Showing posts with label Lauren Layne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lauren Layne. Show all posts

July 9, 2019

The Prenup by Lauren Layne - ARC Review



The Prenup is set to be THE romantic comedy hit of the summer! Perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.

My name is Charlotte Spencer and, ten years ago, I married my brother's best friend. I haven't seen him since.

Charlotte Spencer grew up on the blue-blooded Upper East Side of Manhattan but she never wanted the sit-still-look-pretty future her parents dictated for her. Enter Colin Walsh, her brother's quiet, brooding, man-bun-sporting best friend, and with him a chance to escape.

He's far from Charlotte's dream guy as but they need each other for one thing: marriage. One courthouse wedding later, Charlotte's inheritance is hers to start a business in San Francisco and Irish-born Colin has a Green Card.

Ten years later, Colin drops a bombshell: the terms of their prenup state that before either can file for divorce, they have to live under the same roof for three months.

Suddenly this match made in practicality is about to take on whole new meaning...

May 28, 2019

Passion On Park Avenue by Lauren Layne-Release Blitz


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…

“Strong characters and relatable situations elevate Layne’s bighearted contemporary...[which] digs into class differences, emotional baggage, and the reality of dealing with aging parents” (Publishers Weekly,starred review). With the sexy combination of charm, heart, and snark, Lauren Layne’s new series is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.

January 10, 2019

Our Top 10 Books of 2018-#1



Melissa's Pick

Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

A charming British hero, the woman who tempts him, and a hands-off arrangement that's oh-so-hard to maintain.
My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. All I have to do is board a plane, and I'll be on my way to fulfilling a promise I made long ago. Bonus points -- my last week in Paris looks to be even better when I meet a gorgeous, clever American woman and make plans to take her back to my flat that night.
But before we can get together for what would surely be a fantastic final fling, my boss hits me with a double whammy. My previous client didn't pay, so there's no trip, and the new client I now desperately need is none other than the tempting American I'm about to take home.
Have I mentioned this timing bloody sucks?
***
I'll admit it -- I have a big weakness for a hot British accent. As in, they make me swoon, sigh, and want to toss my panties. Good thing I can avoid that kind of temptation in Paris. So it's just my luck that the man who's the key to success in my new job is the man whose voice makes me melt. Oh, and we have to spend all our days together for work.
Thanks a lot, fate.
To top it off, I quickly learn he's witty, kind and has a heart and mind I'm falling for fast. All I have to do is resist him every single freaking day. That's so easy. Not.
But then I learn that's nothing compared to the real hurdle we face.
What could go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nearly everything, it seems...

What We Said About Wanderlust




Laura's Pick

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne 

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.



What We Said About Hot Asset



January 1, 2019

Our Top 10 Books of 2018 - #10


 



Laura's Pick

One Last Time by Corinne Michaels

I’m getting really good at cutting my losses.

First, the husband. Divorcing him was the best decision I ever made. But between single-parenting and job-hunting, I can’t catch my breath. When a celebrity blogging position falls into my lap, I’m determined to succeed.

That is, until I get my first assignment and actually see Noah Frazier for the first time . . . practically naked and dripping wet. My heart races and I forget how to form complete sentences. His chiseled abs, irresistible smirk, and crystal blue eyes are too perfect to be real. So, what do I do? Get drunk and humiliate myself, of course.

I’m ready to forget the awkward night, yet Noah has no intention of allowing me to move on. Instead, he arranges for me to write a feature on him, ensuring a lot more time together. One embarrassing moment after another, one kiss after another, and before I can stop myself, I realize—I’m falling in love with him.

But when the unthinkable happens, can I even blame him for cutting his losses?

What I wouldn’t give for just one last time . . .
What We Said About One Last Time



Melissa's Pick

Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

He’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure.

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

What We Said About Hard Sell







September 4, 2018

HARD SELL BY LAUREN LAYNE - ARC REVIEWS & RELEASE BLITZ


He’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure.

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.


Lauren Layne did it again.
Books like this, Matt and Sabrina's story, are the reason that she's a favorite author.

You can't help but be drawn to the characters, too their connection, to the relationship that's developed.

There's a lot in this book. Groups of friends, enemies who are really friends who fall in love. A phony relationship between these friends for professional gain. And it's all blended so perfectly that you find yourself drawn into the world from page one. Ian and Lara (from Hot Asset) feel like old friends and spending time with them in this book feels like walking into the house of people you have known forever.

The strength of the story, however, is the characters. Their actions, their reactions, who they are and who they become.

To really enjoy a romance, you have to fall a little in love with the characters so you are invested. There's not an author writing who does a better job and giving readers this romance with the book they are reading. More than once during the book I found myself feeling the perfection of the story, of the emotion, of the way you get to know the characters not only from what they say, but also what they don't say.

