A political golden boy and the woman of his dreams take the risk of their lives in a sexy romantic comedy of strange bedfellows and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an … governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.
Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.
Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?
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3.5 STARS
A fun and flirty take on romance in the world of politics.
Formerly known as Addie Brennan the wild child of the current governor of New York City, Adeline Blake is now a buttoned up event planner in New York City. Having bad blood with her father, she no longer has contact with him. In fact, she wants no association with him or his world what-so-ever which is why she does not go by Addie Brennan anymore. It’s why no one except her closest friends know who she truly is. In comfort, she is free to indulge in the wildness that was once pure Addie, only letting the world see Adeline.
Robert Davenport’s term as mayor is coming to an end. His next step is to make a bid for the governor’s seat. His campaign manager wants to unseat the current governor by playing dirty politics which doesn’t sit well with Robert. He’s a clean player, an honest man who believes in voters and doing what’s right. He’s also Citizen Magazine’s Man of the Year. A meeting that was meant to appease his pushy campaign manager turns into one with instant attraction and chemistry. Soon, Mr. Mayor finds himself falling for the woman who could do more then blemish his perfect record, she could ruin his political career.
This novel is written in third person with dual point of views. Personally, I am not a third person point of view reader; which is why the book felt slower paced for me. However, I found the premise of this novel to be intriguing and I rather enjoyed the maturity of both characters when the problem is exposed and how it is handled. This particular notion was a major highlight for me!
Lauren Layne’s Yours in Scandal is low on the drama and high on the butterflies, an utterly giddy treat that is scandalous in all the right places!
YOURS IN SCANDAL (Man of the Year Book #1) by Lauren Layne is the first book of a new contemporary romance series by a new to me author. This is a fun and sexy, feel-good romantic comedy.
Robert Davenport is almost at the end of his two terms as the youngest man ever elected as the mayor of New York City. Just named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, Robert’s campaign manager decides it is time for him to use the publicity and work towards his next goal as governor. His main competition is an incumbent with a flawless reputation who also happens to have an estranged wild-child daughter.
Adeline Blake has a scandalous past, but she is now working hard to reform. She is New York City’s premier event planner. She is curious why she is approached by her father’s most formidable opponent to organize the party of the season.
Robert feels a strong, immediate attraction to Adeline that is not part of the plan and Adeline has many reasons she should not get involved with Robert. Can Robert follow his heart over his head?
I really enjoyed this story. It was predictable, but so well written with funny banter and witty dialogue that it did not matter that I could predict the HEA. I loved Robert and Adeline’s chemistry. I felt they handled the obstacles placed in their way as mature adults which made the characters seem more realistic to me. The secondary characters are all entertaining and fully fleshed to support both main characters.
This is a very entertaining and heartfelt start to this new series and I am looking forward to reading more.
Conflict is key in any great book, and the built-in conflict in this book had me guessing the whole time how these two characters would ever find their happy ever after while remaining true to themselves.
Book 1 in the Man of the Year services by Lauren Layne. Quick read that will help you pass the afternoon and leave you with a smile. Robert and Adeline/Addie were a great couple. They met on false pretenses thanks to Robert’s campaign manager who wanted dirt on her father who is the governor. Too bad, it didn’t work out for the campaign but it did work out for Robert and Addie. Loved this read and can’t wait to read more in the series.
This book got a bad rap in some other reviews and I’m not sure if it is because I listened to it, but I actually really enjoyed it and connected with the characters. Robert and Addie gave me all the feels. I really love a good Lauren Layne romance because she just makes me feel good. If you are a fan, this book won’t let you down, especially the audio.
A solid start to what looks to be a great series!
I really enjoyed Addie and Robert’s story. Ms Layne really gave these two a solid reason *not* to be together–his political aspirations, her party girl background and the fact that her father is a major political rival of Robert’s–but of course she also gave them off-the-charts chemistry too, ensuring that them never getting together not an option readers will accept.
There were honestly times that I wondered if she’d be able to give them their HEA after all, but she pulled it off with style 🙂
If I had to make one criticism, it’s that the villains of the story tend toward the mustache-twirling variety–it’s a tad bit OTT but easily overshadowed by the fabulous relationships here (Addie and Robert, Addie and her BFFs, Robert and his BFF), not to mention fun banter and the toe-curling romance.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to haunting Ms Layne’s Goodreads page, anxiously awaiting the announcement for book two…fingers crossed that it’s coming soon!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Robert Davenport, the youngest mayor of New York City, has been named Man of the Year by Citizen’s Magazine. He sees it more as an annoyance than an honor. The article underlines how successful he’s been in his career and how empty his personal life has become. Although he thought he wanted to make a bid for the Governor’s seat, the article makes him question his decisions.
