This book is the very definition of a palate cleanser. It was a quick, light, and entertaining read. The characters lacked depth and the plot was pretty straightforward. It was also so fast paced. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the book. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t tell someone they HAD to read it. Unless they were specifically looking for something kind of empty.


Also, I could picture Cain so clearly. And, just yes.

This is a gender-swapped My Fair Lady inspired romance. I found both characters pretty difficult to like early on. Violet, as the Henry Higgens-type character, is a snob and Cain, as the Eliza Doolittle stand in, was unnecessarily rude in the early part of the book, but as the story went on both characters grew on me. I liked the journey that both characters went on to make themselves over internally to have the life they wanted.

Rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Warnings: difficult family dynamics, loss
Read if you liked: To Sir With Love + My Fair Lady
Steam: 2/5 (one open door scene)

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Made in Manhattan will be released on January 18, 2022.

This is my second book by Lauren Layne and I can't wait to dive deep into her backlist.

Things I loved: I loved that we got to explore New York and New Orleans. I loved when Violet finally started to eat carbs and also just her evolution overtime. Cain and his interactions with CoCo the dog. Disney movies on plane flights. Mardi Gras adventures. I loved the banter in this book, I was laughing the whole time.

Things I didn't care for: I would have loved this to be dual POV, getting in Cain's head would have really helped determine if he was as much as a jerk as he appeared to be. This book was a little shorter than I would have liked, there was room for some scenes to be expanded.

**3.5 star**
In the blurb about the Made in Manhattan, it is described as My Fair Lady in reverse and this could not be a more accurate portrayal of this book. It also hits on the grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers trope. The writing was sharp as always and well paced. I finished the book in one sitting which rarely happens anymore.

I love Lauren Layne. I’ve read all of her books but this just did not hit me right. Usually, I adore her strong, resilient heroines but not here at all. I HATED Violet. She was snobby and bland. Unfortunately, the secondary characters also were not great. The only characters I liked in here were Violet’s best friend and Cain. Cain was one of the best parts of the book. He was definitely super grumpy, and sometimes a real jerk but he felt a heck of a lot more real than Violet. And maybe that was what Lauren Layne was trying to achieve here. Considering it is a reverse play on My Fair Lady and I can’t say I ever really liked the arrogant hero in there either. The entire point of the book was having Cain change to fit in but it was Violet with the most transformation. Did I love her by the end? No, but I definitely felt warmer towards her.

My favorite part of the book was the setting, NYC. Layne has a special talent to make you feel like you are there and make you look through different lens’. Makes me miss New York so much! I also LOVED the end of the book. It gave a perfect amount of closure and you really saw the sparks between Violet and Cain. Overall, a solid 3.5 stars for me.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m so in love with this book! Made in Manhattan is a modern-day version of My Fair Lady and Pygmalion, with Violet playing the role of Henry Higgins, attempting to transform Cain into a NY CEO. It was fun and a bit dreamy to read of Cain’s transformation, but what I loved best was that Violet ended up being the person who changed the most! This novel contains a perfect amount of sizzle, banter, humor, and tenderness, and the very last sentence brought me to tears!

Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with Made in Manhattan! It had a fun and flirty vibe, while also pulling on my emotions. The story was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! If you love an opposites attract adult romance then I can't recommend this book enough!

Could she take this angry, uncouth man and turn him into someone who held his own in a boardroom? Who could navigate the sticky intricacies of the New York social set?
Who could not only tie a tie, but look good in it?
Suddenly she wanted to try, rather desperately.


Cain Stones learned that he had a grandmother he never knew about, along with a billion dollar company that she wanted him to take over. Coming from the South, he needed to learn the city, dress the part and work on getting voted in as CEO. And Violet Townsend was to help Cain achieve that goal. Their grandmothers were best friends and there was nothing Violet wouldn't do to help Edith, Cain's grandma.

Violet had the sudden urge to tell him he was wrong.
She didn’t always get what she wanted.
She didn’t even know what that was.


