Cuff Me

New York's Finest #3

by Lauren Layne

Meet New York's Finest-three hot brothers sworn to protect and serve the city they love . . . and the women who've stolen their hearts.

ARRESTED BY LOVE

Vincent Moretti is one of the NYPD's top homicide detectives-and one of the most eligible bachelors in town. His family, however, thinks he should date his longtime partner, Jill-a sassy, sexy, smart-mouthed blonde who drives him absolutely crazy.

Behind the quiet authority, tough-guy demeanor, and dark aviator glasses lies a man with a big soul-and a hard body that can soften any girl's heart. After years as his coworker, Jill Henley has given up hope that anything could happen between her and Vin. Besides, loving him would break all the rules. But seeing Jill with someone else triggers feelings in Vincent he never knew he had. Now he'll have to stop playing good cop/bad cop-and find a way to convince her to be his partner for life. . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Adult, Suspense

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2016

About the author

Lauren 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.

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent Moretti was more than her partner.
So much more.
What he was to her, she didn't know how to name. Or wasn't ready to.

If there's one thing that Lauren Layne knows how to do, it's to write a swoony, feel-good, and super sexy contemporary romance. Cuff Me just may be my favorite in the series and of course the grumpy Vince is definitely my favorite Moretti brother...so far anyway.

Vincent and Jill first caught my attention inFrisk Me. Vincent and Jill are partners and homicide detectives for the NYPD, but that's not what intrigued me. What intrigued me was the hate/lust current that practically sizzled between them. Though it's not quite hate, more as it is denial. You just know that these two are attracted to each other and try to mask it with barbs and insults, and you simply can't wait for them to realize it. This was friends-to-lovers but with a little bit more to it and I enjoyed every page of it.

It's refreshing to get a hero that has his issues but they're not rooted in some deep emotional scars or anything like that. Vin is a regular man with no OTT issues but he just doesn't happen to believe in a HEA for himself.

He believed in love. He did.
He just didn't believe in it for him.
Not because he had any gory emotional wounds, not because he had some brokenhearted past.
He was just...he didn't feel like other people did.

It was a nice change of pace from the typical broody and tortured hero that you normally find in romance these days. After two books of wondering what made Vin tick and made him the man that he is today, I can certainly say I was not left disappointed with the way the author handled it.

Quiet. Reserved. Broody.
It's not that he didn't feel. Of course he did. He just didn't feel out loud.

Jill is the exact opposite of Vin. She's sassy to his grumpy, she's sunny to his broody, she's smiley to his scowly...well you get the point. If anything I liked Jill even more in this book.

Lauren Layne took an interesting turn in order to get these two to finally see what's brewing between them and at first I wasn't sure that's a particular direction I would enjoy. I had my doubts because it's not something that normally works for me. However, Miss Layne did such a fantastic job with it then I ended up enjoying it a whole lot more than I thought. I think a huge part of that is due to Jill. She's so bubbly and endearing, it's impossible not to like her. She says what she means and she means what she says, and I definitely loved the way she went after what she wanted.

She wanted Vincent Moretti desperately, consequences be damned. And so Jill did the bravest thing she could think of. She went on her toes. And kissed him.

I loved watching Vin's inevitable fall. It wasn't instant. Heck, it was basically six years in the making since that's how long they've been partners. But I really appreciated that the author still made it a slow burn and didn't just throw them together at the very first opportunity. It made it that much more enjoyable and realistic for me.

I excepted more of my beloved hate lust, but this was more friends to lovers and you'll get zero complaints from me. It was humorous, steamy, and super cute! A guaranteed win for any contemporary romance lover that enjoys their heroes extra broody and their heroines down to earth and with a smart mouth. I sincerely hope that the author continues on with the series because I'm not done with these Moretti siblings yet.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'Vin's Hearts and Flowers' Stars!


I have been waiting for this book since I read the first book in Lauren's New York's Finest series. She has been teasing about these two since the beginning and I was so excited to finally get to read their love story, especially since the Moretti's have become one of my favourite fictional families. And again, thank God, Lauren Layne did not disappoint!

Cuff Me is the third installment in this series and it tells the story of Vincent Moretti (the top NYPD homocide detective, an introvert man who is very careful about his feelings and who is very affected by the change in Jill's life) and Jillian 'Jill' Hentley (Vin's work partner, she is sassy but reserved especially when it comes to her feelings for the hero and now she also is an engaged woman, a fact that, of course, Vincent does not take very well).

Jill. He’d been picturing this moment in his head for weeks now, and the joy, he’d expected.
The pain… not so much.

Lauren Layne is one of the authors that can make me cry like a baby within the 10% of the book. Yes, this is what happened. It got so emotional when Jill came back from Florida (she was taking care of her mother and she came back with a ring on her finger), I felt so bad for Vincent and how everyone was reacting to Jill's new situation, especially knowing that Vincent was waiting for her to come back to him.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
She was supposed to have come back from Florida feeling like he had that day he impatiently counted the hours until he saw her at the welcome-home party.
She was supposed to feel what he was feeling.
If he only knew what that was.

Vincent Moretti was my favourite character in Cuff Me. He is such an amazing hero, he is great at his job, he loves his family to pieces and he cares deeply for Jill. The only thing about him is that he does not know what he feels and when he does he does not know how to express it. It was very beautiful to read how he finally accepts his sentiments for the heroine and how, in his way, fights for her.

“Am I? Really? Because a friend doesn’t disappear for three months, come back engaged with not so much as a word of warning.”
“Well, pardon me for assuming that my gruff, non-talkative partner would care about my love life.”
“I cared!” he roared. “I’ve always fucking cared!”

“Just because someone doesn’t talk about feelings doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”

I am so in love with him *sigh* And Jill, well, I really liked her, most of the time. She has a great relationship with the Moretti family and she really loves Vincent. However, there were some situations in which I did not like her reaction: I mean, how she does not see that Vin is trying so hard, in his way, to fight for her? But, at the end, everything ends well! And can we just talk for a minute about how amazing Layne is at writing on first kisses and emotional sex scenes? It took a lot of time for Vincent and Jill to get together (maybe too much) but when they do? Holy hell!

“You have the right to remain silent…”
Vincent slid his hand upward, one finger sliding slightly into her.
Jill moaned.
“Apparently you’re forgoing that right,” he said, his teeth nipping at her left butt cheek as his fingers continued to play with her.
“Vin, you—”
“Careful, baby. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

Yes, I loved these two together, SO MUCH. And another aspect, that I also really enjoyed on Frisk Me and Steal Me (the first and second book in this series) is the Morettis. Lauren has created such an amazing, caring and super-funny family that it's impossible not to love them! In this case, there were more interactions between the brothers than anything else but I really enjoyed getting moments with Nonna (I can't deal.. she is the best!), with Tony and Maria (the parents), with the girls (Ava, Maggie and Elena), with Marco (the other brother) and even better when they are all together! I freaking love this family, seriously!

“So where is the old biddy that landed you in this horrible place, and got you dressed in that ugly gown that makes your boobs look like pancakes?”
Anthony grabbed the Jell-O cup out of Luc’s hand. “I’m going to go find the red Jell-O.”
“I’ll help!” Luc said, half running after his brother.

“How long have they been standing there?”
“Oh, you know. The whole time.”
“And how long have my mom and Maggie been crying?”
“Also the whole time,” she answered, grinning happily as she traced a finger over his jaw.
“Uh-huh. And Nonna and her camera—”
“Yeah. Whole time.”

I know. Lots of quotes. Happens everytime with Lauren Layne's books, especially the ones in this series. Sorry (not sorry!) lol It's just.. these characters have stolen my heart with the fabulous relationship they have. And they are so hilarious!

“My brothers said that saying it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. They were wrong. It was the easiest. Because loving you is easy.”

Therefore, my rating for Cuff Me is 4.5 STARS because Lauren Layne has, again, created an outstanding love story, with great characters, off-the-charts chemistry and a happy and beautiful ending (I really wanted to get an epilogue, though! I would have been the happiest person in the whole world lol) Please, if you haven't check her books out, do it: you are missing out! I highly highly recommend this :D

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[• Lisa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE MORETTI YOU HAVE MY HEART STARS.

