Tag Archives: Lauren Layne

Huge Deal (21 Wall Street #3) by Lauren Layne-Promotion and Giveaway

Posted on by
30

Huge Deal (21 WallStreet #3 by Lauren Layne-Promotion and Giveaway

HUGE DEAL
21 Wall Street #3
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: February 12, 2019


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 12, 2019

Even for a top-gun banker, temptation this hot is quite a gamble, in a sexy Wall Street romp from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits.

Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother.

It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime…and prove he’s worth the risk.

Lauren Layne is graciously offering a paper copy of HOT ASSET (book one in the 21 Wall Street Series) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

To celebrate the release of HUGE DEAL, Lauren is giving away a signed paperback copy of HOT ASSET! To enter, follow Lauren at Instagram (@laurenlayneauthor) https://www.instagram.com/laurenlayneauthor/, and comment below so I know you have entered! 

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. IMPORTANT–> Follow Lauren Layne on INSTAGRAM, then comment below and tell us you did.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from February 12-15, 2019

Share

Hard Sell (21 Wall Street #2) by Lauren Layne-a review

Posted on by
10

HARD SELL (21 Wall Street #2 by Lauren Layne-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo /

Excerpt Link: http://laurenlaynelibrary.com/hard-sell

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 4, 2018

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

•••••

REVIEW: HARD SELL is the second instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult 21 WALL STREET romance series focusing on best friends and Wall Street investors-Ian Bradley, Matt Cannon and Kennedy Dawson who work for Wolfe Investments. This is twenty-eight year old Wall Street broker Matt Cannon, and PR ‘fixer’ Sabrina Cross’ story line. HARD SELL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sabrina and Matt) HARD SELL follows the fake relationship between twenty-eight year old Wall Street broker Matt Cannon, and PR ‘fixer’ Sabrina Cross. At his cousin’s recent Vegas bachelor party, Matt’s behaviour and ultimately his reputation made headlines in the world of Wall Street investors. Precariously straddling the line between employment and not, Matt is desperate to restore his reputation, in order to rein in the billionaire clientele. Enter ‘fixer’ and PR specialist Sabrina Cross, and the woman with whom Matt will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and fake relationship between Matt and Sabrina, and the potential fall-out as Sabrina wants something more, and Matt is unable to give her what she wants.

Matt Cannon doesn’t do love; his parent’s dysfunctional relationship has damaged Matt’s view for a happily ever after. A friends with benefits arrangement with Sabrina, is as close to a relationship that Matt is willing to cross. Sabrina Cross’ childhood was plagued with hardship and neglect a childhood that has burned a hole into our heroine’s heart. When Matt Cannon begs Sabrina to help him clean up his tattered reputation, Sabrina struggles with her growing attraction to a man who isn’t willing to give love a chance.

The love-hate relationship between Sabrina and Matt is contemptuous; their acrimonious back and forth is riddled with insults and accusations so much so the emotional fall-out is painful and wrong. As days turn into weeks, Sabrina begins to develop feelings for the man that calls to her heart as Matt reconsiders what it is he truly wants. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to look at the friendships between Kennedy, Ian and Matt, as well as the ramifications and repercussions of crossing the line where Wall Street is concerned. The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ian and Lara (Hot Asset), as well as Kennedy Dawson, and PA Kate Henley; Sam and Samantha Wolfe, and billionaire Jarod Lanham.

HARD SELL is a sexy and sassy story line about friendships, family, heart break and love. The premise is spirited and engaging; the characters are dynamic and energetic; the romance is sensual and captivating. HARD SELL is a breath-taking and delightful addition to Lauren’s 21 Wall Street series.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOT ASSET.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Website / Goodreads / / Bookbub / Pinterest / Facebook

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

Share

I Think I Love You (Oxford #5) by Lauren Layne-Review & Giveaway Tour

Posted on by
12

I THINK I LOVE YOU (Oxford #5) by Lauren Layne-Review & Giveaway Tour

I THINK I LOVE YOU
Oxford #5
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: July 10 ,2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

AMAZON| Amazon.ca | B&N| iBOOKS| Google PLAY| KOBO | Chapters Indigo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2018

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

Lauren Layne’s New York Times bestselling Oxford Novel series can be read in any order:
IRRESISTIBLY YOURS
I WISH YOU WERE MINE
SOMEONE LIKE YOU
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE
I THINK I LOVE YOU

