Love on Lexington Avenue

I couldn’t wait for book 2 in this series! After both getting to know the girls and getting Naomi’s story, I knew that I couldn’t wait for Claire’s especially with her role in the trio. After taking a look at her life and the betrayal she endured, Claire has decided to get out of her comfort zone and do things that are less “vanilla” and more out of the box. In an attempt to implement that into multiple aspects of her life, she decides with her upcoming home renovation, she will throw away the home dreams she’s had for years and yet start fresh and with whatever comes to mind. Referred by Oliver, Scott is determined not to take this job, but one look at the house and the woman who owns it and he’s already lost his battle. As the two get to know each other, both being unforgiving and abrasive in their personalities, they develop a common bond and friendship, which quickly turns into more. But with Scott never staying in one place for too long and denying the relationship and feelings he has for Claire, the ultimate question is if they will end up together or implode. I love Lauren’s storyline ideas and her style of writing. After reading book one, these things are what kept me coming back and anticipating book two and beyond! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Memo to self: don’t read Lauren Layne’s books while you’re at work because you might just tear up, which will confuse the mess out of your students and co-workers. You met Claire previously in Passion on Park Avenue, when she encountered her newly deceased husband’s mistress AND girlfriend at his funeral. The three women formed a bond, despite–or perhaps in spite–of the circumstances of their meeting, and they swore to protect each other from falling for the wrong men. Claire isn’t too worried about falling for any kind of man. All she wants is to rock the headboard, no strings attached. She asks her irascible contractor Scott to be her wingman, which you just know is going to frustrate both of them. Scott, you see, is mouth-wateringly good looking in that scruffy, flannel-wearing kind of way. He likes Claire, which surprises him, and she likes him, which surprises her. You know where this is headed, but the way Lauren Layne gets you there is so delightful that you find yourself sighing and swooning. Scott will frustrate you to no end. He has convinced himself that he needs something, and it takes nearly losing what he really wants and needs to get him to wake up. There are a few times when Claire’s sadness and surety got me in my feels. I inhaled this book, as I inhale all of Lauren Layne’s books, and I cannot wait for Audrey’s story.

Oh how I Loved this sweet, charming and adorable, second chance romance. This had it all and I didn't want to stop reading. Ms. Layne's writing always manages to bring you right into the scene with her characters. Her descriptive use of language makes each scene very realistic and the emotions the characters are feeling, so believable. I really have enjoyed this series so far and Claire’s story has been my favorite. Although this is a series, each story is a stand alone but I would encourage you to read them in order. Claire is bored her husband has been dead for a year, so she decides to remodel her Upper East Side Brownstone to make it her own. Scott Turner is a good friend to Claire’s friends Naomi and Oliver, and he offers to do the remodel for Claire. But these two are opposites in every way. Where Claire is refined and polite Scott is blunt, callous and downright rude. Both of them have been burned and are somewhat jaded and broken from their past relationships. But being thrown together on a daily basis, it doesn’t take them long and they are getting on each other’s nerves. Especially with an attraction and chemistry that is off the charts. But when Claire asks for Scott’s help to hook up and have a fling with someone else, although he knows he isn’t good enough for her, he still wants her. Will their attraction and chemistry be enough to help them find a HEA? You will need to read this to find out. I loved every minute of this Fantastic, Adorable, Charming, and Completely Enthralling Romance!