So the premise of the Central Park Pact series is that three women, a wife, a girlfriend, and a mistress, find out their husband/boyfriend/lover was actually the same jerk… but then he dies. Oddly, the three of them hit it off and vow to protect each other from lying, scumbag men.

You in? I’m in.

As for Love on Lexington Avenue, the second book on this series…I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book when I first got started but I ended up loving it. This a close proximity story wherein Claire (the wife) is remodeling her house and Scott, her gruff, flannel-wearing contractor, meet and immediately butt heads. Yay.
.
But the way their relationship evolves is so… emotional and slow-burny and sweet. Basically, they’re both everything neither one of them knew they’d always wanted and it’s perfection.

Love on Lexington Avenue is set to release on September 17th (my birthday!). Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the chance to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I fell in love with Lauren Layne books after reading her Sex, Love & Stilleto series and Oxford series. Her characters are my favorite type of characters: people I wish I were best friends with in real life. I love how she creates relationships between the characters, whether it's friendships or romantic ones, and makes you feel like you're one of the group. The witty dialog between characters is one of my favorite things about her books. So I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this book, and I was right.

This is the second book in the Central Park Pact series, and even though I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series, this book can still be read as a stand-alone romance. The women in this series bonded over a man who duped all of them, and their story of rising above the pain and embarrassment is inspiring, as is their friendship. This book is Claire's story - I loved the easy fire between Claire and Scott, and the attraction between them. I loved Claire's journey of trying to figure out who she is without her husband, and she's definitely not vanilla. And I loved the support from her friends as she figured out who she wanted to be, and how to learn to trust someone again.

Overall I would definitely recommend reading this book if you're in the mood for a light, fun, and romantic read, as well as other books by this author.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

Love on Lexington Avenue is an adorable tale of opposites attract turned maybe-not-so-opposites attract after all, and I love it so. It’s a feel-good story with a super romantic ending, undeniably written by that dazzling writer of (mostly) Manhattanites—Lauren Layne—and it gave me allllll the HEA feels (which we can all agree is of paramount importance these days, am I right?).

We met Claire Hayes and Scott Turner in the start of Lauren Layne’s Central Park Pact series. At the beginning of Love on Lexington Avenue, the second book in said series, Claire’s been a widow of her cheating-husband for a year, about to embark on a major house renovation with the rude but highly skilled contractor she just hired, Scott Turner.

The initial chemistry between Claire and Scott is delightful in the way of classic movies where the hero and heroine keep jabbing at one another, neither one of them afraid to be as honest and least-“charming” as possible when they are, in actuality, very likable people. But Claire seems stuffy and overly opinionated to contractor Scott, and Scott seems abrasive and needlessly generous with his abrasive opinions to Claire, and it’s all very wonderful to readers like me who thrive off those kinds of verbal foreplay.

What adds another dose of complexity to the romantic plot is that neither Claire nor Scott want anything serious (marriage is a big no no), and despite their attraction to each other, neither thinks sleeping with the other sounds like a good idea either. Until it does…

The conflicts in Love on Lexington on Lexington are believable, true to the characters, and meaningful without being too heavy on angst, and that makes me a very happy woman. Claire and Scott and their wants/fears/needs grabbed onto my heart and I ached for their HEA without feeling like I was being led through a gauntlet of emotional torture. That felt like kind of an ideal reading experience, especially on a Monday afternoon while my toddler was sleeping.

For those of you (greedy wenches like me) wondering about the steam level, Love on Lexington Avenue is sexy without being as overt as most of Layne’s previous books. There’s one scene in particular that gave me that red-cheeked-swoony-stomach feeling.

The only thing that I missed is some of Scott’s direct engagement with his past with Claire. He’s pretty tight-lipped throughout Love—a source of frustration for Claire—and I wanted more of those specific walls to come down.

Everything else felt like sunshine and strawberry lemonade, cupcakes and HEA to me.

4.5 stars

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne is the 2nd book in her Central Park Pact series. I really enjoyed the first book of this series, and the wonderful friendship between the three heroines of this series. I am happy to say that I enjoyed Love on Lexington Avenue as much as I did in the first book.

Claire Hayes, our heroine in this book, is the wife of the deceased man each of the ladies bonded over. Claire is determined to change the design of her brownstone home, which continues to remind her of her cheating late husband. Claire thinks she is boring and living a vanilla life, even if her two friends who have become very supportive of each other tell her differently. A brief refresher: Naomi, our last book heroine, was one of Claire’s husband’s mistresses and Audrey, was another. All three support each other to make sure none of them fall for a man like their “ex”.

