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No Coração de Manhattan
Nesta versão de My Fair Lady às avessas escrita por Lauren Layne, uma socialite de Manhattan precisa transformar um homem rústico da Luisiana em um perfeito cavalheiro nova-iorquino.
Violet Townsend sempre gostou de agradar. Criada num universo ultraprivilegiado, ela faria qualquer coisa pelas pessoas que ama, em especial a melhor amiga de sua falecida avó, o mais próximo de família que lhe restou. Então, quando Edith pede a Violet que ensine seu recém-encontrado neto a se encaixar na elite nova-iorquina, Violet concorda, claro. Seu objetivo é tornar Cain Stone o ceo perfeito para a empresa de Edith.
Nascido e criado na Luisiana, Cain infelizmente não tem nenhum interesse na avó que ele não sabia que existia, e muito menos em se tornar um almofadinha da cidade grande. Mas em algum momento, entre jantares desastrosos e ternos caros demais, Violet e Cain começam a se dar bem, e ela percebe que ele não é o único ali que tem coisas a aprender.
Enquanto os sentimentos de um pelo outro crescem, Violet e Cain descobrem que se abrir para novas experiências talvez não seja tão ruim assim e que o amor pode vir de lugares inesperados.
Violet Townsend sempre gostou de agradar. Criada num universo ultraprivilegiado, ela faria qualquer coisa pelas pessoas que ama, em especial a melhor amiga de sua falecida avó, o mais próximo de família que lhe restou. Então, quando Edith pede a Violet que ensine seu recém-encontrado neto a se encaixar na elite nova-iorquina, Violet concorda, claro. Seu objetivo é tornar Cain Stone o ceo perfeito para a empresa de Edith.
Nascido e criado na Luisiana, Cain infelizmente não tem nenhum interesse na avó que ele não sabia que existia, e muito menos em se tornar um almofadinha da cidade grande. Mas em algum momento, entre jantares desastrosos e ternos caros demais, Violet e Cain começam a se dar bem, e ela percebe que ele não é o único ali que tem coisas a aprender.
Enquanto os sentimentos de um pelo outro crescem, Violet e Cain descobrem que se abrir para novas experiências talvez não seja tão ruim assim e que o amor pode vir de lugares inesperados.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2022
461 people are currently reading
24480 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Layne
61 books10.5k followersLauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,496 reviews
March 20, 2022
Hmm! Can you hear the ominous sound of disappointment concerto! This is the terrible voice I reject to hear but I eventually listen every time I read a book I am expecting more and at the end: I get disappointed!
When I read the blurb: I realized the author wrote verse My Fair Lady: I got so excited and when I saw the digital copy on my NG library, I was extremely delighted that I accidentally dropped off my favorite coffee mug ( thankfully I adroitly glued the broken pieces) and started my awful, embarrassing but who cares happy Nily goes lucky dance! I loved Lauren Layne’s love stories take place at my favorite place in the states so I said Hallelujah!
But… yes there are some not so positive comments about to come:
The book is shorter than original novels’ length: because it only focused on interactions between upper-class Manhattan socialite and a very direct, unpolished- denim loving hero from Louisiana!
This gives you sunshine meets the grump troupe vibes but intact this book’s main troupe is sunshine heroine who is expected to be rich, spoiled, hardly tolerable but surprisingly she’s nice and relatable meets extremely grumpy absolutely hatable and ultra punchable hero!
When you look at the original concept between snobbish professor and clumsy flower girl, you expect to hate the wealthy and posh character. But surprisingly we easily detest the hero because he treats our heroine so poorly till the last chapter which means he exceeded my douchebag endurance threshold more than thousand times! I gritted my teeth and cursed to the mother who gave birth to Cain Stone at each time he made a snarky comment to our good hearted, kind Violet whose only intention to create a well mannered gentleman from a narcissistic nasty douche.
And I also pissed off Violet’s bestie: instead of supporting her friend, she takes sides with Cain. How can you encourage your best friend to flirt with a man who treats her like a doormat. Nope, sorry, I cannot accept this!?
I didn’t have problem about the author’s way of adapting the story to present Manhattan lifestyle and the idea of reverse retelling was also brilliant. It was easy read! There were smart dialogues, palpable push-pull chemistry. I spent my time to curse at hero too much but at least I didn’t get bored! I finished it in one sit! Lauren Layne is amazing creator of fairytalish Manhattan stories give you so much quality and enjoyable time!
When I measure ups and downs of my reading journey, I finally decided to give three stars. It was still a great choice of enjoyable popcorn reading that gives you so much fun! But I wish the author would have created more tolerable hero who we don’t want to throw dart arrows at his head!
Anyways! I’m still great fan of the author and I’m looking forward to read her other stories about love in Manhattan sooner.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
When I read the blurb: I realized the author wrote verse My Fair Lady: I got so excited and when I saw the digital copy on my NG library, I was extremely delighted that I accidentally dropped off my favorite coffee mug ( thankfully I adroitly glued the broken pieces) and started my awful, embarrassing but who cares happy Nily goes lucky dance! I loved Lauren Layne’s love stories take place at my favorite place in the states so I said Hallelujah!
But… yes there are some not so positive comments about to come:
The book is shorter than original novels’ length: because it only focused on interactions between upper-class Manhattan socialite and a very direct, unpolished- denim loving hero from Louisiana!
This gives you sunshine meets the grump troupe vibes but intact this book’s main troupe is sunshine heroine who is expected to be rich, spoiled, hardly tolerable but surprisingly she’s nice and relatable meets extremely grumpy absolutely hatable and ultra punchable hero!
When you look at the original concept between snobbish professor and clumsy flower girl, you expect to hate the wealthy and posh character. But surprisingly we easily detest the hero because he treats our heroine so poorly till the last chapter which means he exceeded my douchebag endurance threshold more than thousand times! I gritted my teeth and cursed to the mother who gave birth to Cain Stone at each time he made a snarky comment to our good hearted, kind Violet whose only intention to create a well mannered gentleman from a narcissistic nasty douche.
And I also pissed off Violet’s bestie: instead of supporting her friend, she takes sides with Cain. How can you encourage your best friend to flirt with a man who treats her like a doormat. Nope, sorry, I cannot accept this!?
I didn’t have problem about the author’s way of adapting the story to present Manhattan lifestyle and the idea of reverse retelling was also brilliant. It was easy read! There were smart dialogues, palpable push-pull chemistry. I spent my time to curse at hero too much but at least I didn’t get bored! I finished it in one sit! Lauren Layne is amazing creator of fairytalish Manhattan stories give you so much quality and enjoyable time!
When I measure ups and downs of my reading journey, I finally decided to give three stars. It was still a great choice of enjoyable popcorn reading that gives you so much fun! But I wish the author would have created more tolerable hero who we don’t want to throw dart arrows at his head!
Anyways! I’m still great fan of the author and I’m looking forward to read her other stories about love in Manhattan sooner.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 18, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery, and Lauren Layne for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 1.18!**
"So Charlotte York and the Brawny Man walk into a bar..."
...no, there is no fantastic punch line to cap off that visual, but this tale from Lauren Layne is as close as you're going to get!
Violet has been given an Impossible Task: After finding out he is set to inherit the ritzy Rhodes company in NYC, she must take long-lost and now found grandson, Cain, and transform him from crass Louisiana Lumberjack to Park Avenue hunk. Her surrogate 'grandmother' Edith has been caring for Violet ever since her parents passed many moons ago, and she feels that only Violet can impart the breeding and makeover needed to take Cain from his 'world' to theirs. As to be expected, these two instantly clash, and Cain's smug and forthright nature clash harshly against the prim and proper "Duchess" behavior displayed by Violet. The more time the two spend together, however, the more the two discover what they have in common, as well as the differences bound to keep them at odds. With Violet's Park Avenue Ken doll boyfriend waiting in the wings, and Cain's New Orleans heart calling him back home, can these two put their snipes and gripes aside long enough to meet common ground? Or does fate have other plans?
At the words "My Fair Lady," I jumped to read this book. I've always been a fan of the musical, although I'm not as familiar with the source material, the play Pygmalion. Made in Manhattan purports to be a gender-swapped retelling, and in some ways it is...but it is missing MANY elements I expected to see based on that comparison. My Fair Lady, for example, has Eliza Doolittle approach Professor Higgins ASKING for a makeover after hearing him brag to a colleague that he could take a guttersnipe and turn her into a duchess at an Embassy Ball. There is no incentive for him to do so other than his own pride, and the conflict and conflict of emotion appears much later in the story.
In this book, however, Cain is on the transformation piece from day one...and fights it tooth and nail for quite a while. He moans and complains, throwing barbs at Violet all the while, and his grubby nature is played up to sit in opposition to Violet's uppity vibe. This works well in the beginning to some extent, but makes for a very harsh 180 degree turn when Violet discovers there is more to Cain that meets the eye and not only does Cain slowly flip into this character quite neatly, but he also changes his way of speaking entirely, which felt a little far-fetched to me. Other than catching Violet's eye with his never-quite-buttoned jeans and good looks, I'm not sure what intrigued her about him so much for about 60-70% of the book. She isn't painted in a much better light, but only has to 'loosen up' a bit to meet Cain at his level, so there really isn't too much of a transformation in the opposite direction either.