The frenemies to lovers in this was wonderful. You can tell they are both scared, Matt and Sabrina both have parents who didn't set the best example growing up of what a relationship should be, so they are scared when they meet the person who is meant for them. Add in a calous phrase that is even more cutting than it should be, and the chance of a relationship is buried in hurt and banter that disguises what they both are too afraid to admit.

What a wonderful ride. This book is a slow burn, but the relationship building keeps it moving quickly and holds the reader's interest. The connection they have, their attraction and passion, is so perfect when you get to it that you won't want it any othet way. Ms. Layne is true to her characters the entire time, and it makes it so easy to be drawn to them and their story.

Nothing about this was a hard sell for me. I loved this book and I recommend it.



I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne. I know with her books that I'm going to smile, I'm probably going to cry and I'm definitely going to fall in love. Hard Sell is the second installment in the Wall Street series and it definitely did all of those things for me. I devoured this book in one sitting.

This a true story of frenemies to lovers. Matt and Sabrina have known each other for years and have guarded themselves against the other for most of them. But when Matt needs help with his image, there's nobody he'd trust more than Sabrina. I fully believed that.

I loved that even though these two had a brief past misunderstanding-that really neither bother to clear up-they were still willing to help each other. They had a fabulous slow burn going on, and neither wanted to admit it. There chemistry crackles on the page and I was invested in them right from the start.

I genuinely liked both of these characters and understood where both were coming from. I rooted for them from start to finish. I thought Sabrina was smart, tough and vulnerable all in one. Matt was smart, sexy and guarded. Watching them circle each other was fascinating. Now, as this was the second in the series there were also characters from previous books here that made their appearances. They didn't take any attention away from Matt and Sabrina, and I was glad to catch up with them again. I'm also really looking forward to the next book in this series. I just loved these characters and their world.

The writing here just sucked me in from start to finish. I normally wouldn't think a Wall Street setting would be something I'd love reading about but this author has a way of just pulling me in and making me fall for all of her characters and situations. I absolutely love how she does that. She's a one click author for me and books like these showcase why. I loved this book and would highly recommend it.





BUY THIS BOOK!

July 12, 2018

I THINK I LOVE YOU BY LAUREN LAYNE - REVIEW

A game of seduction between two best friends goes deliciously wrong in an irresistible Oxford Novel that brims with wit and sexual tension. Library Journal hails Layne’s work as “exemplary contemporary romance.”

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

This book is the last of the Stiletto and Oxford series and, for just a minute, I need to be sad.

Not that the book was bad, as it definitely wasn't...but at the end, I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends who had been with me in my reading world for a long time. And, well, I am just a little sad. The ending was happy, and I was crying. How does that work? Why am I crying at the happy scene? I think it's because I feel like I know these people, and I was invested in the magazine and the people who worked there, luckily without any fraternization policies.

Lauren Layne is a go to author for me. She has been since I read my very first title by her, After the Kiss and The Trouble With Love is one of the 23 titles I have listed as all time favorite books. So, letting go of this series is...difficult. There's a lot of my reading history in this, and these books are also those I have shared with friends, with my mom, and recommended to other readers as a series you will just plain love.

But, as she says in the notes at the end, the beauty of a book is that it can be read again and again, and like the song says, it will be there for you, even when it hasn't been your day, week, month, or year.

That helped. A little.

It also helped that Brit and Hunter's story was darn good..perfection, really. It was compelling, and it also felt like there was some movement in the Oxford and Stiletto world, with Hunter making a decision at the end, one that you see coming, that changed the dynamic of the office and not just the dynamic of his relationship with Brit.

I could say so much about this book. About how well it is written, about how much I connected with the characters, about how much I loved it. But, really, I think the fact that I was so connected that I was crying at the happy parts...well, that says it all about how good this book is, and how strong my connection was to the characters.

I recommend this book, and this series.



May 22, 2018

HOT ASSET BY LAUREN LAYNE - ARC REVIEW AND RELEASE TOUR


Blurb

A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Timesbestselling author Lauren Layne.

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.

“[A] playful romance…Layne populates her world of high-stakes finance with charismatic characters, and the fast-paced story works well with the simmering sexual tension between the leads…It’s easy to root for this couple.” —Publishers Weekly

“Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy, and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews



I'm a Lauren Layne addict. I adore her writing style, the sense of community she creates in her books. When I saw the blurb for Hot Asset I was immediately hooked and once I got the book in my hot little hands it didn't disappoint.

This story drew me in right from the beginning. Ian and Lara have a wonderful push/pull going on. It's a bit sticky as Lara is actually investigation Ian...and isn't believing his claims of innocence. Watching these two circle each other as they figured things out was a delight.

I liked Lara. I like her determination, her focus and her conviction. She was absolutely dedicated to doing her job, no matter how attracted she was to Ian. She's meticulous and thorough, which I appreciated, but she also has some vulnerabilities and I liked that. Ian definitely kept her off balance which was fun.

Ian. Holy hot Ian. He's such a charmer! This is a man who makes women fall at his feet but he just can't get Lara to really SEE him. I loved how his walls came down for her and he truly put it all out there for her. He's a swoonworthy book boyfriend for sure.