Violet Victoria Townsend lived on the upper east side and I absolutely loved her. She was kind, helpful and held herself in almost a regal way. She dressed the part, had impeccable manners, was a thoughtful hostesses and always seemed to say the right thing. She definitely gave me Charlotte from Sex and the City vibes, who I adored. Violet could be seen with Keith, who was a blue blood like her, except I thought he was beyond pretentious. So when Cain stepped into her life, Violet's seemingly perfect world completely changed.

Cain shrugged and bent down to gently rub Coco’s head with a knuckle. Violet ordered her heart not to melt. Or to think about the fact that Keith barely tolerated her dog’s existence, much less pet the little Yorkie.


Cain was the ultimate book boyfriend. Yes he was a little rough around the edges and had no filter on his mouth sometimes, but oh my goodness was the man swoon worthy. Not only in the way he held himself and talked, but his actions literally melted my heart into a puddle. Whether he was being thoughtful of Violet's dog Coco, who he called Toto, or remembering details from what Violet said, Cain was most definitely more then others in Violet's world would see at first glance. Cain was sexy, seductive, charismatic, and I was obsessed.

His smile was slow. Predatory. He moved even closer until she could feel his body heat. “Careful, Duchess. Look at me that way again, and you’ll be the one who’s handled, and not the least bit gently.”


Violet and Cain started out rough. Yes there was an instant attraction and chemistry between them, but Violet was trying to change who Cain was. And he fought her every step of the way. It started with a clothing makeover and went from there. But Cain wasn't the only one who started to change. Violet found herself changing too. She kept her emotions guarded and always came across as composed and together. But Cain pushed her time and again and invoked emotions from her that had me clinging to every single word between them!

“Keith can be . . .” She sighed. “He’s struggling. He’s put a lot of himself into the company, and it’s hard for him to have an outsider come in and take a position he thinks should be his.”
Cain’s eyes flicked up for the briefest of moments. “That’s not what he should be possessive of.”
Violet didn’t reply. Couldn’t. But neither did she look away.


Their moments together brimmed with delicious sexual tension and banter. Whether it was a look, a touch or a barbed word, everything had an undercurrent of electricity running through it. And there were so many moments that held such powerful emotions. Like the piano scene. I didn't know whether to laugh and smile or cry tears of heartache. This book toyed with my emotions in the best ways possible! There was some steam in the pages and by the end of this story I found myself with tears in my eyes.

“You deserve it.”
“What, to learn piano?” she joked.
He didn’t smile back. “All of it. You deserve to have everything you want, Duchess.”


Made in Manhattan was beautifully emotional and seductive. It had characters that were larger then life, a story-line that I devoured way too quickly and even side characters that constantly made me feel. This book became a top favorite so easily and I can't wait to read it again and again in the future!

Lauren Layne never misses with her rom-coms. They are funny and sweet with swoony characters AND a slow burn romance adding to the whole package.

I went through the book quickly in one sitting, because write 300 pages in Layne's wonderful writing style and the pages seem to fly by. I couldn't help but get captured by the story from the very first chapter. Violet is determined to transform Cain Stone into someone that is fit and acceptable to run a multimillionaire business in the upper crust circles of New York (let's be honest, this phrase popped up because of Taylor Swift's "I Bet You Think About Me" that is playing on repeat in my head).

I loved how Violet grew as a person in the story and started to looking out for herself and what she herself actually wanted with her life. This wasn't just a relationship developing between Cain and Violet, but also Violet's relationship with herself and it was really nice to see.

If you are looking for a light and cute read that you can easily devour in one sitting, this is the one for you!

Lauren Layne has done it again, another book and another couple I fell completely in love with. I’m I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read this book and meet these characters and this couple.

The synopsis of the book and the cover were a total yes for me, but reading the story, reading these characters and meeting them has been wonderful. Violet is a character dedicated to others but, thanks to Cain, our protagonist, and her best friend, she begins to see for herself, to make herself heard, and that was something I liked reading. I liked how she enjoyed the little things in life just because she felt like doing, eating, or saying something.