•••••••••

REVIEW:  I THINK I LOVE YOU is the fifth (and final?) instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult OXFORD romance series- a spin off from the author’s Stiletto series- focusing on the men and women who work for the country’s most popular men’s magazine Oxford. This is advertising executive Hunter Cross, and senior product manager Brit Robbins’ story line. I THINK I LOVE YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brit and Hunter) I THINK I LOVE YOU follows the best friends to lovers / boss and employee romance between OXFORD magazine’s advertising executive Hunter Cross, and senior product manager Brit Robbins. Brit is struggling in the romance and dating department believing she is doomed to be single the rest of her life. Hoping to release her inner seductress Brit asks her best friend, immediate boss, and the man with whom she has lusted after for most of her adult life, Hunter Cross, to teach her the art of seduction. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance, friends with benefits relationship between Brit and Hunter, and the fall-out as Hunter is unprepared for the emotional entanglements growing between himself and the woman he has placed in the friends category for far too long.

Brit Robbins is everybody’s friend; one of the guys but a woman who wants desperately to find love and romance. All of her friends and co-workers at Oxford are falling in love, getting married and starting their families but Brit thinks she is missing that someone in her life, and perhaps it is her fault; something personal and not within her means to reach. Her best friend Hunter Cross is dating his way through most of New York while our heroine struggles to make a connection, one way or another. In a desperate attempt to ‘fix what’s wrong’ Brit asks Hunter to help her in the art of seduction.

The relationship between Brit and Hunter is a friends to lovers/ boss and employee romance that struggles in the face of potential jealousy, and falling in love but Hunter has no permanent plans to remain in New York, especially with most of his family back home in Kansas City. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but limited, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous OXFORD story line couples, as well as a few from the author’s STILETTO series.

I THINK I LOVE YOU is a fun, sassy, sexy and predictable story line but entertaining and enjoyable. The premise is engaging; the characters are sweet, flirty and dynamic; the romance is heart warming and intimate. I THINK I LOVE YOU is a light hearted and wondrous romance for you to enjoy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS INSTAGRAM

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author’s assistant

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

Runaway Groom (I Do, I Don’t #2 ) by Lauren Layne-Review Tour & Giveaway

Posted on by
8

Runaway Groom (I Do, I Don’t) by Lauren Layne-Review Tour & Giveaway

RUNAWAY GROOM
I Do, I Don’t #2
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: January 30, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /  GPlay / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2018

For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it. And now the chase is on!

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RUNAWAY GROOM is the second instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult I DO, I DON’T romance series focusing on the ‘reality’ television show Jilted. This is Hollywood actor Gage Barrett, and small business owner Ellie Wright’s story line. RUNAWAY GROOM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person points of view (Gage and Ellie) RUNAWAY GROOM follows Hollywood leading man Gage Barrett as he struggles with his time on the television show Jilted, a Bachelor-esque style reality show that was never on his radar until he lost a Vegas bet to his best friend Wes Carver. The perpetual ‘runaway groom’ Gage has walked away from two previous attempts at walking down the aisle only to face twenty four potential brides who will do anything for their shot at fame and glory. Enter reluctant contestant Ellie Wright, co-owner of a small clothing business, and a woman equally opposed to appearing on TV, especially a show where the woman sell themselves for a few minutes of fame. What ensues is the building relationship between Ellie and Gage, and the potential fall out as Gage and Ellie make a promise to protect one another from the game show fall out, only to have Gage push away our story line heroine.

Ellie Wright never intended for things to go this far when her business partner signed her up as one of the potential brides on the reality show Jilted. Thinking the groom-to-be was nothing more than a Hollywood player, Ellie is surprised to find herself falling for the man who would eventually break her heart. Gage Barrett has no intention of all falling in love, least of all selecting a bride from the crazy bunch of females the show has to offer-been there, done that twice without any success. Meeting Ellie Wright, the only ‘sane’ woman in the crowd, finds Gage wanting a future but a future he has to put on hold until he rides out his time on reality TV.

The relationship between Gage and Ellie begins acrimoniously as Ellie refuses to play the game, regardless of the rules for appearing on TV. A reluctant contestant, Ellie finds herself falling for the man in question but a man who is willing to risk their time on the show for some personal R & R together. The $ex scenes are intimate and seduction without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The back and forth banter is fun, revealing, and real.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including twenty-four potential brides willing to do anything to get close to Gage Barrett.