"They had a case to solve. Likely the last they’d have together. Might as well make it a good one."



It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Lauren Layne is my favourite author. I simply can't get enough of her intelligently polished and well written romances. If I thought I'd loved all the heroes there was to love created by this author then I was sorely naive. Once again I've been swept off my feet and gladly fallen head over my kindle in love with this story and in turn its gorgeously thought out characters. I've been waiting since the beginning of this series for a book with its focus on Vincent Moretti, his brooding, mercurial and rough around the edges persona has had me addicted from the moment he was introduced and quite honestly I couldn't wait to witness him falling head over bottom in love.

What's is all about?
Cuff me is the third book in the new York's finest series by the queen of contemporary romance, author Lauren Layne. From book one we have been introduced to the Moretti family and each instalment has featured one of the brothers and their journey to finding love. Though the road is certainly not an easy one for Vincent Moretti in this third of the series we finally get to witness the drama unfolding when this hero finally realises that what he has wanted has already been waiting at his side for a long time. Witness the action first hand in this gorgeous story of unrequited love.



What did I love?
I have a weakness for all and everything about this authors words. This series has me hooked and ready for each new release and to say I was excited to get my hands on this Moretti brother would be a huge understatement. The angst in this book was too sweet to describe, from the beginning I was glued to the pages desperate for this duo to finally get past themselves and grab the ending that they deserved. I loved the relationship between the lead characters and as always I was sold on the familiarity of character relationship that Layne builds into her story telling. The sexual tension and relationship between hero and heroine was second to non and Layne brings a perfect mix of brooding, moody hero to his heroine full of love, life and snark. Everything and I mean everything about this story was pure reading heaven for my tastes, I didn't want to put it down whilst also being worried that I was reading it too fast and it would all end too soon. 'Cuff me' is yet another outstanding and heart pounding romance that I can add to my overflowing pile of books that I've loved by the fabulously talented, Lauren Layne.



Final thoughts ...
If you have an addiction to well written contemporary romance novels with plenty to fall in love with and heroes to die for, then this book right here is just the ticket. I didn't think I could love this author more than I already did, but with this hero Layne has done the impossible. All three books in the series are available and ready to buy and they all feature a new couple and Moretti brother to fall in lust with. Enjoy ... Kisses.

**Purchased stock image used.

**complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite book in the series so far. Lauren Layne delivered another heartwarming tale of love between two partner police officers who found themselves dealing with new or maybe not so new feelings for one another.

Three about Vincent Moretti. One, he’s great at his job. Two, he loves his interfering Italian family. And three, he cares about his long time partner Jill Henley. Sure. He’s taciturn and doesn’t suffer for fools but anyone can see that he cares about those closest to him. So when Jill has to leave for three months to take care of a family emergency, Vince found himself feeling things he never felt before. But then Jill came back along with a few changes that totally threw Vince for a loop.

I got to admit that for a while there, I was worried that the book might turn to one of my least favorite trope in romance. But once again, Lauren Layne proves that she is adept at walking that fine line between angsty and sweet, and Cuff Me has both of those.

I loved the chemistry between Jill and Vince. They caught my attention during Frisk Me and their story did not disappoint. I love the natural progression of their relationship. Plus Vince Moretti is probably the most adorable grumpy hero ever. His personality fits perfectly well with Jill’s sassiness. But those differences are only on the surface because deep down, they have a lot in common. Plus, the Morettis clearly loves Jill.

Another thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the inclusion of some form of police procedural. Nothing hardcore but since both characters are detectives, we see them being that and doing detective work. And it also highlighted their partnership so to speak, so it made the transition from friends to lovers really believable.

I’m really looking forward to reading more about the Moretti siblings, particularly Marc. I’m curious about him being in LA and away from the family. I’m hoping he’s coming back to New York and hopefully, to a new lady love soon.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Moretti Thick Headed Stars * * * *
Placement in families can shape a lot of things in children. In large families, sometimes the middle children are surrounded by extroverts; those who either seek attention, handle it or are the center of it. It can be the strong guidance of an older brother so much like the father...stern and always knowing better...or the warm charming way of a younger brother easy with everyone which will cause this more reserved son to watch from a distance... to be a bit shy and have it seem stand offish when really all he wanted was to part of the clan, too.
And then a pattern develops, of those around mistaking shy or reserved for being distant by choice. So, the child is set on his path of being a loner in a family of many...the cast has been set.

Vincent Moretti was that kid. He developed into the man he is- not comfortable with emotions or feelings. He is extremely talented and sure in his field law enforcement; just crappy with personal relationships. Everyone knows it. None more than his partner of 6 years, Jill Henley.

These two have been incredibly successful NYPD Detectives working together solving cases others would still be scratching their heads on....They have developed a way where Vincent seems to get a sense of who the killer is and Jillian ties it all up with her detailed research and data management...Oh, out in the field they also have good cop/bad cop down pat, too. For Jill is just good, through and through... it pours out of her.

But what is very interesting about these two is how blind they are to each other. From a distance, all of the Morettis' can see the attraction they both have... the silent looks when the other one isn't aware...the way each will attend to each's plate of food, sharing and tasting like any other couple. It is kinda sad... how dense they both are....

And it came to a head with Jill having to take a 3 month leave of absence to nurse her mother back to health from a bone breaking accident. Jill went to Florida and life changed for the both of them.

Big Time

Vincent was saddled with a rookie detective and every day he silently missed his partner Jill. It was during this 3 month period, Vincent started to realize how much he was missing Jill, the woman. In fact, he waited till the day she was coming back to get his long over due haircut...and spent a crazy amount of time trying to figure out a welcome back gift for her homecoming party his family was throwing. In his head he justified it as all being for his partner and all...but deep down where he never let anything feel...he was confused and didn't know what was happening.

Jill also missed her partner... she missed her surrogate Moretti family... she missed New York City and she even missed proper Maple Bar donuts. She loved her mom, felt good about being there for her in her time of need...but she also needed a break. She took herself to a fancy hotel and relaxed at the bar...enjoying the time to just sit and not do anything for anyone for a moment.

It is while Jill is taking a timeout when something happens which never is part of her universe...a very attractive man is at the bar ; he is walking over to her and sitting down Right Next To Her. Now Jill has always had no trouble chatting with strangers... she is a detective and that is part of the Good Cop position she does with Vincent. So when this man, Tom, starts a conversation with her... it is so easy... and enjoyable....and when he asks her to dinner another time, it is pleasant and fun, too.
And when the dinners increase to also have lunches and learn all about his business and his interest in her...one thing leads to other things...and before Jill realizes what is happening... she and Tom are engaged.

Yes, Engaged.
How is she going to tell her partner Vincent...how are the Morettis' going feel about all of this...and will she still be part of the clan like she is now...

All of these things are going through Jill's head as she returns home from Florida.

This installment was not a usual love story in that it had a complicated situation of two people who need to be together personally, haven't quite figured it out yet, still work closely together and somehow have to solve homicides. Although there is "another" in the picture...there never is any physical cheating. There may be some mental angst on Jill's part on why she is thinking of Vincent and more aware of him then before...etc. but nothing which would ever be considered serious cheating. What is there is an underlying feeling of something is not right... and she has a hard time realizing she is with the wrong guy. During this entire time, Tom is mostly in Florida and Jill is in New York.

The journey of these two mirror the murder investigation of a famous old time movie actress. It makes sense they are working on a case together, allowing for conversations, reactions and confrontations.

Now I would be remiss if I didn't at least share with you, Ms. Layne has held up her amazing standard of sexy times.
Let it be said here first- I do not believe Miranda Rights have ever been given quite that way in any police procedural book....at least none that I have read. Vincent Moretti has taken it to another level...

