose, for that matter, I’ve made some rebellious choices as an author (quitting Facebook, not doing ARCs on my self-pub title, etc). So, I guess I change my answer! Yeah, I have a little in common with Addie after all!

Your hero Robert is fantastic! He is smart, successful and just earned the title ‘Man of the Year’. What made you fall in love with him?

He really is great, isn’t he? :-) I actually knew from the start that Robert was going to be a pretty stand-up guy. I wanted to steer as away from the cliché, corrupt politician as possible, and show that it’s absolutely possible for people to be in public office simply because they want to do good, not because they’re power hungry. I think what I love most about him is how he never wavers in wanting best for Addie and the people around him, even if it hurts him personally. He’s a really unselfish guy, and that is so, so appealing to me!

Would you say that there are similarities that all of your heroes share?

I’d say they’re all pretty quick with a comeback. Whether they’re the charming playboys or the more reserved, Mr. Darcy types they’ve got a bit of a sharp, clever tongue! Also, the vast majority tend to be wealthy and suit-wearing. I’ve got a few exceptions, but I think there’s something so sexy about a buttoned-up guy in a suit coming undone over a woman, so I tend to come back to that again and again!

Some of the best moments in Yours in Scandal happen when your heroine and hero are around their trusted friends. Are any of the secondary characters we meet destined to get their own happily-ever-afters?

No plans for any spinoffs with those characters! Not because I don’t love them, but because the writing schedule’s pretty jam-packed!

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Official Lauren Layne Reader Group on Facebook

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Yours in Scandal (Man of the Year #1) by Lauren Layne to read and review for this tour.

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged… to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

Book 3
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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I feel like I have been waiting for this book since Audrey Tate and Clarke West first graced the pages in Passion on Park Avenue and it was completely worth the wait! I have absolutely loved every book in Lauren Layne’s Central Park Pact and most of her other series as well, but I think Marriage on Madison Avenue has just become my new favorite book by Layne. I was immediately swept away on this friends-to-lovers story from the first page to the last. Audrey is a great character that I can easily imagine being best friends with and Clarke can easily make me swoon. It’s almost bittersweet knowing this is the final installment in the Central Park Pact because I’ve grown so attached to all these fantastic characters! Each book is capable of being a standalone, but personally I think these books are best enjoyed in order and as a series. Plus, by reading the entire series I feel like I was able to further appreciate how all three women have become such fast friends!

All in all, five stars for Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne. This was the perfect conclusion to another fantastic series by Layne that I couldn’t put down and I look forward to being impressed by her next series!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series and I was really looking forward to getting Audrey's story – she was, I felt, the most damaged by "he who should not be named's" betrayal. She not only felt anger at his deceit, but also a huge amount of guilt towards Claire, his unknown wife. As both Claire and Naomi have found their happily ever afters, it is most definitely Audrey's turn, but she really does not feel she deserves happiness at all.

So, when Clarke (her best friend since they were toddlers) once again needs her to be his significant other, she fills the role with the aplomb that she always has, in the certain knowledge that her friendship is just that. Of course, everyone else in their world knows that they are the only two who do not understand how much they love each other – and all they need to do is take the chance and finally work it all out. But of course the journey will not be a smooth one, and the risks are high, but Lauren Layne gives us the very best type of romance and happily ever after.

I would highly recommend that you read this in order, as the story does most definitely develop through the trilogy. That said, it is a lovely story in its own right, just even richer as part of the whole.

Also Available in the Central Park Pact Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Passion on Park Avenue post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Love on Lexington Avenue post.

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Official Lauren Layne Reader Group on Facebook

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3) by Lauren Layne to read and review.

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes the second delightfully charming installment in the Central Park Pact series, following a young widow whose newfound cynicism about love is challenged by a sexy, rough-around-the-edges contractor.

There’s never a bad time to fall in love in the city, right? Wrong. According to the recently-widowed Claire Hayes, it’s very, very wrong. In fact, after finding out her late husband was a liar and a cheat, Claire’s convinced there’s never a good time for romantic notions. Determined to rid her home of anything that reminds her of her philandering husband, Claire sets out to redesign her entire Upper East Side brownstone and make it her own. But when she meets gruff and often-cantankerous contractor Scott Turner and realizes not all men are scumbags, Claire must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart again.

Scott needs a change of pace from the corporate offices and swanky hotels he’s been building lately, and bluntly makes it clear to Claire that he only took on her house for that reason, adding that he has no patience for a pampered, damaged princess on his job site. But when long work days soon turn into even longer nights, their mutual wariness morphs into something more complicated—a grudging respect, and maybe even attraction…? Scott knows he’s not one to settle down, but then why can’t he bring himself to put the finishing touches on Claire’s house and move on to the next job?

Filled with laugh-out-loud scenes that blend perfectly with the touching friendships Layne brings to life on the page, this “hugely entertaining” (USA TODAY) novel is perfect for fans of Lauren Weisberger.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order – partly because it will give you a richer experience, but also because Naomi's story is well worth reading!

