Cover Image: Passion on Park Avenue

Passion on Park Avenue

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Hmmm... This was more women's fiction than I was expecting. I mean, I was expecting a good contemporary romance and this delivered on that front (the romance was okay, nothing unique) but I felt ... what's the word I'm looking for? Vibes? Maybe. Anyway, I think if you're into the woman's fiction sort of romance that skates the line between the genres then you'll like this. Authors that this book reminded me of are: Danielle Steel and Erin Hilderbrand. Yep. Those two totally have the same vibes. ^_^

That being said, this wasn't for me. It was too light and was not what I was feeling when I picked it up. All in all, it's a great story, if you like this sort of thing but ... yeah. I'll pass on her next book.

DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was my first Lauren Layne book and will not be my last. My friend Megan from Reading Books Like a Boss raves about this author so I couldn't wait to start the first book in her new series.

Three women all sleeping with the same man and finding out at his funeral... this was the start of a beautiful friendship. I simply adored their dynamic, how they turned something so heartbreaking into a truly close friendship, looking out for each other's best interests and happiness.

When Naomi moves back to her childhood home to confront and have revenge on her past... it turns out to be something so different than what she expected. Oliver has grown and matured as an adult and quite frankly I loved him, his care of his father, his winks, their banter.

What I wished for more... I would have loved that the big reveal didn't take quite SO long because I felt like it made the story drag for a bit. I would have loved to see more from his POV especially after the big reveal, and honestly, more time with them because as soon as things were resolved, we were done.

I do look forward to reading more in this series and reading Lauren's backlist. It's a summer goal of mine. I enjoy this author's work immensely. <3

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Passion on Park Avenue was fun and flirty! I absolutely adored the characters and I loved that this book had one of my favorite tropes ever, love to hate. It had a Sex and the City vibe and the way the story unfolded made it feel like a movie was playing in my head. With laugh out loud humor and moments that kept me smiling, this book was so easy to devour. So if you adore cute romance stories that also hold an emotional edge, definitely add this one to your tbr!

She gave him an icy glare and turned away, but he grabbed her arm, a little surprised by his own action. Still, he didn’t let her go. “I’m not a bad guy, Naomi.”
Naomi remained stubbornly silent before letting her gaze drop deliberately to where he held her arm.


From the moment we met Naomi Powell, I liked her! She was a hard worker and created her billion dollar business all by herself. She was kind yet she was jaded from her past. She always wanted to prove her worth to the Upper East Side. So when she ended up getting an apartment with her dream address, her goal seemed within her grasp. Except her neighbor was the son from the family her mother use to work for. And when they were kids, Oliver Cunningham was ruthless to her.

She couldn’t resist a quick glance back over her shoulder, but Oliver had already closed the door, shutting her out.
It was just as she wanted, and yet . . . it wasn’t at all.


While Oliver was horrible to Naomi as a kid, he had changed as an adult. Oliver was the sweetest guy ever. He had a huge heart, he put others happiness above his own and he was so kind. His words and his gestures easily melted my heart. But I loved that he had another side to him since he could be charming and seductive. Oliver definitely didn't have any problems putting himself out there and I loved how he took control of some of their situations, sigh.

And just as Naomi was pep-talking herself that she wasn’t jealous, that she didn’t care that he didn’t even seem to be aware of her, Oliver glanced over and caught her eye. And winked.
And she knew, with that one should- have-been-cheesy-but-was-unbearably-sexy wink, that he was right.
She was attracted. They did have a thing.
And she didn’t have a clue what to do about it.


While Naomi wanted to hate Oliver and his life, it wasn't anything like she thought it would be. But regardless, her memories tainted how she viewed him. Naomi kept seeing Oliver as the child who ruined her life. Even though he showed her again and again what a good guy he was. And while she held onto those thoughts, it all led to some fabulous banter. Especially since Oliver had no clue who she was. And when some of their banter was sexually charged, you couldn't knock the grin off my face!

