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Central Park Pact #3
Marriage on Madison Avenue
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, the “queen of witty dialogue” (Rachel Van Dyken, New York Times bestselling author), comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.
Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.
But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?
Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.
But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
854 people are currently reading
13686 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Layne
61 books10.5k followersLauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,404 reviews
August 24, 2020
Glamorous spotlight of towering skyscrapers and notorious, entertaining, shiny, individual, fast, cruel, exhausting life of NYC plans intercepted with the third book Central Park Pact. It’s swoony, funny, romantic, passionate, soft, sweet reading, kind of book well fitted with your cookie dough ice cream or chilled refreshing glass of Rose (all those Valentine day images made me change my drink selection)! Eat, pray to the publishers for ARC COPY and love every page of it!
So let’s say 3.5 rounded up to 4 shiny, child-hood love, best friends to fake fiancées to lovers stars!!!
What I dislike about this book:
Having hard time to connect with heroine: If I compare Audrey with the other book’s heroines, I absolutely say Naomi and Claire are far better and mature, well-developed characters for me. I was always doubtful to read about Audrey’s own story because I always found her a little pretentious, spoiled brat, Barbie doll, living in her fake social media world. But I loved her change, growing up, shaping her decisions about life. She was still reminded me of those drama queens on TV shows of course Audrey is not heartless, opportunist, self-obsessed young woman like it is characterized by Ryan Murphy shows (mostly played by Emma Roberts) her sweet, vulnerable sides mostly reminds us more Clueless character “Cher” than Channel characters from Scream Queens.
What I liked about this book:
Even he seemed like down to earth, party boy and a real womanizer, Clarke was the mature, caring, affectionate man. I loved their connection and hardly deniable attraction. They really complete each other. The parts they start to realize they were their person from the beginning and they spent their times to deny their feelings were so sweet moments of the book.
There is last moment dramatic part as we expected but it also ended with one of the most romantic hero speech which warm my heart and made me sigh a couple of times.
This is sweet, foreseeable book had a little clichés but good kind of clichés we enjoy at all those rom-coms!
Sometimes the human soul needs to read or watch something terrifying to bring out the adrenalin rush! And sometimes we need to take a break from the life and lie down on a comfy couch and read or watch something sweet, heart-felting and relaxing to lighten our mood. This is definitely a mood changer like somebody turned on the lights at your happy place located in your mind. So if you crave something soft, light to bring out your inner happiness, go and read this book!
So much special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books to share this enjoyable, sweetest ARC COPY in exchange my honest review. It made a hopeless, undeniable romantic’s (of course that’s me) day!
So let’s say 3.5 rounded up to 4 shiny, child-hood love, best friends to fake fiancées to lovers stars!!!
What I dislike about this book:
Having hard time to connect with heroine: If I compare Audrey with the other book’s heroines, I absolutely say Naomi and Claire are far better and mature, well-developed characters for me. I was always doubtful to read about Audrey’s own story because I always found her a little pretentious, spoiled brat, Barbie doll, living in her fake social media world. But I loved her change, growing up, shaping her decisions about life. She was still reminded me of those drama queens on TV shows of course Audrey is not heartless, opportunist, self-obsessed young woman like it is characterized by Ryan Murphy shows (mostly played by Emma Roberts) her sweet, vulnerable sides mostly reminds us more Clueless character “Cher” than Channel characters from Scream Queens.
What I liked about this book:
Even he seemed like down to earth, party boy and a real womanizer, Clarke was the mature, caring, affectionate man. I loved their connection and hardly deniable attraction. They really complete each other. The parts they start to realize they were their person from the beginning and they spent their times to deny their feelings were so sweet moments of the book.
There is last moment dramatic part as we expected but it also ended with one of the most romantic hero speech which warm my heart and made me sigh a couple of times.
This is sweet, foreseeable book had a little clichés but good kind of clichés we enjoy at all those rom-coms!
