An Oprah.com Best Romance Novel of 2019! “Perfect for readers who love the dishy women’s fiction of Candace Bushnell.” –Booklist From the author of the New York Times bestselling Stiletto and Oxford series, the first in a sizzling new series following the unlikely friendship of three Upper East Side women as they struggle to achieve their dreams and find true love and happiness in the city … dreams and find true love and happiness in the city that never sleeps.
For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite–the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants–but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.
The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham–the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them.
“Strong characters and relatable situations elevate Layne’s bighearted contemporary…[which] digs into class differences, emotional baggage, and the reality of dealing with aging parents” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). With the sexy combination of charm, heart, and snark, Lauren Layne’s new series is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.
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“Passion on Park Avenue” is a witty, slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance that makes for a great summer read. Boasting an intriguing premise and likeable characters, the story pulled me in right from the very start. And while I enjoyed this newest Lauren Layne romance, the slow buildup towards an eventual “fade to dark” love scene was, unfortunately, a bit of a letdown. Still, I found “Passion on Park Avenue to be a quick, delightful read and a really good start to a brand new Lauren Layne series about 3 women of the Upper East Side.
Sweet Romance! Naomi and Oliver were great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them connect and learn about their histories. Oliver is kind, caring and so not what Naomi remembers or perceived him to be. Naomi is strong and feisty, I loved her spunk. She is not the same little girl that she was when Oliver knew her as a child. When she moves into his building after her mother passes, it is to show them what she has become. But as their attraction and interactions grow, Naomi isn’t ready to confront this new Oliver about what happened in the past. Together they had some amazing interactions. I loved their building heat between the two and it was great watching them work through their struggles as they figure everything out. I also liked how sweet and caring she was with his father, and how much she grew emotionally through this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.75 stars
I’m on the fence with this book. I usually love Lauren Layne books. They’re smart, witty, charming, sexy and deliver on every level. I’ve feeling a little off about Passion on Park Avenue. I think I was expecting more sexy business, a snappy story line, a story that moved a little quicker. I did really like Naomi, but I felt there was more that could be done with her character. She’s smart, feisty, determined, a self made millionaire, a fierce business woman. Underneath all strong front, she’s vulnerable and a little fragile. That part is only shown in respect to a specific part of her past. If felt like there was more that we’re missing out on. Oliver was dreamy, but again, there’s something missing for his character in this story.
I was left wanting more after finishing the book. The writing was great, the story left a little to be desired. Will I come back for the next books? I’m still sitting pretty on the fence.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I’m not even sure where to star with my review. This story has a lot of things happening. Our main character, Namoi, has had many changes in a short time. Boyfriend passing; business booming; business moving locations; and apartment moving. Though she has to choice between two apartments to choose from.
One her deceased mother set up for her to interview for and one she recently acquired. The funny thing is Namoi never thought she’d be back on Park Avenue as a homeowner. Especially not neighbors to the boy – now man – who tormented her during her brief stay in the same complex.
To say the man doesn’t match up to the boy she once knew is an understatement. Naomi has a hard time reconciling Oliver of today with the one who tormented her as a kid. The new Oliver is HOT! She thought he might follow in his fathers footsteps but it seems as if Oliver is totally not what she expected him to be.
Y’all know what they say about assuming right? HA! So there’s this man (Oliver) and this woman (Naomi) and they are really great together but there’s this cavern. A deep cavern of pain from sins of old; expectations; and reality. You’ll be rooting for these two to get their acts together.
They really are the “perfect” couple. I enjoyed reading their story and hope you will as well. This is definitely one walk on the upper east side you’ll want to take!
Lauren Layne kicks off a new series with some characters you immediately enjoy and find intriguing.
Naomi meets Claire and Audrey when the three realize a connection they share with one man. These three very different women become friends and make a pact: they will open their hearts to finding love, which means they have to date.
Passion on Park Avenue focuses on Naomi, a self-made woman forced to come face-to-face with the very grown up boy she blames for ruining her life when they were kids. Oliver, the son of Park Avenue wealth, is Naomi’s new next door neighbor.