Naomi extended her right hand. “Hands in, girls, we’re making a pact, high school–style. May neither of you ever fall victim to a cheating bastard again. Not on my watch.”
“And to helping each other find the right man. That’s on my watch,”Audrey said, placing her palm on top of Naomi’s hand.
After a moment of hesitation, Claire set her hand atop Audrey’s. “Oh, what the hell. I’m in. To no more assholes.”


One of the huge gems I always love reading about in LL's books are the friendships. Audrey and Claire were beyond fabulous and I quickly connected with them too! And while I can't wait for Audrey's story, the moment something was said, I just knew Claire's story would be next. I can't wait to pick it up! But there was a difference between this book and the 24 other LL books I have read. This story faded to black. Personally I love getting more because Lauren Layne writes the best sex scenes! She is truly gifted with writing moments that are classy but beyond scorching hot. So while I was sad that wasn't the case with this story, I'll know going into the next books exactly what to expect.

“Screw it,” he muttered, taking a step toward her.
She instinctively stepped back, even as her heart pounded.
“Wait. Wait. You don’t even like me,” Naomi said quickly.
He smiled. “Wrong. You don’t like me. I’ve never said a damn thing about not liking you.”


Passion on Park Avenue would make the perfect movie that I'd binge again and again! It was funny and sweet, while also holding some more emotional moments. And between the friendship, banter and jealousy this book was so entertaining. So yes, I definitely recommend this book!

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Oh this was such a quick, fun read!!! I loved the premise of this (which isn’t really all in the summary so I won’t spoil it!) and how these three women become friends. This book focuses on Naomi and her moving not only her office but her home while trying to fit into NYC’s upper class. She finds herself in the building her mother used to once be employed in and her neighbor the boy she hates from way back then. The catch? He doesn’t remember her at all. So it is like a one-sided hate to love scenario.

So much to love here! Naomi was a feisty character with drive, attitude and a little revenge in her. Her neighbor Oliver was smart, hot and caring for his father, which was so sweet. He may have been not great with Naomi as a kid but he changed – Naomi just had a hard time accepting it. But on top of Naomi and Oliver being great characters and great together there were her two friends. I adored them! They were so different from Naomi but that was what made their friendship so great.

This was the perfect quick read for the spring. I believe each friend will have a book and I cannot wait for their adventures.

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Lauren Layne is one of my favorite go-to authors for when I need a story with a guaranteed happy ending, some fun romance, witty banter and not a lot of smut. Her new series, Central Park Pact, centers on three women who meet in a not so usual way. This first book focuses on Naomi and her childhood nemesis Oliver. When the two reunite, Oliver has no idea who Naomi is and she of course, intends to keep it that way.

As usual for book centered on friends, I found the fledgling friendship the most interesting relationship of the story with the actual romantic part taking back seat. I enjoy relationships where the women are friends first and then the romance part happens around the friendship. Anyway, back to the romance part. As Naomi begins to navigate her new normal, she ends up realizing that she actually *likes* Oliver and maybe, just maybe, she isn't as broken as she thought.

In terms of content, minor spoilers but potential content issues for some people so (view spoiler) None of this distracts from the story and while all incidents play into the here and now, if some of that is not your thing, maybe steer clear of this one.

I'm giving this book a 3 out 5. It was fun and quick to read. The book comes out on May 28 but is up for pre-order on Amazon now.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.

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Absolutely adorable – Layne has taken another redheaded heroine with a take charge attitude and brought her a never-hoped for chance at happiness! Naomi has taken her idea for an accessories company that collects and sources unique pieces from her small Bronx apartment into a very successful enterprise. A surprise to her after the life she knew with her mother fell apart and existence became a series of one-bedroom apartments, hotel rooms and sleeping rough. But, with the need to move into larger office space and finding the “perfect’ Tribeca apartment, the time is right for new beginnings. Of course, she’s still stinging from the death of her ex-boyfriend: less the death than finding out he had both a wife and another girlfriend. At his funeral. Or rather, after ditching his funeral for a walk in Central Park and coming upon his widow and the other – other woman. Funnily enough, the three find that friendship between them is a far better option than anger at one another – consolidate their anger against the cheating, lying man who still has managed to upset their lives from the grave.

