Truly enjoyed this book. entertaining plot, characters I actually liked, and a satisfying ending. looking forward to reading any future books in this series.

This is my first read by Lauren Layne, and let me just start off by saying she knows how to captivate a reading in the first couple chapters! That unexpected twist of relationships with the characters in the first couple chapters I was totally hooked and was loving every single bit of it!
Naomi's character had started to remind me a little of Jennifer Lopez, even though their looks are total opposites, but because they grew up in the Bronx in NY and grew to be very successful in their careers.
I laughed, cringed, swooned and wanted to slap a few people sometimes but this was a great read. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Chick-Lit, and Contemporary Romance, where their is a boss babe heroine and a swoon worthy hero.

***Received this book in exchange for an honest review***

Ah! I really loved this book and I am super excited for a 2nd one. This is my first novel I have read by Lauren Layne and definitely will not be my last. There were a few times in this novel I wanted to shake Naomi to just open her mouth and let Oliver know her past but I was glad how everything played out. I love how hard she worked in her life to get to where she was and how not only her mother but she was determined for "revenge". This book just shows you how people with such different youths and backgrounds can be destined for each other. I cannot wait for more (hoping we hear more about Naomi's friends too!).

I have been a fan of Lauren Layne for years. Some books are hits, and some are not. This one fell into the middle of the two. There is only one fade-to-black scene. which lowered the impact of the story for me. However, this was a cute setup and I couple I could root for. More review to come later.

Enemies to lovers is not my favorite romance trope but Passion on Park Avenue and The Hating Game are the two exceptions! I so enjoyed this book! It was the first I had read by Lauren Layne and I'm ready for more! I can't wait for this book to come out so I can bug my friends to read it!!!

I sometimes struggle with enemies-to-lovers books, and revenge books are normally not my thing at all - but somehow, despite the fact that this book is both those things, this one really worked for me!

I think it's because Naomi is too kind-hearted to truly be vengeful. It was hard not to love her right away. Her story was unique and interesting and didn't really play out the way I expected to at all. I loved her chemistry with Oliver. I loved that the burn was rather slow and sweet and riddled with banter. It's safe to say that while this IS an enemies-to-lovers/revenge story, it goes fairly light on those two things which allowed me to really enjoy the way their relationship developed.

Passion on Park Avenue is also more than just a romance. At its core, it's a story of sisterhood and the most unlikely of friendships. I wasn't sure what to make of that at first, but I quickly warmed to it and appreciated the depth it gave the story.

In the end, I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to see where it goes from here!

I really loved this book! This is the first book that I've read by this author and I will definitely like to read more. I enjoyed that this story was so focus on the girls' friendship. It looks like this is going to be a series and I can't wait to read the next one. Definitely recommended!

I have loved every book I have read by Lauren Layne, so I was totally excited to read Passion On Park Avenue. It’s the first book in her new series coming out.

I am sad to say this wasn’t a favorite of mine. I felt a little deceived by the blurb of the book. I was expecting this to be a little more like her other books, but to me this was more of a Women’s Lit book then a romance. I felt the romance between Oliver and Naomi kind of took a back seat to the rest of the story.

Now don’t get me wrong, this was an enjoyable read, if you are looking for a women’s fiction book. But it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. I did find the storyline interesting and enjoyable. It kind of reminded me of the movie The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann.

This is a story about 3 women who meet under unusual circumstances. Each of these women find out that they were dating or married to the same man, after he passed away. I loved the friendship these 3 women formed. As the story progresses they make a pact to help each other stay away from men who are not a good choice. I wish the story line would’ve stayed on that track, but there was another storyline when it came to Naomi. This is where the enemies to lovers part of the story comes in. Something happened to Naomi when she was a child and she has never gotten over it. So when the time comes and she has an opportunity to face the people who wronged her, she jumps at it. This is where Oliver comes into the storyline. He is the son of the couple who wronged Naomi as a child and she is out to make him face what happened in the past and to show him she is now just as successful as as him and should be his equal.

This is where the story kind of fell for me. I thought the ‘revenge’ plot lasted to long. The enemies part of the story dragged out until almost the end of the book. Which made believing the connection these two had in the end almost unbelievable. I really didn’t feel the connection for this couple at all. Had this plot line come out a little sooner, I think a bond between Oliver and Naomi could’ve been accepted.

I have to say I liked Oliver’s character throughout the whole book. I thought he was straight forward and sweet. Naomi on the other hand, I really liked for most of the book, but then she became indecisive and started to play some games (in my opinion) that just didn’t fit with her character from the beginning of the story. It’s hard to explain, but I think you’ll understand once you read this book.

I would recommend this book to any reader who likes an enemies to lovers story, but is more focused on the friendships that are made in the story. If you are looking for a book that leans more towards women’s lit and there isn’t a lot of sexy times (only one scene towards the end that is a fade to black scene) then this is one I think you will enjoy.

Even though this book isn’t a favorite of mine, I think many will love this story. I also look forward to the other books in this series. I just hope they aren’t enemies to lovers stories.