Theirs is a relationship borne of dislike (hers for him), curiosity (his for her), and attraction (his for her and—whether she wants to admit it or not—hers for him). You know these two will wind up together, but Lauren Layne makes how they get there so much fun. And occasionally heartfelt.
I loved Naomi. I loved her belief in herself, her “gives no f*cks” attitude, and her willingness to admit when she’s wrong, even if said willingness takes her a while to get to. She proves far more willing to forgive than she expects, which is a good thing because Naomi has to learn to forgive herself.
Oliver is wonderful. He’s the kind of Hot Hero you just love. He tries to do the right thing, even for people who may not deserve it.
The heart of this story is the friendship between Naomi, Claire, and Audrey. I appreciate that Lauren Layne didn’t make them bitter or resentful toward each other, and I liked how the three women recognized how much they needed each other’s support.
There is a little telegraph of the other romances coming up in the series, and I can’t wait to read them. I also look forward to seeing more of Naomi and Oliver.
Count on Layne to help you find your smile. Hidden in every heartache is a ray of sunshine that her stories always manage to find. Passion on Park Avenue is a tad cliched but no less fulfilling. I love the message lurking in the shadows of Naomi and Oliver’s relationship. The housekeeper’s daughter and her childhood nemesis are at a crossroads. Do they leave the past behind or allow the painful memories to destroy any chance of a future? Ms. Layne picked the sweetest way to voice her opinion on the value of self worth. With love, laughter and insight.
Lauren Layne has long been one of my go-to authors. Every single story puts me in a happy place and I’m elated that she’s kicked off a new series, one with a most interesting premise; three women, who were on cheated on by the same man, come together because of his funeral. I’m calling this a “meet-cute” and it certainly is one of the more interesting ones I’ve read. Better yet, When Naomi, Claire and Audrey work out the connection they share, a friendship blooms.
The series begins with a focus on Naomi as she embarks on a move to Park Avenue and a building that holds some not so pleasant reminders of her upbringing. What starts as a “I’ll show them” (being the Cunningham family), turns into the need to be a part of their lives, both Olivers and Walters. My heart melted at the compassion she shows Walter, Oliver’s father, and pounded at the sizzling connection she shares with Oliver. As always, Layne provides moments of elation and a time where things between Oliver and Naomi seem to sour – which gives us the always loved attempt at redemption and much needed forgiveness.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is the friendship and family the women create. They are complicated women building a support system that shows so much promise. Once again, I recommend anything and everything by Lauren Layne and am excited about this new series and learning more about these women.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is a great story of a woman who’s single mom raised her the best she could be held a grudge against the one family who she was a housekeeper for at 517 Park Ave. The husband was having an affair with her. The mother & daughter shared a room, and there son wasn’t very nice, but when the wife found out she threw them out after denying that he started the affair, they ended up on the street that night with no money. Now 20 years later her mother is dead, Naomi and made something of herself and has a very successful business. But she is in the process of moving her business and her apartment when she get a letter about a interview for an apartment at 517 Park Ave. She knows she didn’t fill out the paperwork, but her mom did, and guess who her first interview is with, the son Oliver. He doesn’t remember her, but she remembers him. They have a lot to overcome. Plus she has made friends with the widow, and other mistress of the man she was sleeping with when he died. They have become friends. I loved it.
I’m not new to Lauren Layne’s books and I have absolutely loved everything I have read by her and this one was no different.
First off, I love how Naomi, Claire and Audrey become friends. It was different, unique and gives them a fun story how they all connected. Passion on Park Avenue is Naomi’s story.
Her lease is up, so time to beginning apartment hunting, until she receives a phone call to interview for an apartment on 517 Park Ave. When she goes to her interview, she runs into the bane of her childhood existence. She instantly recognizes Oliver, but he has no idea who she is, other than the fact that he is EXTREMELY fascinated with this woman. She’s a puzzle he wants to solve.