Far and away my favorite part of this book were the scenes of gorgeous NYC, one of my favorite cities, that took me to the streets I miss so much and gave me that traveling itch. There is also a section that's almost equally as enchanting (albeit a bit dirtier, because it's Bourbon Street) in New Orleans that reminded me why I also need to get THERE as soon as possible. This would be a cute Lifetime movie if only to watch these characters interact in these locations, although there are also many other romance movies out there already that do the same.
Although the My Fair Lady comparisons were a bit of a stretch, this is a pretty quick and breezy read in the 'grump meets sunshine' trope and does have a scene on Valentine's Day toward the end if you're looking for a romantic read around that time. Lauren Layne's New York City is a place I hope to visit again soon...and the real NYC will hopefully not be too far behind! 🏙🚖
3.5 stars
"So Charlotte York and the Brawny Man walk into a bar..."
...no, there is no fantastic punch line to cap off that visual, but this tale from Lauren Layne is as close as you're going to get!
Violet has been given an Impossible Task: After finding out he is set to inherit the ritzy Rhodes company in NYC, she must take long-lost and now found grandson, Cain, and transform him from crass Louisiana Lumberjack to Park Avenue hunk. Her surrogate 'grandmother' Edith has been caring for Violet ever since her parents passed many moons ago, and she feels that only Violet can impart the breeding and makeover needed to take Cain from his 'world' to theirs. As to be expected, these two instantly clash, and Cain's smug and forthright nature clash harshly against the prim and proper "Duchess" behavior displayed by Violet. The more time the two spend together, however, the more the two discover what they have in common, as well as the differences bound to keep them at odds. With Violet's Park Avenue Ken doll boyfriend waiting in the wings, and Cain's New Orleans heart calling him back home, can these two put their snipes and gripes aside long enough to meet common ground? Or does fate have other plans?
At the words "My Fair Lady," I jumped to read this book. I've always been a fan of the musical, although I'm not as familiar with the source material, the play Pygmalion. Made in Manhattan purports to be a gender-swapped retelling, and in some ways it is...but it is missing MANY elements I expected to see based on that comparison. My Fair Lady, for example, has Eliza Doolittle approach Professor Higgins ASKING for a makeover after hearing him brag to a colleague that he could take a guttersnipe and turn her into a duchess at an Embassy Ball. There is no incentive for him to do so other than his own pride, and the conflict and conflict of emotion appears much later in the story.
In this book, however, Cain is on the transformation piece from day one...and fights it tooth and nail for quite a while. He moans and complains, throwing barbs at Violet all the while, and his grubby nature is played up to sit in opposition to Violet's uppity vibe. This works well in the beginning to some extent, but makes for a very harsh 180 degree turn when Violet discovers there is more to Cain that meets the eye and not only does Cain slowly flip into this character quite neatly, but he also changes his way of speaking entirely, which felt a little far-fetched to me. Other than catching Violet's eye with his never-quite-buttoned jeans and good looks, I'm not sure what intrigued her about him so much for about 60-70% of the book. She isn't painted in a much better light, but only has to 'loosen up' a bit to meet Cain at his level, so there really isn't too much of a transformation in the opposite direction either.
Far and away my favorite part of this book were the scenes of gorgeous NYC, one of my favorite cities, that took me to the streets I miss so much and gave me that traveling itch. There is also a section that's almost equally as enchanting (albeit a bit dirtier, because it's Bourbon Street) in New Orleans that reminded me why I also need to get THERE as soon as possible. This would be a cute Lifetime movie if only to watch these characters interact in these locations, although there are also many other romance movies out there already that do the same.
Although the My Fair Lady comparisons were a bit of a stretch, this is a pretty quick and breezy read in the 'grump meets sunshine' trope and does have a scene on Valentine's Day toward the end if you're looking for a romantic read around that time. Lauren Layne's New York City is a place I hope to visit again soon...and the real NYC will hopefully not be too far behind! 🏙🚖
3.5 stars
February 17, 2023
MUST READ ROM-COM! I'll say the reason I picked up this book is that "Maid in Manhatten" is one of my favorite movies and even though this book wasn't really like the movie, I still loved it! A short yet entertaining read! Two people from two separate worlds come together to fill the voids that they didn't even know they had. Violet comes from the polished and luxurious world of New York City and Cain comes from the carefree and simple life of Lousiana. Such a good rom-com, I can't recommend it enough!
December 29, 2021
Just another irrefutable proof that Lauren Layne is the queen of rom-coms... your classic New York romance from Lauren, but with a twist we haven't seen her use before.
Tropes: opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, fish out of water, lost heir.
4.5 | Cain Stone is the lost heir to a great fortune, but from the time he stepped foot in New York, he knew he didn't fit into that posh society, but that's what Violet Townsend is there for. She has a big problem saying no sometimes, and that's how she found herself caught up in this scheme to make Cain the perfect candidate for his family's legacy, even if most of the time it seems like an impossible mission.
Ahhh, this book... I could literally see this whole story play out like a movie in my mind! Violet and Cain are COMPLETE opposites, and apparently there is nothing in common between them that could bring them closer and leave that first hostile encounter behind... or so they believed from the first appearances, because the forced proximity behind the to turn Cain into the prodigal grandson mission showed them that those differences between them is what they were looking for without even knowing it, being the perfect fit for the other. Although they took their sweet time, so page after page we got to see them both fall for each other in a sweet and steamy romance, but we also got a lot of banter, bickering and witty comebacks to laugh our way to the HEA.
This book really had a bit of everything; Lauren's hooking writing from the start, a well developed sweet and swoon worthy romance, a background to meet the main characters and understand the motives behind the way they acted, amazing side characters who also brought a lot of humor, and a happy ending that we aren't used to seeing from this author.
Thanks to the author and Edelweiss+ for an advanced reading copy.
----
i don't know about you but i just want to live in lauren layne's new york universe...
Tropes: opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, fish out of water, lost heir.
4.5 | Cain Stone is the lost heir to a great fortune, but from the time he stepped foot in New York, he knew he didn't fit into that posh society, but that's what Violet Townsend is there for. She has a big problem saying no sometimes, and that's how she found herself caught up in this scheme to make Cain the perfect candidate for his family's legacy, even if most of the time it seems like an impossible mission.
Ahhh, this book... I could literally see this whole story play out like a movie in my mind! Violet and Cain are COMPLETE opposites, and apparently there is nothing in common between them that could bring them closer and leave that first hostile encounter behind... or so they believed from the first appearances, because the forced proximity behind the to turn Cain into the prodigal grandson mission showed them that those differences between them is what they were looking for without even knowing it, being the perfect fit for the other. Although they took their sweet time, so page after page we got to see them both fall for each other in a sweet and steamy romance, but we also got a lot of banter, bickering and witty comebacks to laugh our way to the HEA.
This book really had a bit of everything; Lauren's hooking writing from the start, a well developed sweet and swoon worthy romance, a background to meet the main characters and understand the motives behind the way they acted, amazing side characters who also brought a lot of humor, and a happy ending that we aren't used to seeing from this author.
Thanks to the author and Edelweiss+ for an advanced reading copy.
----
i don't know about you but i just want to live in lauren layne's new york universe...
January 12, 2022
3.75 stars ⭐️
This was my first ever Lauren Layne book and I immensely enjoyed it! People who know me know that I usually stay away from 3rd pov books and this one had a 3rd pov but still i had a blast reading this sweet rom-com. The writing was gripping from the start and I loved the characters.
Violet Victoria Townsend is unlike any Upper East Side princess I’ve ever read. I loved how she was kind to strangers, considerate of other feelings and generous. She felt like a person I could relate to - having trouble saying no cause she wanted people to like her, how she questioned her worth, how lonely she felt among a group of people, how she just wanted to belong. Also i loved her moments with her dog, Coco and how caring she was to just everyone.
Cain Stone was an enigma. There were moments where i didn’t like him and then there were moments where I was busy swooning over him. I loved how he noticed small things about Violet and loved his relationship development with Violet (how it went from hate to love). Also did i mention he knew how to play piano?🥵🥵
The romance was very well done. I could sense the chemistry as soon as they both met. I loved the banter, the back and forth they did with everything and how not only Violet changed him but he changed her too. That was very refreshing to read. I loved the sweet scenes between the two.
And though there were few things which i felt were missing (more couple scenes between MCs, scenes with cain and his grandmother etc.), I still enjoyed reading this book and am excited to check out other books written by Lauren!
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
“Cain hauled her to feet as he had at the restaurant, only this time he stayed close a moment longer, his eyes searching her face. “You deserve it.” “What, to learn piano?” she joked. He didn’t smile back. “All of it. You deserve to have everything you want, Duchess.”
This was my first ever Lauren Layne book and I immensely enjoyed it! People who know me know that I usually stay away from 3rd pov books and this one had a 3rd pov but still i had a blast reading this sweet rom-com. The writing was gripping from the start and I loved the characters.
“Violet was finally searching. She just hadn’t found any answers.”
Violet Victoria Townsend is unlike any Upper East Side princess I’ve ever read. I loved how she was kind to strangers, considerate of other feelings and generous. She felt like a person I could relate to - having trouble saying no cause she wanted people to like her, how she questioned her worth, how lonely she felt among a group of people, how she just wanted to belong. Also i loved her moments with her dog, Coco and how caring she was to just everyone.
