I am an immense Lauren Layne fan. Therefore, I was thrilled to receive an advance reading copy of ‘Yours in Scandal.’ This book is the first of a new New-York series. She hasn’t left the Big Apple in a while, and it suits her. This time, she’s taking us in politics in a variation of Cinderella. I am a lover of political shows like the West Wing or rom-com movies like The American President.
Nevertheless, it’s a tricky subject for romance as the author has to find the right balance between making it politically believable and still keep it at the love and comedy level. I feared that the story wouldn’t go into enough political details. I should have known better. Lauren Layne is skilled at giving just enough specifics to keep the story believable, but not too much that the reader would lose track.
Moreover, Lauren Layne always knows how to surprise her readers. When you anticipated a kiss, you get a hug, there’s still a surprise on the next page. In my opinion, it’s what makes a great romance writer. The way she makes you feverishly turn to the next page.

I’ve read so many books in which I could tell you what was going to happen in the next chapter. We, romance lovers, all know that there’s always a crucial turning point at 80% of the book, but then it will end with an HEA. With Lauren Layne, it doesn’t matter because you keep reading, feeling for the characters. You just want to know how they will manage the obstacles to their happy ending. For instance, all along with the reading, I kept asking myself how Robert would manage to overcome what seemed to be a massive obstruction.
I can’t say much more without spoiling, just that I’m impatiently waiting for the second book of this series.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I kind of assumed it would be written in first person so was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't. I liked the chemistry between the characters and the characters themselves.
I did, however, find it a bit wordy in the first half. I feel like more time was spent on certain parts of the story than needed to be and the outcome all happened a bit quicker than I would have liked.
First time I've read this author but I will be again. 3 stars.

Yours in Scandal proves once again that Lauren Layne should be on every lover of cleverly constructed romance stories’ must read list! Soon to be the outgoing mayor of NYC, Robert Davenport’s campaign manager, Martin, thinks he has found a way to propel Robert from mayor to governor. His plan involves using the current governor’s estranged daughter to learn all of her father’s suspected dirty secrets. What Martin hasn’t counted on is the genuine spark that occurs when the mayor meets the governor’s daughter. Robert will eventually learn all of Addie’s secrets and along the way learn a lot about what truly is important and sustaining to himself apart from politics. Ms. Layne is very adept at creating fully flesh out characters that readers can identify with and cheer for...or despise as situations unfold. She is a master of dialogue and plot structure that entices her readers to not want to close their reading devices until the last word is read... and feel bereft that the story has ended. In short, this is a wonderful read that will delight old fans and surely make new ones. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend!

A great story of two people who connect with each other but whose lives seem incompatible.

This has all the hallmarks of a Lauren Layne story, great characters who's connection felts genuine and well pasted. The story also includes great dialog, detailed backstory that's told where needed to support the current story and possible openings for further stories.

As always with a Layne story, I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I enjoyed this so much I finished it in one sitting. I really liked Robert and Addie by themselves and when they were together. It was also refreshing to see characters who are mature and act their age when it comes to drama. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun and cute read!

As a huge Lauren Layne fan, I was thrilled to get the chance to read ‘Yours in Scandal’ prior to its publishing date. And I am so happy to report that I was not disappointed. This novel is yet another success for Ms. Layne.

Robert Davenport is New York City’s mayor and golden boy with an eye on the governor’s office. Adeline Blake is the rebellious daughter of Davenport’s potential opponent, who has taken great lengths to conceal her previous identity. When Adeline is hired to plan Robert’s last party as mayor, and sparks begin to fly, it becomes obvious that Adeline’s past could effect Robert’s future. The question becomes whether pursuing each other is worth the risk to either of them.

‘Yours in Scandal’ has all the hallmarks of a Lauren Layne classic: witty banter, a great supporting cast, and some steamy chemistry. The conflict in the novel doesn’t come across as too dramatic or too unrealistic, which is a huge plus for me. While the romance genre in general often creates a sense of suspend/disbelief, I have a low threshold for it and enjoy stories that seem at least somewhat plausible AND are entertaining.

Layne builds worlds full of people who you don’t just want to know, but who you want to be friends with. Robert and Adeline don’t feel like caricatures; they feel like real people. And I’m excited that this is the first of a new series, as Layne is particularly adept at creating interwoven narratives (so hopefully we’ll see a little more of Adeline and Robert) and lives that are engaging and fun to read.