Yet an unexpected twist in Naomi’s life happens when she gets a call for her interview with the co-op board for a building at 517 Park Avenue, the same building where her life with her mother started to unravel. Discovering that the interviewer was her 10 year old nemesis Oliver instantly reduced Naomi to the spiteful little girl who wanted to get back at the bully. Soon she finds herself with two apartments to choose from, and an unreasonable attraction to Oliver, her new neighbor in her 517 Park apartment. A pre-war building, the residents are mostly older, with Oliver and Naomi being the only under 50’s in the building, but Oliver’s time and availability are limited, not that she’s asking. He’s caring for his father now fully consumed with Alzheimer’s, having help to care for him during the days, while he takes nights and weekends. But, Oliver’s father Walter, after a chance encounter with Naomi, likes her, and it seems to take a bit of the bite from Naomi’s anger, fueled by her mother’s lack of adult sense, to blame everyone but herself for their decreased circumstances when she was 10.

Naomi and Oliver are lovely together, and the moments between Naomi, Claire and Audrey (the wife and the other-other woman) are lovely, as are the insets of Naomi’s PA Deena – a Jersey Housewife if ever there was one. Slow friendship, a coaxing out of more, and plenty of moments that illustrate the stressors of caring for an aging and ailing parent, unfinished business, and plenty of ‘running scared’ from Naomi as the ‘not quite fitting in” voices in her head vary in their insistence. They are well-matched but not in the “oh he will fix everything” sort of way, with a genuine interest in one another, Oliver’s recognition of his own bad behavior as a child, his actually READING all of Anne of Green Gables through to discover what ever became of Anne and Gilbert, and the steps the two make on their way to something more is classic Layne – engaging, funny, heartwarming and with a depth that sneaks up and takes your breath away with the gentleness with which she handled the difficult moments in their lives.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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When she was young, Naomi Powell's mother used to work as a housekeeper for the cream of the crop of New York society (at least that's what they believe themselves to be). When her mother was fired from one job she was blacklisted and had difficulty finding another job. This gave Naomi an often turbulent childhood. She's spent nearly everyday after this trying to prove that she belongs in the upper echelons of society, and being the CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires, I think it's safe to say that Naomi has made it.

But when Naomi is set to move into a new apartment on Park Avenue (in the same building her mother used to work), she'll come face to face with the family who was instrumental in setting her and her mother down the path of poverty including an all grown up Oliver Cunningham - her former childhood nemesis.

Naomi reckons she'll get closure for the past. But when her past memories and the present situation don't line up - and especially when she starts to fall for Oliver - she'll have to rethink all the grudges she's always held so close.

I always enjoy Lauren Layne and she certainly has a promising start with Passion on Park Avenue. What really stood out for me about this story was the idea of closure. Moving past the grudges and letting go of the wrongs done to us. Looking at a situation out of eyes that have seen and done more.

I was cringing when Naomi's reason for moving into her new apartment was to get "closure". Especially when her first interaction with Oliver shows that he doesn't remember who she is at all. It's an interesting commentary on what people remember / what events people hold close. I'm not saying that he was right to forget Naomi and what happened with her and her mother, but it speaks to someone's different circumstances and the things they put importance on. Also, kind of reiterating the idea that your ideals and values can change significantly from when you're a child to when you're an adult. I think the cringe-factor was suppose to be an intentional reaction set by Lauren Layne. As things progress I could understand Naomi's need for closure, maybe not the initial way she goes about it, but I understood the need. Of course, things don't go as planned for Naomi which is what I really loved about this book.

Oliver tormented Naomi like none other when they were kids. So she kind of holds those memories as truth despite the fact that they're both adults now. It's easy to see Oliver is a good person. He maybe forgets sometimes that he's lived (and is living) a privileged life, but it's not to the detriment of those around him. In contrast, Naomi vividly remembers all the climbing she had to do to get to the top, and her achievements speak very well for her. But sometimes it clouds her judgement of others.