RUNAWAY GROOM has moments of heartbreak and tear; humor and fun; romance and love. The premise is engaging; the characters are colorful and real; the romance is passionate and loving.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Lauren LayneFollow:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS  INSTAGRAM

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

An Ex For Christmas (Love Unexpectedly #5) by Lauren Layne-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
11

AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS (Love Unexpectedly #5) by Lauren Layne-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

An Ex For Christmas banner

AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS
Love Unexpectedly #5
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: November 7, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, romance

An Ex For Christmas

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /  GPlay / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2017

When a psychic tells spunky, superstitious Kelly Byrne that she’s already met her true love, she becomes obsessed with the idea of tracking him down before Christmas. Kelly immediately writes up an “Ex List” and starts contacting old boyfriends to figure out which one is the one. When her college sweetheart rolls into town, Kelly convinces herself that they’re meant to be. The trouble is, sparks are flying with someone she’s never given a chance: her best friend, Mark.

Mark Blakely has watched the guys on Kelly’s list break her heart, and he’s not looking forward to watching them do it all over again. Mark’s always been there for her, but the timing’s never worked out for their relationship to be something more. Now, just as Mark is ready to move on, the sexual tension between them is suddenly off the charts. With Christmas morning around the corner, he just hopes Kelly will wake up and realize that everything she wants has been right in front of her all along.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS is the fifth instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult LOVE UNEXPECTEDLY romance series. This is primary school teacher Kelly Byrne, and bar owner / chef Mark Blakely’s story line. AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from first person point of view (Kelly Byrne) with a final chapter by Mark, AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS is a friends to lovers, unrequited love story that follows a determined Kelly Byrne as she hopes to find ‘the one’ before Christmas. When a psychic tells Kelly that she has already met her ‘true love’ our heroine sets about to rekindle with a number of her exes, one disastrous date at a time. Enter best friend, neighbor and restaurant owner Mark Blakely, the man who has secretly waited ten years for Kelly to recognize that he is ‘the one.’ What ensues are Kelly’s attempts to find love in the days leading to the Christmas holidays, and the potential fall out as Mark battles his attraction to a woman who is oblivious to her best friend’s unrequited love.

Kelly Byrne is superstitious and gullible; a woman who believes in the ideology of the zodiac, a Magic 8 Ball, and all of the psychobabble that goes along with the mythical powers of seers, crystal balls and psychics-r-us. Our heroine refuses to take a chance until she asks a question of her ‘magical’ plastic orb. Mark Blakely is a man determined to prove to our heroine that he is her happily ever after but Kelly continues to be oblivious to Mark’s barely veiled attempts at seduction, as she maintains that one of her exes must still be the one.

The relationship between Kelly and Mark is one of a life-long friendship: more than just neighbors, Kelly and Mark also share custody of Rigby the dog. Throughout his life Mark has never wandered far from the woman that calls to his heart-a woman that continues to be oblivious to her best friends love. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Throughout the story Kelly Bryne leads a co-dependent life with not one, not two but three Magic 8 Balls. Her need and obsession to allow the plastic, mechanical device to rule all of her decisions and choices begins to get old very fast-not only for the people in her life but for the man who must endure watching the woman he loves attempt to rekindle with every man from her past. In this, I struggled to like the heroine or accept her fascination and overwhelming dependence upon the mystical powers of the 8 Ball and the stars-I would have to question the emotional stability of someone so reliant upon, and absorbed with, the questionable ‘predictive’ nature of a cheap, plastic toy. The potential humor was lost on this reader, as I couldn’t get past the absurdity of the entire situation-my exasperation and agitation grew with each shake of the 8 ball, mention of the zodiac signs, and the heroine’s obliviousness about the man who refuses let go.

AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS is an interesting story line of friendship and love; superstition and psychics; and of the potential for one woman to lose not only her best friend but a love that has endured one disastrous relationship at a time. The premise is imaginative; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance struggles with the idealistic beliefs of one woman desperately trying to find her happily ever after, in the past. In the end Kelly’s true love had been with her all along.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Blurred Lines
Good Girl
Love Story
Walk of Shame
An Ex For Christmas

