Yours In Scandal was a well written story, that was nicely paced, a little predictable, maybe, but very easy to get into and absorbing to read. Not to mention it was cute, comfy, light, sweet and entertaining to read, which is why I would happily recommend it to others.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Lauren Layne. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***

I’m already a fan of Lauren Layne. This book just made me love her all the more. The writing was spot on. The characters were witty, thoughtful, intelligent and caring. I’m not sure what I was expecting exactly, but I found the plot really interesting. The situations felt realistic, which I appreciated. I loved that politics didn’t overpower the romance. There was lots of intrigue to keep me engaged. I adored Adeline. I respected that she was rebuilding her life from the ground up with what she thought was the best version of herself. I also loved that eventually, she finds the perfect mix of respectability and rebel. Robert was incredibly charming. He had the mind of a politician but he had heart. The pair has incredible chemistry. At the end of the day, this was a lighthearted romance that I would recommend to anyone who loves the genre.

When I started reading for pleasure rather than necessity, I stumbled upon a Lauren Layne book, “Blurred Lines”, and I’ve been a goner since. Her ability to captivate by making romance flirty, fun, and with a healthy delivery of steam has made her one of my favorite authors. Once I heard this was a political lead, I was kind of skeptical but she made this an endearing love story.
.
You will never find a politician in real life as pure as Mr. Man of the Year, Mayor Davenport. Robert has always put his city and constituents first and has always played by the rules. By never stepping outside of his lane, he has never really loved for himself. He has never had a selfish moment, he has been too invested in living out his father’s legacy. Then... in walks Addie Blake, with her uptight, closed off persona. She’s a mystery to him that he wants to uncover, but not for political gain. Addie has a lot of secrets, and of course she would, being the daughter of a corrupt politician. She has a past she is not proud of and has worked hard to try to separate herself from it. She “never claimed to be a saint, just a slightly reformed sinner”. In the process, she loses the parts of herself that she loves the most.
.
I was completely smitten by this story. Lauren Layne’s writing is always phenomenal for me. She’s able to write stories and characters I fall in love with in the first few pages. This book was no exception. Between the lines of witty banter and sarcastic jokes lies lots of heart for these two characters. Their chemistry jumped off the pages. It was sizzling and sultry, like watching two people dance a sexy salsa. I love the premise of this story. The lies and deception that get tangled and twisted as feelings grow towards each other. It’s like a modern Romeo and Juliette with a fun twist. For as much fantasy this story has, there was a lot of normalcy in the plot. I could easily connect to both Robert and Addie and feel the emotions being portrayed.
.
I love the way Lauren Layne writes the steamy parts of this story. There’s enough there where it can make you blush reading, but she doesn’t take it over the top with descriptions or crass language. This story is fun and entertaining with a lot of heartwarming moments in between and characters you can’t help but love.
.
Thank you to Lauren Layne and Lisa Filipe for this eARC. This was a dream!

This was a slow burn. There was tension and chemistry like crazy though. The steam comes about 60% of the way through but the build up is worth it! Mr Mayor is such a stand up man and I loved what he learned from his father. Addie is a wild child at heart but has a twisted father who happens to be Mr Mayor’s opposition should he choose to run for Governor. So the taboo-ness of the relationship is definitely there. The happy ending is swoon worthy! This story brings all the tension, chemistry and forbidden lovers you could ask for.

The 3 Ps - politics, party planning, and perfection!

Robert is not only a politician, he’s also THE hottest man which means he’s a giant NO for Addie...except he’s not. He needs a political edge and a party planner, which makes Addie the perfect choice for him...in more ways than one.

Lauren Layne has the ability to make me forget how long a book is, until the end when I realize I’m done and just want more, more, more. I’m so excited for this new series that so far seems to be bringing that LL heat along with the snappy dialogue and swoon worthy gestures!

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

This is a new Lauren Layne for me.

No, I have read her books. Just not one like this one!

And I'm a fan.

Layne became an instant "auto-buy" author for me when I read her popular Central Park Pact series. Her newest series (Man of the Year) beginner novel, Yours in Scandal is a perfect blend of her happy, light writing with a much deeper storyline and steamier romance.

After being named Citizen magazine's, Man of the Year, Robert Davenport becomes the hottest commodity among women. Robert is New York City's youngest mayor and plans to run for NY governor once his mayoral term ends. This means he must have a strategy in beating his stiff competition. Enter party planner, Adeline Blake. Adeline has closer ties to Robert than she realizes when he hires her to run his "going-out-of-office" party. Adeline's father is Robert's most lucrative competition in the election. Robert's team asked him to get to know her better to find out what he can do to beat her father. When he finally meets Adeline, sparks fly. Now, he must face a tough choice: follow your ambitions or follow your heart?