The overarching conflict felt a little too rushed for me. I loved the back and forth between Oliver and Naomi, but that took up a little too much of the book while their romantic feelings for one another weren't explored as much as I would have liked. I think the sting of the past could have been felt more if they were just a tab bit more caught up with one another.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I wish there was more having to do with Naomi's newly formed friendship with Audrey and Claire. These two will undoubtedly get their own books in this series and the way their friendship comes about is quite interesting. I wanted to see a little more of their navigating this, but I'm hoping it will be continued to be explored in upcoming books.

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3.5 stars

Passion on Park Avenue kicks off the Central Park Pact series by the fantastic Lauren Layne. Three ladies become friends after finding out that they were all dating the same douchebag. They promise to look out for one another as they go back into the dating scene and ultimately become really good friends.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Lauren Layne should consider writing screenplays. She has a way of writing the most vivid romantic comedies that the reader can easily visualize as movies. My only issue with LL’s books is that even though they’re set in NYC, I have yet to encounter characters of colour. Her books make the famous city seem completely white, which is so far from the reality of NYC. Regardless, I love her writing and really enjoy her books.

I loved the first half of Passion on Park Avenue – it had everything I could ever want in an enemies to lovers romance. Although, in this case, the enmity is only on the heroine’s side because she is unable to move on from the past. The chemistry between Oliver and Naomi is sizzling and their romance is a total slow burn. However, this book completely lost me in the second half. The slow burning kind of died out and Naomi continued to be stubborn by going on dates with the wrong guy and by refusing to tell Oliver the truth. It was so frustrating because there were so many wasted opportunities, other than jealousy, that could have been used to further develop the relationship. This whole process of Naomi constantly being hot and cold, Oliver being jealous, and Naomi insisting that she will date a douchebag got old real fast.

I’m all for slow burn, but the payoff has to be worth it. Here…the payoff is pretty much nonexistent. The sex scene is fade to black, which is fine. I've read and enjoyed many sweet romances in the past. But I felt like this type of sex scene did not fit the tone of the story at all. It’s like LL tried to make this book sexy without actually making it sexy, if that makes any sense. Normally, I wouldn’t give a warning about sweet romances because they are generally easy to spot, if not from the synopsis, then from the tone of the book when you start reading it. This was not the case with Passion on Park Avenue. This book made me feel like I was headed in one direction and then BAM! All of a sudden, it takes another unexpected route.

I was also pretty annoyed by the fact that Naomi and Oliver's childhood past was a wall between them up until the very end. This leads me to conclude that the resolution was weak because it 1) happened too quickly and 2) we didn’t get anything from Oliver’s POV as he processed everything.

Overall, this was a cute, if somewhat draggy, romance. I am invested in the series and can’t wait for Claire’s book next (the jury is still out on Audrey...). I can't say that Passion on Park Avenue is a book that I will ever pick up again, which is unfortunate because I LOVED the first half of the story so much.

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Passion on Park Avenue was my first Lauren Layne book, and I loved it. I didn't realize that it was the first in a trilogy that centers on one of three best friends (this one is Naomi's story) when I started reading it, but I'm so glad and now want to read Love on Lexington Avenue asap!

Thrillers and suspense novels are my go-to genre, but romantic comedies are my guilty pleasure. I've been in a bit of a reading and life slump lately where not much has interested me, but these are exactly the kinds of books that have gotten me through because they are quick, fun, and who doesn't love a good romance?

The novel starts out in the most engaging way: Naomi is on her way to her dead lover's funeral when instead she makes best friends with two of the most unlikely women ever and I do mean ever! You wouldn't think their friendship would work or their pact to help each other find the right man, but it really does. All three are strong characters and what emerges is strong female friendships that provide the backbone of the novel.