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

An Ex For Christmas Teaser

excerpt

As I walk, I check the weather app on my phone, delighted to see that while it’s nothing but rain today, there’s a chance of a snow shower tomorrow. Nothing says Christmas break like snow.
I just miss my train, but there’s a decent-ish voice singing “White Christmas” nearby, and the platform’s not too crowded, so waiting’s not as bad as it could be.
My eye catches on a middle-aged woman who’s set up camp under one of the stairwells. It’s not unusual to see all manner of people under the streets of New York, although this one’s better dressed than most. She’s wearing a blousy red shirt, jeans, and ankle boots, and is sitting cross-legged on a plaid blanket. She’s got twigs of what seem to be fake roses in her hair.
None of that’s the weird part.
What’s weird is that she’s watching me. Intently.
We make awkward eye contact, and I give a quick smile before turning my attention back to my phone.
But I still feel her eyes on me.
Not in an unfriendly way, not in the way that makes me mentally catalog whether or not I saw any cops on my way down here who would hear me if I scream. She doesn’t seem eager to push me onto the train tracks either, and since that’s every New Yorker’s secret fear, that’s a plus.
Still, the focus is unsettling. I glance up again, and her eyes lock on mine. Her dark gaze is clear and focused, and I can’t decide if that’s more or less disturbing than if she seemed sort of hazy.
Then she smiles right at me. “Kelly.”
I get immediate goosebumps for reasons that have nothing to do with the winter weather. She knows my name.
“Come.” She beckons. “Come. I see.”
Now you’re thinking, Hell, no. Run!
I should be thinking the same, and on some level, I am, but . . .
There are a couple dozen people around. None are paying attention to me, but it’s not like I’m all alone in a dark alley.
And look, we’ve already established that I believe in fate expressing itself through a Magic 8 ball and horoscopes, and though I haven’t mentioned it yet, I totally avoid black cats, the number thirteen, and walking under ladders.
I also believe that there’s such a thing as sight. I know, because my grandma had it.
Grandma Shirley was one of those delightfully batty old ladies that most people dismissed as quirky, but nobody can deny that she seemed to know stuff. She knew when I’d win my soccer game, and by how many points. She knew when her cat’s litter of kittens would be born, down to the minute. Once she’d even predicted an earthquake, even though they’re really rare in New York.
She’d passed away when I was in eleventh grade (she’d predicted the when and how of that too), and though I didn’t inherit her talents, I’ve never stopped believing that some people see and know things that they shouldn’t. I call it the Sight.
I step closer, and the woman grins and beckons me even nearer.
I stop a healthy few feet away. I’m superstitious, not crazy.
The woman leans forward. “You seek love.”
Huh. Color me unimpressed. I mean, don’t most humans seek love? Sure, I’m recently single, and I don’t particularly want to be. And maybe I sometimes try a little too hard to find my forever guy.
But I’m not hearing anything other than generic lucky guesses from this lady.
“Sure,” I say, already starting to back away.
She holds up a hand. “The one you seek? Your forever guy, the love of your life . . .”
I freeze, because her phrasing echoes my thoughts almost exactly. A coincidence? Maybe. I don’t move away just yet, willing to hear her out.
She smiles again. “You’ve already met him.”
I blink. “What? I think you may want to recheck that crystal ball. I’m single.”
Her smile merely grows. “I didn’t say you weren’t single. I said you’d already met him. You just let him go. He’ll come back to you before Christmas.”
Whoa whoa whoa. This is . . .
Huh.
“You’re telling me that the love of my life is one of my exes?”
She extends both of her palms as though to say, There you have it!
I stifle a little surge of disappointment. Clearly she hasn’t met my exes. There are some decent ones in the mix, but mostly they’re duds, and none of them make my heart beat faster. Well, maybe—
Nope. No. Do not go there.
Thankfully, I feel the rumble of an oncoming train, and a glance over my shoulder tells me my ride outta here is approaching.
“Thanks very much,” I say with a strained smile. “Merry Christmas.”
“Happy holidays,” she says with a nod, standing and gathering up her blanket. Apparently she’s taken a cue from Madison Meyers and is sticking close to the PC route. Fair enough.
I lift a hand in a wave and move toward the train, but her next words give me a fresh wave of new goosebumps.
“Tell your parents happy anniversary. Thirty’s going to be a magical year for them.”
I whip my head around. “How did you—”
The woman is gone.
Like vanished gone.
Leaving me to wonder . . .
If a woman I’d never met was right about my parents’ anniversary, was she also right about other stuff?
Have I already met my one true love?

