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.

I totally adored the story of Addie and Robert. In a real-life, I am not fond of politics at all but in the book world, I love them. The strings behind the scenes, the intrigues, the runs, the people campaigning. This book was amazingly written and it´d quite refreshed my TBR list as not many books are about this topic. Anyway, I loved every second.

One of my favorite authors! I so enjoyed this book, it had a different premise, interesting storyline, a bit of intrigue, great dialogue and so much fun. Addie and Robert are the best couple!

This one was just okay for me. It odd because I really love political romances (a rare sub genre, I know) and I really enjoyed this story but I just don’t think it was executed particularly well here. The first half was SLOW. Like, literally nothing happened. It definitely got more entertaining during the second half, but by that time I sort of lost interest. I really liked Robert for the most part but felt like if his character was more developed I really would’ve loved him. And while I respected Addie, I never really connected with her. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t do it for me. Too much talk, not enough action and I felt like there were lots of less significant parts of the story that took up way too much time.

3.75 Stars

Lauren Layne’s brought you another new series “Man of the Year” and started it off with (not exactly) enemies to lovers romance (but close enough), YOURS IN SCANDAL.

Richard Davenport came close to the end of his second term as NYC Mayor and considering running for the governor seat, likely going head to head with the incumbent, the two-faced not-so-clean George Brennan. When Richard’s overzealous campaign manager arranged for Adeline Blake - Brennan’s disowned daughter - to plan his last party as a Mayor chemistry sparked between them. Adeline’s wild past had been the bane of his father’s existence and Robert was expected to tap her father’s dirts as much as possible as ammunition of the coming election. Politics at its best, eh. Of course, what transpired was far from expected.

Political romance is not up there on my preference. It’s a minefield! But somehow, Layne made the painful experience bearable to follow. Robert was that rare clean politician and deception didn’t work so well for him. Yes, unfortunately he still deceived Adeline by not revealing he knew all about her from the start. BUT not once did he took advantage of that knowledge, the fact that got me smitten, really. I could do without the a step forward and three steps back tango Richard and Adeline danced. YET, I was able to stomach it as I sympathized with the MCs’s predicament.

The little over two months time span seemed so long with the slow pace of the story, even with the alternate dual POVs shared between Richard and Adeline. Then again, the caution and lengthy pace lent believable aspect to the story, made it all the more real. What I equally loved and despaired about our lead characters was how sensible they were about the situation the sizzling attraction between them. But the icing of the cake for me was the story concluded the way I wish it to be (though the retribution I expected not included in that). I thought the grand gesture was a bit over the top - but necessary - so I didn’t begrudge them their HEA. Now if only the next installment wouldn’t be as draining to follow as this one... 😉


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

'Four Stars for ‘Yours in Scandal’ by Lauren Layne published by Montlake Romance

Many thanks to NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Lauren Layne for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of ‘Yours in Scandal’. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

“It was the sort of kiss for which there were no words, no way to describe the perfection of that moment when you realized you’d found someone to spend your life with.”

Lauren Layne is a favourite author of mine and she doesn’t disappoint with the first installment of her Man of the Year series. Robert Davenport is the “Boy Scout”, Man of the Year (akin to People’s Sexiest Man Alive), two-time Mayor of New York City and has his sights set on becoming Governor of New York State. Adeline Blake is an event planner with some scandalous secrets. Robert feels an instant attraction to her. Could this attraction be his undoing and could Addie’s secrets ruin his chances at becoming Governor? Will their attraction to each other lead to something more? Can it survive the pressures that surround Robert?

I was not able to put this book down! Seriously swoony romance. Robert is the perfect book boyfriend. Adeline is the perfect heroine: strong, sassy, vulnerable and brave. A match made in NYC. This book is a mixture of light political intrigue and shenanigans with two people finding their true selves and each other. A beautiful story. Highly recommend! Add it to your TBR now!

2. 5 Stars

I think this is the first Layne book that I struggled with. I found myself skimming through a pages as in the beginning there wasn’t much interaction between the two main characters and a lot of explaining about the political world and players they were in. However, once Robert and Adeline started sharing the pages, it got much better. Also, Addie is a bigger person than me. I wouldn’t have forgiven Robert.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I absolutely adore any book by Lauren Layne. Girl could write a grocery list and make it entertaining. I loved reading this book. Wonderfully done!!

I want to start by telling any of you, who are tired of politics, that this book is indeed set in a political world, but it does not take on any political topics.

Rather, this was another great addition to Lauren Layne's catalog, which featured a fantastic hero, a great heroine, some steadfast friends, and a chemistry fueled romance.

