Romance novels often use familiar tropes, and as Lauren Layne closes out this trilogy, she definitely did an entertaining job with friends to lovers. In the Central Park Pact series, three women met at a funeral only to discover they were all involved with the same man. They have become the best of friends and in this third and final book of the series.

So, what is Audrey Tate's story? Well, she has been best friends with Clarke West for years. Platonic yet they loved each other deeply. When Clarke becomes frustrated with his mother's matchmaking, Audrey agrees to pretend to be engaged to him. In making it look convincing, a gently touch, a long look, a lingering kiss leads the pair wondering if they could possibly be friends with benefits long enough for Clarke to get his mother off of his back.

I loved this book and it was easily my favorite of the series. I loved how Audrey and Clarke were forced to face their feelings. I also loved the humor this book contained. However, the thing that I loved with Marriage on Madison Avenue, as well as with the first two books in the series, Passion on Park Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue especially because of the friendship that existed between Audrey, Naomi and Claire. Although their friendship started from very unusual circumstances, it is powerful and gives the stories a nice emotional edge. These books could be standalones, but I encourage readers who enjoy romance to read the trilogy as a whole.

Many thanks to Gallery and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

You don't need to have read the previous two books in the Central Park Pact series to appreciated Marriage on Madison Avenue, but if you had you know how badly Clarke and Audrey NEEDED to be together. The childhood best friends were clearly soulmates and everyone knew it, except for them. I live for this trope. When Audrey and Clarke decide to fake an engagement to annoy internet trolls and exes alike, they suddenly begin to realize that their feelings for each other aren't as fake as they originally thought. GIMME ME MORE.

The three women are back and from the first book now to the third, each book is different just like each woman. Maybe that is why from a guy’s point of view each one is a little intimidating, which as it should be. Audrey is finally working on dealing with herself and not wanting to go get cupcakes right away, though there is nothing wrong with a good cupcake my daughter says (I agree). She is looking back at the men she has chosen and is actually believing that it is her fault for the way everything worked out though Claire’s husband was an ass, jerk you get the point.
On top of everything else, she has some troll on the internet posting things about her that she feels are offensive. I get why she is hurt by what the person is saying especially when the ass does not have b…s to face you. That is the only problem with social media, I digress. So, her best friend Clarke who is being set up by his mother once again and is shocked to see his ex at lunch no less agrees to help Audrey with a fake engagement.
This is not like one of those regular fake engagement books no siree this is a full Manhattan-style fake engagement with party, cake tasting from a top pastry chef, a wonderful wedding planner and of course two people who thought they both agree to a fake engagement agree that if it were a real wedding they would want an over the top one, so everyone would know they are marrying there one. So, in New York, you get married in the Plaza where else?
Now, of course, his mother Clarke for whatever reason really does not care for Audrey, but Clarke has always liked her and she has always liked him. They like the same movies and most everything else. Even enjoy just being home together as friends watching a movie eating pizza, popcorn and lounging on the couch no pretentions. When Clarke sees her in a different light, he knows she is the one, but he now must convince her.
Audrey because of everything that has happened to her and she feels responsible, probably for too much is falling for Clarke especially after they kiss, but will she allow herself to really be, be Audrey. I think really that is what I got out of this story, her becoming her own person. Moving in her own place, looking at her side what role she played if any and just growing up. She is the youngest of the three women and she had been there for each one of them especially Clare. From the first day when they left the park bench to when Clare moved from her home and started her new life, she supported her and the same with Naomi. She looked up to both of them in their strength and courage and was trying to find her own she went about it differently. Overall a good book, I wish maybe there would have been something about them all maybe ten years later but that is just me. A very good story to go along with the other books.

The cutest read, cutest cover, a fun overall vacation read! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

Clarke and Audrey have been best friends forever. When Clarke's mother makes a move by bringing his ex to dinner, Clarke asked Audrey to be his fake fiancee. But as the fake engagement progress down the road to matrimony Audrey and Clarke find that maybe the one you were looking for was right there all along.