Like I said, there is chemistry between these two. They spark off each other in such a great way. They had me smiling, laughing, and sighing. I loved seeing the two of them come together.

The writing here was fabulous. It drew me in right from the start and didn't let go. The pacing was spot on. I loved the little world Lauren Layne created here and I can't wait to revisit it again. I loved this book and absolutely recommend it.



Wow. This one grabs you from the beginning and you are invested.

Ian is a stockbroker, he is successful, he's cocky, and he is incredibly good at what he does...partly because when what you do is something you love, you do it on knowledge and on instinct.

It's this instinct that makes the SEC, and it's investigator, Lara think that he is guilty of insider trading as he did not lose any money when a large client filed for bankruptcy...even though other traders in the firm did.

The problem? At least at first, Lara is convinced he is guilty. There was a tip, it was anonymous, and in her experience these tips always turn out to be credible.

The reader knows, from getting inside Ian's head, that he isn't guilty, and Lara comes to suspect as much as she is not able to find any evidence of his guilt. (No, not a spoiler as, really, there is no chance the hero of a Lauren Layne romance is guilty of a federal crime.)

This book felt a little different than other books by Lauren Layne, although I am not actually able to decide why that is. It's well written, the characters are wonderful and well developed. Their chemistry is strong and believable, and the plot and story is well done, and it moves quickly so you never lose interest in the story. All of this is classic LL, yet for some reason, the tone and the feeling of this is different.

I say read it, and let me know if you feel the same, as I definitely recommend this title.



Buy Links: 





 

Author Info

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 eight 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.

Author Links: 

Lauren Layne Library: http://laurenlaynelibrary.com/



January 30, 2018

RUNAWAY GROOM BY LAUREN LAYNE - BLOG TOUR


“Lauren Layne gets the red rose for this one, and fans of The Bachelor will fall in love with this thoroughly charming story.”—Kate O’Keeffe, bestselling author


RUNAWAY GROOM

I Do, I Don't - Book 2

Lauren Layne

Releasing Jan 30, 2018

Loveswept


For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it.

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings.

NOW AVAILABLE!



Lauren Layne has made me fall in love with reality tv-or at the very least, her version of it. Runaway Groom is sweet, fun, and sexy-all things I've come to expect from this author. Once I started reading I didn't want to put my kindle down and when I finished? My face hurt from smiling so much. This book further proves why Lauren Layne is a one click author for me.

I'm not a fan of reality tv. There. I said it. But this book made reality tv seem a bit fun. The concept of the show used in this book isn't like any I've read before and I truly enjoyed the fresh spin on this.

Ellie, our heroine, is incredibly likeable. She's smart, strong and sweet. This is a character that I would absolutely go meet for coffee or to binge watch a tv show with. I liked that she wasn't willing to change who she was to become who she thought Gage would need her to be. Her growth in the book was fun to see.

Gage was oh so swoon worthy! Definitely one of my favorite Layne Book boyfriends. He was sexy and sweet, but it was his vulnerability that got to me. He just wants someone to see HIM, to want HIM. He's a stand up guy-and it's fun watching him show that to Ellie.

These two have quite the journey together. Neither wants to be where they are in the beginning but they form quite a little friendship. They have chemistry and great banter, sure. But underlying all that? They like each other, they genuinely like each other as people, not just as show contestants or as love interests. That's what had me rooting for them. I believed in them as a couple. Their banter definitely had me smiling and their sexy times? Well, I mentioned he was swoon worthy right? Be prepared to swoon.

The supporting characters in this book had me laughing and cringing. I'm not sure how the author came up with some of the contestants on the show but I have to admit I enjoyed them. I didn't expect to like many of them-I thought I would feel disloyal to Ellie-but I didn't. They were a great balance and addition to our hero and heroine.

The writing here was tight, sharp and fun. The pacing was great-my only issue was that I didn't want the book to end. If reality tv was like this book I would try to watch some (ok, I probably wouldn't-I'd read another book) but this was fun. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next. I highly recommend this title.



I adored this book, the premise, and the slight shade to the whole bachelor themed reality television shows that exists in the way both Gage and Ellie feel about participating in the show. I know, I read romance, I believe in the happily ever after, and I love watching people find that love. I just don't love it when it is on a reality show, so I found myself really relating to Ellie, and her determination to get off the show.

There was so much about this book that felt fresh and fun. The premise, the idea that the relationship was not supposed to happen, and that he was not free to openly date Ellie without breaking a contract made for some amusing (and clever) diversions being necessary for them to get their alone time, in the closet, so to speak.

Lauren Layne is a wonderful author, and she is a favorite of mine because of books like this. It's her ability to take characters and put them into situations that are a little different than other authors, and then to develop these characters, let you get to know them and to fall a little in love with them.

I am definitely more than a little bit in love with Gage and I recommend this title.






Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she's written over two dozen books, hitting the USA TODAY, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.