Sometimes the human soul needs to read or watch something terrifying to bring out the adrenalin rush! And sometimes we need to take a break from the life and lie down on a comfy couch and read or watch something sweet, heart-felting and relaxing to lighten our mood. This is definitely a mood changer like somebody turned on the lights at your happy place located in your mind. So if you crave something soft, light to bring out your inner happiness, go and read this book!
So much special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books to share this enjoyable, sweetest ARC COPY in exchange my honest review. It made a hopeless, undeniable romantic’s (of course that’s me) day!
May 29, 2020
I cursed for a good 5 minutes after finishing this book and you wanna know why?
Because, because.....ugh, Layne did a fade to black.
A fucking fade to black! Who tf does that after making us wade through 2 books with the absolutely undeniable sexual tension between Clarke and Audrey?
Really, I despair. What is the world coming to when you can't even get good ol' fashioned smut in a romance book?
Well?
March 13, 2020
This was SUCH a fun read! I honestly didn't expect that have such a good time jumping into the third and final book of a series, but the great thing is that these books truly do read as stand-alone novels with character crossovers. Marriage on Madison Avenue was such a respite from a crazy hectic week that I'm ecstatic thinking about going back to the beginning and reading books 1 & 2. Lucky for me, I won the first book in an Instagram giveaway, so I can start right away! Highly recommended for fans of Christina Lauren.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
February 24, 2020
Marriage on Madison Avenue focuses on best friends Audrey and Clarke. They've loved each other since they were children, but strictly in a platonic way. When meddling parents and gossipmongers go a step too far, they decide the best way to get back at them is to pretend they're engaged. But as their charade continues, they begin to realize that the only ones they're fooling may be themselves.
This story is oh so charming and cotton-candy sweet, perhaps even more so than the other two books in this series. It's light, fluffy, never too serious, and comes with its own happily ever after. But that sweetness comes across as a little superficial at times. The two main characters are fairly bland, and their personalities don't ever congeal into real three-dimensional people. I kept waiting for something to happen that tugs at my heartstrings or makes my heart skip a beat, but nothing really did. The reading experience felt pleasant throughout, without any uncomfortable or exciting moments.
Perhaps the reason this story never became more than superficial to me is that there's some distance between the reader and the characters. We are never brought into their minds to fully understand their thoughts and feelings. Instead, there's a lot of telling, but not a lot of showing. It's never clear why Audrey and Clarke started seeing each other as more than friends, other than we are told that it's so. For a romance, this story is also completely without heat or urgency, giving it a sterilized feeling. There are no blush-worthy moments at all, as every single possible one has been sanitized out.
In the end, this was a mostly enjoyable end to a fairly pleasant series. To say there is anything more than that would be overstating it. But it's fun to indulge in an escapist read every now and then, something that doesn't demand anything from me intellectually or emotionally. And this fulfills that just fine.
This story is oh so charming and cotton-candy sweet, perhaps even more so than the other two books in this series. It's light, fluffy, never too serious, and comes with its own happily ever after. But that sweetness comes across as a little superficial at times. The two main characters are fairly bland, and their personalities don't ever congeal into real three-dimensional people. I kept waiting for something to happen that tugs at my heartstrings or makes my heart skip a beat, but nothing really did. The reading experience felt pleasant throughout, without any uncomfortable or exciting moments.
Perhaps the reason this story never became more than superficial to me is that there's some distance between the reader and the characters. We are never brought into their minds to fully understand their thoughts and feelings. Instead, there's a lot of telling, but not a lot of showing. It's never clear why Audrey and Clarke started seeing each other as more than friends, other than we are told that it's so. For a romance, this story is also completely without heat or urgency, giving it a sterilized feeling. There are no blush-worthy moments at all, as every single possible one has been sanitized out.
In the end, this was a mostly enjoyable end to a fairly pleasant series. To say there is anything more than that would be overstating it. But it's fun to indulge in an escapist read every now and then, something that doesn't demand anything from me intellectually or emotionally. And this fulfills that just fine.
September 23, 2021
Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne is a 2020 Gallery Books publication.
A wonderful conclusion to the Central Park Pact trilogy!