Cain was the push that Violet needed, but he was also someone who decided to earn things for himself, not because of who he is.

At first glance these two characters have nothing in common and are the opposite, but as the days go by and they get to know each other, they see that they have some things in common and that the attraction they have is undeniable. What you bring to each other is wonderful and I have adored you, and the epilogue is a very nice thing to read. Thank you for so much, Lauren.

This is my second Lauren Layne title and I can safely say that I can depend on her to deliver a sweet, fast paced, and charming love story. I don't need every book to send me running to the top of a hill to scream its praises. Sometimes I just want something light and Made in Manhattan was it.

𝗪𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝗪𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐃:
- Compulsively readable- just lovely brain candy.
- NYC & NOLA setting
- Super grumpy dude paired with prim & proper "Duchess"
- Slow burn romance with snarky dialogue
- Medium steam. Some kissing and one sexy time scene.
- Fantastic Valentine's Day ending that would make this a great romantic read in Feb.

Finished this amazingly beautiful book in one day. It was just perfect with my favorite trope of grumpy sunshine and swoony romcom.
I always enjoy reading Lauren Layne's work, it always feels like you have entered in that world she has created and can't get enough of it and there is always something so magical about New York romance .

Over the weekend, I read Lauren Layne's upcoming book, Made in Manhattan. This one is a reverse My Fair Lady retelling, where a posh New York socialite is tasked with the job of teaching a New Orleans' man the ins and out of the etiquette of the New York elite. She has her work cut out for her, and even though it's her job to change him, it is her who ultimately will be transformed. MiM was so cute and entertaining. Its a fun and quick read that will make you laugh out loud and also pull on your heartstrings. The banter between the two main characters is sure to have you giggling; I loved their exchanges, full of sarcastic remarks and witty comebacks. This is also a good enemies to lovers trope, with opposites attract and definitely some grumpy/sunshine vibes; the tension between Violet and Cain is palpable, and even though its a slow burn, when you finally get to the steam, it is the perfect payoff. MiM is the first book by Lauren Layne that I have read, but it won't be my last! Thank you @laurenlaynebooks @netgalley @valentine_pr_ for my copy! Made in Manhattan is out 1.18.22!

As soon as I saw that Lauren Layne’s new contemporary romance, Made in Manhattan, was being advertised as a modern-day reverse My Fair Lady, I knew I had to read it. I’m a huge fan of My Fair Lady, the musical and the film, so I’m always up for a fresh take on an old favorite.

Made in Manhattan follows Violet Townsend, a young woman born and raised in the wealthy, privileged Upper East Side of Manhattan. Violet is an expert when it comes to knowing what to say, how to act, and what to wear in all elite social settings. Violet also loves to make people happy, especially Edith, who while not a blood relative, has practically raised her since Violet’s parents and grandparents all died when she was much younger. Edith runs a successful international corporation and has been troubled by the fact that she has no living family to take over the business when she retires, that is until she learns that she has a grandson named Cain Stone she never knew about. Edith is determined to groom Cain to take over the business, but there’s just one problem: Cain, who hails from New Orleans, is about as rough around the edges as they come. With his long hair, scuffed boots, faded jeans, and a vocabulary that consists largely of the four-letter ‘f’ word, Cain doesn’t exactly fit in with NYC’s elite. Edith enlists Violet to help give Cain a Manhattan makeover. Less than thrilled at the prospect, Violet reluctantly agrees because she just can’t say no to Edith. Unfortunately for Violet, Cain is even less thrilled at the prospect.