“Crap, Violet thought, her eyes welling just a little bit with tears as the realization hit her hard: she loved him. Violet loved this stubborn, complicated, impossible-to-read, impossible-to-have man in front of her. He was rough, and gruff, and it made the slivers of sweetness all the more meaningful.”
Cain Stone was an enigma. There were moments where i didn’t like him and then there were moments where I was busy swooning over him. I loved how he noticed small things about Violet and loved his relationship development with Violet (how it went from hate to love). Also did i mention he knew how to play piano?🥵🥵
“Even before Cain had kissed her, Violet had felt herself waking up to the sense of wanting more. More from her life, and more from the man in her life.”
The romance was very well done. I could sense the chemistry as soon as they both met. I loved the banter, the back and forth they did with everything and how not only Violet changed him but he changed her too. That was very refreshing to read. I loved the sweet scenes between the two.
And though there were few things which i felt were missing (more couple scenes between MCs, scenes with cain and his grandmother etc.), I still enjoyed reading this book and am excited to check out other books written by Lauren!
“Violet reveled in all the intense emotions consuming her. She felt bold. Brave. Even a little bit sexy. And while the feelings were unfamiliar, they also felt perfect; as though she’d finally uncovered her own essence.”
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
March 22, 2022
First things first: this isn't a novelization of the Jennifer Lopez movie. (Notice that "Made" is spelled differently?) But one thing is for sure—Lauren Layne's newest book reminds me why I love rom-coms so much!
My friends, this should come as a shock only to a few of you, but I am a total sap. And that’s why rom-coms appeal to me—their charm, their predictability, the chemistry between the characters—it all makes me happy. And Made in Manhattan sure did make me happy!
Violet fits perfectly into NYC society. She knows what to say, how to dress, how to act. When a friend of her grandmother’s, who has been a sort of surrogate grandmother to her for the last several years, asks for her help, she’s quick to say yes. Her challenge? Help the woman’s newly discovered grandson fit in—both look the part and act the part—so that her company’s board might be willing to have him take over as CEO when she retires.
The thing is, Cain, the woman’s grandson, doesn’t have any desire to fit in. He misses his New Orleans home and his life there, and doesn’t want to have to dress differently or act differently. But the financial prospect of leading the multimillion-dollar company is enticing, so he agrees to let Violet make him over. However, he’s not going to do so without a fight.
But the more Violet and Cain butt heads over how he should dress and act, the more intensely the chemistry between them grows, and the more she realizes that maybe it’s not Cain whose life needs a makeover. Maybe a lifetime of being perfectly malleable and acceptable is no longer acceptable for her. What does she want, anyway?
This Pygmalion -in-reverse story was fun and steamy and emotional. Boy, I’d love to see who would get cast as Cain (who doesn’t like to wear a shirt very often) in the movie version of this book, because he was one sexy character, but he had more depth than I was expecting.
Layne’s books are just utterly enjoyable reads!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
My friends, this should come as a shock only to a few of you, but I am a total sap. And that’s why rom-coms appeal to me—their charm, their predictability, the chemistry between the characters—it all makes me happy. And Made in Manhattan sure did make me happy!
Violet fits perfectly into NYC society. She knows what to say, how to dress, how to act. When a friend of her grandmother’s, who has been a sort of surrogate grandmother to her for the last several years, asks for her help, she’s quick to say yes. Her challenge? Help the woman’s newly discovered grandson fit in—both look the part and act the part—so that her company’s board might be willing to have him take over as CEO when she retires.
The thing is, Cain, the woman’s grandson, doesn’t have any desire to fit in. He misses his New Orleans home and his life there, and doesn’t want to have to dress differently or act differently. But the financial prospect of leading the multimillion-dollar company is enticing, so he agrees to let Violet make him over. However, he’s not going to do so without a fight.
But the more Violet and Cain butt heads over how he should dress and act, the more intensely the chemistry between them grows, and the more she realizes that maybe it’s not Cain whose life needs a makeover. Maybe a lifetime of being perfectly malleable and acceptable is no longer acceptable for her. What does she want, anyway?
This Pygmalion -in-reverse story was fun and steamy and emotional. Boy, I’d love to see who would get cast as Cain (who doesn’t like to wear a shirt very often) in the movie version of this book, because he was one sexy character, but he had more depth than I was expecting.
Layne’s books are just utterly enjoyable reads!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 14, 2022
DNF after 12 chapters
I'm really surprised at all the positive reviews for this book.
It was hard to get through.
The idea of a gender reversal My Fair Lady sounded intriguing but then the execution was so flawed.
To start Violet was no Henry Higgins. Not only is she not an authority in anything, she is so naive it's gross. Henry Higgins didn't make time to understand the world outside of his interests but he knew it existed. That is not the same as Violet being so ignorant that she didn't know who the New Orleans Saints are or why someone would want a hot dog in Central Park.
Cain wasn't much better. When can we get rid of this "poor people don't like museums and can't appreciate art" stereotype? And how does he not understand the importance of suits? And why was he surprised that New York had jazz?
Also I would like to add that Cain"s mother is an idiot. You live in literal squalor but aren't seeking child support from your baby daddy who is the heir to a billion dollar business? It wouldn't even be a hard legal battle with him being on the birth certificate. And naming your son Cain because your name is Eve and you got knocked up by someone named Adam is dumb. Like I'm sorry, that's just dumb.
All the side characters were unlikable in their own ways. Like Edith and her sexism/nepotism. And Violets best friend who wouldn't tell Violet that her boyfriend is not the one for her.
The stereotypes and unrealistic situations made this book feel so dated. Like a lot of the things that Violet was shoving down Cain's throat like the need for short hair and neutral opinions on art don't matter anymore. If there weren't occasional references to cell phones I would think this story took place in the 80s.
I gave it two stars, but I think I'm almost being generous. Very rarely am I so irritated by a book I don't at least skip to the end to see what happens.
I'm really surprised at all the positive reviews for this book.
It was hard to get through.
The idea of a gender reversal My Fair Lady sounded intriguing but then the execution was so flawed.
To start Violet was no Henry Higgins. Not only is she not an authority in anything, she is so naive it's gross. Henry Higgins didn't make time to understand the world outside of his interests but he knew it existed. That is not the same as Violet being so ignorant that she didn't know who the New Orleans Saints are or why someone would want a hot dog in Central Park.
Cain wasn't much better. When can we get rid of this "poor people don't like museums and can't appreciate art" stereotype? And how does he not understand the importance of suits? And why was he surprised that New York had jazz?
Also I would like to add that Cain"s mother is an idiot. You live in literal squalor but aren't seeking child support from your baby daddy who is the heir to a billion dollar business? It wouldn't even be a hard legal battle with him being on the birth certificate. And naming your son Cain because your name is Eve and you got knocked up by someone named Adam is dumb. Like I'm sorry, that's just dumb.
All the side characters were unlikable in their own ways. Like Edith and her sexism/nepotism. And Violets best friend who wouldn't tell Violet that her boyfriend is not the one for her.
The stereotypes and unrealistic situations made this book feel so dated. Like a lot of the things that Violet was shoving down Cain's throat like the need for short hair and neutral opinions on art don't matter anymore. If there weren't occasional references to cell phones I would think this story took place in the 80s.
I gave it two stars, but I think I'm almost being generous. Very rarely am I so irritated by a book I don't at least skip to the end to see what happens.
June 24, 2022
This is a sweet story about Violet and Cain trying to find their place in life. Each has to learn to be who they want to be; not who others expect them to be. The supporting characters didn't add much to the story, Cain's nickname for Violet was ridiculous/annoying, and the storyline was sometimes cliché. Overall, though, this story kept me engaged and had a heartwarming message.
Is it possible my rating was swayed to 4⭐️ based on the NYC setting? Yes! I love NYC settings, and really enjoyed being transported there by this story.
Is it possible my rating was swayed to 4⭐️ based on the NYC setting? Yes! I love NYC settings, and really enjoyed being transported there by this story.
September 17, 2021
There is always something special about a Lauren Layne books and Made in Manhattan proves that point yet again.
I absolutely loved Violet, she felt like a friend. Cain was so charming and definitely one of my book boyfriends.
I loved their slow burn romance with witty banter, and the culmination of their emotional journey as they finally decide on what is most important.
If you're looking for a fun romance story that is light and will make you smile and swoon, but also deep and will pull at your heart, then I highly recommend that you read Made in Manhattan!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Violet, she felt like a friend. Cain was so charming and definitely one of my book boyfriends.
I loved their slow burn romance with witty banter, and the culmination of their emotional journey as they finally decide on what is most important.
If you're looking for a fun romance story that is light and will make you smile and swoon, but also deep and will pull at your heart, then I highly recommend that you read Made in Manhattan!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2022
4.5/5
Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne is just what I needed at the moment, and it totally made me question why I haven't read Layne's entire backlist already. I have had her Central Park Pact series on my TBR for quite some time and I absolutely adored To Sir, with Love, so it isn't really a shock that I loved this one so much. I really enjoyed the banter between Violet and Cain, and there were so many laugh-out-loud moments that I loved. There was also something great about the juxtaposition of a guy from New Orleans clashing with a girl from Upper East Side Manhattan. I thought the play on this title from the movie Maid in Manhattan was really fun as well, although I have no idea if it was intentional in the slightest.