Audrey Tate is happy for her friends who have found true love, but she’s still traumatized by her involvement with the married man that had brought them together in the first place. For Audrey, the fairy tale, happily ever after dream is over-
However, an online troll has somehow managed to obtain personal information about her past and is threatening to expose all her secrets.
Meanwhile, her very best friend, Clarke, is having his own crisis. Hi ex-girlfriend is back in town and has joined forces with his mother in hopes of rekindling their relationship.
The two pals put their heads together and decide to pretend they are engaged long enough for their pests to either get the message or move on to other things.
For Audrey, pretending to be in love with Clarke doesn’t come easy, but Clarke is feeling a little confused suddenly. As time passes, the entire charade begins to snowball out of control, as a new awkwardness build between the longtime friends.
Did Clarke’s old flame make Audrey feel… Jealous?? Really?? Is Clarke having sensual fantasies about... Audrey?? Really??
This is such a cute story. I am a sucker for friends to lovers’ tropes, so this one really hit the spot. The tone is light and flirty, but a few heartwarming and emotional moments add depth and complement the smiles and laughter.
I wasn’t sure about Layne’s decision to tell Audrey’s story last- but I am glad I trusted her intuition. I couldn’t think of a better way for this adorable trilogy to conclude!!
Overall, I loved Audrey and Clarke and enjoyed watching slowly realize they were meant to be friends and a whole lot more!
4 stars
A wonderful conclusion to the Central Park Pact trilogy!
Audrey Tate is happy for her friends who have found true love, but she’s still traumatized by her involvement with the married man that had brought them together in the first place. For Audrey, the fairy tale, happily ever after dream is over-
However, an online troll has somehow managed to obtain personal information about her past and is threatening to expose all her secrets.
Meanwhile, her very best friend, Clarke, is having his own crisis. Hi ex-girlfriend is back in town and has joined forces with his mother in hopes of rekindling their relationship.
The two pals put their heads together and decide to pretend they are engaged long enough for their pests to either get the message or move on to other things.
For Audrey, pretending to be in love with Clarke doesn’t come easy, but Clarke is feeling a little confused suddenly. As time passes, the entire charade begins to snowball out of control, as a new awkwardness build between the longtime friends.
Did Clarke’s old flame make Audrey feel… Jealous?? Really?? Is Clarke having sensual fantasies about... Audrey?? Really??
This is such a cute story. I am a sucker for friends to lovers’ tropes, so this one really hit the spot. The tone is light and flirty, but a few heartwarming and emotional moments add depth and complement the smiles and laughter.
I wasn’t sure about Layne’s decision to tell Audrey’s story last- but I am glad I trusted her intuition. I couldn’t think of a better way for this adorable trilogy to conclude!!
Overall, I loved Audrey and Clarke and enjoyed watching slowly realize they were meant to be friends and a whole lot more!
4 stars
January 20, 2020
While I haven't read the first two books in this series, I was so excited when Gallery books sent a copy of this book my way. A few of my friends on Instagram love this series and I couldn't wait to read this friends to lovers romance!
When I first started this book, I loved how Clarke and Audrey were truly best friends who wanted the best for one another. They had never looked at each other in a romantic way and decided to put each other first and pretend to be engaged. Only when they had to pretend to be in love did feelings emerge, and I loved seeing them both deal with those newfound feelings. Both Clarke and Audrey thought they knew what they wanted out of life, but they slowly realized that those priorities can change with the right person.
While the main couple was fantastic, I also loved all of the friends of both Audrey and Clarke. Now I'm definitely dying to pick up the first two books to see those couples fall in love. They added some fun insights to Audrey and Clarke's relationship and were very protective over their friends.
If you can't tell, this was a super fun and quick read that I couldn't put down. It's also fade to black when it comes to the intimate scenes between our main couple, so if you just want an adorable, sweet friends to lovers romance, you have to pick this up.
When I first started this book, I loved how Clarke and Audrey were truly best friends who wanted the best for one another. They had never looked at each other in a romantic way and decided to put each other first and pretend to be engaged. Only when they had to pretend to be in love did feelings emerge, and I loved seeing them both deal with those newfound feelings. Both Clarke and Audrey thought they knew what they wanted out of life, but they slowly realized that those priorities can change with the right person.