Here we have Claire, Brayden's widow, getting her chance to put the past to rest and start a new life. She has spent the last year planning her house renovations – done to her taste and style – but there is still a room in her house full of all of cheating Brayden's possessions. Along with her new but dearest friends, Naomi and Audrey, we get to watch the subdued Claire blossom again.

Suggested by his good friend Oliver, the man who is going to do those renovations is going to restore more than just her building. Scott is enjoying a very successful life, travelling around the world designing interiors for huge corporations. However, he misses his dog, his friends, and knowing where is waking up in the morning – so, he has taken on a job that is not going to make him any money but gives him a break. Even after meeting Claire, he has no clue that his whole life is about to turn upside down!

Once again, Lauren Layne has given us some wonderful insight into the lives of those who live in New York and how thinking changes along with the street that you inhabit. It is refreshing, fun, and the women provide a fabulous place to escape to from the everyday.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am a huge Lauren Layne fan and I have read several of her series, which I’ve enjoyed immensely! I always find myself completely drawn into her books and so easily invested in all her characters. Honestly, I am absolutely loving Layne’s The Central Park Pact series! I loved Naomi’s story in Passion on Park Avenue and I was so excited to get to read book two, Love on Lexington Avenue, which I also adored. The stories are set up so that they don’t necessarily have to be read as a series, but I think part of the charm of The Central Park Pact series is reading them all in order and I would recommend reading the first book, Passion on Park Avenue, before diving into the next.

I am always so pleasantly surprised with how easily Layne seems to grab my attention and hold it page after page. Also, I have to admit of the three women in this series, I was kind of the least excited about Claire’s story, but then I read Love on Lexington Avenue and I found myself totally rooting for Claire’s happily ever after! Plus, Layne’s main characters are always so easily relatable and exactly the kind of ladies I would love to spend the afternoon sipping mimosas with on the UES. Now, by the end of Claire Hayes’ story I was completely smitten with Scott, the love interest, but more importantly his dog, Bob. I loved everything about Scott and his dog, Bob!

I am more than ready to finally know Audrey’s story. Seriously, I am so beyond ready for Audrey’s book, Marriage on Madison Avenue, and I am certain it will surpass all my expectations! The Central Park Pact has definitely risen towards the top of my favorite series by Layne.

Also Available in the Central Park Pact Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
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For reviews & more info, check out our Passion on Park Avenue post.

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2) by Lauren Layne to read and review.

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Stiletto and Oxford series, the first in a sizzling new series following the unlikely friendship of three Upper East Side women as they struggle to achieve their dreams and find true love and happiness in the city that never sleeps.

For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.

The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them…

Filled with charm and heart and plenty of sex and snark, this entertaining series will hook you from the very first page.

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I enjoyed this book. The characters were refreshing and entertaining.

Naomi's mother filled out an application for her to move into “THE” building in New York City behind her back. Trying to figure out her mother's reason was simple: she wanted Naomi to believe that she was just as good as the "old-moneyed" people who resided there and treated those who didn't like they were of a lesser social class – even in 20th century America.

Taking the leap, Naomi went to the interview and came face-to-face to her old foe, Oliver Cunningham. Ollie has done a lot of growing up over the years and doesn't remember Naomi. He doesn't know what his family did to hers and when he finds out that Naomi lied to him, all bets are off.

The social aspect of having to deal with Alzheimer's disease is something that more and more families are facing and I'm glad to see that authors are not ignoring this disease.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the start of a new series – and I absolutely love the premise of the pact. The three women who meet and find out their relationship to each other is less than usual, decide to take the positive and run with it – I loved their attitude and their fast friendship. It was believable and endearing, and made the story flow so well.

Naomi is still reeling from the death of her boyfriend and what she found out upon his death, then she gets told that she has a chance at an apartment on Park Avenue. The application was filled out by her recently deceased mother, and so she goes to the interview. She knows why her Mum applied, and after years of conditioning, she feels that she is meant to finally right the wrong done to her and her mother by one of the residents of the block.

This revenge is something that has fueled her life for a long time, so as we get to see the situation play out, it is difficult to watch this naturally positive and generous soul fight her instincts with her memories. It makes for a clever, entertaining, and hopeful story, with some clever twists and the definite tinge of romance.

Her new friends do a great job of bringing her back to the now, and to consider her past in a different light. That she has been wildly successful in spite of her past is also a reminder that the past should not define her future. It will be interesting in future installments to see how the other two women reconcile their past with their futures, although it will be a different slant for sure.

Oliver is a delicious male lead with a very wealthy life, but as is often the case, the sheen on the outside covers up a difficult life, and a selfless attitude to his parents. He is so confused at Naomi's hot and cold approach to him, and without a doubt the course of true love does not run smoothly for them, but somehow there is enough interest to make him take the time and effort to try and reach a happy ending for them both.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in this fun series.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne is the first book in the Central Park Pact series. I personally have grown quite fond of most of Layne’s previous series and I am looking forward to reading this new series. I normally have zero trouble finding myself fully invested into one of Layne’s books after the first few pages, but this one took me a little bit longer to settle into than usual. Plus, some parts seemed a little dragged out; however, all in all I ended up really enjoying the whole childhood enemies-to-lovers story.

