A second chance stand alone office romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…Five years ago, Sam and I fell in love just as hard as we fell apart.The last thing I expect is for him to walk into my office as the new legal counsel.Now, I have to see him every single day. We vow to remain professional, but it’s a small office. The sly glances and his blistering charm are unavoidable. It … his blistering charm are unavoidable.
It all feels so familiar. Too comfortable. After what happened the last time…I should know better. If I’m not careful, he’ll break my heart all over again.
But being with Sam is everything I’ve ever wanted.
Maybe it’s worth giving my heart to him a second time.
Note: Originally titled The Lying Season.
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I LOVE The Lying Season! K.A. Linde did amazing things with Lark’s story. I mean with a name like Lark St. Vincent would you expect anything less than perfect? The Lying Season is a second chance romance that left me needing more.
The upper east-side campaign manager gets a blast from the past in the form of Sam Rutherford. Lark got more than she signed up for with mayor’s re-election campaign. Working with someone after a relationship ends poorly is not easy. The chemistry between the two is there right from the start. Whatever they had before was not over.
I not only loved Lark, I also loved Sam! But don’t get me wrong there were still plenty of moments when I wanted to reach through my kindle and slap him. Their second chance romance is filled with so much angst.
Although we meet Lark in the Cruel Money series you do not have to read them to read The Lying Season, it’s a complete standalone. It has all the things we love from Linde! I LOVE everything about Sam and Lark! This maybe my favorite Linde book!
Lark wants nothing to do with her parents’ shallow, moneyed world. She’s determined to make it on her own. Working in politics is her dream and she’s going to achieve it regardless of her parents’ wishes to the contrary. And then the new lawyer indirectly reporting to her walks into the office. It’s her ex. THE ex. Will Lark be able to keep her hands and feelings to herself while working directly alongside Sam for months?
This is a great second chance romance. I love Lark and how strong and determined she is to do things on her own. And I love how tight she and her friends are. I’ve read the friends have their own series, so I will be definitely checking it out. Now Sam I’m not as in love with as I am with Lark. He’s OK, but I feel like he was hiding too much from Lark, and he didn’t fight hard enough for her, as if she did all the heavy lifting in the relationship. Frankly, he’s not good enough for her, but she loves him so I guess he gets a pass from me. Aside from him, though, I like everything else about this second chance love story.
The Lying Season brings readers back to the Upper East Side, this time with Lark’s story.
Marching to the beat of her own drum as much as any Upper East Sider can, Lark is completely focused on her career. She’s the deputy campaign manager for the Mayor Of New York City and it’s an election year. She doesn’t have time for anything else . . . especially when her past that walks right into campaign headquarters.
The last person Sam expects to see when he takes the position as legal counsel for Mayor Kensington’s campaign is Lark. When their relationship ended five years ago over miscommunications, misunderstandings and trust issues, he thought she would be headed to work at her parent’s billion dollar company. Instead, she’s one of his new bosses.
Their attraction still burns hot and it is easy to slip back into the friendship they had. But Lark isn’t looking for heartbreak and Sam has a girlfriend. But what happens when his girlfriend is no longer in the picture? Can Lark and Sam go back to the way things were or did they miss their chance five years ago?
I loved being back in K.A. Linde’s Upper East Side world! And, I was thrilled to get Lark’s story because I loved her in the Cruel series. Lark is so unique, because she doesn’t take the world that is offered to her by her wealthy parents. She wants to do something for herself and for what she believes in, and she lives for the excitement of running a large political campaign. She’s worked hard to lose the Upper East Side persona and not turn to manipulation, which is a skill that abounds in her circle of friends and acquaintances.
Sam is a nice guy who is pretty unprepared for dealing with all that the Upper East Side is. But, he finds his footing faster than expected due to an unexpected friendship with Court Kensington that I adored! He really does have feelings for Lark and tries to do the right thing by being just friends this time around, but the two of them have too much pull towards each other to stay apart. It’s a slow burn as they work through the baggage of their past breakup, and it’s simply fabulous.
I really enjoyed their romance and watching them navigate both the political arena and Upper East Side society. K. A. Linde also did a stellar job of setting up the next few books in this series, with some amazing teases of both Court and English and Camden and Katherine. I can’t wait! 4.5 stars.