While the main couple was fantastic, I also loved all of the friends of both Audrey and Clarke. Now I'm definitely dying to pick up the first two books to see those couples fall in love. They added some fun insights to Audrey and Clarke's relationship and were very protective over their friends.
If you can't tell, this was a super fun and quick read that I couldn't put down. It's also fade to black when it comes to the intimate scenes between our main couple, so if you just want an adorable, sweet friends to lovers romance, you have to pick this up.
October 19, 2019
Oh Central Park Pact series.... how much of a surprise that I would love you so much and how SAD I am to have to say goodbye!!
First, we had Naomi and Oliver, then we had Claire and Scott (which was my absolute favorite).. and now we had Audrey and Clarke. Ok.... my favorite story out of the three was Claire and Scott BUT doesn't mean I didn't love the other two as much!!!
I was SOOO ecstatic to get this galley on my hands and within the same week knew I had to read it! If you've read the first two books then you know that Audrey and Clarke have been best friends for the longest time. Sometimes... this makes the best love stories!!
Lauren Layne once ago shows off her snazzy voice and talent through this book. Layne truly knows how to have the perfect balance of romance, humor, and a tad bit of drama. It's an absolute delight to dive into any book by Lauren Layne and I highly recommend this series if you love romance!!
4.5 lovely stars!!!
Thank you so much to Gallery Scout Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 1/28/20
Published to GR: 10/19/19
First, we had Naomi and Oliver, then we had Claire and Scott (which was my absolute favorite).. and now we had Audrey and Clarke. Ok.... my favorite story out of the three was Claire and Scott BUT doesn't mean I didn't love the other two as much!!!
I was SOOO ecstatic to get this galley on my hands and within the same week knew I had to read it! If you've read the first two books then you know that Audrey and Clarke have been best friends for the longest time. Sometimes... this makes the best love stories!!
Lauren Layne once ago shows off her snazzy voice and talent through this book. Layne truly knows how to have the perfect balance of romance, humor, and a tad bit of drama. It's an absolute delight to dive into any book by Lauren Layne and I highly recommend this series if you love romance!!
4.5 lovely stars!!!
Thank you so much to Gallery Scout Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 1/28/20
Published to GR: 10/19/19
November 26, 2019
I started this last night and ended up finishing it in just a few hours. I love this series! Audrey & Clarke have been much anticipated and LL didn’t let me down. Marriage on Madison Avenue was fun and flirty, with a friends-to-lovers trope well done. Throw in a fake engagement and a fabulous wrap-up to this girl-power centered series, how could I not enjoy it?
January 29, 2020
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Gallery Books)
Audrey Tate is a 29 yr. old New York socialite often referred to as the Madison Avenue princess. She’s a lifestyle blogger and social media influencer with over a million people following her every move. She loves her job, but hasn’t had much success in romance. What she did have was great friends. This includes her best friend since childhood. She couldn’t remember a time when Clarke West hadn’t been her person. He was her fiercest defender, and most loyal companion. He was the one person who knew her best, and she could always count on him for anything. That’s why, when he needs her to pretend to be his fiancée she agrees to a fake engagement.
Clarke West is a wealthy, charming gorgeous playboy who was raised on the Upper East Side. He has quite the reputation with the ladies, but that never stops his matchmaking mother from trying to control his love life. In a classic moment of rebellion, he announced to her that he’s engaged to Audrey. He always went out of his way to do the opposite of his mother’s wishes, and hoped she would now leave him alone.
Audrey has been Clarke’s other half since the age of seven. They shared a lifelong friendship, and she was the most stable relationship in his life. They cared about each other’s happiness, and she was his home. They’d always kept things strictly platonic, but during their fake engagement the lines of friendship become blurred as they start to enjoy the just for show kisses. Forbidden feelings ignite, and pretending begins to feel real.