Naomi is a self-made billionaire with her own company, but that wasn't always the case. She grew up poor, and Naomi has promised herself that one day she'd get revenge on the old moneyed family who fired and blackballed her mother when she was their housekeeper and made their lives miserable by default. When she gets the chance to move into the co-op on Park Ave where they once lived, Naomi's determined to prove herself to the Cunninghams...except Oliver is no longer the bully she remembers from their childhood but instead there is sizzling chemistry between the two in between their back and forth snarky, witty banter, and his father has Alzheimer's and can't be punished for past misdeeds he doesn't even remember. 

I've been loving the enemies to lovers romance plot lately, and Layne did an excellent job with it in PoPA. The two had that wonderful chemistry that just oozed off the pages and both were so likable! All the characters in PoPa were likable, and I really loved was the focus on the friendships between Naomi, Claire, and Audrey. This is actually a really sweet, heartwarming romance

Passion on Park Avenue is a great summer read―definitely add this enemies to lovers romance to your summer reading list, especially if your a fan of Christina Lauren books because if so, you'll love this!

**Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review.**

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Another winner from Lauren Layne! I love the premise of this series: that instead of turning on each other, three women formed a friendship instead of fighting each other when they discovered they had all inadvertently been with the same man. The romance between Naomi and Oliver was so great, the perfect slow burn. The additional layer of Oliver dealing with being a caretaker for a sick parent was also interesting, and felt very real. This is a perfect summer read; a book that’s easy but still has some depth.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.

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Lauren Layne is one of those authors I can reliably count on to deliver a romance I will read and enjoy thoroughly. I’ve come to expect steam and banter from her and while Passion on Park Avenue definitely has some great chemistry b/w the MCs, its soft in a way no book I’ve read by her is.

Instead of characters who are constantly clashing and fighting their attraction, we have characters who are fighting their attraction but also very nice to each other.

When Naomi shows up at 517 Park Avenue, the very place she was kicked out of two decades ago, she isn’t really sure what to expect. Part of her wants revenge against the family that ruined her life and the other part of her just wants closure.

The Cunninghams are not who she remembers them to be- after all, a lot can happen in two decades. Soon she is sucked into their lives and finds herself not really wanting to leave. It’s too late for revenge but it’s not too late for Naomi to finally have the HEA she deserves.

Passion on Park Avenue didn’t truly blow me away but Oliver and Naomi are great characters and I really enjoyed watching them figure out and deal with their attraction to one another. Everything is just SO SOFT.

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Lauren Layne debuts her Central Park Pact series with a delectable tale of the sassy self-made billionaire Naomi Powell who is determined to prove her worth to the Manhattan elite.

When Oliver Cunningham was tasked to interview the feisty redhead interested in moving next door to him, he was captivated by her beauty and intrigued by her instant disdain towards him. He couldn’t help but vote for her to move in because there’s nothing better than solving a beautiful puzzle. But will he be able to see past her deceit once he does?

Naomi is in the women’s accessories business, not into flaunting her success. But when she gets the opportunity to move into the luxurious apartment building on Park Avenue where she briefly lived many years ago when her mother worked as a live-in maid, she can’t pass up the chance.

Now that Naomi has the chance to boast her success at snobby family her mother used to work for she realizes that the boy who tormented her is now a gorgeously charming grown man caring for his ailing father and is no longer interested in revealing their shared history, especially when she starts to fall for Oliver.

Even though it was a slow enemies to lovers burn, I really enjoyed Oliver and Naomi’s verbal sparring and relationship development. Besides being smart and attractive, Oliver grew up to be a kind, thoughtful and easygoing man. I couldn’t help but cheer him on. Naomi continuously found herself conflicted by her past grudge and present pull towards the Cunningham men, and I appreciated how she worked through it.

As is part of her signature, Layne also permeates the novel with the lovely New York background. But the heart of this series lies in the unlikely but true friendship formed by Naomi and two other Upper East Side women who are perfect fodder for this new romance series for which Layne set the groundwork for in this first installment. The most touching passages are a testament to friendship and sisterhood.