The best book of 2020 ladies and gents! what a freaking ride in true Miss Linde fashion! holy mother of all it was incredible! I had to read it in one sitting because it was so engaging and intriguing! It was great to revisit my favorite people from the Cruel series too! Sam gave Penn a run for his money as my favorite!
3.5 stars
K.A. Linde’s The Lying Season is a second chance romance set in the world of a political campaign. Five years ago, Lark and Sam shared a year-long relationship that was upended for reasons not yet revealed. Now working on the mayor of New York City’s reelection campaign, Lark is dismayed to discover that the campaign’s new legal counsel is none other that her ex, Sam. As Lark and Sam seek to find a new normal, they’ll have to reckon with what happened in the past and see whether or not the pull that they feel toward each other is worth it.
There are a lot of things I enjoyed about this novel. First, Linde has created an interesting world filled with interesting characters. There were times where I felt more invested in some of the supporting characters than I did with the protagonists. Which is why I’m delighted that this is the first novel in a series. One of the reasons why this isn’t a higher ranked read for me is because I felt like some of the background information was withheld from the reader for too long, and that the conflict from the past wasn’t really addressed and was resolved a little too quickly/neatly. Overall, though, this is a solid second chance romance.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE second chance romances. Sam & Lark are no different. I loved them coming together. I do wish that the reason that they were torn apart would be delved into deeper, but the focus on the NOW made up for it. It was a rollercoaster of emotion and I loved every second of it! Bring on The Hating Season!
The Lying Season is second-chance romance done right! I am a huge fan of KA Linde! I was so excited when I found out that Lark was getting a book! Sam and Lark’s story was amazing! This is a complete page-turner! I devoured this book in one sitting! I cannot wait for more! FIVE STARS!!
I’ve read many other books by this author and loved every one of them. I’ve loved the angst, the push and pull of the characters. The way the author just reels you in. But unfortunately this book was different for me.
Lark, as you are told many times throughout the book, is an Upper East Side girl. Working on the mayoral campaign.
Sam is a blast from the past lawyer. Who comes to work for the mayor’s office.
Sparks are supposed to fly once they see each other. But unfortunately I felt none. I could not feel the chemistry. I could not feel the pain, joy and confrontation with these characters. There were many references to the past. The majority I got due to reading past novels. But there were times where I got confused as to who was who. This was a great storyline which could have been so more. I encourage everyone to read this book and to form their own opinions. This book was just not my cup of tea.
3.5 stars
It was great being back in the Upper East Side with the characters you kind of hate to love I guess, haha. Lark was a character I was interested in. Yes, she was in the same circle as the characters we’ve met in the Cruel trilogy. In many ways she seemed less “evil” though, so I was curious about her story.
Lark grew up in this circle and never had to wish for anything. She doesn’t want to work for her family though and has gone on her own path. Lark doesn’t want to be “bad Lark” anymore and has made herself happy working on a political campaign. She loves it and is good at it!
Sam seems to be the one who got away and Lark never expected to see him again. Even though we get Sam’s POV quite a few times, I still don’t really feel like I know him. From what I learned he seems to be the romantic type and really sweet. I did enjoy his chapters and the time together with Lark.
Even though I really like Sam and Lark, in my opinion it didn’t feel like we got enough of just them. A lot happens around them and work is a big topic which I completely understand. Sometimes the drama and will they won’t they felt out of place with everything else happening. I loved both of these characters and just wanted a bit more of them exploring their feelings!
Besides Sam and Lark trying to find their way back to each other, we got a glimpse of some of the characters in the previous books. I loved some of the updates and they definitely made me curious. I love all the drama and planning that goes into the Upper East Side. It feels like it could be a TV show that I wouldn’t get enough of. I also loved the sidestory we got with Court. Which of course really makes me excited for his story! All in all, this was a fast and fun read and I can’t wait for the next story K.A. Linde will give us.