Lauren Layne is one of my all time favorite authors. Her witty banter always pulls me in, and Passion on Park Avenue was no exception. I loved the friendship between Naomi, Claire and Audrey, most especially, the unusual way they met. Layne has the perfect mix of humor, snark and sexual tension to keep me turning pages as quick as I can. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect of this story and the relationship between Naomi and Oliver has a fabulous history . From the first meeting in current time, the tension was strong and the chemistry even stronger. This was not a typical Lauren Layne romance, but I found the change refreshing. The friendship between the three women was as much a part of the story as the relationship between Naomi and Oliver. I loved all the fashion references and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Book: Passion on Park Avenue

Author: Lauren Layne

Chatty romance book thoughts:
Lauren Layne is my queen of romance, her books are always a wonderment of flirty banter, standout character ‘moments’ and copious amount of bubbly. This particular book was as lovely as it’s gorgeously illustrated front cover. I loved the premise of this book - the friendship scenes and the developing romance were just what I normally fall for and I enjoyed the history behind this books leading duo. I’m also excited to see what Lauren Layne does with this series and I’m definitely hooked on the idea of the up and coming story lines. All in all this was a ‘nice’ romance, a book that I found easy to pick up and enjoy my time with, I just missed the usual tummy fireworks that I normally get when I’m falling for a Lauren Layne novel.

Why not five:
I’ve said this a zillion times but Lauren Layne is and is likely to always be my favourite author. I’ve spent countless hours reading her books, re reading her books and waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for her releases. This book had everything geared up for it to fully win me over - the cover, the blurb, the setting. Sadly something was a little missing for my personal enjoyment - I missed falling in love with the heroine (like I so often predictably do so with a Layne book) and it felt like it took a little long for me to be on board with the story telling. Overall I liked this book, I don’t regret my reading time I just felt a tiny bit underwhelmed. With all that being said I’m already at the starting line anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

I've always enjoyed Lauren Layne's books and this does not disappoint. With that said, I'm not a fan of revenge books, but this book is more than that. It's filled with delightful characters and heart & snark that hooked me from the very first page. Can't wait to read more in this series.

Lauren Layne delivers another great start to a new series. in Passion in Park Avenue. With a great meet cute for three ladies in New York City, Passion in Park Avenue introduces us to Naomi, Claire and Audrey whose friendship is grounded in a most unusual way. Now they’ve vowed to protect each other from men who are well not the stellar personality they present themselves to be. Passion in Park Avenue is basically Naomi’s story and how she confronts her past, mainly with Oliver Cunningham. This story has all the witty a banter and steamy chemistry between the two but its also not the usual lighthearted romantic comedy that Ms. Layne is known for. In fact, this one has a more serious tone, most reminiscent of her New Adult romances, which resulted in a bittersweet and poignant romance between two people who appear the opposite of each other but definitely is made for one another. I’m really looking forward to Claire and Audrey’s turn for their own HEA.

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne started off like a scene from Sex in the City and I loved it!!

Now a little background information...

Naomi is a fighter. She has worked hard to be where she is right now. Her story is more than the typical rags to riches. She gets hit with a blast from the past, Oliver Cunningham. Cue the tension.

Naomi's mother worked as the housekeeper for the Cunninghams. They lived at 517 Park Avenue and though Naomi crushed on Oliver when she was 9 years old, Oliver would tease and torment young Naomi. Now, after 20 years of not seeing each other, the attraction is there as well as Naomi's blatant hatred.

Naomi Powell. Girl boss and ballbuster. Bronx born and raised. Our heroine is fiery, successful, strong, resilient, and intelligent. She's cruising through the hierachy of NYC society and becoming somebody. She's formed an unlikely friendship with two women, Claire and Audrey, and she's been sought after for a TV show about her life by a well-known TV producer. What is the worst that could happen?

Oliver comes from old money. High bred. He never expected to be bulldozed by Naomi's mere presence. He's completely taken back by her. And sparks fly, especially when those two become neighbors #drama.

Passion on Park Avenue was an entertaining and sassy, back and forth, enemies-to-lovers romance. Lauren Layne provides the perfect mix of life, drama, friendship, love, and sexy chemistry. This novel is perfect for fans of Sex in the City! My first read by this author, but I can say it won't be my last! I cannot wait for the other books in the series. Bring on Claire's story 💃


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

I've heard so many wonderful things about Lauren Layne's writing that I was so excited to have a chance to read Passion on Park Avenue. First, let's talk about the cover. It's both very unique and fun. The eye catching colors were one of the things that drew me to this book. It would be perfect on a shelf and will draw the reader in. Secondly, Layne's writing is superb. The book is exceptionally clean and easy to enjoy. Naomi and Oliver (and all the girls - Audrey, Clare and Deena) were so much fun to get to know. There was very little drama in the book and it was a fast read.

I'm excited to see more about the side characters as we move through the series.

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. Our story begins when three ladies meet at the strangest meet cute I've ever read. When they meet they decide to look out for one another and each other's dating lives.