The relationship was Oliver and Naomi is slow build. It started out as enemies, well mostly for Naomi, then slowly developed into a friendship, then slowly that friendship became something more. Though, Naomi was still hiding her true identity from Oliver. She wasn’t out for revenge against what him and his family did to her but she was looking for closure on that chapter of her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun, light, refreshing and sweet. There were some passionate kisses, but this book wasn’t heavy on the steamy scenes, but honestly I think it was perfect for the story.
I can’t wait to see what is in store next with the second book, which we already know is Claire’s story. For any fans of Lauren Layne or anyone look for a refreshing romance story I HIGHLY recommend this book!
PASSION ON PARK AVENUE is the first instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult CENTRAL PARK PACT romance series focusing on three friends: Naomi Powell, Audrey Tate and Claire Hayes-three woman who would discover there were all in a relationship with the same man. This is thirty year olds, successful business-woman Naomi Powell, and architect Oliver Cunningham’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives ( Naomi and Oliver) PASSION ON PARK AVENUE follows Naomi Powell days after the death of Braydon Hayes, a man whose infidelities would bring three strangers together, forming a friendship that would push them closer together. Six months after the death of her mother Danica Fields, millionaire business woman Naomi Powell would be invited to join one of the wealthiest apartment units on Park Avenue-the caveat- it is the same apartment building where her life had spiralled out of control twenty years earlier, when her mother was caught having an affair with the man that she worked for. Fast forward twenty years, wherein, Naomi will come face to face with her past in the guise of thirty year old Oliver Cunningham, the son of the man that destroyed her mother’s life. What ensues is the enemies to lovers relationship between Naomi and Oliver, and the potential fall-out as Naomi is reluctant to reveal the source of her animosity towards Oliver and the Cunningham family, a reluctance that is about to blow up in her face.
Naomi Powell wanted retribution for her mother. Six months after her mother’s death, Naomi would discover that Danica Fields put into motion Naomi’s path for revenge, revenge that would stutter when Naomi comes face to face with her childhood nemesis. Oliver Cunningham has no idea why his new neighbor despises the ground upon which he walks. With her unwillingness to reveal the source of her animosity, Oliver can only presume that the woman with whom he is falling in love has suffered greatly at the hands of a previous love.
The relationship between Oliver and Naomi is a frenemies to lovers romance wherein Naomi battles between head and heart knowing that torment and loss her mother suffered at the hands of the Cunningham family. Oliver’s attraction to Naomi is instant but our heroine tries to keep her distance from the man with whom she will fall in love. The lone $ex scene fades to black and is mostly implied.
We are introduced to Audrey Tate and Claire Hayes; Naomi’s assistant Deena; Audrey’s best friend Clarke West; Oliver’s father Walter Cunningham; his caretaker Janice; Oliver’s friend and fellow architect Scott Turner. Claire and Scott’s story line is next in LOVE ON LEXINGTON AVENUE.
PASSION ON PARK AVENUE is a story of betrayal; of vengeance; of broken memories, heart break and loss; secrets and lies; forgiveness, romance and falling in love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the slow building romance is sweet; the characters are energetic, colorful and lost.
Another delightful treat was when I came across this author with a blurb that caught my eye. That is how one can be sneaky like that so when you open the pages you are caught up in this charming adventure. Good too is the fact it is the first in a series it would seem. The one that wraps around you in this is Naomi with her goal. Being self made she will find out the challenges. Interesting is how this author presents them in this world. Then there is Oliver whom also captures your attention and the two will lead you through the pages of this gem. I found this author to be very entertaining also with give it some heart to it too. Having enjoyed old films set in Park avenue I enjoyed it in this also. This male character had his own charm that worms his way in. I found this to be very refreshing and a bit different from my normal reads. Glad to have come across this author and would so open another one from her.
A Stylish Take on the Power of Friendship and Forgiveness!
Passion Park Avenue is a slightly new Lauren Layne, the stunning fashion, snappy dialogue, and characters that you instantly connect with are all still there, but now there’s a deeper focus on the bonds of friendship and self discovery.