I liked this wrap up to the Central Park Pact series. It was cute and it was nice to see Clarke and Audrey finally get together. Audrey reminds of Cher from Clueless and I liked her more as she began to figure things out. Clarke was great from the get go he just needed a little push and to be a bit more clear when he talks. Overall it was a cute story.

IT IS HERE! I just read the 2nd book in this series in November and the third installment is here! This is a friends to lovers romance, which (to be 100% honest) is NOT my usual catnip. BUT Ms. Layne surrounds the couple with enough external conflict (and has made us wait for this story for SO LONG) that it worked for me!!

Audrey Tate and Clarke West have been best friends since they were kids, and they would do anything for each other... including fake being engaged. But when their fake engagement starts to get more and more complicated, will these two best friends call it all off... or realize what has been right in front of them for their entire lives...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marriage on Madison Avenue was a sweet and entertaining friends-to-lovers story with a not so typical twist. Audrey and Clarke love each other endlessly... but as far as BEING in love, neither of them want to admit that the prospect of finding their one true love might just be a little too elusive for people like them. So with one fake engagement already giving them all the security they need... what would be the point of calling it off so soon...

Audrey was once unknowingly the "other woman" in a relationship, where she thought she finally had found her forever love. But when he turned out to be a lying creep, Audrey gained something even better than a husband... she found the most unconventional of friendships instead. But at the same time, she lost her confidence in finding the committed relationship and future happiness she thought she always wanted.

Clarke has never really thought about settling down, except for with one ex-girlfriend who basically threw his devotion right back in his face. So when his mother starts scheming to get them back together, Clarke falls back on the one woman who has always been there for him... and he tells the world that they're getting married. 

I loved Audrey and Clarke's friendship and their eventual realization of just how much they really love each other was adorable and so much fun. I did feel like there was a lot missing from the transition of best friends to when they finally become lovers. I definitely needed more sexual tension and heat between these two. As the sex scenes were of the "fade to black" variety, I felt that this very important change in their relationship was very under represented.

As this book brings The Central Park Pact series to an end, I am so happy with all the HEA's and the rock solid friendships formed from all of the couples in these stories. From their unconventional first meeting the three woman of the Central Park Pact not only find their very own HEA's, but also a friendship that will stand the test of time. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

If anyone has ever read any of my reviews, yeah how could you not, just kidding, anywho back to the review I always, always enjoy when their is a group of friends thru thick and thin, and that started my enjoyment. Unfortunately, I started with this book, not realizing when I requested that this was the third book and last in the series, I so hate that and now I have to go back and start from the beginning because um how can I not? I also like friend to lovers books, why these two could not have figured it out sooner, I don't know but then again we wouldn't have a story.. So grab a books and enjoy!

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for my e-arc of Marriage on Madison Avenue. All reviews are my own.

I absolutely love this series. I adored this book. It was so sweet. Two best friends decide to become engaged. For Aubrey it’s to make her cyber bullies go away. For Clarke it is to get his parents off his back.

As the book continues and they partake in an engagement party, bridal consultants, and wedding venues these two best friends begin to realize there is something more between them.

But, as any other romantic encounter, there are tons of problems in the way such as ex-girlfriends, controlling parents, and a cyber bully/stalker who is out to get Audrey.

It is so cute and romantic to see them realize how much they love each other and overcome all the obstacles. Books like these make me so happy. We need more books like these in the world.

Best friends to fake engaged to lovers to HEA? Yes, please!

I absolutely adored Marriage on Madison Avenue! Audrey and Clarke were the epitome of best friends who have always loved one another but were too afraid to admit it. Watching the two of them best his family, convince Naomi and Claire, and eventually realize the truth was so much fun and the perfect ending to this delightful series.

Audrey’s feelings of being underserving were so heart wrenching but Clarke and her girls soothed her wounded heart masterfully. And while the Lauren Layne heat and steam were missing the heart and emotion were not, as evidenced by the homage to the Central Park bench where it all began.

