Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne Pages: 288
Genres: Contemporary
Setting: NYC
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also by this author: Steal Me, I Wish You Were Mine, Cuff Me, Hot Asset, I Think I Love You, Hard Sell
Goodreads
“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 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.
Passion on Park Avenue is a blend of romance and women’s fiction. The focus of the story is the women. In this case, Naomi. She has a rags to riches story and has really pulled herself up to the top of the world. When she runs into a man from her childhood, she has to face some of those emotions of being a poor kid.
Naomi is fierce in every sense of the word. She is whip smart and gorgeous. She runs into Oliver, whom she knew as a child because her mom cleaned his house. Naomi faces the need for revenge at first, leading to some great banter. Oliver doesn’t recognize her at all! Like I mentioned, I consider this a blend of Women’s fiction because the focus is on Naomi’s character and her growth throughout the story. While there is romance between her and Oliver, the focus isn’t sex, its the connection between the two.
If you enjoy Layne’s high class NYC characters and settings but want a story with some emotional growth and depth, Passion on Park Avenue is a great pick! Take it to the pool or the beach and enjoy a light read! Also, I am intrigued by the other girls (because how these 3 women meet is truly unique and interesting)!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: rags to riches, second chance
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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Authors like Christina Lauren, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins…then you will probably like Passion on Park Avenue!
Passion on Park Avenue
I love what I’ve read from LL so far but for some reason this one just doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t know if it’s the setting or the cover (yes, I’m that shallow LOL) but I’m probably going to give this one a pass. Seems perfect for a fun summertime read, though. 🙂