As with the original My Fair Lady, there are just sparks flying everywhere between Violet and Cain as soon as the makeover commences. Cain is impossible, fighting Violet every step of the way, and Violet becomes more and more frustrated. She can’t understand why he even bothered to come to New York if he’s not willing to do whatever it takes to become CEO of the company that is pretty much being handed to him. Cain, on the other hand, can’t understand why Violet, or Duchess as he refers to her, has nothing else better to do with her time than treat him as a human mannequin. While I found all the awkward, snarky banter at the beginning of their relationship quite entertaining, what I really enjoyed was watching their relationship evolve as they got to know each other better and could look past their initial impressions of one another. It becomes all too clear that the two of them have the hots for each other, whether they want to admit it or not.

The only thing better than watching their relationship evolve was watching Violet herself evolve. She really does start to question what she is even doing with her life and why she feels the need to be such a people pleaser all the time, even if it makes her miserable in the process. The more time she spends with Cain, the more she finds herself willing to step out of her lifelong comfort zone and try new things. It’s as if she’s undergoing just as much of a transformation as Cain is, and I loved to see it.

Made in Manhattan was everything I could have wanted from a My Fair Lady-inspired book and then some. I flew through the pages in less than a day and was sad when the story was over, even though the ending was immensely satisfying. 4 STARS.

Edith Rhodes is ready to leave her role as the head of her family business, she’s all set to name her successor as her long-lost grandson, Cain. Only problem is he doesn’t exactly fit in with the elite Manhattan circle.

In comes Violet, a family friend, who agrees to help turn Cain into the perfect Manhattanite CEO material.

It’s a fun plot, very My Fair Lady, but I felt as though the characters could have been developed a bit more. We didn’t know much about Cain at all really, and it would have been nice to see more of his relationship with his grandmother.

Violet’s character was sweet but in 2022 I can’t help but feel like a female character whose main goal in life is to be a wife and mother and have picnics in the park was a bit blasé. I would have rather have seen Violet go for CEO or have real ambitions of her own.

All in all it was a cute easy read, which I got through very quickly.

A cute and quick read! I spent my entire Sunday engrossed in this book and I loved it! I thought the grumpy/sunshine trope in this one was done well, I thought that the ode to My Fair Lady was cute and led to some fun banter and overall, the progression of the relationship. I think what I loved the most about this book and why I was continuously pressing the "next" button on my e-reader was that I just wanted to see if Cain would ever be that soft, lovable love interest that the book wanted it to be and in the end, we got it! I think if there was something to improve on this book it would be Violet's character arc, I thought she could have more of a story since she was the main character instead of her whole purpose seeming like it was only to better Cain. Still, a fun story for anyone who likes cute romances that take place in New York!

A book that I couldn’t put down as I read it through one weekend afternoon. I loved Violet and my heart absolutely bled for what she had gone through. Even though, I adored the chemistry between Violet and Cain but absolutely detested how Cain treated Violet. I mean, I get that he had his own issues to work through but there had to be more groveling for all the grabing and kissing he was doing to Violet after turning a cold shoulder. He blew way too much hot and cold and didn’t have any regrets for that. I really wish that part of his behavior was addressed because otherwise I really adored the book.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I went back and forth on this one between 4 and 5 stars but the ending finally won me over to 5 stars. Violet is a total blue blood and she, with her pearls and stiff upper lip, is given the impossible task of molding the recently discovered grandson so he will be able to take over Rhodes International. Cain Stone is from the Bayou of New Orleans and with his scuff and ripped jeans and scuffed boots is not ready for the boardroom of NYC. He definitely has a chip on his shoulder and lets everyone know it and if a 2 year old throws tantrums he does his own version of it at his age. It is quite a task Violet has in store for her but when they finally get on the same page, they do see eye to eye. However, the trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras to keep Cain's business going takes all the blinders off. Make sure you keep an open mind, it really does all come out at the end.

I adored this book. It was so layered and had such fantastic characters. I also Always love a good book set in a big city - especially NYC.

Cain is the perfect grumpy hero. I absolutely loved his broody demeanor. I also loved his ability to drive Violet crazy. Their banter was amazing and I couldn't get enough of their interactions.

Violet was way too prim and proper and honest she drove me crazy at first but it was neat to watch her grow. I love how spending time with Cain opened her eyes to so many things.