We also have plenty of Morettis' we know and love; Nonna with the inappropriate comments, Anth, Luc, Elena and the father and mother. We are introduced finally to Marco, the one brother who moved to Los Angeles with his wanna-be actress girlfriend. Marco is a book in waiting...I predict the book for him will either be him coming back to NYC for a case or because of bad break up or....wait for it....a spin off of another fabulous Layne series based out of Los Angeles with the LAPD. Of course those are only my ideas...

We still need to find Elena her partner so there will be plenty of Morettis' to keep us interested.
Because a major part of the draw with these books is the family element. It feels so natural and welcoming. It is a talent Ms. Layne has down perfectly.


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~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Turns out I was on track after all...This is coming and I cannot wait...
You could Cuff Me to a Moretti anytime you want...
Get Ready for Vincent and his Partner Jill...
Will they or won't they take this further...
~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~
Recently I met Officer Luc Moretti and the rest of his family
in Frisk Me...
Now I have to wait till the Spring of 2016 in order to get my next fix of a Moretti man....
I thought it was going to be Anthony but Ms. Layne pulled a switcheroo...
We get Vincent and his partner Jill Henley forced to go undercover and become Mr. and Mrs. of NYC's Upper East side....
Well, La De Da ... bet the Upper Crust won't know what hit them...

A gifted copy was received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[Chelsea ✨Arielle’s Nebular Ally and Team Acrux✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

4.5 Stars

“We’re gonna be okay, right?” she asked, her voice muffled against his shirt.
Vin closed his eyes as his hand closed over clasped arms, his head hilting back so that the back of his head rested lightly on the top of hers.
And because he cared about her-cared about her so damn much-he did the only thing that he could.
He lied. “Yeah. Yeah, we’re gonna be all right.”

Like many of Layne’s novels, Cuff Me took my bad, tired mood and lifted it instantly with one chapter of banter between the Moretti brothers. I always get so excited when I see the opportunity for the New York’s Finest ARCs and blog tours because I have fallen so madly in love with this wacky, flawed, no-nonsense family. This series isn’t without it’s flaws, but it never ceases to put the largest smile on my face despite my dwindling appearance of good moods lately.

Jill Henley was Vincent’s opposite in every way.
Jill was chipper, charming, and smiley.
Vincent was…none of those things.

I have waited a long time for Vincent’s story, seeing as the plot is one of my favorite types-friends to lovers. When I found out that Vincent was next and that it was going to center around he and his partner’s apparent tension and mutual (although unnoticed) interest. Their banter, loyalty, and obvious affection for one another are an apparent love match in everyone’s eyes but theirs…So what happens when they are both too blind to see it?

The phone would not stop ringing.
“What,” he snapped into the phone without glancing at the caller ID.
He’d already heard from:
His mother (how come you never come to dinner anymore?)
His father (did you catch the guy yet?)
His grandmother (will you pick me up from my colonoscopy on Tuesday?)
Luc (Jill’s not seriously marrying that guy, right?)
And Elena (do you want to buy my old smoothie machine? I’m getting an upgrade? No? What if I give it to you? Still no?).

Jill has been courted by another man, ripping Vincent’s heart out just as he realizes he wants to be more than her partner. Jill has everything she could ever want-So why does she feel so…wrong?

“Okay, it’s like this,” Jill said, twisting so she could better face Elena. “When you were little, did you ever make your brothers play wedding with you? You know, make one of them pretend to be the groom?”
“Um, of course.”
“Luc?” Jill asked curiously.
“Obviously. He’s the nicest of the bunch, and the youngest, which made him easiest to coerce.”

With a little (or a lot) of help from the Morettis, they begin to see all that they have missed before. But in true fashion of any romance, their story wouldn’t be complete without a good dose of passion, stubbornness, and misunderstandings.

Ya know, I always adore every single one of Layne’s characters-But Jill, at a certain point, made me want to punch her. I really, really liked her…but there’s a certain point (you’ll know) where I couldn’t believe her actions. And, on the last negative note I really have, I didn’t quite buy what the other guy was selling. Or rather, what their relationship was, nor how it was handled. I am normally okay with this, buuuut I just couldn’t wrap my head around how easy it was.

“What is it you’d have me do? Hire an opera singer to serenade her? Hold a boombox over my head outside her window? Set up a scavenger hunt that leads to all her favorite kinds of tacos just to show I care?”
“Wait. She has multiple favorite kinds of tacos?” Luc asked. “That’s either hot, or weird, I can’t decide.”

But oh my gosh, let me tell you-Luc, Anthony, and Nonna (odd comments and all) once again stole the show. Vincent is great, really, even a favorite! But when they are all together? My heart melts and I become goo in their hilarious Italian hands. When they hang out, I never cease to smile, laugh, and obsess over everything they do and say. And that is why this series is always such a joy to read-I can say it’s the men and their girls-and it is, for the most part-but this family is the essence of everything, and I have to say it’s why I continually come back for more. But that is what Layne does best, right?? Only this time, the series shines when the family is the one bickering.

“The indignity. I can’t even. I’ll take care of this. Straightaway.” Ava handed the orange Jell-O cup to Luc. “Luc, take care of this. Straightaway.”
He stared at the cup in his hand before shooting a puzzled look at the women. “And by take care of this, you mean…”
“Get her red Jell-O,” Maggie said from the chair in the corner. “Obviously.”
Luc glanced at Anthony with a what-the-fuck expression, but Anth held up his hands and shook his head.

Vincent was a wonderful, gruff, and backwards hero, all while being a wonderful partner and a badass cop-but underneath it all, he was as vulnerable as the rest of us, and it broke my heart when we began to see that. I am obsessed with each brother for different reasons and in their own way: Luc being sweet, funny, and always stirring the pot; Anthony for being the oldest, most abrupt, and straightforward brother; and now Vincent, the lonely, gruff, but left-out brother. They all are just so wonderful…I will always have a soft spot for Luc and Anthony, but Vincent definitely gave them a run for their money. I hope everyone takes the chance to enjoy this series as much as I do. :P

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★



Cuff Me is the third installment in a collection of standalone romances from Lauren Layne, which focus on a family of New York brothers who all work within the police department.

This is the story that I have been patiently waiting for since first introduced to the brooding Vincent Moretti right at the very beginning of the series. He is tall, dark and handsome, but moody and mysterious, and I was rooting for him from the very first page - he was swoon city in a very understated way.

Vin and his partner on the job Jill Henley have been best friends for six years. They have been through a lot together in their line of work and understand each other so well after having spent so much time in close proximity and in some really stressful situations.

Jill is yang to Vin's yin - she is like the human version of sunshine where he is a man who keeps his cards close to his chest. Jill has always been a part of the Moretti family, and she loves being around them. The only thing missing in her life is the companionship only a lover can provide. She is lonely and so when she finds a way to fulfill her dreams, Vin's world is tilted on its side, and he finally realises what's been in front of him this whole time.

What I loved most about his book, was the longing and the palpable tension that was present from the very get go between Vin and Jill, and I am not ashamed to admit that a kaleidoscope of butterflies took up in my belly for the duration of this story. It was like a sweet angst that wasn't overly dramatic but extremely addicting and very realistic.



Let me tell you, this book was more than I ever thought it would be and exceeded my expectations big time, I live for books that give me this five star feeling and couldn't be happier with the way the story played out. I completely fell in love with both of the main characters and especially felt for Vin.

"He wasn't accustomed to being anyone's favorite.
Wasn't used to being first in anyone's life."

A great love story between a Good Cop/Bad Cop duo who complement each other so well, mixed with a little bit of suspense and a fabulous cast of supporting characters. I bloody adored watching these two fall in love, or at least finally realise that they have loved each other from the very start.

Cuff Me is a standalone contemporary romance, told in third person dual POV.

ARC gratefully received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy book Birthday

A sexy, sweet and cleverly penned story about the long road to the awaited happiness that two hearts have distractedly but deeply have been searching for.

“Their relationship had always been both horribly complicated and wonderfully simple. Those two elements canceled each other out so that when it came right down to it, Jill and Vincent were beyond definition.”

