What do you think?
Rate this book
Lora Kate London
Party Central
Lora Kate London has had a string of meanless jobs and she's finally ready to make something of herself. Her roommate kind of bailed on her and she may have to give her coffee maker a funeral. But there's one person she can always count on, her best friend Sam Bridges. They've been friends for five years and she's his number one.L.K. lands a job as a party planner with a boss that is so hot he makes her melt right into her Jimmy Choos, but Sam doesn't trust him. At her first party, she ends up forgetting the cake and accidentally flashes the caterer! Luckily, her boss, Ben Sparks, thinks she's adorable. He buys her presents and gives amazing kisses, but hings get a little dicey when Sam starts dating her new roommate. She might be a little jealous, but she shouldn't be. She has a hot boyfriend and Sam's just her best friend. Right? Who will capture L.K.'s heart? Bestie? Or Boss Man?
398 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
16 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 3, 2020
This was the perfect, light-hearted read for these stressful times. I don't read much romance but really enjoyed this book. It had a delightful cast of characters and a happy ending! If you enjoy clean romance, you would really enjoy this book. I look forward to following Lora Kate on the rest of her journey!
July 23, 2020
Very cute, sweet, light read that’s the feel-good distraction we could all use right now!
September 8, 2018
This was a fun read by Mandy Lawson. I hope she continues her writing and adds more stories to the collection. It's refreshing to read something hopeful and fun these days. I highly recommend this as a quick "sit on the beach, lounge in a hammock, escape the mundane of life" kind of reads.
August 4, 2018
Party planning Christian girl
A breathtaking change from my normal genre. This sweet story of a young lady with morals kept me turning the pages. Ready for the second installment.
A breathtaking change from my normal genre. This sweet story of a young lady with morals kept me turning the pages. Ready for the second installment.
February 15, 2021
In The spirit of the season (Valentine’s Day, of course) I did some reading outside my genre—to whit, a fluffy little rom-com by one of my Twitter pals, Mandy Lawson. I own all the books in this series, but Party Central (Book 1) is my first foray. It won’t be my last.
Party Central focuses on the trials and travails, both personal and romantic (actually inexorably intertwined) of Lora Kate (LK) London, a twenty-something living in an expensive Manhattan apartment, who suddenly finds herself unemployed and sans roommate. LK’s resources are limited—a pair of wealthy and doting parents (who, she discovers, have actually been covering her half of the rent), and a bestie: Sam, her friend from college (NYU), who is her rock, shoulder to cry on, and supplier of cake in times of need (which seem to come fast and furious). Sam, a friend from her days at NYU, is now a weatherman at a NY TV station, and obviously besotted with (totally oblivious) LK.
In short order the scatterbrained and imminently klutzy LK manages to land both a new roomie (Lyndsey) and a job—as a party planner for the titular Party Central. Unlike her previous (mainly coffee-house) jobs, LK suddenly finds herself well paid, and the object of attention of her hunky, smooth-talking boss, Ben. Sam, in the meanwhile, starts to date Lyndsey. Romantic tension all over the shop…
Initially, I have to admit I didn’t care for LK as a character. She seemed shallow, obtuse, and spoiled rotten. But… but… as I read on, and came to know her, I actually changed my mind—I found her to be caring, spunky, determined, and possessing a surprisingly strong moral compass and faith. Ultimately, LK is loveable, and I was rooting for her (and all choked up) by the happily-for-now end of the story. I think if Party Central had a theme song, for me it would be Vanessa Williams’ Save the Best for Last: “Sometimes the very thing you’re looking for is the one thing you can’t see…”
All in all, Party Central is a fun, fluffy, tale that’s great for a beach read or snuggled up by the fireplace with a cup of tea (as I did). I’ll be reading the next one to see where Ms. Lawson takes LK next, and the pitfalls that await her (and her loving heart).
Party Central focuses on the trials and travails, both personal and romantic (actually inexorably intertwined) of Lora Kate (LK) London, a twenty-something living in an expensive Manhattan apartment, who suddenly finds herself unemployed and sans roommate. LK’s resources are limited—a pair of wealthy and doting parents (who, she discovers, have actually been covering her half of the rent), and a bestie: Sam, her friend from college (NYU), who is her rock, shoulder to cry on, and supplier of cake in times of need (which seem to come fast and furious). Sam, a friend from her days at NYU, is now a weatherman at a NY TV station, and obviously besotted with (totally oblivious) LK.