Who?

• Robert - The youngest mayor of New York City, who had always walked the straight and narrow, when it came to his political life, but was beginning to want more than just a career.

• Addie - The former wild-child daughter of Robert's biggest political opponent, who had been living a quiet life, out of the spotlight, under a new identity, but was missing parts of her former life.

What?

When Robert's campaign manger recognized Addie as Adeline, an up and coming party planner, he pressured Robert into hiring her for an event in order to eventually gain intel regarding her father. Though Robert refused, time and time again, he found himself drawn to Addie, and she found herself drawn to him.

Why?

I have read 25 Lauren Layne books to date, and the reasons I keep coming back for more were well represented in Yours in Scandal.

Robert was a fantastic hero. One would expect him to be charming as a career politician, but you could tell he was 100% authentic and not just playing a part. I thought it was rather lovely, how he wanted to uphold certain ideals and take on the things his father never had the opportunity to tackle, but I also wanted to see him putting himself first sometimes.

I found myself empathizing with Addie's situation and understanding her choices. Although her childhood was tainted by the lies and misdeeds perpetuated by her father, she was able to find a bit of stability, and that motivated her to take on this new persona and establish a successful business.

I think one reason Robert and Addie were able to connect the way they did was because both were forced to sacrifice parts of their lives, of themselves. It was beautiful seeing them recover those bits and pieces and reclaim their lives while falling in love.

As always, Layne balanced out the heavy with the light, and injected plenty of fun and humor into the story. Interactions with friends were quite amusing, and I even enjoyed some nights out on the town. I also found this coupling quite wonderful, and appreciated that the story was rather low drama. Also, once the romance started, it moved along quite quickly. I have to admit, I loved seeing this relationship move ahead, and it culminated in something that put a huge smile on my face.

As always, Layne has delivered a delightful romance, and I am excited to meet the next Man of the Year.

Are you in the mood for a sexy political romance? Then Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne is the book for you. Ms. Layne is one of my go to authors, and she never fails to disappoint with her entertaining plots, New York City landscapes, and well-defined characters. This novel is part of Ms. Layne's brand new series, "Man of the Year" and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Adeline Blake is the daughter of NYC's very corrupt governor. Her father's actions were so hurtful over the span of her childhood, that she tried to humiliate and embarrass him during her early twenties. Unfortunately, her plan backfired and she basically destroyed her own reputation. Now she is back in the city under an assumed name, creating success in the very competitive event planning business. She has no desire to be in the political arena and will never stop despising her father.

Robert Davenport loves his job as the mayor of NYC. He works tirelessly day after day in order to keep his father's legacy alive and the people of New York City happy. Due to his smarts and good looks, he is very popular and well-liked. Since his term as mayor is coming to an end, he is investigating his next political move. However, before he leaves the job he loves, he wants to throw an amazing party for his supporters and colleagues. According to Robert's slimy campaign manager, Robert should hire Adeline and her company for the event. He believes that Adeline will be able to shed some light on the rumors that surround her father. However, Adeline and Robert's time together evolves into much more than either of them could have imagined.

I truly liked this novel, and the developing love connection between Adeline and Robert was quite seductive. I immediately connected with both of them as individuals and as a couple. The secondary characters were unique in their own right, which added a lot of interest to the present happenings. Overall, this is a terrific read and I can't wait for the second book from this brand new series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Don’t be turned away by the 3 stars. This book is super cute. I enjoyed it but the 3 stars is because it’s fluff and nothing new romance novel plot wise happened. But I still enjoyed the heck out of this.

Addie Brennan is a reformer “bad girl” with an interesting past full of secrets and sadness who is back in New York building up a new life as an event planner named Adeline Blake. Robert Davenport is NYCs mayor possibly running for governor and needs Brennan/Blake’s intel to take her father, the current governor, down. Secret plots, instalust, seduction, lies, and beautiful friendship ensues in a plot that is pretty predictable but still enjoyable all the same. I really liked Addie - she was prob the best part of this book and her relationship with her friends, and friendship with Robert, really sold this for me. Robert is the classical handsome, perfectly put together politician and brought nothing particularly new to the table. I was happy that there isn’t way too much angst which is what I was expecting for the plot. Overall, a cute read that brought me back to reading Lauren Layne and I’m not mad about that.

Such a cute story! I don’t read many romances with politics, but I really enjoyed this one. I absolutely loved Addie and the fact that she had a lot past. She was the perfect balance to super straight laced Robert. Who ended up not being so straight laced after all, if you catch my drift. I felt for what both these characters had to go through and I love that they chose each other.