Scott Turner, our hero, is the contractor who will change the home (he is friend to Naomi’s boyfriend); both of them get off on the wrong foot when they first meet. Scott comes across as short tempered, arrogant and negative on any ideas that Claire might have. Claire learns that he is considered one of the best and most successful contractors worldwide, and decides to allow him to make changes, as well as give back the same attitude to him. The banter between them was really good, even if Scott was rude to her at times. But soon after they begin to work together, they both begin to feel the attraction to each other, even if they are determined to ignore it; especially Scott who enjoys spending time with other women, with no commitments. Claire decides that she wants to go out and see if she can flirt with a guy, and approaches Scott to help her pick a man for a one-night stand; she wants to feel sexy again.

Scott will take her to a bar, but begins to feel jealousy when other men come on to her. Claire begins to see another side to the grumpy Scott, and slowly falls hard for him. They will give in to their sexual tension between them, with the knowledge that there is no future. Best laid plans do not always work out. lol

Love on Lexington Avenue was a sweet, fun, slow burn romance that was so very well done by Layne. I loved Claire and Scott over time. I adored the fantastic friendship between Claire, Naomi and Audrey, with each of them going out of there way to be supportive and help them past their grief, anger and just being there for each other.

The story was very well written by Lauren Layne, with the fantastic concept of these women who did not know each other in the beginning but became the best of friends; and Layne also has created some wonderful secondary characters. Love on Lexington Avenue was a fun story, with lots of charisma, and I cannot wait for Audrey’s story next. I suggest you read this series, and start with the first book, Passion on Park Avenue.

I got Passion on Park Avenue from the library and was thrilled to be able to read Claire and Scott's story in advance! Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the privilege!

Claire and Scott do not disappoint. I loved watching Claire rediscover herself, especially as a woman who has given herself to her kids and family and farm for the past several years. I could absolutely relate to her need to find herself. The only trouble now is waiting for the last book! I loved it!

Claire is a widow. Scott has been burned. Both of them must learn how to pick up the pieces after terrible losses in their lives. When Claire’s husband passes away and his infidelities are exposed, she decides to redo her entire New York City townhouse with the help of a jaded and handsome contractor, Scott. The two build the home of her dreams while building a relationship on the side.

This novel is a special type of romance. It is intelligent, quick, and fun. I enjoyed Claire and her need to be more “pink lemonade” rather than “vanilla.” I loved Scott and his surly attitude that turned into something of a gentleman. The two’s friendship was warm and real. Readers will enjoy the humor that surrounds a serious subject of loss and how to move on as well as the reliability of learning how to create your own identity separate from your partner’s. Claire’s journey to find herself after her husband passes away is both sweet and raw at the same time. The inclusion of Claire’s friends Audrey and Naomi were unique...because she met them at her husband’s funeral...oh and they were the girlfriend and mistress to Claire’s deceased husband. The comradery and female friendship breathes life into this story as well. Reading about the three women’s interactions were almost as enjoyable to read as the quips between Claire and Scott. This very detail shows the comical and unique spin Layne puts on a classic romance storyline.

The only thing that was lacking for me was the ending. I will not write any spoilers here but I was hoping for something a bit less predictable, although I am still pleased with reading it until the last page.

I give this novel a solid 4.5 stars for the lovable characters, sweet interactions, humorous plot, and deeper topics of loss and identity.

Thank you Netgalley, Lauren Layne, and Gallery, Pocket Books for providing a copy of Love on Lexington Avenue in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is set to be released on September 17, 2019. It is the second novel in the Central Park Pact series. Passion on Park Avenue is available now. The third installment in the series is set to be released in early 2020 titled, Marriage on Madison Avenue.

I always enjoy reading Lauren Layne's books. Having read just about every single one of her books, I find that they are generally smart, sexy, and witty. Love on Lexington Avenue is definitely one of those. It is book 2 in The Central Park Pact series. Claire Hayes is a widow who has found two new friends. She met them at her husband's funeral, only to learn that Naomi Powell and Audrey Tate were involved with him at the same time she was married. The three form a pact and develop quite a close bond. I was surprised that Claire was book 2. I figured with her backstory so fresh she would be book 3, but as I was reading it I was glad that she was, and even more glad that she was pared up with Scott. As someone who seemingly hasn't had to work very hard for much in life, paring her with rough-around-the-edges Scott was a good choice. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

This is the story of Audrey, recently widowed, and Scott the contractor who is renovating her home. Audrey and Scott have both been burned by relationships in the past and are not looking for a relationship. But, as the renovation heats up, so does their relationship!

This is the second book in the Central Park Pact series, but didn’t feel like I needed to read the first one to understand what was going on. Also, there are hints in the book that a third one is one the way.

Fun, light, funny in spots. A charming romance with a big grand gesture romantic ending.