In short order the scatterbrained and imminently klutzy LK manages to land both a new roomie (Lyndsey) and a job—as a party planner for the titular Party Central. Unlike her previous (mainly coffee-house) jobs, LK suddenly finds herself well paid, and the object of attention of her hunky, smooth-talking boss, Ben. Sam, in the meanwhile, starts to date Lyndsey. Romantic tension all over the shop…
Initially, I have to admit I didn’t care for LK as a character. She seemed shallow, obtuse, and spoiled rotten. But… but… as I read on, and came to know her, I actually changed my mind—I found her to be caring, spunky, determined, and possessing a surprisingly strong moral compass and faith. Ultimately, LK is loveable, and I was rooting for her (and all choked up) by the happily-for-now end of the story. I think if Party Central had a theme song, for me it would be Vanessa Williams’ Save the Best for Last: “Sometimes the very thing you’re looking for is the one thing you can’t see…”
All in all, Party Central is a fun, fluffy, tale that’s great for a beach read or snuggled up by the fireplace with a cup of tea (as I did). I’ll be reading the next one to see where Ms. Lawson takes LK next, and the pitfalls that await her (and her loving heart).
September 10, 2019
Do Not Underestimate Lora Kate!
Disclaimer: It is difficult to review this book because I am currently reading Ms. Lawson's follow-up to L.K's adventures, from NY to LA, and her writing and confidence have improved by leaps and bounds. I am loving the latest book.
This is Ms. Lawson's debut novel. As I understand, it was written a number of years ago and then picked up again (thank goodness). It is lovely, sweet, and exuberant, just like Lora Kate. And like L.K., it should not be underestimated. It may initially come across as a light, beach read. It and Ms. Lawson are far more than that.
L.K is a strong, female lead. She is a young woman of conviction and perseverance. She hides her strength behind a bubbly personality and awesome shoes, but this woman gets what she wants and backs it up with hard work and skill. She dives into work projects and relationships and succeeds at both. She is no pushover.
This is a Christian romance and L.K. has made the conscious decision to wait until marriage. She does not apologize for this, nor should she. When her boss pressures her into an inappropriate working relationship (okay, let's face it, the dude sexually harasses her and she should have sued him). L.K. shuts him down without batting an eye. She does not wallow. She picks herself up and has the confidence to recognize that she has marketable skills that will be appreciated elsewhere - like in the L.A. office of a rival party planner.
I love the relationship between L.A. and her best friend, Sam. They don't go from friends to lovers, but they do recognize their love for each other and enjoy a lot of kissing.
Please give this debut novel by the amazing Mandy Lawson a try. You won't be sorry.
Can't wait to read about L.K. taking L.A. by storm as boss-lady extraordinaire!
Disclaimer: It is difficult to review this book because I am currently reading Ms. Lawson's follow-up to L.K's adventures, from NY to LA, and her writing and confidence have improved by leaps and bounds. I am loving the latest book.
This is Ms. Lawson's debut novel. As I understand, it was written a number of years ago and then picked up again (thank goodness). It is lovely, sweet, and exuberant, just like Lora Kate. And like L.K., it should not be underestimated. It may initially come across as a light, beach read. It and Ms. Lawson are far more than that.
L.K is a strong, female lead. She is a young woman of conviction and perseverance. She hides her strength behind a bubbly personality and awesome shoes, but this woman gets what she wants and backs it up with hard work and skill. She dives into work projects and relationships and succeeds at both. She is no pushover.
This is a Christian romance and L.K. has made the conscious decision to wait until marriage. She does not apologize for this, nor should she. When her boss pressures her into an inappropriate working relationship (okay, let's face it, the dude sexually harasses her and she should have sued him). L.K. shuts him down without batting an eye. She does not wallow. She picks herself up and has the confidence to recognize that she has marketable skills that will be appreciated elsewhere - like in the L.A. office of a rival party planner.
I love the relationship between L.A. and her best friend, Sam. They don't go from friends to lovers, but they do recognize their love for each other and enjoy a lot of kissing.
Please give this debut novel by the amazing Mandy Lawson a try. You won't be sorry.
Can't wait to read about L.K. taking L.A. by storm as boss-lady extraordinaire!
August 31, 2019
L.K. (Lora Kate) London needs a job and a new roommate. Her best friend Sam does what he can to help, but is surprised when she manages to land a job as an event planner as well as snag a roommate Lynsey. She's not happy when Lynsey starts to date Sam, but on the other hand, her new boss Ben is buying L.K. gifts and taking her out.