One of the best parts for me ended up being the audiobook which is narrated by Sura Siu. She was such a joy to listen to and I thought she captured the feel of the book and the character's personalities perfectly. And while I highly recommend the audio, I am really just going to be recommending Made in Manhattan to everyone who loves a nice, light romcom with endearing characters. There is also a deepness to the story that really hit me where it counts, and while it is light like I said, there is just enough of the emotional as well. Once I started this, I didn't want to put it down, and I honestly think I might need to start calling Cain my book boyfriend. As a thriller lover, it is always hard for me to pinpoint one, but he was pretty great and exactly what I would want in a man. If I wasn't married of course. ;)
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne is just what I needed at the moment, and it totally made me question why I haven't read Layne's entire backlist already. I have had her Central Park Pact series on my TBR for quite some time and I absolutely adored To Sir, with Love, so it isn't really a shock that I loved this one so much. I really enjoyed the banter between Violet and Cain, and there were so many laugh-out-loud moments that I loved. There was also something great about the juxtaposition of a guy from New Orleans clashing with a girl from Upper East Side Manhattan. I thought the play on this title from the movie Maid in Manhattan was really fun as well, although I have no idea if it was intentional in the slightest.
One of the best parts for me ended up being the audiobook which is narrated by Sura Siu. She was such a joy to listen to and I thought she captured the feel of the book and the character's personalities perfectly. And while I highly recommend the audio, I am really just going to be recommending Made in Manhattan to everyone who loves a nice, light romcom with endearing characters. There is also a deepness to the story that really hit me where it counts, and while it is light like I said, there is just enough of the emotional as well. Once I started this, I didn't want to put it down, and I honestly think I might need to start calling Cain my book boyfriend. As a thriller lover, it is always hard for me to pinpoint one, but he was pretty great and exactly what I would want in a man. If I wasn't married of course. ;)
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 15, 2022
1.5 stars
Ugh, if bland were a book. I usually enjoy LL but this one was a doozy.
January 18, 2022
Happy release day 1/18/22
4 “Toto” stars
Lauren Layne delivers yet again. Although not quite as strong as her most recent release(TSWL), nonetheless both TSWL & MIM (plus a recent reread of LTOYW) have proved my affection for Lauren Layne’s books is still very much intact 🥰. After a few lackluster reads of some of her more recent offerings, I was beginning to wonder if my preferences were changing or her writing style was. Glad to be back on track as LL is one of my favorite feel good/romcom writers.
Let’s rewind a bit & get into the nitty gritty a little more. As glowing as the above sounds (& I meant every word), it was a 4 star read, not a 5 star. So naturally, there was a miss or two, HOWEVER not many…
📌 It took some patience with Violet in the beginning. She was so malleable to whatever everyone else in her life wanted her to be or do. There wasn’t much in the way of individual personality to connect with Violet initially. I know that isn’t exactly a great sounding endorsement, but stick with her. As she tries to peel back Cain’s rough edges & mold him into what his newfound grandmother(Edith, who’s like family to Violet) wishes him to be in this present day spin on My Fair Lady, eventually we get to peel back & see Violet is more than the Stepford shell she’s grown accustomed to protecting herself with over the years.
📌 Also while the storytelling was pretty solid most of the way, ticking many of the boxes & giving me the feels, there was a time or two, I thought LL shut down the moment that was happening between Cain & Violet a little soon. I think she missed one moment entirely after the jazz club.
📌 This is a silly one for sure & even though it was just a little thing, I don’t know why it stuck out to me at all, BUT I couldn’t quite shake imagining Cain as Violet’s initial unimpressed prim & proper society girl opinion of his appearance & looks in general. So even as she was letting go of what her actual issue was(he was a shock to her mundane comfort zone) & starting to see him as he really is, my sad imagination still needed help 😂. So with some insta inspo, I think I’ve remedied it & found my Cain as he should be…Voilà!
Beyond that, though there’s so much good & the vast majority flows so well.
📌 Cain is most certainly grumpy*, however, Idk that I would quite classify Violet as sunshine(as in grumpy/sunshine). So let’s call it opposites attract…like oil & water. LL set the stage, nicely unfolded moments between them revealing they might not dislike the other so much & just maybe aren’t entirely so different as they thought. That there also let them feel seen by each other. Not that either was prepared for this possibility, which caused some good ol’ tension between the two.
(* Perhaps some may even perceive him as an ass[& he definitely is one sometimes], but to be fair, I don’t think I would be on my best behavior either if I had a new wealthy grandmother making me feel like I wasn’t enough as is. Even if she didn’t mean for him feel looked at less than by her & those in her life, including her right hand & very own, Henry— Henrietta? [errr, that’s awful 😂]— Higgins.)
📌 I know this & TSWL are both a spin on 2 movies, but even though I didn’t latch on to Violet for a bit, LL’s storytelling in both have a movie quality on their own merit imho I don’t often feel even with other books I really enjoy.
📌 We get some sexy back!
…BUT wait…
Ok ok, I don’t want to oversell it. It is somewhat brief, BUT it is there. Although surprisingly I still really enjoyed the clean romances she’s released lately, my smutty read loving little heart is happy to see it return, even if it was a little quick 😏😉.
Bottom line — Made In Manhattan might be a bit shy in a couple of areas from being one of my top of the heap favorite Lauren Layne books. It still most certainly delivered some feels, fun to read & sucked me in, leaving a happy & pretty content LL fan here 😊 .
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 “Toto” stars
Lauren Layne delivers yet again. Although not quite as strong as her most recent release(TSWL), nonetheless both TSWL & MIM (plus a recent reread of LTOYW) have proved my affection for Lauren Layne’s books is still very much intact 🥰. After a few lackluster reads of some of her more recent offerings, I was beginning to wonder if my preferences were changing or her writing style was. Glad to be back on track as LL is one of my favorite feel good/romcom writers.
Let’s rewind a bit & get into the nitty gritty a little more. As glowing as the above sounds (& I meant every word), it was a 4 star read, not a 5 star. So naturally, there was a miss or two, HOWEVER not many…
📌 It took some patience with Violet in the beginning. She was so malleable to whatever everyone else in her life wanted her to be or do. There wasn’t much in the way of individual personality to connect with Violet initially. I know that isn’t exactly a great sounding endorsement, but stick with her. As she tries to peel back Cain’s rough edges & mold him into what his newfound grandmother(Edith, who’s like family to Violet) wishes him to be in this present day spin on My Fair Lady, eventually we get to peel back & see Violet is more than the Stepford shell she’s grown accustomed to protecting herself with over the years.
📌 Also while the storytelling was pretty solid most of the way, ticking many of the boxes & giving me the feels, there was a time or two, I thought LL shut down the moment that was happening between Cain & Violet a little soon. I think she missed one moment entirely after the jazz club.
📌 This is a silly one for sure & even though it was just a little thing, I don’t know why it stuck out to me at all, BUT I couldn’t quite shake imagining Cain as Violet’s initial unimpressed prim & proper society girl opinion of his appearance & looks in general. So even as she was letting go of what her actual issue was(he was a shock to her mundane comfort zone) & starting to see him as he really is, my sad imagination still needed help 😂. So with some insta inspo, I think I’ve remedied it & found my Cain as he should be…Voilà!
Beyond that, though there’s so much good & the vast majority flows so well.
📌 Cain is most certainly grumpy*, however, Idk that I would quite classify Violet as sunshine(as in grumpy/sunshine). So let’s call it opposites attract…like oil & water. LL set the stage, nicely unfolded moments between them revealing they might not dislike the other so much & just maybe aren’t entirely so different as they thought. That there also let them feel seen by each other. Not that either was prepared for this possibility, which caused some good ol’ tension between the two.
(* Perhaps some may even perceive him as an ass[& he definitely is one sometimes], but to be fair, I don’t think I would be on my best behavior either if I had a new wealthy grandmother making me feel like I wasn’t enough as is. Even if she didn’t mean for him feel looked at less than by her & those in her life, including her right hand & very own, Henry— Henrietta? [errr, that’s awful 😂]— Higgins.)
📌 I know this & TSWL are both a spin on 2 movies, but even though I didn’t latch on to Violet for a bit, LL’s storytelling in both have a movie quality on their own merit imho I don’t often feel even with other books I really enjoy.
📌 We get some sexy back!
…BUT wait…
Ok ok, I don’t want to oversell it. It is somewhat brief, BUT it is there. Although surprisingly I still really enjoyed the clean romances she’s released lately, my smutty read loving little heart is happy to see it return, even if it was a little quick 😏😉.
Bottom line — Made In Manhattan might be a bit shy in a couple of areas from being one of my top of the heap favorite Lauren Layne books. It still most certainly delivered some feels, fun to read & sucked me in, leaving a happy & pretty content LL fan here 😊 .
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
January 13, 2022
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Gallery Books)
Violet Townsend is a socialite in Manhattan who is always perfectly put together. She's a rule following, people pleaser who would do anything for those she loves most. In her world first impressions are everything, so when she's asked to teach her close friend's long lost grandson how to fit in with the New York City's elite, she agrees to help. Always up for a challenge, she thinks she can get him ready to take the reins of a billion dollar company, and turn this reluctant, unpolished outsider into a Park Avenue approved gentleman.