Adeline Blake steps in to plan the last party for Mayor Davenport, but she’s more than an event planner. She’s also the estranged daughter of Robert’s biggest rival for Governor of New York. Her secret past threatens everything. If Robert can get his hands on some inside information, he might be able to pull off the win he’s seeking. Robert has always played it straight in politics and his personal life, but now he has to choose. Does he get the girl or the win? He can’t have both.
Pros:
• Strong Heroine: I loved Adeline Blake/Addie Brennan. She has reinvented herself nicely, proving that we all deserve a second chance.
• Book Boyfriend: Robert has everything you want in a leading man. Charm, looks, morals. He has been accused of being a Boy Scout, but he is adorable.
• Secondary characters: love Addie’s duo of friends. The close relationships between the friends gave this big-city romance a small-town feel.
Cons:
• Sex: It was a little tame. The chemistry was there, but the sex scenes were not as spicy as I like.
To sum it up, I loved this book! It was a quick, enjoyable read that had me smiling and wanting more. Off to read another Lauren Layne romance…
This was a fun quick read and a great romantic story between Robert and Adeline! While you could tell what was going to happen it was still a great story and so heart warming! Looking forward to more in the series.
Loved this book. It’s an easy steamy read with great characters. I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre.
Yours in Scandal is a flirty and fun read destined to give you new found faith in politicians- even if it’s only the fictional ones!
I don’t know if it’s my proximity or just magical allure of NYC itself, but Lauren Layne always makes it romantic and swoony. Whether its my preconceived hopeless romantic thoughts or LL ability to make me fall in love with a city, it’s fictional mayor definitely takes the cake.
Hotest bachelor or not, Mr. Mayor has me all in a tizzy. He’s sweet, sexy, and not a troll posing as a person- most politicians are trolls. But the Honorable Mayor Davenport has my vote for all the things! Mayor, Govenor, Most Sexy, Best Kept Secret….whatever I will write him in!
She may be the former wild child but she is everything the straitlaced politician never knew he needed!
Swoon with me.
Yours in Scandal
This was a great read. It was filled with hope and love. I really enjoyed it.
I definitely recommend this book and this author. I also look forward to more books in this series.
Lauren Layne’s books always make me feel happy when I finish them. As I write this review, we are in the midst of the pandemic shutdown, so a book like Yours in Scandal feels needed. It feels like a little bit of joy.
Robert and Adeline need each other, and I liked that professional ambition is a key part of their relationship. There are things they conceal from each other, and I liked the mystery of how and when those secrets would be revealed. I particularly liked the chemistry between these two. Robert and Adeline are FUN.
The romance keeps you turning the pages. Lauren Layne uses humor, lust, and intrigue very effectively, and she creates characters you want to hang out with. You read her books and want to immerse yourself in the world she creates.
Grab this book, and grab some joy.
A hot NYC Mayor, a former bad girl NY State Governors daughter. When Robert Davenport NYC mayor who is ending his term as Mayor, finds out that Adeline Blake is the Governors daughter who owns a prestigious event planning company and wants to use her to plan the event. He has her come to his office to hire her. Adeline, having been around politicians most of her life is not impressed by Robert wanting her to plan his party and lets him know that she will have to check her schedule to see if it is possible. He thought she would jump at the chance to plan a party for the Mayor of NYC but something makes her a bit leery
Adeline doesn’t realize he knows who she really is and wants to use her to get dirt on her father
to help him in his run against her father for governor of NY. He falls for her but her wild past stops her from becoming involved. The story is fun light and sweet. I enjoyed the back and forth between Adeline and Robert
Love her books
A very fun, sexy, action packed journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and fun exciting turns. Was a great read from beginning to end with laugh out loud moments and heartwarming turns. Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling adventure!
Robert is just ending his term of being the Mayor of New York City. There must be a party to celebrate his good work. Doesn’t hurt that he is thinking of running for Governor too. The people seem to like him and he is good at this job.
Adeline, trying to make the party for Robert, is fighting the feelings she is starting to feel for him. It is a madhouse to go back into the slippery slope that is politics. When he finds out who her father is this whole scenario will be worse. Since he is the first man to make her feel in years should she take a chance?
I absolutely loved the story. Fast paced, with corners of darkness shadowing the light, I loved the characters and their weaknesses that were showing. There was banter, and sexual innuendo and frustration at first. All the more titillating and the sparks were humming as we read the first half. The second half, however, is where the real scandal lies. An excellent start to the new Man Of The Year series. I cannot wait to read the next installment!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.
Mayor Robert Davenport’s current time in office is almost coming to an end, but he has political aspirations on becoming the next governor of New York City. Adeline Blake has stayed away from New York and it’s political scene for quite some time. She doesn’t want to associate anything to do with her father, the current governor of New York, or anyone that crosses paths with him. So when Mayor Robert Davenport asks Adeline to plan a black tie affair at his mansion, can she trust him?