Naomi and Oliver have a past that only she recalls but that has shaped who both of them have become and who they want to be. Because of this past, the romance between these two is a slow burn that finally flames into a gentle fire in the depths of New York’s winter.
However, at the heart of this story is the friendship between Naomi, Audrey, and Claire who meet under unusual circumstances, at best, but form a deep bond due to a shared experience. I loved this element of the story as it reminded me of one of my all time favorite girl power movies, The First Wives Club.
If you’re a fan of Lauren Layne, I think you’ll love this new direction as much as I do…and you’ll be shipping Claire and Scott!!!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
It has been a while since I have read a Lauren Layne book ,so why not dive back in with Passion On Park Avenue.
This did start off in an unusual way, and you will need to suspend your sense of belief right from the start, as there is no way that things would really go the way they did.
I did like the friendships that Naomi made at the beginning of the book, and was curious as to how they maintained throughout the story.
Oliver was wonderful – though I am not sure I would put up with the way Naomi was with him for as long as he did.
I wanted to shake some sense into Naomi on more than one occasion, and did the epic eye roll at her at times – I mean, really lady, really? I think if it was not for her friends and their influence on her, I could have really not liked her at all.
But this could all just be me.
I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes these friendships and relationships i the future.
It’s no secret I love Lauren Layne, and this book is no exception. What makes it. extra special, though, is the hero, Oliver, and the complicated relationship he has with his father. It completely melted me. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
* A review copy was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
I have loved every book I have read by Lauren Layne, so I was totally excited to read Passion On Park Avenue. It’s the first book in her new series coming out.
I am sad to say this wasn’t a favorite of mine. I felt a little deceived by the blurb of the book. I was expecting this to be a little more like her other books, but to me this was more of a Women’s Lit book then a romance. I felt the romance between Oliver and Naomi kind of took a back seat to the rest of the story.
Now don’t get me wrong, this was an enjoyable read, if you are looking for a women’s fiction book. But it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. I did find the storyline interesting and enjoyable. It kind of reminded me of the movie The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann.
This is a story about 3 women who meet under unusual circumstances. Each of these women find out that they were dating or married to the same man, after he passed away. I loved the friendship these 3 women formed. As the story progresses they make a pact to help each other stay away from men who are not a good choice. I wish the story line would’ve stayed on that track, but there was another storyline when it came to Naomi. This is where the enemies to lovers part of the story comes in. Something happened to Naomi when she was a child and she has never gotten over it. So when the time comes and she has an opportunity to face the people who wronged her, she jumps at it. This is where Oliver comes into the storyline. He is the son of the couple who wronged Naomi as a child and she is out to make him face what happened in the past and to show him she is now just as successful as as him and should be his equal.
This is where the story kind of fell for me. I thought the ‘revenge’ plot lasted to long. The enemies part of the story dragged out until almost the end of the book. Which made believing the connection these two had in the end almost unbelievable. I really didn’t feel the connection for this couple at all. Had this plot line come out a little sooner, I think a bond between Oliver and Naomi could’ve been accepted.
I have to say I liked Oliver’s character throughout the whole book. I thought he was straight forward and sweet. Naomi on the other hand, I really liked for most of the book, but then she became indecisive and started to play some games (in my opinion) that just didn’t fit with her character from the beginning of the story. It’s hard to explain, but I think you’ll understand once you read this book.
I would recommend this book to any reader who likes an enemies to lovers story, but is more focused on the friendships that are made in the story. If you are looking for a book that leans more towards women’s lit and there isn’t a lot of sexy times (only one scene towards the end that is a fade to black scene) then this is one I think you will enjoy.
Even though this book isn’t a favorite of mine, I think many will love this story. I also look forward to the other books in this series. I just hope they aren’t enemies to lovers stories.