Yours in Scandal is a quick read with bits of steamy romance and heartbreaking discoveries. I enjoyed the characters in this novel, in particular, Adeline who made a fresh and strong leading lady. Robert was a bit much at times, but the classic handsome manner and smooth-talking won me over quickly. The story flowed well. Layne easily wove together present and past stories to create a plot that was worthy of being a top romance novel among the genre's fans. Of course, as always, Layne created a vibrant NYC by making her readers feel like they were included in the elite of the Big Apple.

This book is a solid 4 stars. I would recommend this book for fans of rom coms and political dramas.

Thank you Netgalley, Lauren Layne, and Montlake Romance for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Yours in Scandal will be published on March 10, 2020.

Another great story by Lauren Layne! Great story and characters, a story that kept me hooked and entertained, all the way through the end.

I have been in such a reading slump lately and a new Lauren Layne book was just what I needed. I loved this book!

I must admit I was a little wary that the male lead in this book is a politician. I read to escape from politics, so I don’t generally appreciate it in my fiction. However, there actually isn’t a lot of politics involved. Yes, Robert is the Mayor, but he’s honest and doesn’t play dirty and there’s not any mention at all of Red vs. Blue nonsense. I appreciated that Layne was able to have a story about a politician without pushing any political agenda.

I loved the romance between Robert and Addie. Though I thought their relationship happened maybe a little bit fast, I definitely shipped it. They had some great banter and chemistry. There were some very sweet and romantic moments, as well. I was hoping that Layne would continue with omitting the graphic scenes, like she did in the Central Park Pact series, but I’m sure there will be others that are glad they’re included here.

I thought there was a lot of potential for some major angst when some truths are finally revealed and I was bracing myself for it, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised with how it was handled. The couple actually communicated, took responsibility for the things they did, and maturely decided how they wanted to move forward. The whole “I can’t believe you lied to me” thing is such a common plot point in Romances and I loved that Layne took a different route here, as there were plenty of other avenues for the drama to come from. To that point, though, I had a hard time understanding why Addie’s teenage behavior from a decade ago would cause such a problem for Robert’s future campaign. I think the fact that she was the opponent’s daughter would be a bigger issue in the press, but that doesn’t seem to be quite as concerning to the characters.

Overall, I loved Yours in Scandal. Lauren Layne’s books are like comfort food to me. They never fail to lift my mood and make me happy. I definitely recommend this one to fans of Contemporary Romances and longtime Layne readers won’t be disappointed.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

Cute and fast read.

Unfortunately I didn't really feel the chemistry between the main characters.

An absolute favourite of mine for 2020 so far, I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I loved the slow burn, the chemistry and the storyline. Add in politics and I just want more! I always enjoy Lauren Layne’s books but this one is a definite favourite of mine!

What is it about Lauren Layne’s characters-they’re just...perfect! Relatable, charming and totally aware of who they are. I never pass up a Lauren Layne book. Don’t miss this one! And for those of you who are thinking “I don’t want to read a book about politics”- this isnt one. It’s not the least bit political.

3 1/2 Scandalous Stars!

Addie’s father is the Governor of New York, but he isn’t much of a father. Addie rebelled by partying to hard and eventually disappearing from the New York night life. Five years later Addie’s back as an event planner and has changed her looks, her name, her attitude ... so that nobody would know her as the Governor’s wild daughter. Robert Davenport, the Mayor of New York City, hires her to plan a party and to get close to her. Robert plans to run for Governor and his campaign manager wants him to get dirt from Addie on her father. But when they meet there is an instant attraction and the lives that they have planned for themselves will be in jeopardy.

This is a quick, sweet and funny romance. The characters and storyline are good ..
I just found it to be very predictable.

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Mayor Robert Davenport's current time in office is almost coming to an end, but he has political aspirations on becoming the next governor of New York City. Adeline Blake has stayed away from New York and it's political scene for quite some time. She doesn't want to associate anything to do with her father, the current governor of New York, or anyone that crosses paths with him. So when Mayor Robert Davenport asks Adeline to plan a black tie affair at his mansion, can she trust him?

I enjoyed getting to know what made Adeline the way she is and how/why she built her business. Her relationship with her father was so sad and really made me feel for her. I also like how Robert's vulnerabilities were no less important than Adeline's and these two had a shared connection because of that.