I’ll miss these ladies and their princes, though I’m sure many rereads are in my future.

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

I loved this book. Audrey and Clarke are my favorite couple. This is my favorite book in the series.

Things I loved-

The Troupes - This Book includes some of my favorite troupes in romance books. It’s friends to lovers and includes a fake engagement / relationship. It’s also a slow burn romance.


The Characters- Audrey is by far my favorite character and I did not realize it until this book. She is the most relatable. She’s an IG influencer. I think a lot of readers (including myself) will be able to identify with her.

I also enjoyed Clarke as a character and a love interest. I found myself frustrated with him at times but that’s ok - nobody is perfect.

The Writing- This Book was very easy to read. It flowed smoothly for me. It was very short and sweet. I’ll definitely be picking up more by this author.

Why this book lost a star in the rating-

The Conflict- How to explain without spoiling the book.
Ok this part has spoilers so if you haven’t read the book stop reading - shoo shoo.


It wasn’t the conflict itself. I quite enjoyed it. It was the placement of the conflict. Audrey finds out something pretty big that Clarke is hiding but she finds out like 90 percent way through the book. Which means the resolution was rushed. I did not like the resolution. Clarke makes this big speech and finally truly professes his love. Everything is just tied up in a little bow and taken care of . Happily ever after and blah blah blah. Don’t get me wrong- I wanted the happily ever after just not as rushed as it was.

Overall this was an enjoyable read from start to finish. I went into this book wanting to be entertained and this book delivered. I definitely recommend this book to friends and fellow readers. I recommend this whole series of books.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Lauren Layne for my advanced copy of this book.

This is such a bittersweet review!! Goodbye to our amazing Central Park Characters!! SOBS!!!

From the very start in Passion on Park avenue (book 1) I loved Audrey and Clarke! They are best friends since FOREVER! They are hilarious, witty and so supportive of each other! I loved the banter between these two in book number 2 Love on Lexington Avenue! Book number 3 did NOT disappoint!

Audrey is an influencer, so when troll 'Scandalboynyc' attacks her online as a home wrecker, at the same time Clarkes mother tries to set him up with his ex girlfriend Elizabeth. The only solution is to turn to each other and pretend to be engaged to get both parties off their back.

This book didn't lose the characters fire, humour and individuality.

I was amazing to see Jarod Lanham from the Wall street series and also Alexis Morgan from The wedding Belles series.

The last in a trilogy of stand-alones, this friends-to-lovers romance featured Audrey and her best friend since childhood, Clarke. While not my favorite trope, I did enjoy Layne’s spin on two best friends slowly figuring out they were in love. There were both funny and sweet moments and I thought this book ended the trilogy well. My favorite moments out of all three books were the positive female friendship it showed between Audrey, Claire, and Naomi.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher in return for an honest review.

This was my my favorite book in the series. I love a good friends to love trope. I love the slow burn. I love a good fake romance.

But the end sealed it for me. When he finds her in the park, I was swooning. Clarke’s parents were incredibly frustrating at the beginning but I am glad that they came around. The part about Clarke not being the marrying kind for Elizabeth made me sad for him and also root hard for him. I wanted him to find his happily ever after. Of course, I love the relationship between Claire, Naomi, and Audrey.

Ugh, I’m kind of sad that this series is over. But I cannot wait for more from Lauren Layne.

I missed the first two books in the Central Park Pact and I am going to have to go back and read them because this final book in the series was awesome! I loved the premise of these three women meeting at the funeral of a man to whom they were all connected. Their decision that day made a bigger impact on their lives than the man himself.

Marriage on Madison Avenue is Audrey and Clarke’s romance, it is one of friends who had a deeper connection than they realized. I loved it! Ms. Layne’s gift is to take a reader into a world making you feel like one of the friends just hanging out. You connect with the feelings the hero and heroine go through to get to their happily ever after. You can see that no matter their social status, they still have hurts and loves, and manipulative parents.