Passion on Park Avenue is a lighthearted, feel-good story with a well-developed plot in which Layne expertly pens a delightful cast of characters I can’t wait to read more of.

Passion on Park Avenue is book #1 of the Central Park Pact series by Lauren Layne. It’s a standalone, contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.

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I’m not new to Lauren Layne’s books and I have absolutely loved everything I have read by her and this one was no different.
First off, I love how Naomi, Claire and Audrey become friends. It was different, unique and gives them a fun story how they all connected. Passion on Park Avenue is Naomi’s story.
Her lease is up, so time to beginning apartment hunting, until she receives a phone call to interview for an apartment on 517 Park Ave. When she goes to her interview, she runs into the bane of her childhood existence. She instantly recognizes Oliver, but he has no idea who she is, other than the fact that he is EXTREMELY fascinated with this woman. She’s a puzzle he wants to solve.
The relationship was Oliver and Naomi is slow build. It started out as enemies, well mostly for Naomi, then slowly developed into a friendship, then slowly that friendship became something more. Though, Naomi was still hiding her true identity from Oliver. She wasn’t out for revenge against what him and his family did to her but she was looking for closure on that chapter of her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun, light, refreshing and sweet. There were some passionate kisses, but this book wasn’t heavy on the steamy scenes, but honestly I think it was perfect for the story.
I can’t wait to see what is in store next with the second book, which we already know is Claire’s story. For any fans of Lauren Layne or anyone look for a refreshing romance story I HIGHLY recommend this book!

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For anyone who loved the movie The Other Woman, you will love the foundation of this book. Naomi, a strong and accomplished woman with a very hard shell has an opportunity to face her past that she tried so hard to escape from and overcome. She is used to being an independent woman, with very few friends, who told herself long ago that she would never cry over a man. This book just goes to show that your pre-conceived notions can be misguiding, rather it’s about being present and open to shifting your mindset. If you live in the past, you will remain closed off to many opportunities, but once you let your guard down and allow yourself to be present, you may just find things you never thought you needed. This love story had a one-sided love-hate trope to it and it really drew me in and kept me captivated throughout. I love Lauren Layne’s writing style and am so grateful that Lisa Filipe reached out to me to review this book so that I could be introduced to this beautiful writer. This was my first book by this author, but definitely will not be my last. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Special thanks to Lauren Layne, Lisa Filipe, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

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Thank you so much to Gallery Books and Netgalley for sending this to me!!

I really enjoyed this one! It was super fast paced, addicting, light, and reminded me a lot of Sex and the City with a splash of Gossip Girl! I blew through this in two sittings and was surprised at how quickly I devoured this one!

This follows extremely successful Naomi as she comes to term with her past. She makes two of the best of friends in the most strangest circumstance. I love how unique the situation was and the friendship aspect in this book was a huge highlight. I loved how they all built this bond from such an awful situation and I’m so excited for Audrey and Claire to find their happily ever after. When Naomi moves into Park Avenue, which was a place that has a lot of history for her and her mom, she has to come face to face with the man who betrayed her mom and his son, who was a schoolyard bully all growing up. The only thing is that what she finds isn’t who she expects and she has to come to terms with learning how to forgive and move on while falling in love with the boy she thought she knew.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Oliver and Naomi but I wish it wasn’t as much fade to black as it was. They didn’t have as many “sexy” scenes as I was hoping for, but they did have a lot of great banter and chemistry. I just felt like it went in circles a lot of the time and I just wanted them to be together already!! This is where my problems really were, especially with Naomi. I thought she was frustrating at times and I just wanted her to TALK TO OLIVER! The biggest conflict was miscommunication between them and it was just driving me insane. That being said, when we finally did get it, I was so excited only to realize I was way past the 80% mark and the book was almost done. I would have loved to stay with their relationship for a bit longer but I’m excited that this is a series and I’m hopeful we’ll get to see more cuteness from them in the future.