This was my first read from Lauren Layne but definitely won’t be my last! Something I really enjoyed from this story was not only the romantic aspect but also the focus on friendship. Naomi befriends two women in an unlikely circumstance and the three women become best of friends. This story also has a level of revenge involved. Naomi continues on a plan that her mother started without Naomi’s knowledge prior to death, and she continues it in an attempt to find out why her mother did what she did. That revenge involves Oliver and his family. Unbeknownst to Naomi, Oliver’s father has developed Alzheimer’s, not to mention that Oliver doesn’t remember who she is. The only downside of the story was how long it took Oliver to recognize or realize who Naomi was. As the pair get to know each other as adults, they struggle with different problems both apart and together. I enjoyed the pace of the story and also the growth in Naomi’s character. Essentially her character starts off with a huge chip on her shoulder that slowly starts to go away through her figuring things out. While I was a little confused in the beginning, it all starts to make sense early on, so keep reading! In the end, it’s definitely a HEA, and I am actually looking forward to seeing what happens with Audrey and Claire!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Lauren Layne’s new book PASSION ON PARK AVENUE, book 1 in the Central Park Pack , just may be her finest work to date.
There are a few things you can always count on when you pick up an LL book: a heroine you can root for and relate to, a lot of witty banter mixed with true-life sentiment and thought, and a hero you can fall in love with. In her newest series, I’ll add one more thing: oodles of emotional depth.
Naomi Powell is a self-made billionaire. She comes from humble roots – very humble roots – and has a backstory every woman can relate to on some level: never thinking she’s good enough; made to feel unworthy; even not fitting in, Naomi’s felt it all. And for good reason. Well now she’s a powerhouse in business, respected and revered. Heck, even a TV network wants to shot a docudrama about her rags-to-riches life.
But Naomi’s emotional childhood scars run deep. When she discovers that her mother submitted her name to buy a condo in the very same Park Avenue address where most of her tortured childhood drama stemmed occurred right before she died, Naomi is torn. Should she go for the pre-approval interview just so she can show the people who used to look down their noses at her that she’s made it, that she’s not white trash, that she’s worthy of their respect, or should she just forget about it.? Reluctantly, she goes to the interview and is shocked when the person interviewing her is none other than the horrible boy who used to make her life miserable as a child, Oliver Cunningham. Naomi vows to make him and his family pay for all the wrongs she and her mother suffered from at their hands.
Now, while this may sound like a dramatic, dark book from what I’ve written – believe me, it is not. Not even close. PASSION ON PARK is a witty, sexy, thoughtful
story about cold revenge, hot desire, and the power of forgiveness told with the LL brand of snark, heart, and wit.
Oliver Cunningham is a hero I was rooting for from the first time I met him on the page. He’s got his own tortured emotional past to contend with, a father afflicted with Alzheimer’s, and for whom Oliver is the sole supporter. Add in that he’s just about the hottest thirty year old I’ve read about in a while, while he’s also a homebody, loves baseball and does 2000 piece puzzles in his spare time, and you’ve got a great foil for Naomi’s busy CEO lifestyle.
This book had many layers: cheating exes, revenge, childhood emotional drama, just to name a few. But ultimately, it was story of two people who, despite their differences—or because of them—find their way to one another.
The next installment in this series isn’t due until – I believe – 2020. Can I just tell you right now how the wait is going to be book-torture for me??
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery books for allowing me a sneak peak Arc of PASSION ON PARK AVENUE in exchange for an honest opinion of the work. My honest opinion? I wish I could give it 10 stars! Lauren Layne delivers another winner to add to all her other wonderful stories. Brava!
‘’Naomi Powell had brought him back to life, made him realize that he hadn’t died with his mom, or with his father’s diagnosis; he’d just been living that way.’
I hesitate to call this a ‘sweet romance’ because for many, ‘sweet’ has a negative connotation. But I found this a sweet, heartwarming story with endearing characters.
Lauren Layne pens a story about three women who form an unlikely friendship after they discover they’ve all been deceived and used by the same person. ‘Passion on Park Avenue’ is the first in a series of three books which focuses on Naomi Powell. Claire and Audrey’s stories will finish the series.