Part one of this series is about Naomi. Naomi is a kick booty woman who started from the bottom and is now slaying it in NYC. She is reunited with Oliver (who she hasn't seen since he wrecked her life at the tender age of nine) and moves into their old building. At first she plans on seeking revenge on the family that wrecked her and her mom but then she learns that some people really change.

The chemistry between the two main characters (Naomi and Oliver) is delicious. If you are looking for a steamy read I'd skip this one but if you looking for two characters with a hell of a lot of angsty chemistry this book is for you.

I loved the friendship between the girls and I can't wait to read the next book in this series which is Claire's story.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this one in advance. This book comes out May 28th 2019.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I can't say that enough. I am SO happy to know that this is a planned series because I'm going to need more of the characters I met. I've always been obsessed with books that take place in NYC, and I love that this one took place on Park Avenue.

While at first I thought this would be a simple love story, I was immediately swept up in the plan for revenge and rooted for Naomi through it all. This isn't a typical rags to riches story; this has depth and emotion that I was surprised to find.

I'd compare this to authors such as Christina Lauren when it comes to the steamy romantic chemistry-disguised-as-hatred. These plots are quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and Passion on Park Avenue is at the top of that list.

Thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket books for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne: Naomi is smart, successful, driven, and loves fashion. She's turned her love of accessories into a thriving business worth billions and she regularly makes the news as a top entrepreneur. She's thrown herself into her work and making sure no one can ever make her feel like trash again after her childhood in the Bronx.

Oliver is a blue-blooded New Yorker who grew up in the wealth and privilege of old money and a Park Avenue address. He's a gentleman who wears suits everyday despite being his own boss in the architecture firm he owns. He's a loyal son despite his parents and he's too busy to date anyone.

Naomi is dealing with a lot of changes. She's moving her offices, found two new and unlikely BFFs, being courted for a TV docuseries, and moving into a new apartment on Park Avenue. She's on the top of her game professionally, but still trying to lay old demons to rest…including her old tormentor and newest neighbor. Oliver used to tease her mercilessly as kids and now it's more of a fun and flirty banter.

Naomi is surprised by both how much Oliver has changed and by how much she's attracted to this adult version of him. Nothing is going like she planned as he challenges her and defies all her expectations. It's a rollercoaster as Oliver's constant presence tempts Naomi into getting the closure she needs while finding an unexpected option she didn't know she just might want.

Passion on Park Avenue is an entertaining former enemies-to-lovers romance. Lauren Layne provides a balance of the growing friendship of Naomi, Claire, and Audrey, surprising family dynamics, and the tension, anticipation, and heat with Oliver. Ms. Layne is off to a great start for a new series of smart and fashionable women not looking for their HEAs that I can't wait to follow. Fans of Catherine Bybee and Kate Meader will enjoy Passion on Park Avenue.

If there's one genre that has emerged as a new favorite for me over the last year, it's definitely romantic comedy. When I read the synopsis of Passion on Park Avenue, I knew this was a book I had to get my hands on. One chapter in, I was hooked. PoPA is a childhood enemies to adult sizzling tension romance mixed with strong female friendship from the most unlikely of sources (um hello, a dead mans wife and his two mistresses becoming best friends the day of his funeral - and oh, does it work!) - and it happens to be set in my very own Manhattan - maybe I'll stumble upon my own passion on park avenue one of these days!

There are some kick-butt women in this story and I've learned that each of them will get a book to showcase their own story in this series! I've just closed the page on this one and I'm already anticipating Love on Lexington Avenue!

Thank you to Gallery books for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I have been a longtime fan of Lauren Layne since her Stiletto series years ago and am literally obsessed with everything she writes. She has a finger on the pulse of what people want and knows how to deliver. Her banter game is strong and one of my favorite things about her stories. Naomi and Oliver were so delicious. I loved their spitfire back and forth banter and the chemistry they had in spades. 

I was immediately intrigued by the introduction Layne gave to this series with three women who have joined together (in tragedy) but who turned it around into a positive friendship. Passion on Park Avenue brings us Naomi Powell, who has clawed her way to the top to become one of New York City's wealthiest women. But when she sees blast from the past, and the bane (and bully) of her childhood existence, Oliver Cunningham, all her past inner feelings of inferiority come out.

I really enjoyed this story as Naomi was strong and assertive and very intelligent. While I don't necessarily like secrets in stories, I felt like the story progressed nicely. I love that initially Naomi had plans to show up Oliver but life got in the way and she had to make a choice between holding onto her grudge and her feelings for him. I also liked that in this story there was more of an emphasis on an emotional connection between Naomi and Oliver as it gave her decision more of a believable feel. 5 stars! ~Ratula

I'm normally quite critical of beach read books, so take it as an endorsement that I really liked Passion on Park Avenue. It was the perfect blend of substance to the story line, with a little bit of cheesy romance that left me smiling and flipping the digital pages quickly.

There were also quite a few unexpected bombshells that surprised me and kept me guessing, even when I was sure that I had the story line all figured out. I'd definitely add this one to your summer reading list- and for those of us who like series, it looks like there will be more to come in this story!