From a young age, Vincent Moretti has been a withdrawn observer, never feeling included due to his siblings more outgoing personalities. He’s always been quiet and reserved, not to be confused with unfeeling. It’s served him well in his career as a homicide detective and as partner to the high-spirited, feisty Jill Henley who for the past six years has driven him crazy.

The fact that she’s been gone for three months shouldn’t affect him, right? It also shouldn’t matter that she’s marrying another man she met while she was away. Because Vin thinks he can’t connect with people and that he’s not good at relationships. He should be happy for her. Wrong, WRONG, W.R.O.N.G. From the moment she comes back and announces her big news, everything feels off. Can he figure it out before it’s too late?

“He didn’t know what he was going to say, only knew that he had to say something, had to convince her that she belonged here. In New York. With him. That he couldn’t imagine what his days would look like without her. That he didn’t know how to be without her.”

Jill wants a partner for life, someone to love. Thinking that her bond with Vin is job related and merely platonic, even though she’s the only partner his family has ever adopted and after meeting the textbook perfect guy while taking care of her mother, she accepts the his marriage proposal. She’s eager to get back to NY and to her adoptive family, her job and partner hoping against hope that Vin will be happy for her. The Moretti’s receive her with warm, open arms but Vin is even broodier and more difficult to read than ever. Can they get back to their comfortable affinity or will the find that there was so much more behind their good cop-bad cop routine?

This was a very torturous and angst filled friends to lovers romance. While I completely understood how Jill and Vin totally misconstrued their relationship as a merely friendly I was biting my nails, holding my breath and anxiously turning page after page to see if “this” chapter was the one where this wonderful duo finally realized they were perfect for one another in more ways than one.

Because these two are NYPD’s homicide dream team, they can solve cases together better and faster than a speeding bullet. What they haven’t been able to do is see the wonderful relationship they have outside of their job. One where they know each other’s thoughts and finish the other’s sentences, where they share meals and are absolutely comfortable and happy in each other’s space. Everyone else could see it, why they can’t?

I really liked Jill, she’s delightfully nice and charming, besides being smart and independent. I suffered with her as she fought and lost miserably to keep Tom, her fiancée, on the forefront because with each passing moment she became more aware of all the yumminess Vin was hiding behind the stoic façade. I felt for Vin and his struggle to understand his feelings for Jill because the way he saw her was beautiful,

“You’re like the human equivalent of a rainbow.”

but totally loved it when they figured out that the attraction between each other was inescapable and he took matters charge because it was criminally sexy. That scene with the hand cuffs will go down as one of my favorite sexy moments.

So full of want was every cell in her body as he gently raked his teeth over her neck, that she didn’t quite comprehend that he’d maneuvered her hands behind her back. Not until the unfamiliar feel of cold metal against her writs, followed by the very familiar sound of a soft click, did Jill realize what had just happened… Her partner had just cuffed her.
“Don’t. Move,” he growled… “Shall I read you your rights, Henley?” His breath was hot on her skin, his fingers dragging slowly.”

It did get to a point where I just wanted to sit them both down and not let them leave until the opened up and communicated. But while all this anguish between the couple was going on, there was a murder investigation of a long ago famous movie actress in the background that had Vin and Jill and the entire NYPD flummoxed which drove the story forward and I found it fun and entertaining to try and figure out who done it.

And finally, a review of New York’s Finest would not be complete without mentioning how the entire Moretti clan add an extra fun and touching layer to the story, with Nonna’s improper comments, Luc, Anth, mom and pop Moretti’s support and advice for Vin. We even got to know the elusive Marco.

Cuff Me is the third book in the New York's Finest series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance full of fun, sexy bits and swoon worthy moments that will bring a smile to your face. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.

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* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *

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[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I liked this more than the last LL book I read. Everything from the banter, MCs and storyline are exactly what I expect from a LL book. I guess my rating reflects how I feel about the romance. It was good, I didn't get the butterflies like I did in Steal Me but the lack of communication started to frustrate me and I felt like they were going round in circles for the majority of the book. I still enjoyed it especially the last 30% and I'll definitely continue reading LL.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dying to get my hands on Vincent's book since I met the Moretti family in Frisk Me. I love the brooding quite types and I was not disappointed with Cuff Me this is my fourteenth LL book and is my favourite of hers and Vincent Moretti OMG I love him.

Vincent Moretti and Jill Henley are NYPD homicide detectives they have been partners for the last six years and Jill is part of the Moretti family.

Jill has been on a three months sabbatical in Florida when she comes back she has some news she is getting married. Vincent realises when Jill is away that he wants more with her than a working relationship but with her news what can he do.

I loved the relationship between these two the good cop/bad cop routine and ALL the tension will they won't they??? But Vincent would never make a move on another mans woman so he always walks away. With the case they are working on going nowhere and the tension between them their relationship is beginning to suffer. What is going to happen???

As always I loved spending time with all the Moretti family and all their banter and we finally meet Marco Moretti. This was full of sexual tension I could feel it through my kindle I loved Jill Henley and these two together think Mulder & Scully you want them to kiss but it ain't going to happen and the suspense is building and it is getting hotter until the explosion.

I loved this so much I read it within TWO days and for me this is FAST.
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT

[Jln · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I had to round up for Vincent, because I loooved him. I fully admit that I often rate romance books on male MC quality, I mean, that's the most important thing, right? I personally liked Steal Me more, but that's just me. Vincent is equal to Anthony in every way. I have a weakness for brooding hot cops, I can't help it! I also like the whole family dynamic, and the NY setting.

There were little things about the actual story that I thought were kind of frustrating or silly, but I'm not dwelling on it. For example,

~Police officers and detectives don't have tea parties with or eat dinners made by suspects they are interviewing, just saying...:) I know this seems nitpicky, but it became a pretty major part of the story

~I didn't really find the Tom storyline to be all that believable, and it got old after awhile. I mean, it did motivate Vin, so there's that. Jill was engaged to someone else for half of the book. There weren't any sex scenes with him or anything, it just became almost more than I could handle not to just skip ahead.

Like I said though, Vin made it all worth it! This half of our br was way better than the first!

[Kelli C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for the Blue Line

Lauren Layne is one of those authors that will bring a smile to any reader’s face with her solid writing and her fun fast-paced romances. Cuff Me is one of those reads that will have you holding your breath, trying to patiently wait for it BOOM all while enjoying the long road to it as well. While this is book 3 in her New York’s Finest Series, it is a standalone with prior books not needing to be read.

I love a good detective! So when I started this read and found Vincent Moretti’s path to romance would include another detective, I was fired up! Detective Jill Henley is not just a part of the force, she is his partner, so bring on the complications! While it seems that working together would have been the biggest obstacle, it was a pleasant surprise to find the biggest obstacle to be the characters themselves

This is more than a friends-to-lovers tale, as it is more of a professional partners to personal partners story. Vin and Jill are the epitome of “in sync.” They have worked side by side for over 5 years and they not only have a professional connection, but they are bound by a big Italian family as the Moretti clan has claimed Jill as one of their own. It seems the only Moretti who hasn’t claimed Jill is the one who spends the most time with her…Vin!

What happens when long time partners spend 3 months apart? What happens when the constant comfort of having your partner is suddenly threatened? What happens when one half of the partnership finds more…somewhere else…with someone else?

To say this book was FUN would be an understatement! I loved the contrasting dynamic of Vin and Jill. It was so much more than good cop/bad cop. They are moody and detached versus bright and open. He moves with hunches and senses and she closes with her facts and finds. While they may be tops in their field, they are both quite terrible at finding emotions that are right in front of them! I do love good chase and a fight for what you want, but I do wish these two would have opened up and communicated more and earlier as a lot of time was spent just spinning wheels and walking away. I found Vin to be so endearing and desperate for someone so worthy of his loyalty, therefore I was pumped that the author did not disappoint in a forward and tough Jill!!!

Overall this was a great read with two characters who HAD to be together…no one else could read those Miranda Rights so well! One word…CUFFS! Thank you Lauren Layne for the palpable sexual tension and the super steamy scenes. Vin and Jill may not have been able to say the flowery words but their body language was enough to sell this reader!!!