I love a best-friends-to-lovers book, and this is a fun read. I admit that I never warmed much to L.K. She's spoiled and immature, often acting more like sixteen than the twenty-three-year-old college graduate she actually is. Her behavior, especially in the workplace, was somewhat unrealistic and/or naive. (Nobody gets a diamond necklace from their boss in the first week without something else going on) Sam, however, is a doll. The story is told in L.K.'s first-person POV, but I'd have loved to have the story alternate with Sam's. He's kind and looks out for L.K. who definitely needs all the help she can get.
This is a cute story and a clean Christian book, perfect for the beach or a cozy fireplace read.
I love a best-friends-to-lovers book, and this is a fun read. I admit that I never warmed much to L.K. She's spoiled and immature, often acting more like sixteen than the twenty-three-year-old college graduate she actually is. Her behavior, especially in the workplace, was somewhat unrealistic and/or naive. (Nobody gets a diamond necklace from their boss in the first week without something else going on) Sam, however, is a doll. The story is told in L.K.'s first-person POV, but I'd have loved to have the story alternate with Sam's. He's kind and looks out for L.K. who definitely needs all the help she can get.
This is a cute story and a clean Christian book, perfect for the beach or a cozy fireplace read.
May 8, 2019
A delightful read
I’ll admit, it took me a bit to get used to LK. I mean, I thought I talked fast! But she grows on you. I read the entire book in one day without hardly putting it down. The strong voice and pace keeps the reader engaged. But I have to say, I think I kept reading for Sam. He’s my favorite.
LK is a bit selfish, kinda immature and flighty, but she means well. She has a really big heart and when the training wheels come off, she needs to figure out how to live on her own in the big city. She lands a job at a party planning form, and you’d think that’s where the story would end but no her adventure is just getting started. LK has a penchant for getting herself into tight spots and thank goodness her best friend Sam has a talent for rescuing her. A fun read for anyone looking for a clean, Christian book that’s not preachy. It’s silly and sweet and delightful.
I’ll admit, it took me a bit to get used to LK. I mean, I thought I talked fast! But she grows on you. I read the entire book in one day without hardly putting it down. The strong voice and pace keeps the reader engaged. But I have to say, I think I kept reading for Sam. He’s my favorite.
LK is a bit selfish, kinda immature and flighty, but she means well. She has a really big heart and when the training wheels come off, she needs to figure out how to live on her own in the big city. She lands a job at a party planning form, and you’d think that’s where the story would end but no her adventure is just getting started. LK has a penchant for getting herself into tight spots and thank goodness her best friend Sam has a talent for rescuing her. A fun read for anyone looking for a clean, Christian book that’s not preachy. It’s silly and sweet and delightful.
September 24, 2019
This one was on my TBR for a while and I'm so glad I finally took some time to read it. I'm a huge romance fan and this is a sweet, hilarious romance with a main character who is so relatable you'll be LOL'ing throughout. Our heroine, Lora Kate, falls upon some misfortune and loses her job. Not to worry, because she motivates herself (insert inspiring Alicia Keys song here! Haha!) to find a new job as a party planner with super-hot new boss Ben. He's exactly what she thinks she wants...but wait, her best friend Sam is now dating her new roommate and she sure doesn't like the feeling she gets when they kiss. Sam is the type of adorable best friend that will buy a girl tampons, even if it means his friends will chide him for it. His love for her is palpable, but she's not interested. Or, is she? Such a cute, funny romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, and this is only the start to what's sure to be a great series!
May 12, 2021
This is my first romance novel that I have ever read. It was recommended to me by several friends and in truth, I also know the author. Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, this book was an absolute joy. Lora Kate London is a twenty-something woman trying to make her own way in the world. Finding a job, a roommate, and romance are all high on the list. I can best describe Lora Kate as an Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) type of character: cute as a button and loaded with charm. In other words, hilarious. The sweet Hallmark-movie plot has echoes of The Devil Wears Prada and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Take a chance on this book and I don’t think you will regret a single page. I am excited to see what happens to Lora Kate in the rest of this series.
April 4, 2021
L.K. is fun-loving and flawed, as we all are at that age. Kudos, to her for sticking to her morals. That is a trait that is seldom portrayed in modern society, or in movies and literature. I loved Sam from the moment he paid her electric bill. Because a man that pays the bills has more value than any gift from Tiffany's. L.K. is easy to relate to as she struggles to balance her dreams and emotions while holding on to her faith. She grew and matured in this story. I look forward to her continued growth and self-discovery in future adventures.