As Audrey is planning the perfect dream princess wedding things get complicated between her and Clarke. She no longer believes in fairy-tales, but she can’t deny she’s feeling butterflies for the one man she never thought she would. Every day their feelings get a little clearer, and everything gets a little messier between them. As they start to want more will they decide to play for keeps, and will Audrey realize happily ever afters and Prince Charming’s do actually exist?
-The way he felt about Audrey was shifting with every kiss, with every smile, he’ll, with every glance.
-Clarke was tired of fighting against what he wanted more than anything in his life. Tired of fighting something, he realized, he had wanted for far longer than he’d known.
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact, #3) by Lauren Layne is a forbidden, friends to lovers romance. It’s the final installment in this wonderful series, and the book I’ve been so looking forward to. Clarke was super swoony, and this book had it all. Real long lasting friendships, humor, heat, romance, and love. I really enjoyed this story and this series!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2vuVIdt
(ARC provided by Gallery Books)
Audrey Tate is a 29 yr. old New York socialite often referred to as the Madison Avenue princess. She’s a lifestyle blogger and social media influencer with over a million people following her every move. She loves her job, but hasn’t had much success in romance. What she did have was great friends. This includes her best friend since childhood. She couldn’t remember a time when Clarke West hadn’t been her person. He was her fiercest defender, and most loyal companion. He was the one person who knew her best, and she could always count on him for anything. That’s why, when he needs her to pretend to be his fiancée she agrees to a fake engagement.
Clarke West is a wealthy, charming gorgeous playboy who was raised on the Upper East Side. He has quite the reputation with the ladies, but that never stops his matchmaking mother from trying to control his love life. In a classic moment of rebellion, he announced to her that he’s engaged to Audrey. He always went out of his way to do the opposite of his mother’s wishes, and hoped she would now leave him alone.
Audrey has been Clarke’s other half since the age of seven. They shared a lifelong friendship, and she was the most stable relationship in his life. They cared about each other’s happiness, and she was his home. They’d always kept things strictly platonic, but during their fake engagement the lines of friendship become blurred as they start to enjoy the just for show kisses. Forbidden feelings ignite, and pretending begins to feel real.
As Audrey is planning the perfect dream princess wedding things get complicated between her and Clarke. She no longer believes in fairy-tales, but she can’t deny she’s feeling butterflies for the one man she never thought she would. Every day their feelings get a little clearer, and everything gets a little messier between them. As they start to want more will they decide to play for keeps, and will Audrey realize happily ever afters and Prince Charming’s do actually exist?
-The way he felt about Audrey was shifting with every kiss, with every smile, he’ll, with every glance.
-Clarke was tired of fighting against what he wanted more than anything in his life. Tired of fighting something, he realized, he had wanted for far longer than he’d known.
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact, #3) by Lauren Layne is a forbidden, friends to lovers romance. It’s the final installment in this wonderful series, and the book I’ve been so looking forward to. Clarke was super swoony, and this book had it all. Real long lasting friendships, humor, heat, romance, and love. I really enjoyed this story and this series!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2vuVIdt
January 31, 2020
“Marry me, Audrey. Marry me today, marry me next week, a year from now, ten years from now. I don’t care, just promise me someday. I need you, Dree. I need you with every fiber of my being. I’ve needed you from that very first day on the playground. I know the way you tell the story is that I saved you from a bully, but the truth is you save me from myself every damn day. Marry me because I love you, not in the way a boy loves a girl, not in the way a friend loves his friend, but the way a man loves a woman. Forever.”
This book was everything. It was more than I was expecting. This was such a beautiful slow burn childhood best friends to lovers story. When I meet these two in Passion on Park Avenue I knew I was going to love them because who doesn’t love a cute childhood best friends to lovers story, but they’re were perfect.
This is the story of Audrey and Clarke, they have been friends since they were eight years old and now they found themselves in a fake relationship, in which they start to catch feelings for each other.
I love these characters. I love that this was a story in which we can see them developing their feelings for each other and not like the other friends to lovers stories where one of them is already in love with the other.