3.5 stars for – The Lying Season – by K.A. Linde. This is the first book in a new series of interconnected standalones about her fierce Crew of the Upper Eastside that we met in Linde’s Cruel Trilogy last year. With three more Crew characters getting their own books I can’t wait to see what else these spoiled, uber rich Upper Eastsiders will do next.
Larkin St. Vincent chose to forge her own career in politics instead of working for her parent’s multimillion dollar business. Choosing to work long, hard hours as deputy campaign manager for New York’s mayoral candidate instead of a cushy job in the fashion industry is not what her parents wanted but it makes her happy therefore it’s all worth it. During election season nothing can cause her to lose focus especially when a blast from her past that tore her heart out is introduced as the new legal counsel for The Kennsington Campaign.
5 years ago she fell hard and fast for a man that she thought would never hurt her but that was a lifetime ago. Seeing him again in her office of all places throws her head first in to memories of how they used to spend their time together. She has changed in so many was since she was the girl who fell in love but he still makes her feels things only he ever could.
This was a good story that had lots of potential but somehow fell short for me. I loved the characters and the setting but this wasn’t my favorite. I can’t wait to read the perpetual screw up – Court’s book next.
Lark St. Vincent is first introduced in the Cruel Legacy series where we get a small taste of how much of a hard worker she is. How much she care for her friends and how smart & observant she really is.
In The Lying Season we get to see, Bad Lark, her Upper East Side Persona. We also get to meet Sam, the guy that left her 5 years ago.
Lark is working for the Kensington Campaign where Sam is, to Larks surprise, hired to work as the new Campaign Finance Lawyer. Should they give in to temptation and give each other another chance or should Bad Lark come out?
Torture & Angst & a little bit of a political taste!
K.A. Linde drives us so crazy and this is no different! Do yourselves a favor and read it!
I’m a big fan of K.A. Linde and of second chance romance books, so this was a win-win for me. If you’ve read a Linde book before, you know she’s not all hearts and flowers, and I love her for it.
This is Lark’s story. It starts with a blast from the past in the form of her ex-boyfriend Sam. It’s clear, despite the amount of time that’s passed, that there is still something lingering between them. But, for now, secrets and lies are keeping them apart.
I loved their journey from bitter and misunderstood to falling in love all over again. It was angsty and sexy and sweet and very real. I felt all the emotions right alongside Lark and Sam.
The story had a lot going on with the two main characters, as well as with the secondary characters, but it was easy enough to follow along. There are a lot of references from the books in the Cruel series, but I would still consider this a standalone. Nothing was mentioned that wouldn’t be understood if you haven’t read the other series. I think the author did a good job of possibly making the reader curious about those books. I’ve read that series, so I really enjoyed seeing some old friends and getting some new insight into characters that had a more minimal role previously. I’m excited for what’s next and can’t wait for more from this world!
Every time I head into one of K.A. Linde’s reads, I think I prepare myself for the angst and for all of the frustration that comes with it, but I’m never as prepared as I thought I was and my stomach always ends up in knots because I struggle to understand why the hero and heroine do what they do and say what they say when it’s beyond clear that they don’t mean it and don’t truly want to unravel everything between them, but it almost can’t be helped given the circumstances, which makes it all the more infuriating.
Lark St. Vincent is one driven woman; she’s put her head down and left her heart out of the equation ever since Sam Rutherford crushed it five years ago, and in that time, she has made a name for herself in the political world, proving to be indispensable for the candidates she works for and helps to ensure their victory. I admire her for wanting to be successful on her own merits, not based on her last name, and she more than proves herself to all those in the political realm as well as those who know the St. Vincent name.
Sam has always had to work for what he wanted, persevering despite the roadblocks that were in his way. He never imagined his past would intersect with his present when he comes face-to-face with Lark St. Vincent and is forced to work with and see her on a daily basis. I have to say that there were times that I didn’t understand his actions and he more than frustrated me on a number of occasions, but I think that’s par for the course when it comes to an angst-riddled read.
It’s easy to root for everything to work out this time around for Lark and Sam because it’s more than obvious that their feelings for each other never wavered, despite past choices that were made. But them getting to the point where they can be more than they’ve ever been is marred with so many trials and obstacles that I didn’t know if they would make it or not.