Cain Stone was born and raised in rural Louisiana. His life is in New Orleans, until he learns he's the heir to a fortune belonging to a family he knew nothing about. Now he's being groomed to carry on and preserve a legacy he's not sure he wants any part of, but it comes with incredible wealth that has definitely caught his attention. It also comes with a pampered, uptight Upper East Side princess that is all in his business trying to make him her newest project. She's constantly telling him what to do, but he thinks it will take a lot more than an expensive suit to make him belong in her world. They clash at every turn, but neither can deny the inconvenient electricity between them when they are close. Will new feelings be the start of something wonderful, or are they too different to ever work?
-Violet closed her eyes, her heart pounding, trying to shove away the aching sense of belonging, as though this was where she was meant to be.
Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne is a reverse my fair lady story for the modern era about family and unexpected love. This is a fun, lighthearted, slow burn, opposites attract, enemies to lover romance full of humor, amazing chemistry, and fabulous banter. I really enjoyed this story and loved this couple! <333
(ARC provided by Gallery Books)
Violet Townsend is a socialite in Manhattan who is always perfectly put together. She's a rule following, people pleaser who would do anything for those she loves most. In her world first impressions are everything, so when she's asked to teach her close friend's long lost grandson how to fit in with the New York City's elite, she agrees to help. Always up for a challenge, she thinks she can get him ready to take the reins of a billion dollar company, and turn this reluctant, unpolished outsider into a Park Avenue approved gentleman.
Cain Stone was born and raised in rural Louisiana. His life is in New Orleans, until he learns he's the heir to a fortune belonging to a family he knew nothing about. Now he's being groomed to carry on and preserve a legacy he's not sure he wants any part of, but it comes with incredible wealth that has definitely caught his attention. It also comes with a pampered, uptight Upper East Side princess that is all in his business trying to make him her newest project. She's constantly telling him what to do, but he thinks it will take a lot more than an expensive suit to make him belong in her world. They clash at every turn, but neither can deny the inconvenient electricity between them when they are close. Will new feelings be the start of something wonderful, or are they too different to ever work?
-Violet closed her eyes, her heart pounding, trying to shove away the aching sense of belonging, as though this was where she was meant to be.
Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne is a reverse my fair lady story for the modern era about family and unexpected love. This is a fun, lighthearted, slow burn, opposites attract, enemies to lover romance full of humor, amazing chemistry, and fabulous banter. I really enjoyed this story and loved this couple! <333
January 19, 2022
The queen of rom-com is finally back😍 i love LL books and they always make me want to move to New York. 😩
While her previous book was a big miss for me and also my least fav book from her, i really enjoyed this one.
Violet is a New York socialite working for her grandmother's best friend Edith. She is kind, compassionate and always puts everyone except herself first. She doesn't have any family left so Edith is like her second grandmother.
Cain is Edith long lost grandson. After her son dies from overdose Edith accidentaly finds out that he had a son who he never acknowledged and is the only heir to their family billionairre company.
Cain is very angry, brooding and a little lonely who has never felt loved in his life and he has a hard time adjusting to the new situation.
When Violet is tasked with giving him a makeover(literally and figuratively), preparing him for his new role as a CEO of the company, Cain acts like an ass to her.
This is the perfect "opposites attract" as Cain and Violet coudn't be more different. They come from completely diff backgrounds but in the same time they both long for love and acceptance.
From the first time they meet, they had so much chemistry!😭 i loved their banter, their shared love for jazz music and when they played the piano was one of my fav parts in the whole book.😭
I'll admit i liked Violet a little more only bc she was so selfless and caring while Cain acted like an asshole and he said some things that made him diffucult to warm up in the beggining. He took the grumpy/antagonistic to another lvl and it took him 'till the final chapter to finally admit that he loved her and fight for her.🙄 BUT he did realize that himself so i'll give him credit for that!😂 I wish there were at least couple more chapters to really develop their relationship bc it ended rather abruptly.
While her previous book was a big miss for me and also my least fav book from her, i really enjoyed this one.
Violet is a New York socialite working for her grandmother's best friend Edith. She is kind, compassionate and always puts everyone except herself first. She doesn't have any family left so Edith is like her second grandmother.
Cain is Edith long lost grandson. After her son dies from overdose Edith accidentaly finds out that he had a son who he never acknowledged and is the only heir to their family billionairre company.
Cain is very angry, brooding and a little lonely who has never felt loved in his life and he has a hard time adjusting to the new situation.
When Violet is tasked with giving him a makeover(literally and figuratively), preparing him for his new role as a CEO of the company, Cain acts like an ass to her.
This is the perfect "opposites attract" as Cain and Violet coudn't be more different. They come from completely diff backgrounds but in the same time they both long for love and acceptance.
From the first time they meet, they had so much chemistry!😭 i loved their banter, their shared love for jazz music and when they played the piano was one of my fav parts in the whole book.😭
"Cain didn’t say a word as he played the monotonous chords over and over, but nudged her lightly with his elbow.
Violet hesitated a moment, unable to put her finger on whatever she was feeling. She felt strangely on the cusp of something, though she didn’t know what."
I'll admit i liked Violet a little more only bc she was so selfless and caring while Cain acted like an asshole and he said some things that made him diffucult to warm up in the beggining. He took the grumpy/antagonistic to another lvl and it took him 'till the final chapter to finally admit that he loved her and fight for her.🙄 BUT he did realize that himself so i'll give him credit for that!😂 I wish there were at least couple more chapters to really develop their relationship bc it ended rather abruptly.
“Damn it, Duchess. I am so in love with you. Yeah. Hell yeah, I’m your guy.”
March 8, 2022
I’m a big Lauren Layne fan so when I heard she was releasing a reverse retelling of My Fair Lady, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Was it everything I was hoping for? …Not quite. It wasn’t a bad read, but I did struggle with our main characters. I liked the idea of this romance, and just wish I could’ve loved it more!
Violet has been asked by her surrogate grandmother to do a makeover for her newly discovered, long-lost grandson. (Violet and Cain are NOT related, lol.) This seems almost an impossible task for the NYC socialite, especially when Cain is very reluctant to go along with any of her suggestions. But he needs to transform himself, to learn how to fit in with the Park Avenue elite, in time to become the new CEO of his family’s company.
Violet and Cain were a bit hard to like for me. She’s snobby and stuck-up, and he’s just plain rude to her all the time. But I liked that they embodied “opposites attract” and they did have some cute banter together. Thankfully, Violet does go through some character growth and I enjoyed her by the end of the book. It was Cain I couldn’t stand and I truly didn’t see why Violet liked him so much.
Still, it’s a quick and easy read, and good if you’re in the light-hearted mood, which Lauren Layne can deliver on. I just had higher expectations for this and it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
Violet has been asked by her surrogate grandmother to do a makeover for her newly discovered, long-lost grandson. (Violet and Cain are NOT related, lol.) This seems almost an impossible task for the NYC socialite, especially when Cain is very reluctant to go along with any of her suggestions. But he needs to transform himself, to learn how to fit in with the Park Avenue elite, in time to become the new CEO of his family’s company.
Violet and Cain were a bit hard to like for me. She’s snobby and stuck-up, and he’s just plain rude to her all the time. But I liked that they embodied “opposites attract” and they did have some cute banter together. Thankfully, Violet does go through some character growth and I enjoyed her by the end of the book. It was Cain I couldn’t stand and I truly didn’t see why Violet liked him so much.
Still, it’s a quick and easy read, and good if you’re in the light-hearted mood, which Lauren Layne can deliver on. I just had higher expectations for this and it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
January 19, 2022
kinda expected to enjoy this one more
it's okay but yeah...still kind of meh
especially as these two have all these assumptions about each other so they inevitably acted like assholes
cute and quick read but forgettable!!
it's okay but yeah...still kind of meh
especially as these two have all these assumptions about each other so they inevitably acted like assholes
cute and quick read but forgettable!!
January 2, 2025
4.5
If Lauren Layne wasn’t already married I’d propose to her right now. It’s no secret how obsessed I am with her books and how much I enjoy reading all of them, and this one was no different. She really is the queen of contemporary New York city romance!
Since first starting the book I was hooked, totally involved in the story and not wanting to put it down for a second. I love the opposites attract story in romance books and the banter that comes with it, and obviously LL nailed that on this one. What I loved even more was watching it naturally become a friendly banter, both of them developing individually and learning how to appreciate each other for what they really were.
Also, I was so very pleased that it turned out to be a “makeover” for both of them, in different ways. Cain trying to make Violet actually have fun in her life made my heart swell with softness. Their love story was such a great one to read and it actually made me so happy, to the point I found myself smiling in different scenes.
I just feel like we could’ve seen them get a little bit more couple-ly scenes together. I know a few people love when they get together just at the very end, but seeing them act more like a couple before the ending would make this absolutely perfect for me. However, this didn’t have much effect at all on how much I loved this book, just a personal preference.
AND This has everything Lauren Layne is best at. A great story, with so many funny moments as well as heartwarming ones, relatable characters that make you wish you could call them and hang out. I missed having a book from her to read and Made in Manhattan made it clear why.
A few honorable mentions: Ashley! I adored her. Alvin and Edith also were such great characters to read about. AND THE EPILOGUE! I feel like it’ll take me a while to stop thinking about this last one honestly.
ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books via Edelweiss for an honest review.
If Lauren Layne wasn’t already married I’d propose to her right now. It’s no secret how obsessed I am with her books and how much I enjoy reading all of them, and this one was no different. She really is the queen of contemporary New York city romance!
