If you are looking for a quick modern romance, look no further! Love on Lexington Avenue had everything I was looking for in a fun, easy, summer read. This book is the second in a series, although you don't need to read them in order to know what's going on. The main character, Claire, is recently widowed from her cheating husband. With the help of his girlfriend and mistress turned friends and a hot contractor, Claire starts to rebuild her life after him.

This book read like a rom-com movie to me. In fact, I would LOVE to see this book turned into a movie. The banter between characters was charming and the ending was perfect (although a little predictable)! Lauren Layne has a made me a fan and I have already bought her other Central Park Pact book, Passion on Park Avenue!

Although I was apparently stuck under a rock for a period of time and missed the first book in this series, I was excited to have the opportunity to read this one because the blurb sounded really fun. I have read many Lauren Layne books in the past and have enjoyed them, so I was expecting much the same with this one. And I did enjoy it--quite a bit. But it was different than the other books I've read by this author in that it didn't have the steamy sex scenes. Personally, I can do without the details; my imagination works just fine, thank you. So in that sense, I found this story quite refreshing, particularly since I read so much that I find myself skimming most of the sex scenes in romance books anyway so that I can get back to the plot. This one has plenty of plot as Claire tries to find herself again after years in a sham of a marriage, and Claire and Scott both struggle to find their way to each other. The characters are likeable, the writing style is smooth, and the story itself is easy to get lost in. This can certainly be read as a standalone (as I did), but I liked it enough that I'd now like to read the first book in the series, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the next one as well.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Pocket Books for providing an ARC for review.

I always enjoy reading Lauren Layne's books. They are generally smart, sexy, and witty. Love on Lexington Avenue is definitely one of those. The second book in her series about three unlikely friends who cope with life together after discovering they'd all been sleeping with the same man. Meeting each other at his funeral! These stories are both heartfelt and hilarious at the same time. The upper crust of Manhattan have their secrets as well as their own scars. Claire and Scott's story is exciting and real and won't disappoint the romantic at heart!

I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne and her writing.

This is the story of Claire, the widow from the Central Park Pact. She is in the process of renovating her home so she hires Scott. They clashed but there is an inherent attraction.

This was a bit angsty romance where they don't hook up until 60% but it was worth it. Oh and it's not steamy, if you are l0oking for steam then pick up the Stilletto series.

I absolutely loved the ending.

Just what I needed! Some books have a godsend quality in providing a light, fluffy, easy, fast read that's perfect for where you are in your life, or after a book that rips your heart out. Claire is starting to make her way through her grief and bitterness, and the romantic connection grows through its own stages of grief in ways that may seem simplistic in their easy connections, but it's that smooth flow that makes this book a gem. A worthy follow in the Pact series, this one is a ready-to-go poolside read.

Really cute story! I thorough enjoyed this book. It was steamy without being trashy and fun without being ridiculous! I will be reading more from this author in the near future!

If you know me, you know I love a Lauren Layne romance. She's one of my go-to authors for all things contemporary romance. That being said, the first book in this series, Passion on Park Avenue, wasn't my favorite. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It made me wonder how I was going to feel about Love on Lexington Avenue. I had nothing to worry about. I absolutely loved it! Love on Lexington Avenue was everything I expected it to be. It continued the strong friendships from the first book, had a cute romance, and was fun to read.

Claire, Audrey, and Naomi were back and ready to support each other. This was Claire's second chance at love so she was the star, but it was nice to see her friends there to give her advice. Even Oliver and Clarke got on the advice giving. It was fun for them all to be involved. I also liked seeing things from Claire's perspective since she was Brayden's wife.

I was surprised at how much I identified with Claire. It had nothing to do with the relationship aspect of the story and all to do with the way she felt about herself. I liked that Claire knew what she didn't want out of life, but needed help figuring out what she did. It was inspiring to see her step out of her normal self-imposed boundaries. This didn't pertain to me, but I also liked what LL had to say about having children through Claire.

Scott Turner was the perfect person for Claire. He was one of the good guys. I liked how her experiences meeting him to falling for him made a difference in her life. He was the opposite of what Claire expected to want, and I thought that was cool. Plus, he had a cool dog named Bob. I also liked how he was connected to the gang through Oliver.

I really loved Love on Lexington Avenue. It was fun, sweet and just a feel good romance. Now, I cannot wait for Audrey's book!

From the first book, I absolutely loved the friendship between these ladies! I'm so happy Claire got her own book (and Audrey's to come)! I really enjoyed getting to go behind her guarded exterior and see her suffering and human side. Nothing like a little romance to flip ones world upside down! I was super drawn in by the home facelift aspect (showing my age? lol) and having a hot contractor like Scott really just fueled every woman's fantasy. The new (rich) layers of Scott kept being a surprise to the point that he couldn't get any more perfect. I would have liked him slightly more flawed, to be honest. But I loved their relationship and that Claire got hers (in more ways than one). Can't wait for book three!

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne is the second book in the Central Park Pact series. Claire Hayes’ husband died the year before, and after his death she found out that he had been a serial cheater. When her cynicism about love and relationships is challenged by the person she least expects, her rough around the edges contractor, Scott Turner.

I thought Love on Lexington Avenue was a more compelling story than the first book in the Central Park Pact series. The development we see in Claire throughout the story as she struggles to deal with her conflicting feelings of grief and anger makes her an intriguing character. The push and pull between Claire and Scott is funny and flirty, even when its on the topic of heavy subject matter. I enjoyed that the focus wasn’t all on the cheating, dead husband, but on Claire’s personal development and her discovering who she wants to be now that the identity of wife was stripped away from her.