I was disappointed to not find out who Scandal Boys was. I definitely want to read Claire and Naomi’s romances. Ms. Layne is one of my favorite writers. I first found her books about four years ago and have found her books/writing to improve with each book. Each and every one grabs your attention making you want to find out what happens in the lives of her characters next. T

This was a wonderful end to the series. This is a childhood friends to lovers story and is done with humor and heart!

Without a doubt, the best in the series!!! Lauren Layne’s writing is always great, but friends to lovers romance is where she really shines. I loved the easy connection these two share, the banter and chemistry that steals the show from the beginning. While I’ve sometimes found the characters in this series to be difficult to connect to - their lives are just so incredibly different from the world I know - but it was easy to sit back and enjoy this romance as it unfolded. I binged this in one sitting, and it wrapped up the series on such a high note.

The story follows Audrey, a Manhattanite who earns a living (not that she needs to) as a social media influencer. We met her in the previous books in the series - which are not required reading but enhance the story. After discovering that the man she thought she’d marry was already married to someone else, her foundation was rocked. Audrey’s no longer sure that she’s deserving of a real relationship, and when her best guy friend, Clarke, uses her to get his overbearing mother off his back by claiming they are engaged, she decides to just embrace it for awhile. Though Audrey and Clarke have the kind of friendship that only comes from years of knowing and loving each other, they’ve never considered crossing the line into more. But somehow talking about their fake wedding and sharing not-so-fake touches feels much more natural than either one expected - and that’s scary in its own right.

I love Layne’s books because they’re consistently solid reads, but this is truly the best in the series. I appreciated how much of the story is told from Clarke’s perspective, because it gave insight into this complex relationship and made it easier to follow along with how they were each feeling as things progressed. Since these two are already lifelong friends, the intimacy they share is palpable and continues to grow as they get closer. It’s a relationship with depth that far exceeds that of many you’ll find in other romance novels. I loved it from start to finish. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this friends to lovers romance.

An awesome end to an awesome series. I have love all these characters and Audrey and Clarke are no exception. Friends to lovers and a marriage of convenience later, and true love is found. Such a fun easy read, I'm sad that its over!
*arc provided by netgalley for honest review

Marriage on Madison Avenue is the third and final installment of Lauren Layne's Central Park Pact series. I picked up the first book - Passion on Park Avenue - from the library few months ago and fell in love with the characters. I haven't had the chance to read the second book yet but still fell right back into the story with this one.

Audrey Tate and Clarke West have been best friends when they were kids and they've never thought about being anything other than that. Even when Clarke uses a fake engagement to Audrey to get his meddling mother off his back. What starts as a silly game to annoy his mother soon becomes a bit more involved as Audrey and Clarke get further into actually planning a fake wedding, especially when they have to start acting like a couple in love to convince people this isn't just for show - and maybe deep down it isn't actually all fake for them anymore?

I loved being introduced to Audrey and Clarke's friendship in the first book of this series so I was thrilled to see they were the subject of the final book. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find Audrey to be a bit annoying at the beginning of the book with some of her motivations for the fake engagement but she soon wormed her way into my heart as well. I always enjoy when romances are told between alternating perspectives of both love interests, although I did think it took a bit long into the book to finally get to Clarke's POV (about 25%). I'm glad that we continued to see the friendship between Audrey, Naomi and Claire as part of this book and I think this was a fitting end to a great series!

4/5 stars

What a great way to start of this new year and end a series! I sincerely love these three women and each came away from a horrible realization with a friendships and a new outlook on love and relationships. The aftermath effected Audrey the most of the trio and took away her fairytale dreams for awhile. Along the way she not only had Naomi and Claire, but always Clarke. I am a HUGE fan of friends to lovers romance because of the foundation and deeper knowledge of each other that is already established, it's just waiting for that shift and acknowledgment to occur. Romance lovers need to read the Central Park Pact and discover these awesome women.