Bronx-born Naomi Powell worked hard all her life to prove her worth. Once a resident of homeless shelters and the streets, she now lives and works amongst the Upper East Side elite.
Intent on proving to the family who turned her world upside down when she was nine-years-old, Naomi moves into the building where it all began. She makes plans to confront the Cunningham men who made her life hell, and she intends to show once and for all that they didn’t break her with their harsh words and vile treatment.
Oliver Cunningham is doing his best to get through each day. He has devoted the last few years to taking care of his parents; his mother before her death and now he’s taking of his father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Oliver is a good man with a heart of gold and a sense of duty and responsibility. Putting his life on hold to care for his parents was never in question; even though he readily admits his father was not a good man before he became sick.
Relationships for Oliver have been put on the backburner, but when Naomi Powell interviews to move into his building, he’s surprised by his attraction to her. She’s feisty and apparently dislikes him if her words and actions were anything to go by. Oliver loves puzzles and plans to uncover Naomi, piece by piece.
From Oliver’s swoon-worthy actions to Naomi’s spunk and feistiness to the tender moments with Walter, I fell in love with these characters. Equally, I loved Claire and Audrey and cannot wait for their stories! This book is filled with great banter and dialogue.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star for me is I felt like Naomi’s secret was drawn out too long. I had wished it would have been dealt with sooner so that the story could have developed more. But I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!!
I was provided a review copy by the publisher; this did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.
3 STARS
Okay, so where to begin? The blurb. I was instantly intrigued, and thought that I would really enjoy this, but it was just okay for me. I loved the premise of Passion On Park Avenue. I loved how strong the characters were. Overall, I did enjoy the story line, even though it was hard for me to concentrate because of the back and forth. I did enjoy the secondary characters though. I felt like most of them, made this story what it is. Their bonds were created out of a hardship, and it made such strong friendships, which was very admirable. I felt like the conflict was overrated. It didn’t flow with the story as well, as what I am assuming this author thought it would. Some of the characters made me question them, because as adults it felt like they were extremely childish, and not understanding given the circumstances. They seemed fake, which I am not a fan of. Overall, I am glad I picked up this book, and gave it a chance. Maybe for others it will not fall as flat.
Oliver. I was really hoping to fall for him. I will say he is admirable in some ways. He comes across as an entitled jerk. I didn;t really feel a depth to him. Ya, he has always been rich and spoiled but he was also kinda snobby in a sense. I don’t think he was very understanding either. He does love solving puzzles though.
Naomi has lived most of her life dealing with people trying to make her feel inferior. I also feel like she was childish in a lot of ways and not very understanding. She is very sassy and has grown a backbone since she was younger, and isn’t afraid to make it known.
What happens when the past mixes with the present?
Okay, so where to begin? The blurb. I was instantly intrigued, and thought that I would really enjoy this, but it was just okay for me. I loved the premise of Passion On Park Avenue. I loved how strong the characters were. Overall, I did enjoy the story line, even though it was hard for me to concentrate because of the back and forth. I did enjoy the secondary characters though. I felt like most of them, made this story what it is. Their bonds were created out of a hardship, and it made such strong friendships, which was very admirable. I felt like the conflict was overrated. It didn’t flow with the story as well, as what I am assuming this author thought it would. Some of the characters made me question them, because as adults it felt like they were extremely childish, and not understanding given the circumstances. They seemed fake, which I am not a fan of. Overall, I am glad I picked up this book, and gave it a chance. Maybe for others it will not fall as flat.
Oliver. I was really hoping to fall for him. I will say he is admirable in some ways. He comes across as an entitled jerk. I didn;t really feel a depth to him. Ya, he has always been rich and spoiled but he was also kinda snobby in a sense. I don’t think he was very understanding either. He does love solving puzzles though.
Naomi has lived most of her life dealing with people trying to make her feel inferior. I also feel like she was childish in a lot of ways and not very understanding. She is very sassy and has grown a backbone since she was younger, and isn’t afraid to make it known.
What happens when the past mixes with the present?
~ Ashley