ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Yours in Scandal
Series: Man of the Year, #1
Author: Lauren Layne
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
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?
MY THOUGHTS ON IT
This is, hands down, one of my favorite Lauren Layne books EVER. I'm actually so happy I got approved for an ARC of this and was able to read it last year. I got to rereading this book three times already.
As individuals: Robert and Adeline both have layers to them that were interesting to read. Robert being the mayor in hopes to run and win as governor, and then there's Addie starting over a life away from the past version of herself. I like how Robert's all this professional guy and the fact that he's the kind of politician that actually has really good intentions for the people and the community (imagine having that in real life.. wow). I LOVE how he's got such a soft side to him that he allowed Addie to see and that he's not afraid to be vulnerable around her. And Addie makes me want to hug her. Imagine wanting a name for yourself without people judging you by your past "image" or actions or simply labeling you as someone's daughter. From what she went through and what she managed to accomplish, I'm actually so proud of her.
As a couple: This series is Lauren Layne's comeback in writing some detailed... smut. Yes, you read that right. We didn't get that in Central Park Pact though. But Robert and Addie were more than the physical aspect of their relationship. I felt THE LOVE in this book. There was even this scene that made me melt so much and I just wanna share a little tidbit... HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILER and if you don't wanna read, skip skip skip this part (There was this scene were they hugged. THEY HUGGED. In this scene though, my heart just got so full. It was such a soft scene... they weren't on good terms that time but Addie took the initiative and just embraced and held him in her arms. And of course, Robert held her too and I won't say anything much on why/what happened prior but he let himself be vulnerable in this scene and didn't even bother hiding that he was crying... UH HELLO MY HEART). One of the main things I love about them together though that even if the relationship wasn't at all perfect, they still managed to talk things out like mature people. They didn't pressure the other and actually had an understanding.
The romance: This was also kind of a comeback for more romance in Lauren Layne's books. There were scenes of them as a couple a lot and not just them trying to be a couple or figuring out their feelings (I mean they were figuring it out but they were honest about it with each other even before putting a label on the relationship). AND CHEERS TO THE NO MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE!!! THE FLOOR WAS RIGHT THERE BUT MISCOMMUNICATION DIDN'T STEP IN!!! I was so happy with this, and it's largely why I love this book.
Last note: Like with every other LL universe, the girl group friendship is so strong on this one. And I just know we'll be getting their books soon too so I hope to meet them in their own respective stories someday. I also can't wait for Jarod's book! He's caught my attention in Hard Sell (21 Wall Street, #2) and I'm so happy knowing he's gonna be part of this series.
ARC provided by the author/publisher
in exchange for an honest review.
in exchange for an honest review.