Since first starting the book I was hooked, totally involved in the story and not wanting to put it down for a second. I love the opposites attract story in romance books and the banter that comes with it, and obviously LL nailed that on this one. What I loved even more was watching it naturally become a friendly banter, both of them developing individually and learning how to appreciate each other for what they really were.
Also, I was so very pleased that it turned out to be a “makeover” for both of them, in different ways. Cain trying to make Violet actually have fun in her life made my heart swell with softness. Their love story was such a great one to read and it actually made me so happy, to the point I found myself smiling in different scenes.
I just feel like we could’ve seen them get a little bit more couple-ly scenes together. I know a few people love when they get together just at the very end, but seeing them act more like a couple before the ending would make this absolutely perfect for me. However, this didn’t have much effect at all on how much I loved this book, just a personal preference.
AND This has everything Lauren Layne is best at. A great story, with so many funny moments as well as heartwarming ones, relatable characters that make you wish you could call them and hang out. I missed having a book from her to read and Made in Manhattan made it clear why.
A few honorable mentions: Ashley! I adored her. Alvin and Edith also were such great characters to read about. AND THE EPILOGUE! I feel like it’ll take me a while to stop thinking about this last one honestly.
ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books via Edelweiss for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
When I first started reading this book, it instantly captured my attention truthfully. It's a very entertaining story with characters that speak so clearly to you. Violet is a wonderful character that made me go through a variety of emotions. The romance is beautiful too and I cried, laughed, and swooned a lot while reading it! Lauren Layne never misses I TELL YOUUU.
Made in Manhattan follows the life of one Park Avenue heiress Violet who agrees to kinda do a makeover on her grandma's friend's long-lost grandson. He's about to become the new CEO of the company, but her grandma's friend thinks he needs to bathe himself in a little bit of NYC before the company votes on the new CEO.
These two are definitely opposites attract. They're so different but also similar in some ways! Like they really fit together so well and I'm so glad they found each other. Every time they are together you can feel the tension and the attraction so clearly and you cannot help but want them to kiss already! Lauren Layne really gives us a slow burn in this one, my friends. The way they dance around each other and constant banter and you know THEY ARE ABOUT TO BE A GREAT COUPLE IF ONLY THEY SAY SOMETHING!!!
I literally cried so much while reading this book. It made me so emotional. All of what Violet felt throughout the book, how lonely she was, how she felt like she didn't belong... Violet is MY GIRLLLL I want her to have everything she wants in this world, she deserves it. I love that Cain made her realize stuff, I love that she grew and understood things about herself after meeting Cain. I love my Park Avenue heiress and my bad boy who is secretly a softie!
I'm excited for what's next in Lauren Layne's book year. I am going to eat up anything she writes to be honest. She write the kinds of books I absolutely adore and recently I've read nothing but her and all of them have been winners so I trust her with my life now.
Made in Manhattan follows the life of one Park Avenue heiress Violet who agrees to kinda do a makeover on her grandma's friend's long-lost grandson. He's about to become the new CEO of the company, but her grandma's friend thinks he needs to bathe himself in a little bit of NYC before the company votes on the new CEO.
These two are definitely opposites attract. They're so different but also similar in some ways! Like they really fit together so well and I'm so glad they found each other. Every time they are together you can feel the tension and the attraction so clearly and you cannot help but want them to kiss already! Lauren Layne really gives us a slow burn in this one, my friends. The way they dance around each other and constant banter and you know THEY ARE ABOUT TO BE A GREAT COUPLE IF ONLY THEY SAY SOMETHING!!!
I literally cried so much while reading this book. It made me so emotional. All of what Violet felt throughout the book, how lonely she was, how she felt like she didn't belong... Violet is MY GIRLLLL I want her to have everything she wants in this world, she deserves it. I love that Cain made her realize stuff, I love that she grew and understood things about herself after meeting Cain. I love my Park Avenue heiress and my bad boy who is secretly a softie!
I'm excited for what's next in Lauren Layne's book year. I am going to eat up anything she writes to be honest. She write the kinds of books I absolutely adore and recently I've read nothing but her and all of them have been winners so I trust her with my life now.
January 19, 2022
no matter how simple or a cliché of a romance lauren layne writes, in the end it still gives you the butterflies and the soft grins.
p.s. i can’t remember the last time i read an epilogue in one of her books but i love epilogues and there needs to be more of them. also, alvin had the potential of being a comedy king and should have gotten more scenes hmph. thank you.
—————————————————————————————
that cover. that blurb. and that hometown glory— i just want to be a part of her universe.
p.s. i can’t remember the last time i read an epilogue in one of her books but i love epilogues and there needs to be more of them. also, alvin had the potential of being a comedy king and should have gotten more scenes hmph. thank you.
—————————————————————————————
that cover. that blurb. and that hometown glory— i just want to be a part of her universe.
January 14, 2022
This is a sweet, cute, enemies to lovers, slow burn contemporary romance. An opposites attract story that made me smile throughout the story. I loved that Cain Stone was stubborn, broody, and quite the southern boy from New Orleans. Violet (aka Duchess) was the sweet, kind, Manhattan socialite that was always wanting to please everyone but herself. Told in Violet’s POV, we got to see her grow and blossom into a woman who figured out what she actually wanted in life.
While Cain was difficult and surly, I enjoyed the animosity it created with both he and Violet. But the ever changing dynamics and banter kept the story flowing well and you couldn’t help but root for these two to hurry up and come together. And the epilogue was a sweet perfect ending!!
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
While Cain was difficult and surly, I enjoyed the animosity it created with both he and Violet. But the ever changing dynamics and banter kept the story flowing well and you couldn’t help but root for these two to hurry up and come together. And the epilogue was a sweet perfect ending!!
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 5, 2021
Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne is a fun, My Fair Lady retelling, but in reverse. I enjoyed this lighthearted, enjoyable book.
Violet Townsend grew up in the privileged world of the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. Although she grew up in a life of excess and privilege, her life isn’t all parties and balls. Her parents passes away when she was a child, and she went to live with her grandmother. When her grandmother passed away, she was left without any family, except for her grandmother’s best friend Edith, who treats Violet like her own granddaughter. Violet spends most of her time running errands for Edith who is the CEO of a huge family business and going out in the evenings with her boyfriend Keith, who is hoping to take over that family business one day.
When Edith discovers a long-lost grandson, Cain, she insists he learns the ropes of the family business so she can leave it to someone in her family. The problem is that Cain is a bit rough around the edges as he’s spent his entire life in New Orleans, building his distribution business. Edith tasks Violet to show Cain around New York, and teach him how to fit in with Manhattan’s elite social crowd. Violet agrees to the task only to please Edith. When Violet and Cain spend time together sparks start to fly. But, can perfect socialite Violet ever be compatible with the rough, cursing, and resentful Cain?
I enjoyed this reverse My Fair Lady story and was rooting for Violet through the entire book. The story is fast-paced and enjoyable from cover to cover. I don’t usually like to read about the privileged and elite, but I found Violet to be a very engaging and likable character. Her grandmother’s friend Edith was delightful and so were the other side characters in this book. I also enjoyed the banter between Violet and Cain as they worked together to make him more palatable to the snobby elite crowd in New York. The author does a great job mixing the dialogue and description so the book moved quickly, but I still had a good sense of the surroundings.
Lauren Layne’s love of New York City shines through in this fun novel and it’s always fun to travel around the city through her eyes. I did want to learn more about Cain and know more about his backstory. I think knowing more about Cain would have made this book more complete and give it some depth. But, it was still very enjoyable.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves NYC and romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Violet Townsend grew up in the privileged world of the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. Although she grew up in a life of excess and privilege, her life isn’t all parties and balls. Her parents passes away when she was a child, and she went to live with her grandmother. When her grandmother passed away, she was left without any family, except for her grandmother’s best friend Edith, who treats Violet like her own granddaughter. Violet spends most of her time running errands for Edith who is the CEO of a huge family business and going out in the evenings with her boyfriend Keith, who is hoping to take over that family business one day.
When Edith discovers a long-lost grandson, Cain, she insists he learns the ropes of the family business so she can leave it to someone in her family. The problem is that Cain is a bit rough around the edges as he’s spent his entire life in New Orleans, building his distribution business. Edith tasks Violet to show Cain around New York, and teach him how to fit in with Manhattan’s elite social crowd. Violet agrees to the task only to please Edith. When Violet and Cain spend time together sparks start to fly. But, can perfect socialite Violet ever be compatible with the rough, cursing, and resentful Cain?
I enjoyed this reverse My Fair Lady story and was rooting for Violet through the entire book. The story is fast-paced and enjoyable from cover to cover. I don’t usually like to read about the privileged and elite, but I found Violet to be a very engaging and likable character. Her grandmother’s friend Edith was delightful and so were the other side characters in this book. I also enjoyed the banter between Violet and Cain as they worked together to make him more palatable to the snobby elite crowd in New York. The author does a great job mixing the dialogue and description so the book moved quickly, but I still had a good sense of the surroundings.