I liked the relationship between Adeline and Robert. Lauren Layne gave us a slow slow burn between these two headstrong individuals, but I enjoyed the ride. I will be honest and say that the story was a bit predictable for me, and I wasn't always sold on the attraction between Robert and Adeline. I still enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was a solid 3.5 read for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

i really really really enjoy lauren layne's books. yeah, i admit, i was a bit taken aback with the lack of steam in the central park series, but i got used to it because they were still sweet, adorable, funny, etc, all the good lauren layne things. but that doesn't mean i wasn't excited when i saw her mention on instagram that this one was back to her normal steam levels just because i think she is absolutely fabulous about using those scenes to move the story and relationship along really authentically and realistically (but seriously, kudos to her for not being afraid to switch things up, many authors don't do this and their books become stale).

so anywho. i was excited for this one. and.. i say this with all the lauren layne love in my heart... it was fine. it wasn't bad. it wasn't amazing. it was just fine. i don't have strong feelings either way. a couple of things irked me a little bit (the whole dating rosalie thing) and i felt the pacing was off (especially in between the conflict-we-all-knew-was-coming and the ending) but nothing specifically annoyed me or offended me... unfortunately nothing wowed me either. i don't want to sound like a jerk, i'll still 100% pick up the next book she publishes, i'll still read the rest of this series. i just... didn't feel much while reading this one. addie and robert were fine. they were fine together and they were fine on their own. the story was fine, the side characters were fine. i just didn't really feel much. but it was fine.

i sound like a jerk and i hate that - but i gotta be honest! i still love lauren layne, i still had an enjoyable time reading it, i will still read everything she publishes (i even bought the never after book off her website, i am a LL fan okay!) and i would still recommend this if it sounds like your jam. i recommend LL in general actually. but anyway. long story long, this was fine, honest. it was a solid middle of the road read for me.

romcom that wasnt super hilarious but still entertaining. I dont usually enjoy politics in romance so it's a hit or miss.

Huge fan of the author, but unfortunately this one fell flat for me. It felt predictable, and I just wanted more. The characters were okay, and the romance was fine, but those aren't the kind,of descriptors that will entice me to buy a book.

This was the first book by this author and I enjoyed her writing and characters.
The story was fun with some steam. It has a political setting and is an enemies to friends to lovers theme. It is a quick read that will leave you wanting more in this series from really likeable supporting characters.
Cant wait for more from this author!

When politics and romance are a perfect blend! 

Citizen magazine's New York's "Man of the Year" regarded as a perfect springboard to launch Mayor Robert Davenport's candidacy for the gubernatorial election; at least his campaign manager thinks so. With the welcome publicity, it's also an ideal opportunity to upgrade his marital status from single to at least dating. Not surprisingly, the shrewd campaigner knows of the right woman for him. Due to her connection, she's also a useful way to gain dirt on his opponent. Robert isn't keen on the idea but agrees anyway, however, when he meets Adeline Blake, it ignites a long-dormant spark of attraction detrimental to his career! 

NY Governor's daughter, party-girl Addie Brennan mysteriously disappeared some years ago. Now unbeknown to only a couple of friends, she's back and living as Adeline Blake right under her father's nose. She's forging a career as an event planner, rebuilding her life in the city she escaped. When get she gets a call from the mayor's office for an event consultation, she sceptical about why they would ask her company to organise an event. However, it's a business opportunity with a high profile client she can't pass up. On meeting the client hosting the leaving party she quickly realises professional and personal boundaries risk becoming blurred as she gets to know mayor Robert Davenport. 

The author's signature New York backdrop is familiar but the protagonists feel more relatable in this first book of the Man Of The Year series. Robert is wealthy but grounded. Portrayed as a politician with a social conscience, he's someone who plays fair with honesty and integrity. Addie/Adeline is a woman trying to define herself in a world where she's been misunderstood. Her family background and upbringing connect her with Robert Davenport, as does their loss of a parent. The default status of their relationship starts as 'It's complicated' but thanks to their mutual trust and faith in each other to do the right thing, they eventually find their happy ending… together. 