For Lauren Layne fans and newbies alike, I encourage you to give ‘Yours in Scandal’ a read. You can thank me later.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

Ok, first of all thank you to netgalley for the ARC. I was super excited to get my hot little hands on this one super early.
Let me preface this by saying I am biased because I LOVE LL and everything that she writes. This was her first “man of the year book”, about Robert (swoon) and Addie. I loved both Robert and Addie’s characters- Robert just a little bit more. Can’t every man be an upstanding citizen, hot, with good morals? No? Ok. And Addie had her own demons to fight but alas, love conquers all. This is part of a series, but I do not believe it is on going with the characters, so the secondary characters didn’t do much for me because the reader isn’t invested in their stories. This is different from LL’s usual writing style, and while I do enjoy a continuing series better, this was an overall solid standalone.
It wasn’t my absolute favorite of LL’s books, but I did really love it.

I really can't put a LL book down.

There's hardly anything that she writes that I won't read.

I was so happy to get my hands on this book early.

The story is about an event planner and a mayor who find themselves falling for each other. All the LL themes are there - banter, check. Friendships, check. Swoony scenes, check. I liked Addie and how she battled her inner demons only to realize that she is enough, as she is. Robert was a gentleman. I doubt he had any actual weaknesses, he was noble and honourable.

Although it was a nice book, it wasn't as good as some others LL for me. Would still recommend. A decent 3.5 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

Robert Davenport was just named Citizen Magazine's Man of the Year...he is also the youngest mayor ever of New York City, with a clean-cut image and completely scandal-free...and he also has his sights set on the governor's mansion. Adeline Blake is an event planner hired by the mayor to throw one last party before he leaves office...and also happens to be the current governor's (formerly) scandalous, hard-partying daughter, Addie Brennan (she changed her name for professional reasons, obviously). Sparks fly as they work together to plan the mayor's celebration, but their relationship would be disastrous for both of them: Addie would no longer be able to hide her identity from the public and her estranged father, and Robert's political career would be over.

Robert Davenport is such a great character. I found him totally believable and sympathetic. I love that he is a totally clean-cut, wholesome guy, and not an incorrigible playboy in need of a sweet ingenue to reform him. Addie is great, as well - her desire to grow and leave her crazy past behind her is admirable, and watching her navigate the tension between what is her personality vs. her youthful irresponsibility is a fun and rewarding journey to witness.

Be forewarned that the last quarter of the book contains a HEFTY amount of steam, the details of which made me slightly squirmy. That is the ONLY reason why I didn't give it 5 stars, but I think people who have a higher tolerance for it would definitely love this book.

Do I recommend this book? For romance readers: absolutely. For readers of chicklit and women's fiction: yes, with the ~steamy~ qualification. For pearl-clutchers: hmmm...better not.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC.

I love Lauren Layne’s books and this one was good but fell a little short for me. The only reason it fell short was in the fact that Robert was always referred to “the mayor”. Even in Addie’s personal thoughts. Instead of referring to he and his or just plain Robert, it was always the mayor. Was a little annoying for me. Although I really enjoyed the book and the fact that Robert was not your typical political figure, but a normal man. Good start to a new series.

Four and a half stars.

What happens when the Mayor of New York falls for his arch-rival's wayward daughter?

Now okay, I've got allergies this morning and my eyes have been watering since I put my mascara on but I don't think it's a coincidence that they started watering harder (that doesn't sound right) when I got to "the big moment" in this book.

Addie Brennan left New York and dropped off the radar after her wild-child party lifestyle got her publicly disowned by her father, the Governor of New York. Now she's returned, reinvented herself with a new image and a new name, Adeline Blake, party planner to the rich and famous.

Mayor Robert Davenport has been trying to live up to the memory of his late father who died at a very young age. His entire adult life Robert has been tying to emulate his father and be the best Mayor he can, that means no scandal, no sleaze, no dirty tricks, but as his second term draws to a close and he sets his eyes on the Governorship he realises that he is also lonely. Then Robert's less than squeaky clean campaign manager spots that Adeline Blake is non other than Addie Brennan and spots an opportunity to get some dirt on the Governor. Robert reluctantly plays along but finds the prickly, buttoned-up party planner to be intriguing and a breath of fresh air.

Soon it's difficult to tell who's zooming who - but can love win in politics when appearances mean everything?

This was divine, still obviously Lauren Layne but a different track from her more recent novels which have become a little formulaic. I don't think I could ever get Robert confused with any of her other heroes - he stood out as a charming, principled, uber-sexy guy, and Addie was great as the woman trying to put her past behind her. L.O.V.E.D it. Thrilled to see that this seems to be the start of a new series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is Robert and Adeline book, Robert is the youngest New York mayor! Adeline is one of New York’s finest event planner. Adeline is approached by Robert to organize the party of the season! She’s shocked because Robert is her father’s most formidable opponent! Also because she can’t help falling for the gorgeous man! Roberts people are pushing for him to learn all of Adeline secrets but he’s more worried about losing his heart to her! This book was good definitely worth reading not my all time favorite but still worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!