About The Author

Lauren LayneFollow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / GOODREADS

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

Rafflecopter Giveaway White and Red

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter  giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tasty Book Tours

Share

Walk of Shame (Love Unexpectedly #4) by Lauren Layne-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on by
10

WALK OF SHAME (Love Unexpectedly #4) by Lauren Layne-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Walk of Shame Banner

WALK OF SHAME
Love Unexpectedly #4
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: April 18,2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Walk of Shame

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / | GOOGLE | ITUNES 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2017

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.

Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WALK OF SHAME is the fourth installment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult LOVE UNEXPECTEDLY romance series. This is high powered, divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney, and heiress Georgianna Watkins’s story line. WALK OF SHAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from first person point of view (Georgianna), and third person perspective (Andrew) WALK OF SHAME follows the building relationship between divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney, and heiress Georgianna Watkins. Georgianna is a party girl but the late nights (early mornings) are starting to catch up with our heroine so much so that Georgie schedules her arrival at home at the same time her ‘surly’ neighbor Andrew Mulroney leaves for the gym. Their tempestuous back and forth/ sexually charged banter pushes all of Andrew’s buttons until the day Andrew crosses a line with his snark and rude comments. From a hot, steamy kiss to nursing one another back to health following a raging case of the flu, Andrew and Georgie will face the future until the future comes crashing down.

Andrew Mulroney is a genius; a stuffed shirt who struggles with his attraction to the vibrant and vivacious, over the top tabloid princess Georgianna Watkins. Believing our heroine is nothing more than a spoiled heiress Andrew tries to keep his distance but Georgie is determined to prove that they belong with one another. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of sexually graphic, over the top language and text.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Andrew and Georgia, and Andrews struggle to let Georgie into his life. Andrew’s famous self control and cold exterior hide a heart and soul that has difficulty letting go or falling in love. But Andrew keeps secret some information that if revealed will destroy Georgie’s life, and in the end will destroy his relationship with the woman with whom he is falling in love.

WALK OF SHAME is a sweet storyline with a heroine whose witty banter and endearing charm will make you smile, and pull you in to a tale about two people whose lives will collide in more ways than one. The premise is entertaining and lighthearted; the romance is captivating and sensual; the characters are passionate and inspiring. WALK OF SHAME is delightful read with a playful heroine, and a hero who struggles between head and heart.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Blurred Lines
Good Girl
Love Story
Walk of Shame

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Walk of Shame teaser

excerpt

And who is he, you ask?
Andrew Mulroney, Esquire.
I know this because we moved into the building on the exact same day, and right before we got into a horrendous fight over whose movers should have access to the building loading dock first, he handed me his business card.
The thick white card stock declared that he had a fancy law degree to go along with the fancy suit he was wearing on a Saturday.
Andrew handed it over with such superiority, I actually wished for a half second that I had a business card of my own that would somehow be better than his. Like, lined with gold or something. No, platinum. With a diamond in the corner. It would be too heavy for him to hold, and he’d drop it, thus having to kneel at my feet to pick it up.
But then I realized it was just as well that I didn’t have a business card.
Because it would say . . . what? Georgie Watkins, professional party girl?
Anyway, I digress. Despite the high temps of that swampy July morning, the encounter had been the start of an epic cold war.
Me, the socialite in apartment 86A against the uptight esquire in apartment 79B.
I’m not entirely sure I’m winning the war, but I’ll never tell him that.
I let my gaze drift over Andrew, even though his appearance rarely holds any surprises. The man’s a lesson in sameness, like some sort of anal-retentive version of Groundhog Day.
There’s always the black mug with some healthy gunk inside held in his right hand, Tom Ford briefcase and Armani garment bag in his left, containing what I know to be a perfectly tailored three-piece suit.
Andrew’s coppery hair is perfectly styled, although I’d swear that there’s some natural curl in there threatening to disrupt his perfect order. I imagine that annoys him, so it therefore makes me happy.
Let’s see, what else about my nemesis?
He’s got a hard, unfriendly jawline that’s perfectly shaven.
Dark brown eyes, cold and flat. Black gym bag over one shoulder.
I suppose you could say he changes up his attire, because he does alternate between black and gray gym shirts. But considering that they seem to be the exact same fit, both colors molding perfectly to his impressively sculpted upper body, we’re not giving him any points for variety there.
Same goes for the lower half. The black shorts worn in summer have given way to sleek black sweatpants now that October’s upon us, but they’re both black and Nike, so we’ll give him no credit for changing it up there either.
The shoes, though . . .
I do a double take.
Well, well, well . . .
Instead of the usual black gym shoes, the man’s shoes are red. I don’t know how I missed it before.
I drag my eyes back up his body with a grin, and he gives just the slightest roll of his eyes to indicate that he’s noticed my slow perusal and isn’t fazed in the least.
“You went shopping, Dorothy!” I say happily.
He stares at me. “I don’t shop.”
Of course not. Far too frivolous.
“No, that makes sense,” I say, pointing at his feet. “Glinda would have given these to you.”
Andrew looks down at his Rolex watch. “I’ve got to go. Have a good day, Mr. Ramirez.”
“You too, Mr. Mulroney,” Ramon says with a deferential nod. “Enjoy your workout.”
“Yes, do,” I say, turning and watching as Andrew moves toward the front door of our building. “What’s on the schedule today? Treadmill, or just skipping down the Yellow Brick Road?”
Andrew Mulroney, Esquire, doesn’t respond. He doesn’t even turn before pushing through the revolving doors and stepping out into the still-dark autumn morning.
Now come on. Tell me that wasn’t at least a little bit fun, despite the ungodly hour.