This Upper East Side world is a character in its own right and Linde does a good job of illustrating just how overwhelming and ruthless this place can be. People’s true colors always seem to come out when they’re around this Elite group of people, so watching it takes its toll on Lark and Sam was frustrating but it was worth it when they finally figured out who they are and what they mean to one another despite all of the background noise.
4 Poison Apples
From the moment I met Lark in Cruel Money as one of Penn’s “Crew”, I knew I wanted her story. She’s working for Penn’s mother’s campaign as has been on the fringe of the crew in the Cruel Series but she was always there with them. But this book is all her story!!
Lark & Sam had a relationship, years ago. They both were not happy when it ended. Blaming each other for its demise. Well, low and behold, Sam is now in NYC and also working for the Mayor’s campaign. From the moment they see each other again, the sparks fly!
As always – K.A. Linde brings the angst and this is no exception. The back and forth between these two is epic! The chemistry between these two is undeniable. All while watching these two navigate their feelings we see the other cast of characters lives too. Katherine and Camden are one that I can’t wait to read more about.
Once again K.A. Linde brings us an angst-filled, unputdownable book!
4 Stars
KA Linde brings all the feels with this second chance romance between Sam and Lark. These two met five years ago and their relationship ended badly, although both are still in love with the other. Now, they find themselves together again working in the same office and all those feelings come crashing back in. You can feel the chemistry between Sam and Lark leaping off the pages, but their journey is not an easy one. Linde definitely brings all the angst with this one.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Angst and Second Chance Romance are 2 of my most favorite things! This book is very angsty.. and the chemistry is unbelievable!! You will love it no doubt!!! I love all of KA Lindes books and this one is absolutely no different! She knocked it out of the park!
*4.5 stars*
Emotional second chance….
I love an author who can take me down trails I don’t want to go but have me loving it even as I’m digging in my heels! Angsty? Upper crust elite? Who are these people and why should I care about them? Well, because they are intriguing, interesting characters and, again, despite me not wanting to, I came to care about them a lot…
If you have read the Cruel series then this group of friends will be delightfully familiar. They are successful, edgy and have a dynamic that is one of a kind. Lark and Sam’s relationship has come full circle but has brought with it a new set of challenges and obstacles to overcome. And they do that in spectacular fashion. Their opportunity to get it right came with much nail-biting as well as biting conversation as everyone weighed in on the outcome. Another great read that signaled much more to come!
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
Well KA Linde did it again! Fabolous.. Wonderful… Amazing second chance romance and its Lark’s story none the less! I would give this story a 4.5 stars and highly recommend to others. I loved that this is a spin off and we get more insight into some of the “crew” members that we didn’t get in the other stories!
Lark is living her life how she wants to live it, not how her parents want or her “crew”. She is finally happy where she is, but what happens when she comes face to face with a man- Sam- she hasn’t seen in 5 years, the same man that broke her heart?
Will Sam and Lark be able to work through there differences and become whole again or was there just too much damage?
Can’t wait to see who is up next, Katherine? Hmmmm I am intrigued! Get to one-clicking!
Yet another fascinating and thrilling story from the Upper East Side…
The story of Lark and Sam… I was really excited to see how their story would unfold. I mean, the synopsis was very promising and I definitely love a good second chance romance – and with the Lying Season KA Linde definitely delivered.
Lark and Sam were just such sweet and lovely characters; and they have a fantastic chemistry. I loved the tension and the sparks between them. Their current life colliding with their past and now everything unfolds. The storyline was thrilling, surprising and unique. It’s very intriguing. Oh and the Upper East Side Life!!! God I love this crazy world of the rich and famous KA Linde created here. Always up for a surprise and I just can’t wait for the next story in this crazy world (go Katherine).
This is my first time reading any thing from this author, and I found this book entertaining, and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading from this author in the future. This is the story of Sam, and Lark. 5 years ago Sam, and Lark had a happy relationship, that ended in heartbreak, now fate has brought them back together, working on the same mayoral campaign. Lark still loves Sam, and they have great chemistry, but can they move past what tore them apart before? This was a great read, the characters are well written, and are very likeable. This book was emotional, passionate, steamy, and dramatic. This is a must read!