Naomi Powell has found her way back to the same Upper East Side building where her mother once worked as a housekeeper and she’s determined to finally show the Cunningham family the successful woman she has become. Now she’s finally neighbors to the son, Oliver Cunningham, her childhood tormentor. But grown-up Oliver is so handsome and charming, and Naomi is having trouble remembering how much she’s supposed to dislike him.

I loved that Naomi, the main character, was this strong sassy female that built her own success from nothing. Plus, Oliver and Naomi had such great chemistry on the pages! Now, I am totally looking forward to seeing what Layne has in store for Claire in book two, Love on Lexington Avenue, and Audrey!

4 stars for Lauren Layne’s Passion of Park Avenue.

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1) by Lauren Layne to read and review.

Huge Deal by Lauren Layne

Even for a top-gun banker, temptation this hot is quite a gamble, in a sexy Wall Street romp from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits.

Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother.

It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime… and prove he’s worth the risk.

Book 3
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Being a huge fan of Lauren Layne and the 21 Wall Street series I, of course, couldn’t wait to finally read Kate Henley and Kennedy Dawson’s story. I feel like I’ve been waiting so patiently and rooting for these two characters ever since they first appeared in Hot Asset, book one. Now, all I have to say is that it was 100% worth the wait and Layne does not disappoint. I’ve enjoyed this entire series immensely and would recommend to any romance reader fans. While Huge Deal can be read as a standalone, I personally would recommend reading the two previous books in the 21 Wall Street series. The previous main characters will pop up from time to time, which means having some history of them always makes things flow better. Plus, we first meet Kate and Kennedy in Hot Asset. Also, if you’re a Layne fan then you wouldn’t want to miss out on the rest of these hot wolves of Wall Street!

Kate Henley is the head office assistant to all three of the wolves of Wall Street guys and has spent the last several years stifling her feelings for Kennedy Dawson. Kate’s already fell for Kennedy once without any sign of him returning her feelings. In fact, he specifically made a “pact” with the other guys that they wouldn’t ever date her, but when Kennedy’s younger brother shows up and shows interest in Kate it forces Kennedy to rethink things.

This entire series was an easy one to fall in love with, but I grew especially fond of Huge Deal and I think it might be my new favorite book by Layne. It wasn’t as hot and combustible as Hard Sell, book 2, but it was equally as satisfying in a softer way. It was more of a build-up because I’ve been watching and waiting for these two characters to get their act together for the past two books. Plus, I loved Kate’s character and felt like she was exactly the kind of girl I’d wanna be best friends with! All in all, another fantastic read by Lauren Layne!

5 STARS for Huge Deal by Lauren Layne.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I am very happy that Kate finally gets her story – after all, she has been looking after the three guys for a very long time and her patience deserves rewarding! I really do recommend that you read the previous two books so that you get the backstory to these guys and their loves.

Kennedy is the last man standing, as both Ian and Matt are settling down – in fact, we get to enjoy Ian and Lara's wedding this time around. As Kennedy's current girlfriend gets their admin guru Kate to help her plan a surprise party, we once again get to see how much he has hurt her over the years due to his evident ignorance to her feelings. But she is definitely coping better than she did, and has tried to harden her heart to him.

Obviously as soon as she starts to think she can move on, Kennedy has a revelation and we then get to watch as they try and work out what we (and Ian, Lara, Matt, and Sabrina) knew all along. It is an engaging journey, with some ups and downs along the way... and who ever thought that chess could be such a sensual way to get to know someone?

Lauren Layne has just the easiest, smoothest of writing styles which meant that I got no sleep last night, as I just had to keep reading until the very end. So be warned – although to be honest, I don't regret it!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is the first book that I've read in this series, but I never was lost or thought that I needed to read the previous books in the series.

The story was a sweet story where you get to see co-workers/friends become something spectacular.

Kennedy is known among his friends as the thinker, the one who has to take his time and weigh and measure everything. When his assistant comes on board, he makes a deal with his partners that in order to keep the best assistant they've had, nobody will date her. What he doesn't realize is that his partners didn't have the inclination to do so.

Kate is steady, sometimes feisty, and incredibly competent. She has held a torch for Kennedy since she began her job, but after circumstances show her that her feelings will never be returned, she moves on with her life.

I liked watching both Kennedy and Kate come to terms with their own feelings and how their friends help them navigate the unsteady world of love. It was also refreshing to see that while their communication wasn't fantastic, it was mostly Kate who was having the issues instead of Kennedy. Their story was sweet with a hint of naughty thrown in.

Both Kate and Kennedy had to get over their preconceived notions of what their idea of love and commitment would be. Friendships and family are also amazing in this story. You can see how everyone cares for each other and how their pushing and prodding really help both characters see how amazing they can be together.

Also Available in the 21 Wall Street Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Hot Asset post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Hard Sell post.

Lauren Layne, a former e-commerce and web marketing manager, moved from Seattle to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. Her first book was published in the summer of 2013, and since then, she’s written more than two dozen romantic comedies, hitting the New York Times, USA Today, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists. She currently lives in New York City with her husband.

Connect with Lauren

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Huge Deal (21 Wall Street #3) by Lauren Layne to read and review.