Lauren Layne’s love of New York City shines through in this fun novel and it’s always fun to travel around the city through her eyes. I did want to learn more about Cain and know more about his backstory. I think knowing more about Cain would have made this book more complete and give it some depth. But, it was still very enjoyable.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves NYC and romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 1, 2022
4 Magical Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This starts out as a very easy deal. A simple make-over. Society woman needs to coach, instruct, and redress a man who is the long-lost grandson of the woman's mentor. He is the "fish out of water in NYC", and the grandmother wants him to take over the family business. The man has a life in New Orleans and wants nothing to do with the "grooming".
When these two people have to be together, we start to see it is not just the man who is learning about himself and NYC. Our gal becomes more aware of how restricted she has made her life, how more it could be, and learns to let go and live.
Made in Manhattan
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* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This starts out as a very easy deal. A simple make-over. Society woman needs to coach, instruct, and redress a man who is the long-lost grandson of the woman's mentor. He is the "fish out of water in NYC", and the grandmother wants him to take over the family business. The man has a life in New Orleans and wants nothing to do with the "grooming".
When these two people have to be together, we start to see it is not just the man who is learning about himself and NYC. Our gal becomes more aware of how restricted she has made her life, how more it could be, and learns to let go and live.
Made in Manhattanhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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February 28, 2023
“…away from the ghosts of her past that she had let define her for far too long.”
As a long time rom-com lover and a huge fan of Lauren Layne I knew I had to read this book as soon as it was released.
Violet Townsend is what most would call an Upper East Side princess, but her personality is better described by mentioning how kind, considerate, and generous she is. All of these personality traits, along with a dash of stubbornness, is why she can’t say no when asked to help and teach long time Louisiana resident Cain Stone how things are done in New York. But having to help Cain conform to NY standards proves harder than expected.
Lauren Layne’s writing style is one of the main parts of this book that I want to compliment. Reading one of her books is always like a breath of fresh air, and this book is no exception. Her writing is simply put just extremely pleasant to read, and this affects the reading experience positively.
I found the romance and the relationship between the two characters overall a bit lacking, though I liked their bickering and teasing remarks, and how these were present throughout the entire book. We did see how they grew closer over time, though for me it was still quite a quick shift from dislike, or simply just being indifferent to the other person, and then to being in love.
Something i really did love and appreciate was that we got to see the personal shift, especially in Violet. She changed throughout the story and I enjoyed that her development happened alongside the plot and throughout the entire novel rather than just all at once; this made it seem much more realistic.
As a long time rom-com lover and a huge fan of Lauren Layne I knew I had to read this book as soon as it was released.
Violet Townsend is what most would call an Upper East Side princess, but her personality is better described by mentioning how kind, considerate, and generous she is. All of these personality traits, along with a dash of stubbornness, is why she can’t say no when asked to help and teach long time Louisiana resident Cain Stone how things are done in New York. But having to help Cain conform to NY standards proves harder than expected.
Lauren Layne’s writing style is one of the main parts of this book that I want to compliment. Reading one of her books is always like a breath of fresh air, and this book is no exception. Her writing is simply put just extremely pleasant to read, and this affects the reading experience positively.
I found the romance and the relationship between the two characters overall a bit lacking, though I liked their bickering and teasing remarks, and how these were present throughout the entire book. We did see how they grew closer over time, though for me it was still quite a quick shift from dislike, or simply just being indifferent to the other person, and then to being in love.
Something i really did love and appreciate was that we got to see the personal shift, especially in Violet. She changed throughout the story and I enjoyed that her development happened alongside the plot and throughout the entire novel rather than just all at once; this made it seem much more realistic.
January 10, 2022
Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with Made in Manhattan! It had a fun and flirty vibe, while also pulling on my emotions. The story was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! If you love an opposites attract adult romance then I can't recommend this book enough!
Cain Stones learned that he had a grandmother he never knew about, along with a billion dollar company that she wanted him to take over. Coming from the South, he needed to learn the city, dress the part and work on getting voted in as CEO. And Violet Townsend was to help Cain achieve that goal. Their grandmothers were best friends and there was nothing Violet wouldn't do to help Edith, Cain's grandma.
Violet Victoria Townsend lived on the upper east side and I absolutely loved her. She was kind, helpful and held herself in almost a regal way. She dressed the part, had impeccable manners, was a thoughtful hostesses and always seemed to say the right thing. She definitely gave me Charlotte from Sex and the City vibes, who I adored. Violet could be seen with Keith, who was a blue blood like her, except I thought he was beyond pretentious. So when Cain stepped into her life, Violet's seemingly perfect world completely changed.
Cain was the ultimate book boyfriend. Yes he was a little rough around the edges and had no filter on his mouth sometimes, but oh my goodness was the man swoon worthy. Not only in the way he held himself and talked, but his actions literally melted my heart into a puddle. Whether he was being thoughtful of Violet's dog Coco, who he called Toto, or remembering details from what Violet said, Cain was most definitely more then others in Violet's world would see at first glance. Cain was sexy, seductive, charismatic, and I was obsessed.
Violet and Cain started out rough. Yes there was an instant attraction and chemistry between them, but Violet was trying to change who Cain was. And he fought her every step of the way. It started with a clothing makeover and went from there. But Cain wasn't the only one who started to change. Violet found herself changing too. She kept her emotions guarded and always came across as composed and together. But Cain pushed her time and again and invoked emotions from her that had me clinging to every single word between them!
Their moments together brimmed with delicious sexual tension and banter. Whether it was a look, a touch or a barbed word, everything had an undercurrent of electricity running through it. And there were so many moments that held such powerful emotions. Like the piano scene. I didn't know whether to laugh and smile or cry tears of heartache. This book toyed with my emotions in the best ways possible! There was some steam in the pages and by the end of this story I found myself with tears in my eyes.
Made in Manhattan was beautifully emotional and seductive. It had characters that were larger then life, a story-line that I devoured way too quickly and even side characters that constantly made me feel. This book became a top favorite so easily and I can't wait to read it again and again in the future!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Could she take this angry, uncouth man and turn him into someone who held his own in a boardroom? Who could navigate the sticky intricacies of the New York social set?
Who could not only tie a tie, but look good in it?
Suddenly she wanted to try, rather desperately.
Cain Stones learned that he had a grandmother he never knew about, along with a billion dollar company that she wanted him to take over. Coming from the South, he needed to learn the city, dress the part and work on getting voted in as CEO. And Violet Townsend was to help Cain achieve that goal. Their grandmothers were best friends and there was nothing Violet wouldn't do to help Edith, Cain's grandma.
Violet had the sudden urge to tell him he was wrong.
She didn’t always get what she wanted.
She didn’t even know what that was.
Violet Victoria Townsend lived on the upper east side and I absolutely loved her. She was kind, helpful and held herself in almost a regal way. She dressed the part, had impeccable manners, was a thoughtful hostesses and always seemed to say the right thing. She definitely gave me Charlotte from Sex and the City vibes, who I adored. Violet could be seen with Keith, who was a blue blood like her, except I thought he was beyond pretentious. So when Cain stepped into her life, Violet's seemingly perfect world completely changed.
Cain shrugged and bent down to gently rub Coco’s head with a knuckle. Violet ordered her heart not to melt. Or to think about the fact that Keith barely tolerated her dog’s existence, much less pet the little Yorkie.
Cain was the ultimate book boyfriend. Yes he was a little rough around the edges and had no filter on his mouth sometimes, but oh my goodness was the man swoon worthy. Not only in the way he held himself and talked, but his actions literally melted my heart into a puddle. Whether he was being thoughtful of Violet's dog Coco, who he called Toto, or remembering details from what Violet said, Cain was most definitely more then others in Violet's world would see at first glance. Cain was sexy, seductive, charismatic, and I was obsessed.
His smile was slow. Predatory. He moved even closer until she could feel his body heat. “Careful, Duchess. Look at me that way again, and you’ll be the one who’s handled, and not the least bit gently.”
Violet and Cain started out rough. Yes there was an instant attraction and chemistry between them, but Violet was trying to change who Cain was. And he fought her every step of the way. It started with a clothing makeover and went from there. But Cain wasn't the only one who started to change. Violet found herself changing too. She kept her emotions guarded and always came across as composed and together. But Cain pushed her time and again and invoked emotions from her that had me clinging to every single word between them!
“Keith can be . . .” She sighed. “He’s struggling. He’s put a lot of himself into the company, and it’s hard for him to have an outsider come in and take a position he thinks should be his.”
Cain’s eyes flicked up for the briefest of moments. “That’s not what he should be possessive of.”
Violet didn’t reply. Couldn’t. But neither did she look away.
Their moments together brimmed with delicious sexual tension and banter. Whether it was a look, a touch or a barbed word, everything had an undercurrent of electricity running through it. And there were so many moments that held such powerful emotions. Like the piano scene. I didn't know whether to laugh and smile or cry tears of heartache. This book toyed with my emotions in the best ways possible! There was some steam in the pages and by the end of this story I found myself with tears in my eyes.
“You deserve it.”
“What, to learn piano?” she joked.
He didn’t smile back. “All of it. You deserve to have everything you want, Duchess.”
Made in Manhattan was beautifully emotional and seductive. It had characters that were larger then life, a story-line that I devoured way too quickly and even side characters that constantly made me feel. This book became a top favorite so easily and I can't wait to read it again and again in the future!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
February 25, 2022
Violet has been born and bred in privileged Upper East side Manhattan and always knows just how to comport herself. As such it is no surprise she is the person who her friend Edith turns to for help with her long lost grandson Cain. Cain is rather an anomaly among their elite society, but if he is to secure the position of CEO of his grandmother's company he is going to need to learn to fit in fast. As such Cain and Violet are thrown together, as she endeavours to transform him, though somewhat unexpectedly Violet finds herself beginning to undergo a transformation of her own.