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I loved this book! It was definitely my favorite in the series so far. There is just something about Vincent and Jill that just makes my heart melt a little bit. They were meant to be with each other but they have to figure out how to make that happen. While this book is the third installment in the New York's Finest series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. Vincent and Jill have appeared in the earlier books in the series but I didn't really feel like I knew them until spending time with them in this book.

The characters in this story were amazing. Seeing the characters from the previous books was great but I just loved everything about Jill and Vincent. They are both detectives in the New York Police Department and have been paired up for the past six years. Jill considers herself to be an adopted member of the Morelli clan and the pair have a great working relationship and easy friendship. Jill just felt so alive in this story. She had a lot to give and had decided to try to find some happiness by getting engaged. Her fiance, Tom, is a genuinely good guy but their relationship lacks some of the magic she is looking for.

Vincent is incredibly guarded. He has never had a serious relationship and doesn't take chances with his heart. When he finds out that Jill is engaged, he realizes exactly what she means to him. Watching him learn how to open up to Jill was heartbreaking at times because I could really feel how hard everything was for him. I was so glad that Jill was as patient and kind as she was with him and they really proved to be a wonderful couple with a whole lot of chemistry.

The case that Vincent and Jill were working on was incredibly interesting as well. An elderly actress falls to her death and there are no leads. It was nice to watch the pair work together because it was almost magical how well they complemented each other. I thought it was fitting that the case they were working on caused them a lot of difficulty to match the turmoil in their personal lives. The eventual resolution of the case was very well done.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne's writing and this book is an excellent example of her writing. I plan to continue reading Lauren Layne's work and have my fingers crossed that we will see more of the Morelli's soon.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever - Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
This was good! Definitely my favorite of the series so far.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 hilarious stars

Reading Cuff Me reminds me how much I miss the Morettis, the big boisterous and over-bearing Italian cop family. After completing this book, I can't decided whether I like Anthony or Vincent more because these two men with their brooding and stuck up persona are my favorites.

Vincent Moretti and Jill Henley are the NYPD homicide detectives and have been partners for six long years. We seen them since the beginning of the series and can't wait to find out what going on with them.

I've seen Vincent around previously, but never actually get to know him. I'm delighted that he also has this quiet, brooding and serious persona. Is hard to crack a smile from him and constantly with a perpetual scowling, very much like Anthony.

Jill is his opposite. This woman is a ray of sunshine, always positive, bubbly and has so much love to offer to the people around her. She basically got adopted into the Moretti family and have a great relationship with Elena and the other Moretti's women.

The story started off with Jill coming back from Florida after three months absence to visit her mother. Vincent is anticipating her return and to have their normal back, the last thing he expect is for her to come back with a big rock on her finger. Surprise much?

Poor Vincent was totally caught off guard and he's not sure what to feel about this big revelation. In his mind, Jill had always been his, I mean professionally. Now that Jill has a new man, Vincent find it hard to reconcile the fact that he might lose her one day. Honestly, I think he just want to keep her next to him until she turn into an old maid.

Anyway, I have a lot of respect for Vincent. Yes, he is not happy about the situation, but he didn't try to sabotage her relationship and genuinely wants her to be happy. At the same time we also saw some subtle changes in him. Whether he wants to win her over or make some sweeter memories between them, I'm not sure.

Is so obvious they both have unrequited feelings for each other, is something going for years but they have been hiding behind the friendly facade. It seems like Jill is waiting for a reaction from Vincent and he in turn waiting for Jill to change her mind. When they reached their breaking point, let just say there are words thrown, temper flare and passion ignite.



Theoretically this sounds like something very angsty. But because this is Lauren Layne we are talking about, she manage to make it feels funny to me. Whenever these two start arguing or having a cold war, I just can't stop snickering. Is simply delicious, all these sexual tension simmering.



If I have any complaints, it would be the minor frustration with their constant back and forth. It reminds me of watching Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan repeatedly having 'the moment', only to be interrupted by something and they are back to friends and then it got repeated in every season. Thank God Vincent and Jill only have one book. The below quote kinda sums it up.

"It seems like there's been a lot of times lately that you've wanted to say something, I feel like we keep going in circles of unfinished conversation."

Despite my minor qualm, I still adore this book and Vincent and Jill's relationship. I had such a fun time reading them and the Morettis never fail to entertain me with their shenanigans. I'm gonna miss them for few months while waiting for Elena or Marco's book.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to Vincent and Jill’s romance in Cuff Me, and it was shaping up to be my favorite of the three books so far. I did love the relationship between them. The bittersweet longing was palpable! Being partners for the NYPD in the homicide division for the last six years made it so they knew each other like a seasoned married couple, and I love that history. Jill wanted more, but never voiced her attraction to Vin, and while everyone could see that there was something more on Vin’s side, he never acknowledged the attraction. As our story opens Jill is just about to come back from a three month leave of absence spent caring for her mother in Florida. After three months apart Vin is excited and anxious to have her back, only he gets the shock of his life when he finds out that Jill is engaged to another man.

I thought this served Vin right, because he had all this time with Jill before and never made a move. To me it was never a matter of Jill figuring out her feelings, she just never thought Vin would ever come around. Jill wanted love, marriage and a family, and Tom seemed like her perfect match. Well, mostly. When she gets back to New York and sees the Moretti’s doubts start creeping in. Vin acts like a broody jerk, over her engagement, but still makes no declarations.

I’m a sucker for unrequited love, I’m always hoping that the couple opens their eyes and notice what’s been under their noses for so long. So yeah, there was real potential for me to love Vin and Jill’s romance. While I knew that eventually these two would come together (this is their romance, so no spoilers there) I was completely disappointed that it took sooooooo long! The level of frustration I experienced at one point made me want to scream! I wanted to slap Vin upside the head!! When I started Cuff Me I thought for sure this was going to be a 5 star rating for me, and I really did enjoy the slow burn and the ache of want, that was done really well, but the frustration level from the denials made it impossible for me to give it more than 3 stars.

A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: "What?" Jill asked.

"You didn't even flinch when ordering carbs!"

"She's a homicide investigator," Vincent said irritably. "If she doesn't flinch at the sight of a decapitated drug dealer, I don't think pasta's going to do her in."


I enjoy this series by Lauren Layne featuring brothers from a big Italian family who are all involved in the NYPD. There is great banter and sexual tension. This is book three, but they can be read out of order.

Vincent (Vin) is a homicide detective in the NYPD and for the past six years has been partnered with Jill. They work great together - Jill is a ray of sunshine with the world's biggest smile, and Vin is the most grumpy, cranky man who ever lived. They solve cases and are good friends - maybe even more like family. Vin's large Italian family has adopted Jill as one of their own, and she loves them all dearly. When her mother falls ill, Jill moves to Florida for three months to help her recover. During this time, Jill meets someone, and gets engaged. When Jill returns to New York, work and to Vin, he completely freaks out (on the inside) that she is engaged. Vin realizes he has intense romantic feelings towards Jill now that she is taken (he refuses to use the word "love") but being a dumb man, he refuses to tell her how he really feels. Instead he gets even more grumpy (his grumpiness is off the charts and I loved it) and they start to have problems working together. Jill thinks she loves her fiance, but being reunited with Vin starts to make her question things.

Basically, everyone in the world can tell these two love each other but the stubbornness between Jill and Vin prevents them from accepting this. The first 3/4 of this book is so good. Vin and Jill have such a sexually charged relationship - and they also know exactly how to push each other's buttons. Constantly. It made me smile a lot in this book.

"Come here often?" he said dryly, watching as she located Elena's corkscrew and wineglasses without having to search.

"She hosts a lot of our girls' nights,:" she said, defiantly opening the bottle and pouring them two generous portions.

"where you talk about boys and lipstick?" he asked, accepting the glass she handed him."

"God no," she replied. "Mostly we talk about the kind of sex we're not getting."

Vincent choked on his wine. Don't ask. Don't ask.