December 4, 2018
I wanted to like this book, and wanted to rate it highly, but there were too many problematic elements. The idea for the story is one I like, the basic premise of the characters and the plot line is okay, but the execution is flawed. It has the feeling of a rough draft or embellished outline. It needs some reworking and editing to flesh out the characters and the story.
June 5, 2019
Highly entertaining light read about a young woman trying to find her way in the big city. The main character is fairly clueless and incredibly self-centered, but she is a go-getter who wants to better her life. Luckily, she has parents who have been financing her and good friends to keep her in ice cream and cake. Great summer contemporary romance read.
January 21, 2020
I read this on my smartphone. It was easy to follow along.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down until it was all read.
The author writes in such a way that she pulls you into the story with her and I love that.
I look forward to reading her other two books.
I gave her 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed Party Central!
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down until it was all read.
The author writes in such a way that she pulls you into the story with her and I love that.
I look forward to reading her other two books.
I gave her 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed Party Central!
January 23, 2021
'Party Central' is a light read with a Legally Blonde feel. A sweet, clean romance featuring Lora Cake London, I mean Lora Kate, a woman who is the embodiment of frosting. With a humorous and sassy inner monologue and an outward gung ho attitude, L.K. is a delight to follow as she navigates through her latest job, one that is looking more and more like it might make her sweetest dreams come true.
February 16, 2020
L.K can be a handful to take... a bit selfish, kind of immature... but despite of it, she has a big heart and is a delight to read. Oh and Sam! You are wonderful, the most wonderful best friend, always there for L.K.
A delightful, clean sweet read.
A delightful, clean sweet read.
April 13, 2021
This was a great read. It was light hearted and fun and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. It was easy to get swept away by Lora Kate’s personality and cheer for her. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 24, 2019
LK is a breath of fresh and funny air. It's a great book to read when you want something light and happy.
July 24, 2019
A very sweet read
The word that describes this story is sweet. It’s romantic and funny. The main characters are down to earth and relatable.
The word that describes this story is sweet. It’s romantic and funny. The main characters are down to earth and relatable.
April 11, 2022
While the concept of this book is good, it is mainly all dialogue. I wanted to learn more about the characters than read what they were saying or thinking.
May 30, 2022
This is a fun read, something for summer, maybe the beach. If you're looking for something to take your mind of the troubles of the world, this is it.
April 23, 2020
The fact I wanted to give Party Central six stars but couldn't, should tell you all you need to know.
I cannot remember a book, that's had me smiling when I've been reading it, virtually all the way through and smiling when I'm just thinking about reading it.
The characters are well written, entirely believable. I know / have known a few Lori Kate, Sam and Ben types and that's what makes this book so great, the characters are completely relatable, which makes this read so much fun.
There is a good pace to the story and it really needs to be made into a movie.
So if you're looking for a great, fun, relatable read with a good pace, go grab this.
I'm off to order the next instalment now.
I cannot remember a book, that's had me smiling when I've been reading it, virtually all the way through and smiling when I'm just thinking about reading it.
The characters are well written, entirely believable. I know / have known a few Lori Kate, Sam and Ben types and that's what makes this book so great, the characters are completely relatable, which makes this read so much fun.
There is a good pace to the story and it really needs to be made into a movie.
So if you're looking for a great, fun, relatable read with a good pace, go grab this.
I'm off to order the next instalment now.
July 28, 2022
I was excited to start Party Central. L.K. seemed like a fun character and the premise of the story was solid, but unfortunately, the way this story was written fell flat for me.
It’s always hard for me to put down a book, especially as a fellow author who knows how difficult it is to publish one, but this story didn’t feel finished. It read more like a draft or an outline that hasn’t been filled out yet.
Everything was told to you and there was no flow or characterization, just a list of what has happening with random thoughts of L.K.’s thrown in. The punctuation was strange as well, especially the large amount of parenthesis.
This story has so much potential, but in its current state, I couldn’t continue to read it.
It’s always hard for me to put down a book, especially as a fellow author who knows how difficult it is to publish one, but this story didn’t feel finished. It read more like a draft or an outline that hasn’t been filled out yet.
Everything was told to you and there was no flow or characterization, just a list of what has happening with random thoughts of L.K.’s thrown in. The punctuation was strange as well, especially the large amount of parenthesis.
This story has so much potential, but in its current state, I couldn’t continue to read it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews