ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the author of the New York Times bestselling Stiletto and Oxford series, the first in a sizzling new series following the unlikely friendship of three Upper East Side women as they struggle to achieve their dreams and find true love and happiness in the city that never sleeps.
For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.
The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them…
Filled with charm and heart and plenty of sex and snark, this entertaining series will hook you from the very first page.
MY REVIEW:
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
A sweet and delightful story, sure to leave a smile on your face!
Naomi Powell has come a long way in life- from the Bronx to Manhattan, from being homeless to becoming the CEO of a billion -dollar jewelry empire. But she has never forgotten her humble beginnings.
However, Naomi gets the shock of her life when her boyfriend dies in an accident and she discovers, by way of his obituary, that he was married. Not only that, she soon learns that she was not the only woman he was cheating on his wife with. The widow, and the two girlfriends, meet while avoiding the funeral service and decide to join forces, promising to help each other avoid making another bad choice in men.
Meanwhile, Naomi’s mother has reached out from the grave, forging her name on an apartment application in the building where she once worked as a housekeeper. Naomi is surprised to learn her application was approved, but is even more surprised to learn that her new neighbor is none other than Oliver Cunningham, the son of the man her mother worked for. Unable to stop herself, she takes great pleasure in giving him a long-overdue comeuppance for the way he treated her when they were children.
However, the more she learns about Oliver, the harder it is to dislike him- in fact, she is mortified by her attraction to him and the clear chemistry sizzling between them.
But, would Oliver still feel the same way about her if he ever found out that she was the little red headed girl he once tormented? The girl from the Bronx, the one whose mother was once his parent’s housekeeper? Naomi doesn’t think so. But, the longer she keeps her secret, the harder it is to reveal…
This is an adorable page-turner with terrific characterizations, sharp dialog and a few lessons in preconceived notions, class distinctions and harboring bitterness and resentment. The story also features a prominent storyline about family obligations and ‘adulting’ which of course is not easy.
While the tone is light, the story has plenty of depth. The romance is zany, but tender and sweet. I loved both main characters and enjoyed watching their relationship develop while they also experienced a lot of personal growth along the way.
And to put the cherry on the cake- this is a book anyone can enjoy. I am really enjoying the swing away from explicit sex scenes. This is such a breath of fresh air!!
I can’t wait to read the second installment!
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Park-Avenue-Central-Pact-ebook/dp/B07M9LNBQ2/
https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Park-Avenue-Central-Pact/dp/B07M7L1CZS/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passion-on-park-avenue-lauren-layne/1129709888
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Oprah Magazine,Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She’s based in New York City.
