Series: Man of the Year

Synopsis:

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 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?

Review:

Yours in Scandal was smile inducing and so much fun!  With steamy scenes, moments that made me laugh out loud and the perfect amount of angst, this book was such a big hit!  The story was effortless to devour and I finished it in no time at all.  If you’re looking for a flirty romance story to get lost in, definitely give this one a try!

She wasn’t for him, and he wasn’t for her. Not now, not ever.

Robert Davenport was NYC youngest mayor for the last eight years, and he had just been voted Man of the Year for a magazine like People. He was a good man who wanted what was best for the people of his city, he truly cared.  Robert had aspirations to be governor, and was advised that the only way would be if he knocked down the current governor a peg or two. And what better way to get the dirt on the governor than becoming close with his estranged daughter, Adeline, who’d been hiding in plain sight.

“It’s perfect,” he said quietly, meeting her eyes, his hand dropping lower, fingertips brushing teasingly over her palm before he stepped away. “Absolutely perfect.”
The butterflies were back.
But they had nothing to do with the party.

I loved Adeline Blake, who use to be known as Adeline Brennen.  She was wild in her younger years and the media had a field day with her topless photos and partying.  But she seemed to disappear.  And years later, she’d been hiding in plain sight, with a different last name.  She was an event planner and I loved how hard she worked.  Adeline was quick witted, strong and definitely held her own.  She said it like it was, but you could tell that she was trying to be someone more reserved.  So when Adeline got invited to plan an event for the mayor of NYC, it brought her into contact with Robert. And he offered her an invitation that she couldn’t refuse.

Because when he looked at Adeline, he didn’t think of himself as the mayor. Somehow he’d turned into a goddamn Hugh Grant movie, standing in front of a girl, asking her to like him.

I absolutely loved Robert!  He was thoughtful, listened and felt so down to earth.  And in a world where everyone tried to use him, Adeline didn’t.  It was refreshing and made Robert want to be around her more.  But he could also be so awkward. Especially when it came to trying to make a true friend lol. Adeline tried her best to keep Robert at arms lengths, since she didn’t want to be back in the world of politics.  She had already been there and done that.  So Adeline could be standoffish and cold to Robert, even if she liked what she saw in him.

He lifted his hand to her face and lightly dragged the tip of his finger from the base of her ear along her jawline until it rested under her chin.

I loved Robert and Adeline’s interactions!  I couldn’t stop smiling when they were together, especially with Robert’s sense of humor.  But I was nervous with how the story was going to unfold.  Adeline saw that Robert wasn’t a typical politician, he showed emotion, was heartfelt and it was impossible for her not to like him.  And Robert was pulled in by Adeline and couldn’t seem to keep away from her.  But ultimately he originally interacted with her to get dirt on her father.  So it felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and I was so nervous.

“You’re beautiful,” he said quietly.
Addie smiled in feminine pleasure that he appreciated her efforts, but her smile slipped when she realized he hadn’t even looked down yet— he was still looking into her eyes when he said it. He thought she was beautiful. Not her body, not her lingerie, not her curves.
Her. All of her.

The path this story took was emotional, and I even had tears in my eyes.  But there were also moments between Robert and Adeline that were so sensual.  Lauren Layne writes some of the steamiest and classiest scenes.  So if you’re a fan of romance, you’re going to want to add this one to your tbr.  Yours in Scandal was hilarious, heartwarming and scorching hot.  I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*