Yours In Scandal (Man of the Year, #1)

by Lauren Layne

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?

• ISBN10: 1542018803
• ISBN13: 9781542018807
• Publish Date: 10 March 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Montlake
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 236
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

When politics and romance are a perfect blend! 

Citizen magazine's New York's "Man of the Year" regarded as a perfect springboard to launch Mayor Robert Davenport's candidacy for the gubernatorial election; at least his campaign manager thinks so. With the welcome publicity, it's also an ideal opportunity to upgrade his marital status from single to at least dating. Not surprisingly, the shrewd campaigner knows of the right woman for him. Due to her connection, she's also a useful way to gain dirt on his opponent. Robert isn't keen on the idea but agrees anyway, however, when he meets Adeline Blake, it ignites a long-dormant spark of attraction detrimental to his career! 

NY Governor's daughter, party-girl Addie Brennan mysteriously disappeared some years ago. Now unbeknown to only a couple of friends, she's back and living as Adeline Blake right under her father's nose. She's forging a career as an event planner, rebuilding her life in the city she escaped. When get she gets a call from the mayor's office for an event consultation, she sceptical about why they would ask her company to organise an event. However, it's a business opportunity with a high profile client she can't pass up. On meeting the client hosting the leaving party she quickly realises professional and personal boundaries risk becoming blurred as she gets to know mayor Robert Davenport. 

The author's signature New York backdrop is familiar but the protagonists feel more relatable in this first book of the Man Of The Year series. Robert is wealthy but grounded. Portrayed as a politician with a social conscience, he's someone who plays fair with honesty and integrity. Addie/Adeline is a woman trying to define herself in a world where she's been misunderstood. Her family background and upbringing connect her with Robert Davenport, as does their loss of a parent. The default status of their relationship starts as 'It's complicated' but thanks to their mutual trust and faith in each other to do the right thing, they eventually find their happy ending… together. 

Ms Layne has ramped up the heat in this sexy romantic comedy. The background is the world of politics but thankfully, there's not a policy or political thought insight. Well paced, laced with humour and witty dialogue it's a perfect novel to distract you from real-life drama. Yours in Scandal sets the scene for a promising new series, a perfect read for fans like myself. For those who haven't picked up a novel by this author, Robert and Addie's story is a good place to start. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

[Sam@WLABB]

I want to start by telling any of you, who are tired of politics, that this book is indeed set in a political world, but it does not take on any political topics.



Rather, this was another great addition to Lauren Layne's catalog, which featured a fantastic hero, a great heroine, some steadfast friends, and a chemistry fueled romance.

Who?

• Robert - The youngest mayor of New York City, who had always walked the straight and narrow, when it came to his political life, but was beginning to want more than just a career.

• Addie - The former wild-child daughter of Robert's biggest political opponent, who had been living a quiet life, out of the spotlight, under a new identity, but was missing parts of her former life.

What?

When Robert's campaign manger recognized Addie as Adeline, an up and coming party planner, he pressured Robert into hiring her for an event in order to eventually gain intel regarding her father. Though Robert refused, time and time again, he found himself drawn to Addie, and she found herself drawn to him.

Why?

I have read 25 Lauren Layne books to date, and the reasons I keep coming back for more were well represented in Yours in Scandal.

Robert was a fantastic hero. One would expect him to be charming as a career politician, but you could tell he was 100% authentic and not just playing a part. I thought it was rather lovely, how he wanted to uphold certain ideals and take on the things his father never had the opportunity to tackle, but I also wanted to see him putting himself first sometimes.

I found myself empathizing with Addie's situation and understanding her choices. Although her childhood was tainted by the lies and misdeeds perpetuated by her father, she was able to find a bit of stability, and that motivated her to take on this new persona and establish a successful business.

I think one reason Robert and Addie were able to connect the way they did was because both were forced to sacrifice parts of their lives, of themselves. It was beautiful seeing them recover those bits and pieces and reclaim their lives while falling in love.

As always, Layne balanced out the heavy with the light, and injected plenty of fun and humor into the story. Interactions with friends were quite amusing, and I even enjoyed some nights out on the town. I also found this coupling quite wonderful, and appreciated that the story was rather low drama. Also, once the romance started, it moved along quite quickly. I have to admit, I loved seeing this relationship move ahead, and it culminated in something that put a huge smile on my face.

As always, Layne has delivered a delightful romance, and I am excited to meet the next Man of the Year.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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