The My Fair Lady storyline definitely made for some interesting shopping scenes and it was fun watching her introduce him to NYC. I loved how quick those introductions became more date like than work.

The romance in this book really started with the banter, continued with amazing kisses, and eventually more. But what I reallyoved we're the little gestures and conversations. I also loved the more serious talks they had. I felt like it was more relationship based than some books became it truly showed growth between the characters.

This was an amazing read with a fun backdrop of NYC with fun characters.

I received an advanced copy of this book through ValentinePR and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This book was a bit of a reverse cinderella story. Violet, a rich New York socialite is brought to task when Cain a New Orleans bad boy comes to town. His grandmother tasks Violet to turn him into a cookie cutter New York City CEO in order to keep her family business in the hands of the family. To say the least Violet and Cain get off on the right foot and become enemies with a ton of sexual tension and witty banter.

This was fun and light. Nothing too serious and substantial. You get a nice look at upper east side socialites. And a cute little getaway to New Orleans over Marti Gras. This was so opposite of the last book I read by Lauren Layne, so I was very surprised. At first I wasn't super interested, but by the end of the book I was left in all my feels. It's a slow burn read, and I really wished we would have gotten more substance in their relationship. It was like 95% of the book of enemies with sexual tension, 3% relationship all of a sudden they were OMG I LOVE YOU, and then the epilogue was in the future where they had a bunch of kids and their HEA. Violet and Cain had so much sexual tension and banter I wished we would have seen them more as a couple.

I finished reading this book in a single day. I can't even remember the last time I devoured a book like that!

Noteworthy features:

- Modern My Fair Lady was a nice twist
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow burn romance, but with plenty of steamy tension and worth the wait!
- Fun location in NYC and New Orleans
- Heart-warming side characters (Edith, Alvin, Ashley, & even Coco!)

Neither of our main characters (Violet & Cain) were particularly likable, or even relatable, at first. But reading the back stories, watching them grow, and seeing their relationship flourish (despite their best attempts to ignore it), kept me hooked to the page.

In the beginning of the story, Violet was agreeable to the point of having no personality of her own. In an effort to keep the peace and avoid any kind of confrontation or friction, she would become a chameleon, becoming what everyone else needed her to be, instead of truly trying to figure out what it is that she wanted. Though it made her pleasant, it also made her frustrating to read about because of how willing she was to settle (side eyes ex-boyfriend, Keith).

Cain, on the other hand, had a plethora of strong opinions that he stubbornly refused to compromise on - even sometimes to his detriment. From the first time we meet him, he's grumpy and stand offish, pushing Violent away with his sometimes mean outbursts, even when she's' just trying to help him.

But, as we read on, we learn the reasons why Violet seeks stability over passion, and why Cain is weary of trusting new people and so fearful of being left. Watching them both grow, become less judgmental, and learn that they don't need to earn someone's love, was a rewarding process as a reader.

Even if the story wasn't perfect, I had such a great time reading it! I would definitely recommend adding this one to your tbr!

If you love a rom-com with opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine and forced proximity and the sweetest love story Made in Manhattan is for you.

Made in Manhattan follows Violet Townsend raised in the Upper East Side Manhattan she's learned all the rules of society and tries to be perfect. Violet to teach, Cain Stone, the newly-discovered grandson, of her friend how to fit in with the elite so he can take place as the CEO of his families company. Cain was born in Louisiana and definitely doesn't fit in with the elite so Violet tackles the difficult job.
In the process of this Cain and Violet begin to have feelings for each other. While Violet is helping Cain, Cain is helping Violet realise that she doesn't always have to follow the rules.

I adored Violet and Cain. I absolutely loved Violet, she felt like a friend. Cain was swoon worthy and I loved him. I loved their slow burn romance and their banter. Their romance was written amazing and their connection felt so natural and real. This book is perfect if you're looking for a cute and light romance to make you swoon.