As always, I loved the side characters and the friendships between the girls and the guys.
This was such an cute and fast to read story. I really enjoyed it and I’m really going to miss all these characters.
March 19, 2020
3.5 stars.
Marriage on Madison Avenue was the sweet, romantic end to a fun trilogy.
"Audrey still believed in happy endings. She believed in them with her whole heart. She believed that a man and a woman could get married and live happily ever after as long as someone else didn't come along and ruin that happiness."
Audrey and Clarke have been best friends since childhood. She knows he’s a womanizer; he knows she has been nursing a broken heart for a while now after discovering her boyfriend was married. (And had another girlfriend.) But they’re almost always each other’s plus one, buddy, or confidante, depending upon what’s needed.
At times, Audrey has been needed to pretend her relationship with Clarke is more serious, in order to thwart a woman he’s not interested in. But when an old girlfriend who actually wounded Charlie returns, and his manipulative mother tries to push them together, Charlie doubles-down on his favorite defense, and tells them he and Audrey are engaged.
Battling a social media scandal of her own, the idea of a fake engagement doesn’t seem as wrong to Audrey as it should. But as they’re forced to make their relationship seem more genuine, and they try to figure out how to disentangle themselves, she starts falling in love with the planning process, with the idea of actually getting married. And as someone who has shied away from love, she starts to realize that she’s having real feelings for the one person she shouldn’t—her fake fiancé. But he couldn’t feel the same way, could he?
Layne’s "Central Park Pact" trilogy was a lot of fun, and this is a fitting end. (I'm sad it's the end, but I get it.) I will admit that the fake love trope may be my least favorite, and I thought the will-they-or-won’t-they thing went on a bit too long, but I enjoyed these characters very much. This series definitely surpassed my initial expectations—I was expecting Sex and the City but got much more than that.
Here’s to another book that makes you fall in love with love!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Marriage on Madison Avenue was the sweet, romantic end to a fun trilogy.
"Audrey still believed in happy endings. She believed in them with her whole heart. She believed that a man and a woman could get married and live happily ever after as long as someone else didn't come along and ruin that happiness."
Audrey and Clarke have been best friends since childhood. She knows he’s a womanizer; he knows she has been nursing a broken heart for a while now after discovering her boyfriend was married. (And had another girlfriend.) But they’re almost always each other’s plus one, buddy, or confidante, depending upon what’s needed.
At times, Audrey has been needed to pretend her relationship with Clarke is more serious, in order to thwart a woman he’s not interested in. But when an old girlfriend who actually wounded Charlie returns, and his manipulative mother tries to push them together, Charlie doubles-down on his favorite defense, and tells them he and Audrey are engaged.
Battling a social media scandal of her own, the idea of a fake engagement doesn’t seem as wrong to Audrey as it should. But as they’re forced to make their relationship seem more genuine, and they try to figure out how to disentangle themselves, she starts falling in love with the planning process, with the idea of actually getting married. And as someone who has shied away from love, she starts to realize that she’s having real feelings for the one person she shouldn’t—her fake fiancé. But he couldn’t feel the same way, could he?
Layne’s "Central Park Pact" trilogy was a lot of fun, and this is a fitting end. (I'm sad it's the end, but I get it.) I will admit that the fake love trope may be my least favorite, and I thought the will-they-or-won’t-they thing went on a bit too long, but I enjoyed these characters very much. This series definitely surpassed my initial expectations—I was expecting Sex and the City but got much more than that.
Here’s to another book that makes you fall in love with love!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 21, 2020
I should like this book. I really should. I like the characters, the storyline, the setting. I just think this was such a one dimensional, on the surface read and I needed more. So I stopped at 30%🤷🏽♀️
February 2, 2022
The writing is nice but the book isn't even close to the top friends to lovers books that I've read.
The story: Audrey and Clark are best friends who now, for whatsoever reason, are planning a faux wedding.
Things I liked:
💙 The story. I like light romcoms, plus, it was a wedding one, so it could've been so nice.
💙 The friendship between the girls. I'm always here for a best friend group and all the three girls were amazing together!