Ms Layne has ramped up the heat in this sexy romantic comedy. The background is the world of politics but thankfully, there's not a policy or political thought insight. Well paced, laced with humour and witty dialogue it's a perfect novel to distract you from real-life drama. Yours in Scandal sets the scene for a promising new series, a perfect read for fans like myself. For those who haven't picked up a novel by this author, Robert and Addie's story is a good place to start. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

“I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review”

I’m so happy that I got the chance to read this story ‘Yours in scandal’ because it was such a pleasant read. I didn't expect to be so captivated by the story but I really was. I couldn't put it down. Luckily for me, I read it in the weekend so I had plenty of time to read it. ‘Yours in scandal’ is a sweet, delicious, easy to read story with just a touch of emotional sprinkles in it. I loved every moment of it.

At first glance you would think that Robert and Adeline have totally opposite characters and goals but when you look deeper, you will see two lonely people who may know perfectly well what they want in their career but who are also looking for that ONE person who will be there for them in good times and in bad. From the beginning you could feel the connection between them but just like them you also know that Adeline’s scandalous past will be a major obstacle for a future together. But we all know that the heart doesn’t always follow the rules and that it doesn’t always listen to the mind and that is here the case too. Will Robert put his political career on the line for a woman, for Adeline? Will he follow his heart or his mind?

The story is told in both POV’s and both Robert and Adeline are wonderful characters. The chemistry between them is sparkling, steamy and entertaining. I loved their banter. Robert is a hard-working, likeable, respectful, honest and thoughtful guy. Although he is a powerful person, the mayor of New York, he doesn’t take advantage of his position. He tries to be fair and honest in his work and he isn’t a playboy in his personal life. In the contrary, he doesn’t have a personal life, he puts his all in his job. I liked that very much. Adeline is also a hard-working woman but she’s more conflicted inside. Past experiences has made her more mistrustful of people, especially men. Nowadays, she tries to hide her more playful, sensitive and carefree side. I like how in the end, she accepted both sides of herself.

The secondary characters are also very entertaining. You have Adeline’s two girlfriends, who are there for her no matter what. And Robert’s entourage, who are very loyal to him.

I enjoyed this book very much and I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.

I’m going to be upfront: I’ve been slogging through some of my recent reads and it was a straight-up joy to read someone who’s a really good writer again. Who kind of dazzles the senses with a fun NYC life but doesn’t skimp on the emotion either. The writer in question’s Lauren Layne, the book’s Yours in Scandal, and I adored it: the sweetness, the tartness, and thank God *pumps fist* the steam.

NYC Mayor Robert Davenport has just been christened Man of the Year. People love him and this kind of designation and the name recognition that comes with it could help make him governor. But the People want the mayor to date someone! The 35 yo bachelor thing isn’t working for him anymore, according to his campaign manager Martin.

The smart and also slightly sleazy Martin has an idea: Robert can try to get to know Adeline Blake, formerly Addie Brennan, the incumbent governor’s once “wild” child now estranged daughter who fell out of sight for a few years and returned with a new name and identity.

Robert’s got morals and a heart but he also wants to win against the incumbent, who’s apparently corrupt and highly immoral but manages to hide it all behind closed doors. So Robert compromises: he’ll hire Adeline as his party planner and try to get her to confide in him about her father. Without telling her that he knows who she really is.

But from the moment they meet Robert's like *wow. And so is she. What could possibly go wrong?

Layne thoughtfully sets up the conflicts between Robert and Addie and they make sense. Addie’s over-corrected her image and actions in an effort to start a new life but this leads to some internal strife. Despite the part Adeline plays in public, part of her is still Addie. And she's all too aware that as Adeline or Addie, becoming involved with the mayor would be a huge no-no given the public’s (and social media’s) long memory.

I love how Addie takes responsibility for her past actions but also refuses to be shamed. And Robert responds beautifully; her past actions and relationship to the incumbent won’t have a positive effect on his campaign but he also never shames her, publicly or privately--and he recognizes how his own uber virtuous past and present offer its own problems.

The backstory of each lead is finely rendered, and it’s easy to see how Addie & Robert have a lot in common despite their reputations and varying responses to politics. Speaking of the latter, Yours in Scandal is maybe Layne’s most relevant book yet—it’s willing to engage with the good and dirty side of politics and social media.

Though there’s a weird mini dating triangle that makes me uncomfortable and a couple of Robert's actions have me slightly furrowing my brow because I didn’t love love them, overall this romance and its leads give me the heart eyes. (It’s debatable if this is a good look for me.) Three big cheers for Addie, in particular, who’s not perfect and has a past but who recognizes that she’s just as deserving of that HEA as anyone else. Get it, Addie!

4.25 ⭐️

Yours in Scandal is out on March 10th. I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.