"What kind of sex is that?"

He'd ask.

Jill merely looked at him over the rim of her wineglass before giving a little shrug. "You know. Hot. Raunchy. Often."

Vin is a leather jacket, dark clothes, sunglass wearing man. He is all grouchy sexiness and I really enjoyed him. His gruffness was sexy as hell (at least in romance book world!) and Jill could give it right back to him. This is the kind of book where the author makes you wait a really, really long time for them to actually admit they like each other and start making out. The sexual tension builds up like crazy, and I love books like that.

I did have a disappointment - the end. After waiting so, so long for these two to get together, I wanted a big, explosive romantic ending. I felt like the reader deserved that! But instead it just falls flat. There is a definitely happy ever after ending, but - I needed something with a little more punch. An ending that matched the high level of sexual tension throughout the book, and I don't think we get that.

But that is really my only complaint. I was happy with the play Jill's fiance was portrayed and how their relationship ended before Vin stepped in. (although Jill chooses not to tell Vin she is no longer engaged and that seemed really weird to me).

Besides the romance, Vin and Jill are investigating a murder - it was okay but I just wanted to turn the page and get back to Vin and Jill dancing around their lust.

I've enjoyed all three books in this series - definitely recommend (besides the ending to this one).

Grade: B

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review



The Morietti family is back again and this time, Vincent Morietti is ready to get cuffed to the woman who owns his heart. Vincent and Jill Henley are NYPD partners. They have this relationship that can be somewhat described as laid back, friendly, and of course filled with so much sexual tension. From the outsider’s perspective, it is so obvious that these two are deeply and sexually attracted to one another. Even the Morietti family already knew that. But for some reason, Jill and Vincent have these blinders on. They both like and care for each other deeply but they never crossed that friendship line. That is until, three months later when Jill returns from Florida and has a big announcement to make. She is engaged.

Shocked, stunned and in disbelief, Vincent doesn’t know what to make of this big news. And it took, Jill getting engaged for Vincent to finally act on his feelings. And as for Jill, she knew when she was back in New York that she made a hasty decision in getting engaged to a man so fast. As these two detective work on solving an unsolved case, will they find themselves solving their own personal feelings for one another?

Cuff Me by Lauren Layne was irresistibly sweet, sexy, lovable and entertaining!!!!! I found myself falling in love with the Morietti family once again as they try to push and urge these two friends/partners that they belong together. This book definitely had this big sexual tension vibe and it makes you want to sit Jill and Vincent down and knock some sense into them. HAHA. But of course Lauren Layne was able to work her romantic magic as she finally made them see what has been standing in front of them. So if you are looking for love story that was fun, sexy and steamy then I highly recommend you to check out Cuff Me.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lauren Layne

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

For the past two books I have been intrigued with Vin Moretti and his partner Jill Henley. You can say that I could ‘feel’ their story even before I started this book. They have the potential to be so good, considering the idea of friends-to-lovers always makes me weak at the knees. I felt giddy when I received the ARC and started reading; even at the same time I knew that expectations could be the downfall of me but couldn’t help it.

And OMG, did Cuff Me deliver!! In fact, I confess that this is the first book this year that I rated over 4-stars. I loved it SO FRICKIN’ MUCH. It hit all the feels in all the right places. I was genuinely going “awwwww” one time, then “omg, gasp!” to “damn it Vin, you idiot!” or “Jill, sweetheart, how could you?” the next time. It was so fricking good and ticked all the boxes in my romance reading preference. Yep, this is my kind of romance.

Let me start with Jill first … she’s the sunshine to Vin’s darkness. Jill is perky, radiant, outgoing, and she has all the love inside of her ready to be given to anyone who could love her back. I loved this girl. I loved that she wasn’t discouraged at all by Vin’s grumpy and brooding mood. She got under Vin’s skin like nobody else.

Of course, later on she did something that made me unhappy – how could you do that to Vin, Jill!! Why can’t you see that he’s trying his best to be the man for you?!?!? – but at the same time I knew that Jill would admit her mistake. Jill is brave and I think her courage is the one solid thing that finally pushes Vin to move forward.

And Vin… OMG I LOVED HIM SO MUCH!! Vin is reserved kind of her, he just didn’t deal with his emotion very much but that made me fall so hard for him. Sure, he was emotionally stunted but it spoke volumes to me because sometimes I feel the same way.

He believed in love. He did. He just didn’t believe in it for him. Not because he had any gory emotional wounds, not because he had some brokenhearted past. He was just ... he didn’t feel like other people did. He wasn’t some sort of sociopathic weirdo, he just had never really absorbed things to his very soul the way his sister, and to a lesser extent his brothers, had.

I truly loved that explanation about Vin. I loved that he didn’t have any traumatic past. Vin is just built that way; he was shy when he was a kid then he becomes more of an observer and might be a little socially challenged with others. I loved his soul-searching moment. I loved his internal emotional conflict (and GAH, the emotion and tension here was just delicious!). In fact there were times when I swore I had tears in my eyes when Vin made his romantic gestures.

Lauren Layne threw the huge plot twist right in the beginning – Jill came back to New York after three months off with an engagement ring on her finger. Usually, I would be very annoyed about this. I hate it when a couple’s romance hurt other people. However, I admit that it worked really well here. That news punches Vin in the guts and he has to deal with the fact that he might lose the only woman he ever loves. Everything afterwards was beautifully engaging for me.

And when they finally get together, it feels like a huge reward to Vin and Jill but also to me as a reader. Their sexy times were delicious, intimate, and hot (one word: cuffs). Then that love declaration by Vin in the end – GAH!! Gold medal for him. Really. Other MF contemporary heroes can take out their notebook and copy Vin’s speech words per words.

There was a secondary plot of a homicide that Vin and Jill have to deal with while they are struggling with their own relationship issue. To be honest, it is not as intriguing to me as much as the romance. I couldn’t care less about the victim nor the suspects. Which is probably why I couldn’t think of this as perfect read yet.

In my humble opinion, this is the best in the series and definitely my most favorite yet from Lauren Layne. I feel sad that the series stop here because I think there are still two Morettis that need their own version of happy ending. Hopefully Layne is willing to reconsider. Elena needs his man, and come on, we can’t let Marco stays with that Barbie right?



A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls



The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ]

Vincent! Finally! Hate to love you trope? Even better!

(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
More reviews and book talk at :

You can find me here too ☞

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try to like this book more than 3 stars. I read the previous book in this series, which I have luke warm feeling. I took a chance and pick up Cuff Me.

The writing is indeed the signature of Miss Layne. The sarcastic sweet dan alive conversations. The romance is OTT just like the other books in this series. I do like Vin. He is a bit dorky when approaching Jill. As a tough cop, he became shy when it comes to romance. Shy and clueless. There is that sweet clueless about him.

Overall i do like this book OK.

3 stars

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent Moretti’s adult life had always involved two infallible constants:
(1) his legendary “whodunit” hunch
(2) Jill Henley
It was just his fucking luck that both of those things would give up on him at the exact same time, leaving him feeling a little lost.
And a lot pissed.

Vincent Moretti and Jill Henley are NYPD’s top homicide detectives and have been partners for 6 years. They understand each other perfectly, even though they are extreme opposites: Jill is happy, talkative and sassy, while Vince is the broody, silent one. Vincent’s family has always thought that they are prefect for each other, but Jill has given up hope that anything will ever happen between them. So after being gone for 3months caring for her mother, Jill surprises everyone by announcing her engagement. And after months of missing his partner, not that he would ever admit it to anyone, the news of her engagement causes a pain that he never expected. Now Vincent will have to convince Jill that she is making a big mistake, before he loses her forever.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It had all of my favorite things: a sassy heroine, a broody and quite hero who is so oblivious to how much he loves the heroine, perfect romance, wonderful and hilarious secondary characters and a mystery murder.

“My brothers said that saying it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. They were wrong. It was the easiest. Because loving you is easy.”