My third book from Layne, this was another fun and easy read, in her trademark style. Of course the story is a play on Pygmalion, but with the genders reversed, and it was clear that Layne had fun with this concept.
The story is mostly set in Manhattan, though there is a trip to New Orleans towards the end. As with all of Layne's books that I have read so far, the story is full of cliches and predictable but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment. That said this may have been my least favourite from her collection that I have read so far, mostly because I thought that Cain acted like a jerk for too much of the story.
I could understand where he was coming from, in terms of the expectations that were put on him and the conditional terms almost to him being accepted by his grandmother, which of course I didn't agree with. It has to be said that it does take Violet some time to appreciate this fully herself, and she of course has her hand in his 'make-over.' That being said Cain treated her appallingly at times and I think Violet put up with rather a lot from him, even towards the end of the story. Speaking of the end of the story, I didn't really fully understand what Cain's issue was in terms of why he kept Violet at such arm's length, and as such the whole section after New Orleans just felt forced to me.
I did like Violet as the main character and her journey. At the start of the story she very much appeases everyone around her and doesn't really know who she is as an individual, something which changes as Cain drags her out of her comfort zone. I did like this aspect of the story that in trying to change him, she actually ended up learning more about herself. That being said, how much had she really changed, when she was so appeasing to Cain himself?
These gripes aside I did enjoy this book, and will certainly continue to catch up with some more of Layne's collection over time.
My third book from Layne, this was another fun and easy read, in her trademark style. Of course the story is a play on Pygmalion, but with the genders reversed, and it was clear that Layne had fun with this concept.
The story is mostly set in Manhattan, though there is a trip to New Orleans towards the end. As with all of Layne's books that I have read so far, the story is full of cliches and predictable but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment. That said this may have been my least favourite from her collection that I have read so far, mostly because I thought that Cain acted like a jerk for too much of the story.
I could understand where he was coming from, in terms of the expectations that were put on him and the conditional terms almost to him being accepted by his grandmother, which of course I didn't agree with. It has to be said that it does take Violet some time to appreciate this fully herself, and she of course has her hand in his 'make-over.' That being said Cain treated her appallingly at times and I think Violet put up with rather a lot from him, even towards the end of the story. Speaking of the end of the story, I didn't really fully understand what Cain's issue was in terms of why he kept Violet at such arm's length, and as such the whole section after New Orleans just felt forced to me.
I did like Violet as the main character and her journey. At the start of the story she very much appeases everyone around her and doesn't really know who she is as an individual, something which changes as Cain drags her out of her comfort zone. I did like this aspect of the story that in trying to change him, she actually ended up learning more about herself. That being said, how much had she really changed, when she was so appeasing to Cain himself?
These gripes aside I did enjoy this book, and will certainly continue to catch up with some more of Layne's collection over time.
July 28, 2022
3.75⭐️ I was really excited for this book but the slow burn was a little too slow for me. The grumpy/sunshine storyline was written really well but I would’ve liked to seen the couple actually be a couple before the epilogue.
January 7, 2022
Oh how I love Lauren Layne! Her quick paced romances and swoony Manhattan fairytales are some of my faves.
When I saw that Made in Manhattan was a My Fair Lady retelling I thought…wait…hasn’t LL already done this? Her book, Isn’t She Lovely, is also a retelling of My Fairy Lady. I was a little skeptical just because Isn’t She Lovely is one of my favorites from Lauren Layne, but was pleasantly surprised to see that there are basically no similarities between those two books.
Violet is a pearl wearing, kind hearted, uptown girl, while Cain is a Louisiana alpha with a bad attitude. I really enjoyed the quick pace of this book and the bingeability of LL’s writing, but I had my moments where I was thinking, “Is Cain ever going to stop being such a dick…orrrrrr not?” LL has written a few other heroes like this before, where they teeter on the edge of being completely unlikable, and I really missed Cain’s POV. I think getting in his head would’ve lightened him up substantially and made me like him more.
I loved the contrast between NYC and NOLA. I would’ve been pissed if Cafe Du Monde hadn’t been mentioned and Obvs LL heard my subconscious pleas and made it happen and I felt like I was in the French Quarter all over again.
Great read from LL! (But Isn’t She Lovely is still my favorite of the two. I can’t help it!)
Thank you, Gallery books for the ARC! Review is my own.
When I saw that Made in Manhattan was a My Fair Lady retelling I thought…wait…hasn’t LL already done this? Her book, Isn’t She Lovely, is also a retelling of My Fairy Lady. I was a little skeptical just because Isn’t She Lovely is one of my favorites from Lauren Layne, but was pleasantly surprised to see that there are basically no similarities between those two books.
Violet is a pearl wearing, kind hearted, uptown girl, while Cain is a Louisiana alpha with a bad attitude. I really enjoyed the quick pace of this book and the bingeability of LL’s writing, but I had my moments where I was thinking, “Is Cain ever going to stop being such a dick…orrrrrr not?” LL has written a few other heroes like this before, where they teeter on the edge of being completely unlikable, and I really missed Cain’s POV. I think getting in his head would’ve lightened him up substantially and made me like him more.
I loved the contrast between NYC and NOLA. I would’ve been pissed if Cafe Du Monde hadn’t been mentioned and Obvs LL heard my subconscious pleas and made it happen and I felt like I was in the French Quarter all over again.
Great read from LL! (But Isn’t She Lovely is still my favorite of the two. I can’t help it!)
Thank you, Gallery books for the ARC! Review is my own.
January 21, 2022
it COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
September 23, 2021
“So you’re looking for an area where the neighbors are more like you. How about the Bronx Zoo?”
2.5 stars.
To say this book irritated the fuck out of me would be an understatement.
Full disclosure, going into this after reading the synopsis, I was afraid I would dislike the main character and find her too uppity or whatever... imagine my susprise when it ended up being the love interest I couldn't stand.
This book is supposed to be grumpy/sushine, but to be quite honest, and that's something I never thought I'd say about this trope... I hated it. It did this trope such a disservice I was so annoyed! I think this should more accurately be shelved under asshole/spineless.
Cain, our love interest, has been, for the better part of the book (and when I say better part I mean the entirety of the book minus the LAST chapter) nothing but unpleasant and judgemental towards Violet. He's branded her a snob the first moment he saw her, which, ok granted, she was; but even when she was having a character development in her own right, it didn't seem like he ever changed his mind. He treated her so badly, and only ONCE deigned to call her by her name in the ENTIRE book, and that was, again, until the very last chapter, and by that time I was just over it all. I mean I'm all for nicknames and all but COME ON!!
Violet, on the other hand, was a good character in comparaison, she had a good development and I enjoyed seeing her find herself. however, even that took a backseat to how she lost all of it when with Cain, she was so spineless it enerved me. Every time he rejected her, SHE went seeking him out, no matter what words were exchanged and no matter how assholish he was, and that is until the very end.
Another thing that annoyed me, was seeing how Violet's friend was always advocating for Cain whatever he did to her friend, which is so unrealistic; it didn't make her a bad friend, she was genuinely only seeking to see Violet happy, but let's be real, in what world would your best friend encourage you to go after someone who treats you super badly and keeps rejecting you over and over again? It just made NO sense! It just felt like the author wanted to convince us Cain had feeling for Violet in every other way BUT showing it and make him work for it or fight for her in ANY way.
Honestly, this was such a let down and super disappointing. I'm starting to feel like Layne might just be losing whatever spark made her books good..
January 9, 2022
If you love a rom-com with opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine and forced proximity and the sweetest love story Made in Manhattan is for you.
Made in Manhattan follows Violet Townsend raised in the Upper East Side Manhattan she's learned all the rules of society and tries to be perfect. Violet to teach, Cain Stone, the newly-discovered grandson, of her friend how to fit in with the elite so he can take place as the CEO of his families company. Cain was born in Louisiana and definitely doesn't fit in with the elite so Violet tackles the difficult job.
In the process of this Cain and Violet begin to have feelings for each other. While Violet is helping Cain, Cain is helping Violet realise that she doesn't always have to follow the rules.
I adored Violet and Cain. I absolutely loved Violet, she felt like a friend. Cain was swoon worthy and I loved him. I loved their slow burn romance and their banter. Their romance was written amazing and their connection felt so natural and real. This book is perfect if you're looking for a cute and light romance to make you swoon.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Made in Manhattan follows Violet Townsend raised in the Upper East Side Manhattan she's learned all the rules of society and tries to be perfect. Violet to teach, Cain Stone, the newly-discovered grandson, of her friend how to fit in with the elite so he can take place as the CEO of his families company. Cain was born in Louisiana and definitely doesn't fit in with the elite so Violet tackles the difficult job.
In the process of this Cain and Violet begin to have feelings for each other. While Violet is helping Cain, Cain is helping Violet realise that she doesn't always have to follow the rules.
I adored Violet and Cain. I absolutely loved Violet, she felt like a friend. Cain was swoon worthy and I loved him. I loved their slow burn romance and their banter. Their romance was written amazing and their connection felt so natural and real. This book is perfect if you're looking for a cute and light romance to make you swoon.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
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