<I>I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</I>

Forget reformed rakes and playboys. Lauren Layne brings us something new and fresh in the romance genre: the reformed party girl! And I am 100% here for it!! Truth be told, I was a bit nervous to read Yours In Scandal because 1) I came across mixed reviews and 2) I wasn't sure if a reformed party girl would be for me. But then I told myself if past me was able to read 4829293 books about reformed rakes, then present me can most definitely read a book with a reformed party girl as the heroine. For once, I'm glad I listened to myself.

Robert Davenport is New York City's youngest and hottest mayor. With his term as mayor coming to an end, Robert's campaign manager urges him to compete for governor. And according to his campaign manager, the best way to do that is to hire Adeline Blake, the governor's daughter — former party girl turned event planner — to organize his final event as mayor. Here's the thing: if you don't like secrets as a source of conflict and if you don't like politcs to cross swords with romance, then I'm not sure if this is your book. That being said, I do have a couple of things to say about both of these things. Let's begin with the secrets. Honestly, I didn't mind it in this case. I think the author did a good job writing that conflict and it actually worked really well with this type of romance. I am rarely okay with secrets being a source of conflict in books, but sometimes it works! And it worked here!

Onto politics. The hero and heroine's jobs are not super detailed — we do go through certain steps with them (i.e. event planning), but the focus is mostly on the romance. And I was more than okay with that! At the same time, the author kind of makes politics...simple? When in reality, it's so complex. I don't mind though because I only care about the romance. The politics portrayed in this book is neutral, in case some of you are worried about biased politics. There are no specific parties mentioned and Robert's work as a mayor is described well, but it is also vague enough that his political leaning is indeterminate, which I know will be a huge sigh of relief for many readers.

I honestly thought this book was going to be EXTRA dramatic, but it ended up being quite low key in the drama arena because both Robert and Adeline are reasonable and rational people. And that's exactly why I liked the book! I think I would have liked it less if there was too much drama. I do have one unresolved issue though. At one point, Adeline hinted at her private photos being shared by her ex-boyfriends without her consent. I think she even hinted that she was unknowingly offered drinks with drugs in them in her past as a party girl. I'm not sure if I maybe misread that part or if this is something that the author just didn't expand on. If it is indeed the latter, then it's a missed opportunity.

P.S. I'm happy to see more diversity in Layne's books, especially considering that they're based in New York City.

Wow, what a great book! I really love this author, and this book met every expectation I had when I signed up to read it. Loved Addie and Robert together, disliked Martin to no end and Kenny, Rosalie and Jane were great support characters. Robert is this very lovable character, Mayor of New York, tall, dark and gook looking and is working to uphold the standards of his late father, and for the past 8 years has done just that as one of the best mayors New York has had, his aspirations to become Governor are certain because of his clean track record, that’s until he meets Adaline Blake. Adaline Blake is the daughter of the current Governor of New York, but she is the black sheep that was cast away years prior because she was “tarnishing” the reputation of the very crooked Governor. Adeline has reentered New York with a new look and name to help her remain unnoticed by not only her father, but by the press whom she despises. Robert hires Adeline thinking he will get damaging information on the Governor for the upcoming election, but he doesn’t count on falling for the disgraced daughter. Loved the story, loved the couple, loved everything about this very well written book. Very much worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

This book is a quintessential Lauren Layne book. It’s all dreamy New York and sexy banter and I loved it. I read this one super fast cause it’s short, but also, it’s one of those books you just forget to put down.

I loved Robert and Addie. I loved that they communicated. When she finds out he’s been keeping something from her, she sticks around and waits for him to explain. That is so freaking refreshing!!! I loved how they were completely opposite but they brought out the best in each other.

I know some people were disappointed that LL’s last series was fade-to-black, and I’m here to tell you that this one will definitely not disappoint in that aspect. 😝😝

My only disappointment with this book is that I finished it too quickly! I started it in the morning and by 10:30pm, I was swiping through the epilogue. I am blown away by the talent that Lauren Layne has for writing flawed, yet charming, characters with amazing chemistry.

I sincerely hope this is book one in a series of three, similar to The Central Park Pact series, as I’d love to learn more about Rosalie and Jane.

Many thanks for the advance copy; all thoughts are my own.

