by Lauren Layne Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
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Synopsis:
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…
Review:
Passion on Park Avenue was fun and flirty! I absolutely adored the characters and I loved that this book had one of my favorite tropes ever, love to hate. It had a Sex and the City vibe and the way the story unfolded made it feel like a movie was playing in my head. With laugh out loud humor and moments that kept me smiling, this book was so easy to devour. So if you adore cute romance stories that also hold an emotional edge, definitely add this one to your tbr!
She gave him an icy glare and turned away, but he grabbed her arm, a little surprised by his own action. Still, he didn’t let her go. “I’m not a bad guy, Naomi.”
Naomi remained stubbornly silent before letting her gaze drop deliberately to where he held her arm.
From the moment we met Naomi Powell, I liked her! She was a hard worker and created her billion dollar business all by herself. She was kind yet she was jaded from her past. She always wanted to prove her worth to the Upper East Side. So when she ended up getting an apartment with her dream address, her goal seemed within her grasp. Except her neighbor was the son from the family her mother use to work for. And when they were kids, Oliver Cunningham was ruthless to her.
She couldn’t resist a quick glance back over her shoulder, but Oliver had already closed the door, shutting her out.
It was just as she wanted, and yet . . . it wasn’t at all.
While Oliver was horrible to Naomi as a kid, he had changed as an adult. Oliver was the sweetest guy ever. He had a huge heart, he put others happiness above his own and he was so kind. His words and his gestures easily melted my heart. But I loved that he had another side to him since he could be charming and seductive. Oliver definitely didn’t have any problems putting himself out there and I loved how he took control of some of their situations, sigh.
And just as Naomi was pep-talking herself that she wasn’t jealous, that she didn’t care that he didn’t even seem to be aware of her, Oliver glanced over and caught her eye. And winked.
And she knew, with that one should- have-been-cheesy-but-was-unbearably-sexy wink, that he was right.
She was attracted. They did have a thing.
And she didn’t have a clue what to do about it.
While Naomi wanted to hate Oliver and his life, it wasn’t anything like she thought it would be. But regardless, her memories tainted how she viewed him. Naomi kept seeing Oliver as the child who ruined her life. Even though he showed her again and again what a good guy he was. And while she held onto those thoughts, it all led to some fabulous banter. Especially since Oliver had no clue who she was. And when some of their banter was sexually charged, you couldn’t knock the grin off my face!
Naomi extended her right hand. “Hands in, girls, we’re making a pact, high school–style. May neither of you ever fall victim to a cheating bastard again. Not on my watch.”
“And to helping each other find the right man. That’s on my watch,”Audrey said, placing her palm on top of Naomi’s hand.
After a moment of hesitation, Claire set her hand atop Audrey’s. “Oh, what the hell. I’m in. To no more assholes.”
One of the huge gems I always love reading about in LL’s books are the friendships. Audrey and Claire were beyond fabulous and I quickly connected with them too! And while I can’t wait for Audrey’s story, the moment something was said, I just knew Claire’s story would be next. I can’t wait to pick it up! But there was a difference between this book and the 24 other LL books I have read. This story faded to black. Personally I love getting more because Lauren Layne writes the best sex scenes! She is truly gifted with writing moments that are classy but beyond scorching hot. So while I was sad that wasn’t the case with this story, I’ll know going into the next books exactly what to expect.
“Screw it,” he muttered, taking a step toward her.
She instinctively stepped back, even as her heart pounded.
“Wait. Wait. You don’t even like me,” Naomi said quickly.
He smiled. “Wrong. You don’t like me. I’ve never said a damn thing about not liking you.”
Passion on Park Avenue would make the perfect movie that I’d binge again and again! It was funny and sweet, while also holding some more emotional moments. And between the friendship, banter and jealousy this book was so entertaining. So yes, I definitely recommend this book!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I’m dying to read this one!
It’s unlike her other books, because of the fade to black, but it’s so much fun!!
This sounds like a total fun read! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I currently have it on my TBR list and I hope I’ll get to it soon! Love the review btw! 😉
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I can’t wait to see what you think about this book! It would make the cutest tv show or movie ever. It had so many sex and the city vibes but is entirely different. 🙂