About The Author

Lauren LayneFollow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / GOODREADS

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

Rafflecopter Giveaway White and Red

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter  giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tasty Book Tours

Share

Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne-Release Day Review and Tour

Posted on by
9

LOVE STORY (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne-Release Day Review and Tour

Love Story Banner

LOVE STORY
Love Unexpectedly #3
by Lauren Layne
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: February 14, 2017

Love Story

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / | GOOGLE | ITUNES 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2017

When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.

After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.

••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVE STORY is the third installment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary LOVE UNEXPECTEDLY romance series. This is Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan’s story line. LOVE STORY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Each installment does not interconnect with the other stories.

Told from dual first person points of view (Lucy and Reece) using present day and memories from the past, LOVE STORY focuses on the second chance romance between life long friends Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan. Lucy has loved her brother’s best friend since they were barely old enough to walk but falling in love with a man who wants someone else finds our heroine heartbroken and in pain the morning after he takes everything she has to offer. Fast forward several years and Lucy is now a business graduate focusing on the wine making industry, and Reece will be working for a competing winery. As Lucy prepares to embark on a cross-country journey towards her destination in the wine country of California, she discovers that Reece Sullivan will be going along for the ride. What ensues is a tempestuous adventure for two people who love one another but are afraid to admit the truth.

Reece Sullivan lost everyone he loved at an early age. With the recent death of his emotionally absent father Reece knew that it was time to go forth and discover his future. With her degree in hand, Lucy Hawkins sets out to start anew in the vineyards of California not realizing that the man who destroyed her heart will be going along for the ride.

The relationship between Lucy and Reece is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between one-time best friends-a friendship that was destroyed when Reece walked away from the woman he has always loved. Several years would pass before Lucy and Reece would come face to face forcing the couple to look for the truth behind their animosity, anger and pain. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language or text.

LOVE STORY is frenemies to lovers adventure; a new adult story line; a rekindling romance between two people who have never stopped loving one another but two people who got caught up in appearances, egos, and a lack of communication. There is plenty of angst, palpable sexual energy, unresolved hurt, and conflicted emotions that roller coaster throughout the story. The back and forth bickering is juvenile and immature as though neither one was able to move on from the past. The premise is engaging; the characters are passionate; the romance struggles with issues of trust and memories of the past.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_________________

Good GirlGOOD GIRL
(Love Unexpectedly #2)
by Lauren Layne
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2016

Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny’s suddenly one of the town’s biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she’s barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat.

Noah really should tell Jenny that he’s Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny’s almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other’s lives, they’ll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: GOOD GIRL is the second installment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult LOVE UNEXPECTEDLY erotic, romance series. This is country star Jenny Dawson, and Preston ‘Noah’ Maxwell Walcott’s story line. GOOD GIRL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jenny and Noah) GOOD GIRL looks at the fall out of lies, secret, fame and betrayal. Jenny Dawson is a country music phenom whose star status implodes when an innocent picture of her surfaces with a married man. Labeled a whore and homewrecker our heroine seeks solace in the back woods of Louisiana where she will meet Noah Maxwell, a man she presumes to be the caretaker at the Walcott estates. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Noah and Jenny, and Jenny’s spiral into heartbreak when Noah’s true identity is finally revealed.