This is a sweet and enjoyable summer read. I recommend you give it a try. 4/5

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is out September 17, 2019.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!! I loved Claire and Scott’s story!! 😍 I read the first of The Central Park Pact Series earlier in the summer and liked it! This one was even better! I loved seeing how Claire recovered from her cheating husband! Also, it was great to see how Scott and Claire connected! If you loved Passion on Park Avenue, I bet you will love this one too! If you haven't read either book, I highly recommend the series!

First Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Pocket books for the ARC.

I must say that I enjoyed this book more than I did book 1. The idea of a widow befriending her husband's mistresses is quite interesting. Claire, the widow needs a change so she remodels her home... Enter Scott, who has his own relationship issues. Their relationship between them is funny and sweet and has some very nice moments.

If you are a fan of romance, def give these books a chance.... just know the female characters are strong women - you won't find damsels in distress.

This one I adored. No one does heart tugging romantic gestures the way Lauren Layne does! Claire and Scott their journey made me so invested on how everything will turn out! I love this series from the first book but I adore Claire and Scott the most.

Claire Hayes is moving on. After the revelation that her departed husband had a girlfriend and a mistress, she makes the decision to start over. First on her agenda is to renovate their Upper East Side brownstone and make it a reflection of the new woman she desires to become. When she meets Scott Turner, a highly sought-after contractor, her simple vision of out-with-the-beige and in-with-the-pink becomes a bit more challenging.

Rough-around-the-edges, Scott has no patience for the privileged widow. He agreed to take on the project as a reprieve from his usual corporate office do-overs and expensive hotel renovations. What he hadn't factored in was an opinionated woman looking to make a mark of her own. Although she may be paying the bills, Scott is not used to someone else trying to call the shots. Not to mention his own dog seems to like Claire more than his owner.

Love on Lexington Avenue is the second book in the popular Central Park Pact series. While each book can stand alone, I highly recommend starting at the beginning with Passion on Park Avenue. This latest release has an HGTV appeal with the fix-it-up theme and decorator jargon. The witty dialogue and attraction between Claire and Scott make the story fresh and highly addictive. Finding true love is never easy, especially for these two who are reluctant to take a chance on romance. With charm, sass, and sexy dialogue, book two captured my heart. Can't wait for January 2020 for the the release of book three, Marriage on Madison Avenue. This romantic comedy series set in the city that never sleeps is cleverly chic and lots of fun.

5 STARS

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne is such an awesome book ! This is a standalone but since I somehow missed Book One I now have that also on my TBR list. ( Passion on Park Avenue )

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review - opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.

I am giving this book a Night Owl 🦉 award because I was up into the wee hours of the morning to finish - just could not put it down.

This is not your typical romance ; yet there is plenty of sizzling chemistry & an amazing HEA. Lauren Layne has written some really outstanding romances & this is definitely one I would like to re-read as I was so hooked on Claire & Scott’s story !!

Claire Hayes is changing her life from vanilla to strawberry lemonade - beige / cream / vanilla to pink / fuchsia / magenta !!!
Why ... you ask ? The past year she has spent in emotional limbo grieving the death of her cheating husband Brayden the guy that was the love of her life - or so she thought until discovering his secret life of girlfriends & mistresses ...

Scott Turner is hired by Claire to update & renovate her brownstone on Lexington Ave - NYC. He is very well known in his field & would normally be priced out of Claire’s budget but something really challenges him to take on this project & it might just subliminally also have something to do with feisty Claire.

I do not get emotional when reading a book very often - but I did actually tear up a few times & felt like my heart was breaking as well for these characters. There are some completely laugh out loud moments ( Hamptons - Beach scene what a way to exercise the spirit of a cheating husband / boyfriend / lover ) ... but it’s also so true to life & often about how difficult it is to start over.

I love that Scott actually listens to Claire - proven several times but specifically with how “spot on “ his renovations to her home are that they allow Claire to move forward in her life.

Not only is this book a great romance but there are definitely some life lessons to learn as well about getting your heart broken but being brave enough to change & go for what you want - so happy that Scott & Claire get their amazing HEA

Love on Lexington Avenue is an absolutely delightful read !! Don’t miss it !! I think you will become a HUGE fan of Lauren Layne’s as well !!

Love on Lexington Avenue initially drew me in by it's gorgeous cover. The synopsis sounded fresh and so cute and romantic. The story itself was wonderful. I loved watching Claire slowly open up and begin to live her life again. She started off vanilla and then blossomed into a strawberry lemonade cupcake. I was rooting for her the entire book. I loved the relationship between Claire, Naomi, and Audrey. More sisters than friends, they had each other's backs in every single way. The bonfire scene was one of my favorites. I loved Claire and Scott. The way she opened Scott up from running away from every relationship in his life. Lauren Layne not only made you care about Claire and Scott, but every single character in this book. This is definitely a five star read. I can't wait to get this in physical copy. Also, I can't wait to read the next chapter in this story with Audrey. Very well done!

