I'm completely biased because I love everything Lauren Layne writes and Made In Manhattan is not different. This book surprised in the best way possible, the main thing I loved about it was Violet's character development and seeing her relationship with cain evolve throughout the book. I had to take five minutes pauses several times because I simply could not sit still while reading, the chemistry between the two was amazing right from the start. I can't wait for this book to come out, I need it in my hands.

3.5 rounded up. I enjoy Layne’s books, especially the ones set in NYC. Violet was a bit of a caricature at times, a bit one dimensional, but the chemistry was there and I enjoyed this overall. A quick fun read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an absolutely adorable Romantic comedy. I enjoyed both the characters and I really loved the story. I highly recommend it.

Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne. Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 4.5 stars
Genre Romance

Lauren Layne is an auto-read author for me. She writes the best New York City romances. They are always swoonworthy, and delightful. I literally look forward to her book releases. Made in Manhattan lived up to my expectations! I really enoyed Cain and Violet. I felt like I was in NYC with them!

If you enjoy romance books, I highly recommend Lauren Layne! Her books never disappoint!

3.5 stars

My Fair Lady/Pygmalion is what 'Made in Manhattan' is: Lauren Layne is pretty upfront about that in the blurb of the story, which seems curiously shorter than a full-length novel and for that reason, feels like a shortened, more undeveloped version of the more richly-layered original.

The trajectory, given that this is well-worn territory, is a predictable one, though no less enjoyable, especially since this is a role-reversal of an upper-crust socialite and a seemingly uncouth, brash man whom she's tasked with giving a makeover. But Violet Townsend's mission to change someone somehow retains enough transformative power that she finds herself changed in the end while finding love on the way.

The spirit of Pygmalion burns bright in this one, and with this role reversal that Layne uses, thankfully helps tip the construction of masculinity and impropriety on its head. Yet that kind of feminist-lean is also muted; Violet still seems disappointingly ambition-less, determinedly running the errands of her mentor and adopted family member, who also happens to be the matriarch of a well-established corporation.

The build-up hence, consists of a few questions asked about the cosmetic and the intrinsic as Violet/Cain 'train' for the ultimate corporate takeover, overlaid with memorable one-line-zingers uttered by characters at very opportune moments--that do in fact, cut to the heart of character insecurities.

That said, stock characters (keeping in line with stereotypical rom-com characters) in fact, help prop the story, as 'Made in Manhattan' keeps its jaunty tune throughout with minimal angst. A rushed ending without much fanfare deflated my enthusiasm somewhat after the slow burn, as the narrative focus on Violet simply position Cain as a more shadowed version of a clichéd protagonist who made a sudden, huge leap from defiant, uncouth lout to jaw-clenching, lovesick man.

Still, it's a read that's so easy to go through--as Layne's books generally are--, offering some precious hours of escapist fantasies especially if I don't think too much more about it past its conclusion. But brevity is what I sometimes frown on, especially because it seems to compromise a plot hurtling towards a quick, duct-taped end. Even as Violet/Cain basked in their HEA, I couldn't help but wish that the last few chapters offered something more substantial than a few lost looks and fleeting emotional exchanges that hindered rather than helped their relationship.

*Some grammar/spelling errors in the book.

I read this in only a few hours, that’s how I knew made in Manhattan was surely going to make it into my favourites of 2021 very comfortably. This was amazing and exactly what I knew I needed. The things is - Lauren layne has always been an absolute go to author for me, I read her works in high school between semesters and she quickly became a go to author for me that I became fond of. There has never been a book Layne has written that has made me feel like it’s never taken me on an experience.

Where do I begin? Violet. She was perfect. I think Lauren layne has a knack for writing extremely funny and well loveable female characters and that’s exactly what happened in this situation. Violet was hilarious. She was down to earth and sweet. She knew exactly what she wanted and needed but she also gave the readers a chance to understand her and where she comes from. I appreciated that! Violet was everything I wanted and was looking for and I’m glad Lauren layne provided that.

Caine. Grumpy, over the edge and pretty funny in a “I’m going to end your life” kind of way. Cain stone was perfect. Thrown into a new life he didn’t know existed, it was pretty interesting for me to see how violet and cain came together. And did they! Cain and violets chemistry was off the charts. They were crazy good together and I loved every second of it.

This is something you should surely put onto your 2022 Tbr’s it was perfect and Lauren layne has clearly done it again. 5 out of 5 stars!