I enjoyed getting to know what made Adeline the way she is and how/why she built her business. Her relationship with her father was so sad and really made me feel for her. I also like how Robert’s vulnerabilities were no less important than Adeline’s and these two had a shared connection because of that.
I liked the relationship between Adeline and Robert. Lauren Layne gave us a slow slow burn between these two headstrong individuals, but I enjoyed the ride. I will be honest and say that the story was a bit predictable for me, and I wasn’t always sold on the attraction between Robert and Adeline. I still enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was a solid 3.5 read for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Wow, what a great book! I really love this author, and this book met every expectation I had when I signed up to read it. Loved Addie and Robert together, disliked Martin to no end and Kenny, Rosalie and Jane were great support characters. Robert is this very lovable character, Mayor of New York, tall, dark and gook looking and is working to uphold the standards of his late father, and for the past 8 years has done just that as one of the best mayors New York has had, his aspirations to become Governor are certain because of his clean track record, that’s until he meets Adaline Blake. Adaline Blake is the daughter of the current Governor of New York, but she is the black sheep that was cast away years prior because she was “tarnishing” the reputation of the very crooked Governor. Adeline has reentered New York with a new look and name to help her remain unnoticed by not only her father, but by the press whom she despises. Robert hires Adeline thinking he will get damaging information on the Governor for the upcoming election, but he doesn’t count on falling for the disgraced daughter. Loved the story, loved the couple, loved everything about this very well written book. Very much worth the read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book
3.5 stars–YOURS IN SCANDAL is the first instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult MAN OF THE YEAR romance series. This is twenty-eight year old, event planner Adeline Blake, and thirty-five year old, New York Mayor Robert Davenport’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Adeline and Robert) YOURS IN SCANDAL follows the building relationship between event planner Adeline Blake, and New York Mayor Robert Davenport. Robert Davenport’s second term as the mayor of New York is coming to an end and our hero wants to make a run for the Governor but his campaign chairman first wants dirt on the incumbent, and what better way than to pull skeletons from the closet, starting first with the Governor’s estranged daughter. Adeline Blake knows scandal and heart break better than anyone else, and as such, has distanced herself from her father, a man for whom she has no respect but when she is called to the Mayor’s office, our heroine is both surprised and leery when the Mayor asks Adeline to plan a party for the end of his term. What ensues is the slow building friendship and relationship between Robert and Adeline, and the potential fall-out as Adeline’s past is revealed with the intent to destroy our story line hero.
Adeline Blake was the proverbial wild child but secrets from her past destroyed all hopes for a future with her father, and in this Adeline changed directions in life, including a new identity, and no affiliation with the man she once loved. Meeting Mayor Robert Davenport sent warning flags for our story line heroine knowing the Mayor was hoping for a run for the Governor, against her father, a man she hates and despises. Robert Davenport never wanted to play dirty politics but his campaign chair insisted there was a story to tell. Thirty-five and single, Robert had never found his own happily ever after but meeting Adeline Blake gave Robert a hope for the future, a future that could very well be destroyed if Adeline discovered the truth behind their original meeting.
The relationship between Adeline and Robert begins as a business arrangement albeit a business arrangement meant for underhanded purposes. As the date for the party nears Robert finds himself wanting something more from our story line heroine but something more could mean disaster when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.
We are introduced to Robert’s campaign chair Martin, and his chief of staff, thirty-seven year old Kenny Lamb; PA Darlene, as well as Adeline’s friends Rosalie and Jane Kim.
YOURS IN SCANDAL is a cute but predictable story line; a sexy and easy read with a playful hero, and reluctant heroine. The premise is interesting and entertaining; the characters are tenacious; the romance is energetic and encouraging.
Several friends had recommended Lauren Layne to me, but I hadn’t had a chance to read any of her books yet. I have definitely been missing out! This is my first book by her, but I fell in love with her writing style and sense of humor. The enemies-ish to friends to lovers slow burn romance was really well done and I loved the banter and back and forth between Addie and Robert. There’s even a bit of taboo with all the secrecy and politics involved. The plot was fairly predictable, but it was done in a way that was still compelling and entertaining. I could see the book playing out in my minds eye like a movie. It definitely gave me Notting Hill vibes with the push and pull between our characters and the realities of their lives. I appreciated that Robert and Addie handled the majority of obstacles maturely, and that even when I didn’t agree with their decisions, I understood them. They had incredible chemistry and I just about burst into flames when Robert uttered the word “mine”. The ending wrapped up a little too neatly, but it left me with a huge smile on my face and the epilogue was just right.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom were fantastic as Robert and Addie. The casting was perfect and both performed the male and female characters wonderfully. It made it very easy to distinguish between characters. I will definitely be reading/listening to more Lauren Layne books in the future!