Things I didn't like:
🔵 The Romance. Being a friends-to-lovers romcom, I wasn't a fan of their chemistry. It's the biggest dissapointment of the book. They didn't feel like each other's best friends.
🔵 Audrey wasn't a lovable lead. She was kinda noisy and bland.
The story: Audrey and Clark are best friends who now, for whatsoever reason, are planning a faux wedding.
Things I liked:
💙 The story. I like light romcoms, plus, it was a wedding one, so it could've been so nice.
💙 The friendship between the girls. I'm always here for a best friend group and all the three girls were amazing together!
Things I didn't like:
🔵 The Romance. Being a friends-to-lovers romcom, I wasn't a fan of their chemistry. It's the biggest dissapointment of the book. They didn't feel like each other's best friends.
🔵 Audrey wasn't a lovable lead. She was kinda noisy and bland.
September 26, 2019
This series took me by surprise at how much I fell in love with it and have fallen in love with NYC all over again, and I am beyond excited for this story...
ARC galley kindly provided by Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review coming closer to release date...
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ARC galley kindly provided by Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review coming closer to release date...
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May 17, 2021
I don’t know how to articulate my reading experience with this book other than wanting more. More cute scenes surrounding the preparation of a wedding, more excitement, more passion. For instance, the scene where the heroine went shopping for lingerie with the hero felt cut short. Did she end up trying them on for him? There were just so many opportunities to take things to the next level and introduce anything other than just plain kissing (on page). And then there’s the issue of the transition of their relationship as well as the “in love” declaration. Both felt abrupt and rushed. Also, there was simply nothing exciting happening to spice things up or anything that fostered intimacy while they’re at the phase of not being together together yet (which is an absolute favourite for me). Ultimately, even though I liked the heroine herself and the potential dynamic of two best friends getting together was there, it fell flat and dull overall.
January 7, 2020
The last in a trilogy of stand-alones, this friends-to-lovers romance featured Audrey and her best friend since childhood, Clarke. While not my favorite trope, I did enjoy Layne’s spin on two best friends slowly figuring out they were in love. There were both funny and sweet moments and I thought this book ended the trilogy well. My favorite moments out of all three books were the positive female friendship it showed between Audrey, Claire, and Naomi.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2020
I had so much fun with this book! 4.5 might need to round it up!
January 29, 2020
4 Friends Can Be Lovers Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-It's Live!!!!
The Central Park Pact has been a strong Lauren Layne series. It had everything I love about Layne's work. Lots of Manhattan locations and touchstones. Characters who are accomplished but still have their quirks and need to work them out and most of all, strong female friendships.
Layne has made a career in creating women who are there for each other. They are not catty or cruel. They are supportive and will talk "the hard talk" when necessary.
The structure of this series allows each book to be read alone because of the prologue, however, if you like to have the full feeling of the relationships of the women and the series then best to start at the beginning with book one. You will not be disappointed.
We have met Audrey Tate and Clarke West and they are the perfect best friends. Both come from the Monied Stratosphere of NYC Society. They have been there for each other since childhood and never crossover into dating or desire.
Clarke is the charming playboy who has worked to prove to his father he deserves to take over the company when it is time. His parents are looking for him to settle down and find his partner for life. His mother thinks he should have a woman who is accomplished, professional and perfect.
Not Audrey...
Audrey is a free spirit. She has found her way with the internet. She is an Instagram Influencer with a huge following. If she posts a pic that has a certain hat on her cute head... they will be sold out in a moment. It was something she just fell into and her blog and Instagram are now her career.
Audrey was the type of girl who dreamed of the perfect happily ever after and thought she was getting it with the man she had loved for years. It turns out he was married Not separated as he told her. It was through this man Audrey met Naomi and Claire. Each had ties to the man. They decided to be there for each other and not let them fall for a$$hats ever again. Unfortunately, Audrey didn't heed their dislike for another fella she thought might be the one...He turned out to be a freak and ends up causing her more pain.
Audrey decides she just doesn't deserve real love. She is fine with it. She has her friends, her blog and followers and that will have to do.