I read Passion on Park Avenue a few months ago and immediately fell in love with the trio of ladies bonding over their misfortune of having known the same man (ahem, very intimately). Naomi was the mistress (her story is Passion on Park Avenue), Audrey was the girlfriend and then there was the wife Claire. Claire feels so much humiliation - not just because her husband was cheating on her with multiple people - but because she thought what they had was real. She thought that she was the perfect wife and that her husband loved her for who she was.

It's only right then, that she's going through a bit of a crisis. She wants to spice up her life and add in pops of color (specifically pink) to what she thinks is a rather dull life. Enter Scott Turner, the contractor who she decides will help her remodel her home. I love grumpy heroes, and Scott fits the bill perfectly. He doesn't lavish Claire with fancy words and tells her exactly what his opinions are on her house and other matters that she doesn't really care for. Scott is honest and straightforward and I love that about him. The relationship between Claire and Scott gradually morphed into something more than a contractor and his client and I enjoyed the ride.

Both of these characters have a lot of feelings that are left unresolved, because of people in the past that have hurt them. They are so complicated, but loving and both of them always have such good intentions. Once I picked up this book, I read it over the course of a day and literally could not stop reading it. This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me. I can't wait for Audrey and Clarke's story!

**ARC kindly provided by TastyBookPR, NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for my honest review**

This book was even better than the first in the series even though Claire's story was the one I was least excited to read. However even though she is an incredibly prickly character Layne makes her so sympathetic from the first page with her quest to be less of a vanilla cupcake. After being betrayed by her husband she is certainly entitled to have some thorns. So when she decides to redo her dated brownstone and in walks Scott, a very sought after and attractive contractor who fuels his wanderlust by by taking far flung international jobs, she is not prepared to want more than a pink kitchen from him. Scott might not have been quite an Oliver level hero but he comes close and his dog, Bob, adds points in his favor. I loved the way he paid attention to Claire and her needs and the ending was swoon worthy. Book three cannot come soon enough for me.

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

I loved this super fun book. It was a fast and cute read. The characters were quirky and it was great how the story line all came together in the end. This was great!!

I couldn’t wait for book 2 in this series! After both getting to know the girls and getting Naomi’s story, I knew that I couldn’t wait for Claire’s especially with her role in the trio. After taking a look at her life and the betrayal she endured, Claire has decided to get out of her comfort zone and do things that are less “vanilla” and more out of the box. In an attempt to implement that into multiple aspects of her life, she decides with her upcoming home renovation, she will throw away the home dreams she’s had for years and yet start fresh and with whatever comes to mind. Referred by Oliver, Scott is determined not to take this job, but one look at the house and the woman who owns it and he’s already lost his battle. As the two get to know each other, both being unforgiving and abrasive in their personalities, they develop a common bond and friendship, which quickly turns into more. But with Scott never staying in one place for too long and denying the relationship and feelings he has for Claire, the ultimate question is if they will end up together or implode. I love Lauren’s storyline ideas and her style of writing. After reading book one, these things are what kept me coming back and anticipating book two and beyond!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Having read and loved Passion on Park Avenue earlier this year, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Claire’s story in Love on Lexington Avenue. This turned out to be everything I wanted and more.

Just like its predecessor, this reads like you’re losing yourself in watching a movie. You can visualize every single scene playing out like it’s on screen in front of you. I love books like this.

In my opinion we got a lot more depth to the friendship between the three ladies in this book. It was so wonderful to see them bonding ever more.

I knew reading Claire’s story would break my heart a little. She was obviously the one who had to deal with the Brayden fallout in a much more public way. Reading her journey of healing made me shed a fair amount of tears.

Her story truly was emotional, beautiful and touching.

I’m enamoured with this series and I’m full of giddy and anxious joy over the upcoming Marriage on Madison Avenue.

I enjoy all of Layne’s novels. She continues her trilogy of novels about three women who discovered that they all had been sleeping with the same man and have, surprisingly, become the closest of friends.. This one centers on Claire, the widow. She’s wealthy and wounded from her discoveries about her husband. She decides to redecorate her brownstone. Enter Scott, a prominent contractor who has done important projects all over the world. But something about her house appeals to him and he takes on the job.

Both Claire and Scott have been wounded by past romances. They now have to navigate their mutual attraction as well as their resolve not to get involved in anything permanent. Of course, that resolve is not going to last.

I enjoyed seeing Claire bloom with the help of her two friends. Scott is an appealing guy who also has a genius for renovation. And his dog is a sweetheart. It all adds up to an entertaining and fun read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.