I adored the romance in this book. Vincent is my kind of bookboyfriend: he’s quiet, gruff and broody and I loved seeing how confused he was by the sudden feelings Jill’s absence and then her shocking news caused him. It was adorable watching him slowly, and I mean very slowly, coming to terms with how he really felt about Jill. He’s very reserved and closed-off emotionally, making it hard for others and even for himself to realise his true feelings, but I loved that about him. And Jill was just perfect for him. All she wants is to be loved and to love in return, and thinking that she would never have that from Vincent, she tried to move on. The romance was a very slow burn, which worked well with the story. The sexy times obviously only came at 80%, and damn the handcuff scene was HOT!!!

I really enjoyed Vincent’s family, and his grandmother, Nonna, was a hoot!!! And the murder mystery just added that extra bit of suspense I always crave.

This book was fantastic and a must read for all lovers of romance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another great read by Lauren Layne, loved Cuff Me.

Loved Vincent & Jill. They were entertaining, funny, stubborn, frustrating, loveable and their chemistry was smoking!



Totally enjoyed watching Vincent and Jill fall in love, shame it took them so long to see what we all could clearly see, these two were perfect partners, in work & in life.



What I also loved about Cuff Me was the relationship between the Moretti siblings. While they are each other's biggest supporter, none of them are shy to let each other know exactly what they think & feel. Loved their honesty and how encouraging they were, especially loved how they would talk around Vincent as if he wasn't in the room...



In ending if you're looking for an entertaining storyline with fabulous, lovable characters that will have you turning the pages you will love Cuff Me.
The New York's Finest series has been a great read, each book can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book & series.

*A big thank you to the publisher for the ARC*

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I haven't read the others in this series yet, but I will now !!

Vincent Moretti and Jill are both homicide detectives for the NYPD. They have been partners for 6 years. They are an amazing team, Jill is the good cop to his bad cop, the light to his dark and the fun and perky to his broody self. Jill has also been a part of the Moretti family just as long. She's become best friends with his sister and she absolutely adores his family. She has always hoped to become part of this family....to be more than just a partner to Vinny, but after waiting for so long, she has given up hope.

While being on a three month leave, to take care of her mother in Florida, she meets the man of her dreams. He's sweet, loving, light and attentive....everything that her partner isn't. But most importantly, he really wants to be with her. So when he asks her to marry her, after only knowing each other for weeks, she says yes. Because she wants to be loved, she wants to be part of an us.

To say Vinnie was shocked when his partner came home with a big rock on her finger, is putting it mildly. Poor Vincent didn't know what to do with himself...knowing "his Jill" was gonna marry some other man and leaving him. He really wanted her to stay with him...he really just wanted her.
Vinnie however wants Jill to be happy and he just doesn't think that she'll want him and his broody self. So he tries to back off...but is get's harder each day, knowing that she's gonna leave.

Will he just let her go and be happy of will he finally admit to himself and to her that they have always been more than just work partners.



I really enjoyed the hell out of this book !! It was funny and sweet and just adorable :))

I hope there will be more books to follow this one, but I'm definitely going back to read the previous ones !!

4,5 stars from me

[monica ♪ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This pretty much sums up the entire book:


I knew I liked both Vincent and Jill since their first small appearance in the previous books, that's why I'm so excited to read their story.
And being a fan of friends-to-lovers stories that I am, I was actually expecting a better story. Since it's from LL! I always like her books.

But I'm pretty disappointed with this book. Although I like the usual LL banter, I just don't like the push-pull attitude between Jill and Vincent. Almost the entire story is all about that shit.


Seriously it drives me insane!!
I rolled my eyes more often while reading this book, compared to the previous one.
And a little bit sad because Nonna only got a very small appearance here. I really love her though.

But I'm so glad that the ending is so swoon worthy. How can I not swoon when that grumpy Vincent Moretti saying this:

“My brothers said that saying it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. They were wrong. It was the easiest. Because loving you is easy."




I hope Marco and Elena will get their own story too!

Thanks for the BR, Ami and Jeanne ♥

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuff Me is the third story in Lauren Layne’s New York’s Finest series, centered around a family of police officers. There are four brothers and one sister, two of whom (Luc and Anthony) featured in the first two stories in the series (Frisk Me and Steal Me) both of which I quite enjoyed, so I was looking forward to reading Vincent’s story. In particular, I was also intrigued because I knew it would feature a ‘workplace romance’ of sorts – that of Vincent and his partner Jill. They’ve been paired together on cases for six years, have a solid friendship and working relationship, but have never veered into inappropriate territory – until now.

Jill has just returned from three months away taking care of her injured mother, and she’s come back with a big surprise – while away she met someone, and got engaged! Vincent, who had one of those ‘absence makes the heart grows fonder’ epiphanies while Jill was away was all set to take a big leap into the unknown and see if things between them could take a turn in a new direction, so her news knocks him down – but not out. He wants Jill to be happy and senses that her relationship with her new fiancé isn’t all she wants it to be. But is he willing to risk opening up to her about his true feelings?

This is a slow burn romance with oodles of sexual tension (my favorite!). With Jill’s return, she and Vincent discover that the easy partnership they’ve had for six years has disappeared and in its place is a cautious, awkward, trying to get back to the way things were, friendship. Vincent’s tendency to hide his emotions serves him well as a homicide detective, but not so much on the relationship front. Realizing how much he missed Jill has made him determined to start things off with her on a different foot when she returns – a plan Jill foils with the news of her engagement. Instead he’s got to figure out a way to cope with the idea that he could lose his partner for good.

On Jill’s end, she’s just doing what she needs to do to move on with her life. She’s had unresolved feelings for Vincent for a long time, but has come to the realization that if she wants a husband and children, it’s not going to be with him. Her fiancé Tom on the other hand, is perfect – a true gentleman, wealthy but not a snob, friendly, good in the sack, a mirror image of Jill herself. But now that she’s back home, she has a harder time convincing herself that she’s doing the right thing. There is no cheating in the story, and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that Jill obviously doesn’t end up with Tom. He’s a good catalyst for Jill and Vincent to deal with the issues between them though. I felt a little bad for Tom at first as he obviously cares a lot about Jill, but he seems to do alright for himself in the end.

By the time Vincent and Jill acknowledge what’s between them and get down to the ‘down and dirty’ (and whoo boy, they light things up in some very sexy scenes!) we’re well into the second half of the story. I am glad that they didn’t rush into anything, and that it happens in a realistic time frame. Even when they get to the good stuff, there’s lots still to work through. Though they’ve been partners at work, it’s a whole other ball game to be partners in an intimate relationship. They have to learn to communicate and, in Jill’s case, to recognize the effort that Vincent is going through to put himself out there for her. He’s not vocal, but he works at showing Jill that he really loves her, and it takes her a while to recognize it.

The Moretti family is highly entertaining. With everyone (save for Mom and Nonna) in law enforcement, or the criminal justice system (Vincent’s sister Elena is a defense lawyer, much to the cop brothers’ dismay) Sunday family brunches are a highly spirited affair. Jill has a special place as Vincent’s work partner but has become good friends with Elena too, and they have some fun scenes together. The brothers act like real brothers, so there are lots of laugh out loud moments, and some serious ones too as Vincent’s brothers (and his dad Tony) help him see that Jill is the one for him.

Throughout the course of the story, there is a murder mystery playing out, so while Jill and Vincent are working through their own issues, they are also tracking a killer and that aspect of the story is equally enjoyable, including how Jill and Vincent work together and their individual roles in solving a crime that make them such good partners. I had no idea who the murderer was (they do solve the case by the end) so it’s well plotted and keeps some good suspense running through the story. Cuff Me perfectly blends family, work and romance into a delightful contemporary story.

Note: a copy of this story was provided for review from Grand Central Publishing

This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

AHHH!!! I. loved. this. book!!!

If you know me, then you know I’m a massive Lauren Layne fan. Her books are just contemporary romance heaven and I always look forward to all her releases. Cuff Me was my most anticipated read of hers, and it didn’t disappoint at all. In fact, Cuff Me is my favorite of the New York’s Finest series and so far my FAVORITE LL book ever!