Looking forward to the next book in this series.


ARC provided in exchange for my honest and thoughtful review.

I’m a huge fan of Lauren Layne. I have yet to read a book written by her that I didn’t love. This is just another one to add to that list. They story is so cute. I love the slow build to their attraction. Beautiful and perfect.
I love this series. I can’t wait for the next one!

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne. Claire, 35, is trying to move on after the death of her husband, who turned out to have a girlfriend and a mistress on the side. She has thrown everything in to plans to renovate her Upper East Side brownstone. She is determined to turn her life from “vanilla” into “strawberry lemonade”. What she didn’t bargain for is falling for her contractor. A light romance read. The storyline was predictable. The characters were fairly surface level, but it was a sweet little read nonetheless. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone book easily.

Claire never wants another relationship again after she found out her deceased husband was cheating on her with several women and she had no idea. Two of those women become her best friends and their relationship is one of the high points of the book. When Claire decides she wants to redo her home, her friends recommend Scott. He doesn’t want any type of long term relationship except with his dog. Claire needs some help building up her confidence in trying to attract men so Scott plays her wingman. I loved the relationship that develops between Scott and Claire. The ending is epic and true Lauren Layne!

What do three women have in common? Oh yeah, that's right they were all involved with the same man. Claire was married to the lying cheating A-hole while the other two were just his mistresses until his untimely death. The bond these three woman share is one that would wish for from childhood besties. You see the plot unfolding before your eyes thinking you know how this is going to play out and true to form it happens but with a little twist here and there. Also sets up for one helluva a trilogy. Light breezy beach read!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

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.

Claire wants a fresh start on life. She decides to rid her apartment by getting rid of anything that would remind her of her husband. She also decides to redesign her home and hires contractor Scott Turner. Scott is quite an accomplished builder and this job is merely a distraction from the overwhelming corporate work that he usually does.

Claire and Scott knock heads in the beginning. He finds her a bit pampered and spoiled and she finds him a bit gruff. However, they share a mutual attraction that soon begins to change both perspectives. With their shared chemistry they quickly realize that despite their pasts they actually have a chance at more than just a physical bond. Instead, their hearts become full in a wonderful way.

It was quite enjoyable to see Claire rise from past hurts to find love and fulfillment. After what she went through she clearly needed something far more than she ever imagined. I loved watching Claire and Scott go past being friends and their business dealings to opening themselves to the opportunity for a future together. Lauren Layne hit the mark again with this book.

As I truly enjoyed the first book in the series, I was eager to read this one. Each story, however, does well as standalones. But the pact is unique so reading the books in order might produce a better reading experience. The first book in the series was Passion on Park Avenue, and the final book is Marriage on Madison Avenue, due for publication in January.

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

LOVE ON LEXINGTON is another 5 star++++ book from one of my favorite 1-click authors, Lauren Layne.

A year ago, socialite Claire discovered her husband had been cheating on her with 2 other women on the day of his funeral. These three women formed a tight bond, determined to never let themselves be taken in by or used by men again.

Claire want to change her vanilla life, so she decides to rehab her upper east side house and Contractor Scott comes into her life on a friend’s recommendation. The house starts to look better and Clair and Scott form an unusual friendship where he gives her advice on how to change her life even more.

I hate spoilers and there are a few in this book that I really want the reader to discover by themselves ( cuz they’re fab!) so I’ll leave the narrative there. Suffice it to say, this book is filled with usual and thought provoking Layne witty banter and relationship angst. To be able to take three women who were burned by the same man - a wife, a mistress, a girlfriend – and have them actually become friends and bond is an amazing feat. Think about it: could you be friends with your dead husband’s ladies? Layne makes their relationship so believable and so enviable!

She just keeps getting better with each book.
Wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Thanks to NEtgalley for a sneak peak. Get this book when it releases, kids. Get all of Lauren Layne’s books! You’ll never be disappointed.

Layne’s romances are always enjoyable, and I liked this one because both Claire and Scott’s personalities felt a little different than her typical characters. The home reno was fun, but otherwise it felt a little short on plot. The romance can carry it, but when I thought about it, I couldn’t really say what else happens in the story. Also, I found myself having a hard time with a heroine who had no job or responsibilities or volunteering or anything. I was relived she got around to trying to start up a side job, but it still kind of niggled at me that she’s just spent the past few years basically just being rich and not much else. I appreciated seeing her face moving on from Brayden. Overall, this is a sweet read that’s light on plot but has a satisfying romance.

Such a cute love story! If you like to follow a woman on the journey through her comeback, this is the book for you. Despite the ups and downs and her husband's death, Claire is determined to move forward in her life, but not in love.

Once again Ms Layne captured my attention from page one, and transported me directly into her story...which is filled with delightful banter, intelligence, wit, and sexy charm. Her characters come to life under her masterful storytelling hand...I was captivated with Scott and Claire...their chemistry was soft, yet jumped off the page. Claire’s quiet strength was paramount in creating the link for which I was able to relate to her devastation. Scott was the alpha who blindsided me with his vulnerability. And then there’s Bob...the author breathed life into a two dimensional character, a dog nonetheless, giving her aliveness in my mind’s eye.

I’m on tenterhooks waiting to see what Ms Layne has in store for Audrey and Clarke.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Light and fluffy and exactly what I was craving . Live Claire and Scott’s story and eagerly await Audrey and Clark’s . This book was graciously provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

YES! YES! YES! My customers enjoyed book one. Can not wait to continue selling this series. Look forward to the next book. As a girl who loves New York I can't get enough of this series.