I really appreciated that this book dealt with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. My grandmother suffers from this disease and I felt so deeply for Oliver. I’ve never read a book before that featured that and it was such a huge part of Oliver’s life. All the times when he couldn’t go out or do normal things because he had to take care of his dad, I completely understood that because that’s how it was like for me and my family when my grandma lived with us before we had to put her in a home. I was personally able to connect with all those moments and I really loved all the family scenes with Walter!

I also loved the Anne of Green Gables mentions! It was so cute!! The writing was great as well and I’m so excited to read more from this series and watch all the girls find their happily ever afters!

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A Stylish Take on the Power of Friendship and Forgiveness!

Passion Park Avenue is a slightly new Lauren Layne, the stunning fashion, snappy dialogue, and characters that you instantly connect with are all still there, but now there’s a deeper focus on the bonds of friendship and self discovery.

Naomi and Oliver have a past that only she recalls but that has shaped who both of them have become and who they want to be. Because of this past, the romance between these two is a slow burn that finally flames into a gentle fire in the depths of New York’s winter.

However, at the heart of this story is the friendship between Naomi, Audrey, and Claire who meet under unusual circumstances, at best, but form a deep bond due to a shared experience. I loved this element of the story as it reminded me of one of my all time favorite girl power movies, The First Wives Club.

If you’re a fan of Lauren Layne, I think you’ll love this new direction as much as I do...and you’ll be shipping Claire and Scott!!!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

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I’ve read quite a few LL books and she never disappoints! I love her style of writing, her use of humor and snark and her ability to create fun, relatable characters that you like instantly. This is the first in a new series following a group of new friends living in NYC and I’m so excited to see where things are headed next.

From the first chapter I was hooked, Naomi meets two new potential friends in the most bizarre way, think the opposite of a romantic meet cute, except it is kind of cute. Anyway, it was a solid way to reel me in and get me invested in these women and their lives and their friendship may have been unlikely but it feels fun and genuine. On the romance side of things is the good old enemies to lovers trope, why do I love this tried and true storyline so much?! I think it’s because if it’s executed well there’s always amazing chemistry and witty banter and LL has that down pat. Oliver was exactly the kind of leading man that I like, charming and smart, a little reserved but you just know there’s more to him than meets the eye.

I got serious Christina Lauren vibes from this one and that’s a huge compliment from me cause I’m obsessed with them, but with less sex. That appeals to me though, I like all the sweet parts in a romance novel and don’t really need the steam. This isn’t totally clean but it’s pretty damn close, so keep that in mind depending on your personal preferences. Overall a fabulous read, I think it’s her best yet and I can’t wait for the second book!

Passion on Park Avenue in three words: Witty, Sassy and Amusing

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Cute, but angsty story. I really loved Naomi. Her rags to riches story was admirable and I loved her strength of character. Oliver was such a pleasant surprise in a hero. I loved how down to earth he was and how much he took his responsibilities seriously. This is definitely a slow burn, but doesn’t pack as much heat as I usually liked. It still worked fantastically. Once these two finally get passed their differences, they are perfect together. Looking forward to Audrey and Claire’s stories.

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I am so torn about this book. On one hand, it's just fluff, and there were things that drove me crazy (for example, why on Park Avenue are they always taking the stairs to their apartment?), but on the other hand, I devoured it in a day and couldn't put it down. While I'm not necessarily the target reader, I have to admit, it sucked me in! Not the best plot, not the best writing, little character development with several farfetched aspects, but certainly engaging and fun. I have to give it, and the author, its due! Rounding up from 3.5 stars.

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ARC Provided by netgalley for an honest review!

As a connoisseur of anything that Lauren Layne writes, I was again blown away with her ability to create complex, relatable, and most of all, likable, characters that suck you into their stories! What do you do when first(and sometimes last) impressions of someone turn out to be wrong? This is what the novel hints at with Naomi and Oliver. I’m already looking forward to Claire and Audrey’s story’s to follow! Great easy read!!

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