Title: Passion on Park Avenue
Author: Lauren Layne
First published May 28, 2019
279 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781501191572 (ISBN10: 1501191578)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
From the bestselling author of the Stiletto and Oxford series comes a new sizzling book, Passion on Park Avenue. Meet the three Upper East Side women who are determined to make their dreams come true and find love and happiness in the city that never sleeps.
Naomi Powell grew up in the Bronx with one goal, to prove her worth amongst the elite upper class of Manhattan. As the CEO of a renowned jewelry empire, Naomi finally has everything she’s ever wanted.
However, she soon realizes that having the right address isn’t enough to be accepted by Manhattan’s elite, especially when her tormentor from childhood, Oliver Cunningham, becomes her new neighbor. Oliver, the son of the family Naomi’s mother used to work for, once tormented her as a child, and now as an adult, he’s as attractive as ever and tormenting her in ways she never expected.
As they engage in a battle of wills, Naomi and Oliver must decide if their attraction to each other is worth risking everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Filled with charm, heart, sex, and snark, this book will captivate you from the very first page.
About the Author
Lauren Layne has authored over 24 novels, including the popular 21 Wall Street series with titles such as Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal, as well as the Central Park Pact series. Her books have been translated into nine languages and have sold over a million copies.
Lauren’s writing has been recognized by several publications, such as Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She resides in New York City.
Editoral Review
Passion on Park Avenue is a captivating romance novel written by Lauren Layne that was first published in May 2019. The book focuses on the story of Naomi Powell, a successful businesswoman who was once humiliated by her ex-boyfriend, Oliver Cunningham, and his family.
Naomi meets Claire Hayes and Audrey Tate, two women who happen to be Oliver’s mistresses. Together, the three women embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love as they navigate the challenges of relationships and past traumas.
Layne’s writing style is humorous and relatable, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story. The characters are well-crafted, and their depth and development make them feel like real people with real struggles.
Naomi, in particular, is a strong and independent woman who is determined to succeed on her own terms. Her character is refreshing, as she prioritizes her professional life without sacrificing her personal life.
Layne does an excellent job of balancing the romance with the characters’ individual journeys and personal growth. One of the book’s strengths is its setting in New York City’s Upper East Side, where the characters belong to a society of business magnates and socialites.
This adds a layer of glamour, ambition, and cutthroat competition to the story. The author also tackles themes such as self-acceptance, forgiveness, honesty, and loyalty.
Passion on Park Avenue is not without flaws, however. The conflicts and obstacles throughout the story feel a bit contrived and predictable, and the resolution of the secrets and betrayals is too convenient.
The portrayal of Oliver’s character also lacks depth, making him one-dimensional and harder to empathize with. Despite these minor shortcomings, Passion on Park Avenue is an enjoyable read, and it will leave its readers with a sense of warmth and hopefulness.
It is a perfect fit for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy witty banter, charming characters, and heartwarming stories of love and friendship. On a scale of 1-10, we would give it an 8 for its quality of writing and its ability to captivate and entertain its readers.
Overall, this book is worthy of a spot on your reading list.