GOOD GIRL is a slow building story of romance; a second chance at love for a man whose prior relationship ended with his fiancés affair-an affair that has hardened Noah’s heart. Jenny Dawson is innocent of the charges against her, and falling in love with Noah Maxwell was never in the cards. Noah’s past will come screaming into the present leaving a heartbroken Jenny to move on with her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and explorative.

We are introduced to Noah’s best friends: Finn Reed and Vaughn; Noah’s ex fiancé Yvonne Damascus; and Jenny’s bestie Amber Fuller. Most of the story line premise takes place on the grounds of the Walcott estate with very little outside interference from paparazzi or interfering friends. It would be nice to see a couple of story line for Finn and Vaughn but that doesn’t appear to be the direction the author is taking as each of the books in the series is a complete stand alone and not interconnected with any of the other stories.

GOOD GIRL is a story of rebuilding for one woman whose life is destroyed by secrets and lies; and by one man who perpetuates more lies to keep his own identity secret. The premise is hopeful and romantic; the characters are passionate in their beliefs; the romance is heartbreaking knowing that there is a time-limit that is about to expire.

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

“Spock, we’re giving you Horny!” my mom blurts out, apparently fed up with my denseness.
Her utterance is too much for my siblings to handle and they both burst out laughing, retreating into the kitchen to rejoin the party where there’s wine.
Oh what I wouldn’t give for wine right now.
“I, um . . . you’re giving me the car?” I ask.
“Because yours broke down,” my dad explains, walking forward to thump Horny’s dented hood.
“And this one’s . . . not broken down?” I ask skeptically.
Look, it’s not that I’m not grateful. My parents are trying to give me a car, I appreciate the sweetness of the gesture, it’s just . . .
Here’s the thing about Horny: he barely got us three kids through high school. I mean, Horny is the car that sputtered and shook making it the 3.2 miles to Jefferson High, no matter who was behind the wheel.
I’m even going to come all the way clean here and say that early on in my freshmen year, I was embarrassed showing up in Horny. Then I realized I was lucky to have a car at all, and well . . . I dunno, I guess Horny became a part of us Hawkins kids’ charm, because the station wagon was practically an institution from Craig’s high school reign all the way through Brandi’s.
But poor Horny quit working years ago. Much to Brandi’s chagrin, he gave up the ghost a mere two months before her high school graduation, and I spent the last bit of her senior year being picked up by my parents.
“He’s going to take you to California,” Dad says, giving the car another thump.
“Really?” I step forward and run a tentative finger along the familiar panel. He’s had a bath, so at least that’s something. “Because last I knew, he wouldn’t even make it out of the garage.”
“Yeah, well, we neglected him for a while, but he’s right as rain now,” Dad says, puffing out his chest as though Horny’s a fourth child.
“Like, as in he actually starts?”
“Purrs like a kitten,” my mom says with an emphatic nod, even though I know she doesn’t even like cats. “We didn’t believe it, but we took him to church on Sunday and there were no issues.”
I literally bite my tongue to keep from pointing out that this is hardly a feat. Sacred Presbyterian is 0.8 miles away from the house.
“You took Horny into a shop?” I ask, starting to warm to the idea of having a car again. I’m a little touched, actually. Money is tight for my parents. Dad’s a PE teacher, and Mom gives a mean winery tour, but the gig’s never paid much.
“Not exactly, it was more of a bartering situation,” Mom says.
“Yeah?” I say, going around to the driver’s seat, already giddy with the prospect of telling Oscar I’ll be able to come see him in Miami after all, even if I won’t exactly be riding in style.
“Reece agreed to fix him up.”
I’m lowering myself into the car as my dad says this, but I reverse so quickly I hit my head. My skull doesn’t even register the pain, because I’m too busy registering the hurt in my heart at the familiar name. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Reece,” my mom says, giving me a bemused look. “He’s always been handy with cars.”
“He fixed up the car in exchange for what?”
And then I feel—I actually feel—the air change around me as the side door to the garage opens, and a new presence sucks all the air out of the space.
I don’t turn around. I don’t move. But I feel his eyes on me. Over me.
“Reece is headed out to California too,” my oblivious mother chatters on. “It worked out perfectly actually. Now you two can ride together, and your dad and I don’t have to worry about you alone in the middle of nowhere with a twenty-something-year-old car.
They think the car is going to be the problem here? It’s not the car that’s toxic to me. It’s him.
Reece Sullivan. My brother’s best friend. My parents’ “other son.”
Slowly I force myself to turn, and even though I’m prepped, the force of that ice-blue gaze still does something dangerous to me.
He winks, quick and cocky, and I suck in a breath, and I have to wonder . . .
I wonder if my parents would feel differently about their little plan if they knew that their makeshift mechanic is the same guy that popped my cherry six years earlier under their very roof.
And then broke my heart twenty-four hours later.