3.5 Stars!

Yours in Scandal is the first book in the Man of the Year Series by Lauren Layne and it follows the story of Robert & Adeline. As New York City's youngest mayor, Robert is at the height of his game. He's got his sights set on bigger and better things. The only thing standing in his way is an incumbent with a squeaky clean reputation. All's fair in love and politics, and Robert isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He knows his opponent has a skeleton in his closet, that he wouldn't like exposed. So, with the advice of his campaign manager, Robert decides to go after his opponent's estranged daughter. She might be exactly what Robert needs to win the prize.......Adeline Blake is no stranger to scandal. Her younger days were wild, out of control and just filled with rebellion. However, all of those qualities are a thing of the past. Adeline has completely reinvented herself and is a far cry from the wild child she used to be. So, when she's approached to plan a party for her father's biggest opponent, she can't help but be curious. Will Adeline fall prey to Robert's charm? Will Robert claim the victory he is seeking? There's only one way to find out....

Yours in Scandal is a quick and easy read. It's definitely a book that you can read in just one sitting. I thought the plot was fun and original. I loved the mix of politics and romance. I thought the characters were intriguing and they kept me entertained. I enjoyed Adeline & Robert together and couldn't wait to see their story unfold. Overall, I think this book is a great start to this series. The characters are great and their story is written well. I loved the politics and the banter and everything in between. There was some drama, but nothing too over the top. All in all, this book was a really cute read. I look forward to checking out the next book in this series.

This was a happy one. A political enemies-ish/friends to lover story. While it was a somewhat predicable storyline, it was still a very enjoyable read. It was a witty, humorous, lighthearted, feel good story.

Robert Davenport is the mayor of NYC in his final months in office. He is charming, handsome and straight laced. Adeline Blake is the wild child who has gone off the grid for a few years of the governor of New York. Could finding her be the key to winning his next election against her father or will it backfire and leave him losing the election and the girl?

For those of you who like contemporary romances that read quick and easy, Yours in Scandal should get your vote!!

Robert, the hero, was a good guy politician talked into blurring the lines in the name of helping his campaign and preventing a corrupt, lying adversary from remaining in office. That opponent just happens to be the heroine’s estranged father. Instant attraction on both sides sets the stage for loads of relationship angst as these two perfect for each other lovebirds think they can’t and/or shouldn’t be together. Adeline squares off and puts up quite a fight at first. Robert may seem resigned at times but keeps coming back for more of this lady love. He feels she’s the first woman to see right to his soul.

Upon meeting, Adeline and Robert were like two magnets you couldn’t pull apart. No matter how hard they tried to resist their attraction, the desire to be together was too strong. It took putting self-sacrifice and love first to save the day.

The writing flowed, and I stayed fully engaged. Sure, knuckleheaded moves/decisions sometimes popped up, but I still rooted for them.

Here’s to hoping the next book will feature Rosalie, one of the two best friends of Adeline. At one point she was caught in the middle but played it cool and supportive as a true bestie should. I’m looking forward to seeing her get her own HEA.

Title: Yours in Scandal, Series: Man of the Year (Book 1), Author: Lauren Layne, Pages: 263, stand-alone but part of a series, conflicted good guy mayor politician hero, event planner heroine with complicated past, relationship angst, think they can’t be together, HEA.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This was a fast, easy, very enjoyable read from Lauren Layne who certainly knows how to write contemporary romance novels. I loved Robert Davenport's character and his integrity and honesty and I completely understood and related to Addie's character. This wasn't your typical political romance because there were definitely some twists thrown into the mix! I would definitely recommend if you like this author's writing. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

A quick day brightening read! This Is the type of book you sit down and devour in a few hours. The perfect amount of slow burn with just the right amount of steam. I most definitely recommend this fast-paced light contemporary romance.

Robert Davenport had just landed the notorious Man of the Year at the end of his mayoral run instead of a rainbow its causing some looming clouds of over one main aspect of his life. How is he still single? Maybe his perfect appearance is all a sham. He must quickly make some decisions before his official announcement for governor is public. Adeline Blake has remade her life. A new name, new job, new look. All to hide from her disastrous past. When she receives an invitation to plan the last big event for the Mayor of New York, she wonders if it's just a coincidence. Will someone recognize her hiding in plain sight? Adeline is determined to do her job and remain anonymous.

This book is perfect for those that need a light enjoyable romance. I wanted more at the end and wasnt quiet ready to be done. I am looking forward to the next "man" in the Man of the Year series.

Thank you to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.