You know those series where you’re just WAITING for a certain couple to get their book? There’s all this buildup for them and you have all these expectations that you hope will be met? Well, Cuff Me was that book for me. I’d been dying to read Vincent and Jill’s story ever since meeting them in Frisk Me, and Lauren Layne gave me everything I wanted and more with this book. The romance is slow, but it’s absolutely filled with sexual tension. This is a bit of the hate-to-love-you trope, a bit of opposites-attract and friends-to-lovers. LL did a brilliant job blending all these tropes together. I wholeheartedly adored Cuff Me – it’s sweet, sexy, funny, and all-around an irresistible read.

Their relationship had always been both horribly complicated and wonderfully simple.
Those two elements canceled each other out so that when it came right down to it, Jill and Vincent were beyond definition.
They simply were.

Vincent Moretti and Jill Henley are partners and homicide detectives for the NYPD. There’s a bit of love/hate going on, and a healthy dose of lust too – and while it’s obvious to everyone how in love with each other Jill and Vin are, these two are absolutely clueless about how the other feels. But no matter what they feel, they’ve always had each others’ backs. That is, until Jill blindsides Vin by coming back home after a trip… engaged.

Jill has loved Vin since forever – and even more than just her partner, he’s family to her. But it’s been six years since they were first partnered together, and Jill just isn’t sure anymore that Vin could reciprocate her feelings – so she jumps into an engagement with another man, all the while still loving Vin.

Vin has always been the quiet, shy one ever since he was a boy, so he’s not adept at expressing his feelings, but he knows he has to try in order to win Jill back. And when he finds out that Jill is engaged to another man, it awakens this jealous, possessive, alpha side of him that is seriously the hottest thing ever. And when Vin is determined to do something, whether it’s trying to solve a murder, or in this case, win over the woman in his heart, there’s nothing that can stop him. Except maybe his own fears of loving and being loved, but that’s what Jill and his family are there for, to knock some sense into him. ;)

“My brothers said that saying it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. They were wrong. It was the easiest. Because loving you is easy.”

I adored Jill so much. She’s just so happy and light compared to Vin’s broody and dark, and while she doesn’t make the best decision getting engaged to a man she doesn’t love, it does do what she’s always wanted: make Vin realize his feelings for her. And Vin, while frustrating, is so sweet and adoring of Jill – even though he struggles with showing her that, you can’t help but love him for it. These two make such a heart-warming couple that my heart melted every time they were together in the book.

Lauren Layne has once again written a brilliantly sexy and romantic read. I loved Cuff Me! If you love some men-in-uniform, you definitely need to get your hands on the Moretti brothers, especially Vin. Now I can’t help but hope that LL will write another book for the fourth Moretti brother, who we get to know a lot better in Cuff Me!

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1PvurJF
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1TRTIgJ
Audible: http://amzn.to/1RrvbSj

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[Ksenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I admit I had difficulties rating this book. On one hand I enjoyed this book, on the other I had a lot of issues, and I can’t look past them.

Jill and Vincent are long-time partners and best friends. Being a homicide detective is hard, but they make a good pair. It’s easy for Vincent to be a “bad cop”, when Jill is a natural “good cop”.

"Jill Henley was Vincent’s opposite in every way.
Jill was chipper, charming, and smiley.
Vincent was… none of those things."

Both of them however are too afraid to admit romantic feelings toward each other.

When Jill’s mother got ill, she fled to Florida to take care of her. There she met Tom, handsome rich and attentive man. Now she is coming back to NY as an engaged woman…

Lauren Layne definitely knows how to write a good love story, she is one of my favorite authors. And there were a lot of things that I love in Cuff Me: her trademark humor, strong interesting characters, Moretties. Oh, Moretties… It was like coming home to this loving family.

What are my issues then?

1. First of all Vincent is not my favorite type of love interests in romance books. I always prefer a charming heartthrob to reserved and broody hero. Of all Moretti brothers my favorite one is Luc, and I enjoyed his story Frisk Me(the first book in this series) the most. Vin with his gruffness and difficulties to express his feelings just didn’t win my heart.

2. There was so little of Nonna in this book. Well, I know, she is the secondary character, but I missed her antics.

3. And here comes my biggest issue – the romance itself.

For the big part of the book Jill was engaged to Tom. While there wasn’t any cheating and actually there wasn’t a love triangle, because (who am I kidding) we all knew from the first page who was the One for Jill, but I wish Vincent and Jill had more time as a couple.

And it took them sooooo long to admit their mutual feelings. It was amusing at first, but became more and more frustrating as the story progressed.

4. Vin and Jill worked on a case, and this mystery run alongside the romantic story. In truth I wasn’t invested in it at all.

Cuff Me turned out to be my least favorite book in this series so far. Despite all my issues I still enjoyed this book and recommend it to those readers who like romance with humor, family. Hopefully there would be more books in this series. We’ve finally met Marco Moretti and Elena definitely deserves to get her own book.

You can find my reviews:

[Mandapanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Friends-to-Lovers romance. Third in a series but I haven't read the previous two and I don't feel I missed anything. This romance was slow burn. The MCs have been (Detective) partners for 6 years. Jill has been secretly pining after Vince but he being the gruff, silent, emotionally retarded man that he is, has never noticed. When Jill comes back from holidays engaged to be married, things start to fall apart.

These two don't get together till about 70 or 80% in the book and their nervous, half-hearted attempts at discussing their relationship are often interrupted. This creates plenty of UST but for me from about 50% onwards the obstacles to their relationship started to feel forced. So the story lost some of its momentum at that point.

There's a dash of detective mystery thrown in which helps to move their feelings along and also adds some depth to the story. I'd like to see this author write a true romantic suspense novel because I think she'd do it well.

I'm going to go back and start again with book one.

[maggieandteddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove right into this book without reading books 1 & 2. I wasn't lost at all. There's plenty of info on the other 2 brothers- Luc & Anthony Moretti and the Moretti family. Elena Moretti is Jill's best friend.
The H, Vincent is an NYPD detective. The h, Jill is his partner.
*possible spoilers*
I absolutely loved this book! I really enjoy LL's writing & this is NO exception. The beginning of the book is so great in setting the scene and the characters are so alive to me. The dialogue is so fun. There's constant banter between Jill & Vin and also Vin's brothers and sister (Elena)
Vincent is a stoic, gruff kind of guy. Jill is perky and sassy. As Vin says, she has a light on her.
They are different as night and day as you could get.
At the beginning of the book, Jill's been away for 3 months taking care of her mom in Florida.
Around the time that she's due back, Vin decides he's going to tell Jill how he feels about her. How does he feel about her? He's not sure since he's no good at relationships. Never had one. Vin is a lone wolf. He has a great big loving family and he feels like a loner.
He misses his chance to bare his soul since Jill announces that she's engaged! She met a man while she was gone.
About 1/2 of the book is Jill trying to convince herself that she's meant to be with the om.
Vin keeps quiet. He's devastated. They continue to work together. I love how they're so different but they know each other so well. Vin has held back his feelings for Jill -to keep from being rejected. He realizes that it's too late. There is no cheating.
The om/Jill engagement went on a little too long. I was yelling at my kindle "just talk about it!"
In real life there are real people that stay closed off their entire life. They get worse as they get older. Vin does show some growth, but not in a fake way. Jill is oblivious sometimes and realizes her feelings.
Jill and Vin are trying to solve a homicide case. Even one of the suspects notices the sparks between Jil and Vin.
I loved the ending. Very sweet & sudden. NO epilogue. I'm deducting .25 star for that & the om for too long.
Thanks so much to my friend hulagirl(Chele) for the recco !
4.75 stars. I hope that there is another book (Elena) so I can catch up on the Moretti family.

[Jessica Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men can be so blind when there is a great woman in front of them. They don't realize how good they are until they find another guy. That's what happens in this book unfortunately it took forever for Vin to realize he loved her. I gave it 4 stars but sometimes it was a 3 hoping the next one is better.