Love Story Teaser

About the Author

Lauren LayneFollow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / GOODREADS

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

rafflecopter giveaway black

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tasty Book Tours

Share

To Love and To Cherish by Lauren Layne – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
23

To Love and To Cherish by Lauren Layne – Review & Giveaway

To Love and to Cherish Banner

 

To Love and to CherishAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan’s premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it’s time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who’s been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan’s all business, all the time—except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.

Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable…until now. Alexis has made it clear that she’s on the dating market—and equally clear that he’s not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister’s last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it’s the perfect time to show Alexis that there’s more to him than numbers and spreadsheets—and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida’s sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan’s out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever…

 

Review:

To Love and to Cherish by Lauren Layne is the 3rd and final book in her Wedding Belles series.   As I read the final chapter in this series, I was sad.  I will miss this series; all the characters were great, the stories were wonderful and fun;  Lauren Layne is now on my authors I must read list. I read this book in less than a day, as I could not put it down.

To Love and to Cherish belongs to Alexis Morgan and Logan Harris, whom we have been waiting for since the start of this series.  Though at times I thought Alexis was too stubborn, and I wanted to smack her on the head, but all in all, she was a wonderful and strong heroine throughout the Wedding Belles series.   We always knew that Logan loved Alexis from the start, patiently awaiting her to realize how much he loved her.  But Alexis only saw her love for The Wedding Belles, until she was forced to attend her sister’s wedding.

It was her sister, and her soon to be husband that made Alexis want nothing to do with love, and getting hurt again.  After all, her sister’s fiancée had been her boyfriend, who dumped her for her sister.  The scars of that rejection has stayed buried deeply in Alexis’ soul for 6 years.  Logan has waited so long, and now grabs the opportunity, with help from his friends from The Wedding Belles (the ladies and their men).

What follows is a beautiful heartwarming story of Logan surprising Alexis at the wedding, and being there for her, and at the same time, showing a different side of him.  Now he was in full seduction form, and Alexis was taken by surprise.  Alexis and Logan had wonderful chemistry together, and it was great to see her open her eyes as to how much she cares about Logan.  But will she get beyond her deep scars, and admit that she is falling in love with Logan? 

Once again, all three ladies and the men they love made for wonderful delightful stories.   They are sweet romances, with the wedding planners background and just simply fabulous couples that were a joy to read.  Thank you, Lauren Layne for this wonderful series.   The Wedding Belles and those fantastic ladies will be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

About The Author

Lauren Layne

Save

Save

 

Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of the Sex, Love, and Stiletto contemporary romances and the all-new Pocket Books series The Wedding Belles. She lives in New York with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. Visit laurenlayne.com, meet the author on Facebook at LaurenLayneAuthor, or follow her on Twitter @_LaurenLayne.

 

 

Giveaway

We are excited to do a Wedding Belles Bouquet Giveaway to celebrate the publication of To Love and to Cherish.  Most of the below blogs are hosting a Wedding Belles Bouquet Giveaway to celebrate the publication of the third in the series, To Love and To Cherish.  The Wedding Belles Bouquet will include To Have and to Hold, For Better or Worse, and To Love and to Cherish.  You can visit all sites on the Bouquet Giveaway Tour to enter to win- but keep in mind you can only win once! U.S. only

1. If you have not previously registered, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Lauren Layne  on Facebook

4. Giveaway open US only

5. Giveaway runs from October 17 to October 20, 2016

 

 

Blog-Tour-Schedule-seafoam

Tour List

 

October 17

Literary Gossip

The Lovely Books

The Reading Café

 

October 18

Harlequin Junkie

 Abigail Books Addiction

Steph and Chris’s Book Review

Always Reviewing Blog

Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It

 

October 19

A Novel Glimpse

Books, Blurbs, and Beyond

About That Story

 

October 20

Four Chicks Flipping Pages

Reviews by Crystal

Night Owl Reader

Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It

WTF Are You Reading

 

October 21

Thirty and Dirty

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs

Save

Save

Save

Save

Share