4.5 Sweet & Sizzling Stars!
I loved this sweet, heartfelt and sexy romance! Robert Davenport is the wildly popular Mayor of New York. He has put his life and soul into his job, always trying to do the right thing for everyone. Now his sights are set on running for Governor. Addie Brennan is the estranged daughter of the current Governor, and may just hold the key on how to defeat him. Addie was a wild child looking for attention, but has turned her life around, and now runs a successful event planning business. When Roberts advisers talk him into getting to know her for information, he reluctantly agrees. But in the first moments of meeting, he knows he could never use her. She is smart, sassy, and sexy, and is a breathe of fresh air for him. He never knows who is really his friend, and Addie is honest and makes him feel like a man and not a mayor. Addie has closely guarded secrets. She has changed so much about herself to hide her past, that she feels lost. Robert makes her feel alive and safe. They can't fight the attraction between them, and their chemistry is off the charts! But when secrets are revealed, Addie's past could destroy both their dreams. This was such a fun, entertaining, and sexually charged romance. I loved Robert and Addie, they were both so perfect for each other, making each other feel safe as they accepting and supporting the real them. This story had everything I crave to read! It has the perfect blend of charming and authentic characters, smart and witty banter, and a fun, heartfelt story with lots of sizzling passion! This is the first book I've read by Lauren Layne and I will definitely read more of her work.

Yours in Scandal is positively yummy...Lauren Layne has outdone her self her latest book.
Adeline/Addie Blake and Mayor Robert Davenport have undeniable chemistry. She must protect a secret that he already knows about.. This book contains wit, romance and oh my, scandal.

So good and a great start to a new series! Robert Davenport, Jr. is finishing up his second term as Mayor of New York City and recently newest Citizen's Man of the Year. He has lived his life emulating his late father trying to live up to his high standards and giving his all to the people of New York while in office. Now he is looking to his future and his campaign manager has found what appears to be solution to finding the dirt needed on the governor who does not appear to have any except his daughter who disappeared. She has been found, though looks nothing as she did and has changed her name and settled down. She is no longer the boozing, stripping, and hot mess she used to be, she is now a sedate events planner. Robert sets out to hire her and, oh my, do these two have chemistry. It was so much fun watching them circle each other and try to keep apart to not start a scandal but this one...oh yes...this is such a good one!!! Definitely a recommended read. I'm not giving anything away. READ THIS ONE!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

YOURS IN SCANDAL (Man of the Year Book #1) by Lauren Layne is the first book of a new contemporary romance series by a new to me author. This is a fun and sexy, feel-good romantic comedy.

Robert Davenport is almost at the end of his two terms as the youngest man ever elected as the mayor of New York City. Just named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, Robert’s campaign manager decides it is time for him to use the publicity and work towards his next goal as governor. His main competition is an incumbent with a flawless reputation who also happens to have an estranged wild-child daughter.

Adeline Blake has a scandalous past, but she is now working hard to reform. She is New York City’s premier event planner. She is curious why she is approached by her father’s most formidable opponent to organize the party of the season.

Robert feels a strong, immediate attraction to Adeline that is not part of the plan and Adeline has many reasons she should not get involved with Robert. Can Robert follow his heart over his head?
I really enjoyed this story. It was predictable, but so well written with funny banter and witty dialogue that it did not matter that I could predict the HEA. I loved Robert and Adeline’s chemistry. I felt they handled the obstacles placed in their way as mature adults which made the characters seem more realistic to me. The secondary characters are all entertaining and fully fleshed to support both main characters.

This is a very entertaining and heartfelt start to this new series and I am looking forward to reading more.

Yours In Scandal was such a fun, light read. It was quite refreshing in that there were a few little secrets but nothing too over the top dramatic or angst ridden.

I absolutely loved Robert and Adeline. Adeline is a woman ready to take her life back and live it on her terms but in doing so is she just hiding her true self. Robert is Mr. Mayor with an eye on the Governor's seat but will a sassy, spitfire of a woman who tells it like it is be the one to make him reevaluate what's most important in life.

Such a fantastic start to a new series. Looking forward to the next addition.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Robert is the New York City mayor, who is well-loved by the people and is an upstanding politician. His second term is almost done and he is thinking about running for Governor of the state of New York. Adeline Blake (AKA Addie Brennan) is the current Governor’s disowned and wild-child daughter. She is now reformed with a new image as a business woman and party planner. Robert is advised to get close to her and use her to plan his last party before his term ends and see if he can dig up some dirt on the Governor. He doesn’t like this idea, but agrees to meet with her. Of course, their is chemistry.
I enjoyed the love story between Adeline and Robert, though it might have been a little fast and unrealistic. Both characters were very likable and their banter was on point.

Lauren Layne books are always such quick reads for me. They are so good and I can fly through them. Sometimes, I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing as I would like to savor them. Contemporary romance fans and Lauren Layne fans will enjoy this first book in a new series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for my digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Loving this new series from Lauren! Robert is finishing up his time as mayor and is looking to take the next step by running for governor. Adeline is estranged from her father, the current governor and has distanced herself from the person she used to be and the life she used to have with him. When Robert’s staff finds who Adeline really is and suggests using her to get a leg up against her father, he’s uncomfortable about it but doesn’t say no. But as he gets to know her, he realizes he’s actually developed feelings for her, with respect for who she was. Adeline really struggles with her sense of self and who she is in this book, and it was actually the best part of the book for me to see her realize that she could be a combination of the wild child she used to be while also being professional and responsible. Their coming together was a great ending to the story and I was glad that Lauren gave us insight into what happened after everything blows up!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Yours In Scandal by Lauren Layne is the first book in a new series, Man of the year, and was a quick and charming read that left me content and smiling. Robert Davenport is charming, sexy and has his sights set on becoming the next Governor. Adeline Blake, Addie, is a reformed wild child set on changing her ways. She is also the daughter of the man Robert needs to win to obtain his dreams. He thinks he may be able to gain information from her, but after meeting, the sparks are flying!

3 solid stars

Yours in Scandal is better than what I expected. It has more romance and drama and I actually quite enjoyed my time reading it. It wasted no time to build the anticipation and although, IMO, the ending/solution was abrupt, it still satisfying.

4 1/2 stars

Two caring people. One a politician. One the daughter of an unscrupulous, though loved, politician. He’s a straight arrow. She was once the party girl. Will their contrasts outweigh their similarities and keep them from being together?

While romance novels are frequented by flat characters, Lauren Layne’s never are. In Yours in Scandal, Robert Davenport is the kind of politician many of us would like to see in office. He is smart, has morals, and loves that he can make a difference. He has values. He questions himself and his choices. Evaluates situations. Doubts himself. He isn’t all arrogance and bluster, which makes him a stellar guy to read about.

Addie has a past. It didn’t hurt anyone, except sometimes herself. It was in part due to her acting out against a father who cared only about himself and getting ahead. But in the age of social media, where topless photos once on the internet never really go away, Addie has decided to reinvent herself as Adeline. Blonde hair gone. Blazers donned. A professional event planner. Despite what her past actions might lead one to believe, Addie is a caring person who wants to do the right thing. In her life, she hasn’t had a very good role model.

Yours in Scandal is a sexy romance displaying Layne’s witty humor and love for her characters. While I don’t know 100% that she loves her characters, it seems impossible for her not to because they read like living, breathing people. Mature people who consider their actions and don’t just live in the world of their emotions. I never realized what a pet peeve it was of mine that characters in romances flounce around in temper tantrums, not living with an iota of logic, until I read characters like Layne’s (and others) who demonstrated that the characters in romances didn’t have to be childish in their actions or thinking. This is one reason, amongst many others, that I will continue to read anything Lauren Layne writes.

And her writing? Wonderful. Description and dialogue flow so naturally that the reader continues along in the narrative. I really paid attention to that aspect while reading Yours in Scandal. Layne just makes it all seem so easy.

Yours in Scandal is part of a new series called Man of the Year. The next novel comes out in September. While I’m not going to wish away these months, I certainly can’t wait to read the next book, especially knowing it’s about a baseball player. Ooh la la.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY HELL! Yours in Scandal was an amazing story that I couldn't get enough of, which means Lauren Layne is next level addictive, and super talented to boot. It's a short(ish) read which packed a big punch. Robert Davenport is the Mayor of New York, and is planning to level up to Governor. He's younger, super hot, and frankly, just awesome. You already know that politics is a ton of mud slinging, so his campaign manager tasks him with going after his opponents daughter, who has had her own battle with scandalous behaviors splashed on the papers. Adeline Blake finally came to the realization that she had to turn things around, starting with her appearance, ending with her becoming a responsible event planner. When these two meet, things get real, since they have instant chemistry, and that mixed in with the political mud slinging makes this read very entertaining. I wished it had been longer, but it is what it is. I would totally be down for another book about these two (hopefully full length hint hint) since they're great. It's time for y"all to hit that one click button to find out how it all pans out. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

I love a good LL story and Yours in Scandal was no different. She is one of my go to authors and I always know I'm going to love it. The chemistry between Adeline, Addie, and Robbie is amazing. It's show burn, but it made me love it even more. I love how strong Addie is. The relationship between these two shouldn't have happened, but it did and I love it. I love how they found their HEA.

I loved Adeline from the very beginning – I love how passionate she was, and how much she enjoyed doing what she did. I really do think that Lauren Layne has some of the best written female characters in romance books. Adeline was also very kind and sweet, and I just want to give her a hug because she deserves everything good in the world. I loved watching her come to terms with certain things in her life and accepting them, like yes girl! You do you! She’s certainly up there with my favourite Lauren Layne female characters, and I’m sooo ready to see glimpses of her in the next books! If you enjoy unapologetic female characters, I’m sure you’ll love Adeline too.

Robert was an interesting character. To be honest, I don’t really prefer reading about politicians, but he eventually grew on me. I was kind of wary about his character in the beginning, but reading the book I noticed that I really didn’t mind him at all. I love how kind and open he was towards Adeline, and how sure he was around her. I honestly loved watching them fall in love – such cuties! It is said that Yours in Scandal has one of the most romantic endings in all of Lauren’s books and I can definitely see that. I loved these two so much, and I hope you do too when you read this book.

When Roberts starts off his plan to go after his enemy's daughter, he didn't expect to find the woman for him. But that's exactly what happens. The story is funny, witty, and entertaining. Even though you can expect what will happen, it does keep you engaged because of the characters.

HELLO MR. MAYOR. Robert was a (clean but oh so dirty) politician. I mean.. Always wearing suits… yes please. This was my first Lauren Layne novel and I really enjoyed it! I usually don’t like books that are too political but this one focused more on the scandals.Their relationship was for sure a rollercoaster there for a little bit. I loved Addie. She was trying to reinvent herself but eventually came to terms with her past and present. I devoured this! I can’t wait for the next book in the series and I am curious to see if it will be about a character we were introduced to in this book.

Thank you @montlakeromance and @netgalley for this ARC! This title was published yesterday!

Ms. Layne just knows how to do rom-com. I know exactly what to expect with her books and they are my comfort reads.

Robert Davenport is ending his last term as NYC’s Mayor. He is going out on a high note as his celebrity status rises after Citizen Magazine name him Sexiest Man of the Year. He may be that but he is straight lace politician. His campaign manager is pushing for him to run as Governor but he needs some help. He has to take down the current Governor and what better way than to get close to his reputation disgraced daughter.

Adeline Blake worked hard to restore her good name. In fact, she changed her whole appearance and works as an event planner. She intends to stay on the right path and avoid the political spotlight as much as possible. She can’t resist as she is pursued by the current Mayor to help with his last party.

The story starts off very slow as Adeline is very wary and rightfully so. I kept wondering how she managed to stay out of the limelight. The hair color change and pulling it back is almost a poor hidden in plain sight excuse but easily minor to overlook. The constant shields she threw up is a bit tiresome as she even tried to hook him up with another character.

Robert knows he is going to get busted as his feelings start to mount for her. I wish he would have been honest immediately to see how she would have responded.

I love how he had to do some begging in the end. He is kind of a do-gooder and I like that Adeline shook it up despite her taking so long to warm up to him.

This had hints of a slow burn but Adeline and Robert gave me the unexpected heat with their love scenes.

There are a cast of characters that are introduced in the book. The diversity in romance is much needed and I appreciate the author bringing them in. I hope they get their own stories.

Yes, the story is predictable but it is expected and written so well that one can easily overlook that. The anticipation of the other shoe dropping kept the intrigue going if I’m totally honest. In the same breathe it is what held me back from a full five stars. There is no real angst or twist that came to shock me.

Overall, this is a quick, easy, and light-hearted romantic comedy that true romantics can read in a day.

~ Samantha