Clarke has been there for Audrey and she for him...and when Clarke is annoyed with his mother for setting up a situation she had no business doing...He tells his mother he is engaged to Audrey, again.
Yes, this is the third time he has pulled this and Audrey finds out through texts and twitter.
So this is the premise of these two coming together...Clarke to piss off his mom and Audrey to dispell another blogger who has it out for her. The pretend develops into way more before they know it...but what is real and what is pretend.
I love Layne's writing yet this was not as strong as the first two books for me. It could be the fact I am not an Instagramer, etc. I can appreciate how consuming and hard it is to produce consistent work. I think I just didn't find it easy to relate to Audrey or Clarke as the other characters from the other books.
I did like the continued focus on New York City and the events. Layne brought in the Wedding Belles and that was fun. I do recommend the series as it presented all different types of relationships to have. Layne has a solid way to have you fall in love with her work.
Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
My Luck is Holding, Got this in my Little Grabby Hands, WootWoot!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️
We have been waiting...
Audrey and Clark...
Friends to Lovers, please...
Audrey has always been there for Clark...
And He for Her...
So when Clark needs Audrey to save him from his Matchmaking Mom...
Of course, Audrey would be happy to be part of the plan...
But what starts out as Pretend Kisses...
Start to curl toes and stir up Feelings...
As they march toward the Wedding Aisle...
Will Audrey and Clark say I Do...
For real with a...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact, #3)-January 28, 2020
A gifted copy was provided by Gallery Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-It's Live!!!!
The Central Park Pact has been a strong Lauren Layne series. It had everything I love about Layne's work. Lots of Manhattan locations and touchstones. Characters who are accomplished but still have their quirks and need to work them out and most of all, strong female friendships.
Layne has made a career in creating women who are there for each other. They are not catty or cruel. They are supportive and will talk "the hard talk" when necessary.
The structure of this series allows each book to be read alone because of the prologue, however, if you like to have the full feeling of the relationships of the women and the series then best to start at the beginning with book one. You will not be disappointed.
We have met Audrey Tate and Clarke West and they are the perfect best friends. Both come from the Monied Stratosphere of NYC Society. They have been there for each other since childhood and never crossover into dating or desire.
Clarke is the charming playboy who has worked to prove to his father he deserves to take over the company when it is time. His parents are looking for him to settle down and find his partner for life. His mother thinks he should have a woman who is accomplished, professional and perfect.
Not Audrey...
Audrey is a free spirit. She has found her way with the internet. She is an Instagram Influencer with a huge following. If she posts a pic that has a certain hat on her cute head... they will be sold out in a moment. It was something she just fell into and her blog and Instagram are now her career.
Audrey was the type of girl who dreamed of the perfect happily ever after and thought she was getting it with the man she had loved for years. It turns out he was married Not separated as he told her. It was through this man Audrey met Naomi and Claire. Each had ties to the man. They decided to be there for each other and not let them fall for a$$hats ever again. Unfortunately, Audrey didn't heed their dislike for another fella she thought might be the one...He turned out to be a freak and ends up causing her more pain.
Audrey decides she just doesn't deserve real love. She is fine with it. She has her friends, her blog and followers and that will have to do.
Clarke has been there for Audrey and she for him...and when Clarke is annoyed with his mother for setting up a situation she had no business doing...He tells his mother he is engaged to Audrey, again.
Yes, this is the third time he has pulled this and Audrey finds out through texts and twitter.
So this is the premise of these two coming together...Clarke to piss off his mom and Audrey to dispell another blogger who has it out for her. The pretend develops into way more before they know it...but what is real and what is pretend.
I love Layne's writing yet this was not as strong as the first two books for me. It could be the fact I am not an Instagramer, etc. I can appreciate how consuming and hard it is to produce consistent work. I think I just didn't find it easy to relate to Audrey or Clarke as the other characters from the other books.
I did like the continued focus on New York City and the events. Layne brought in the Wedding Belles and that was fun. I do recommend the series as it presented all different types of relationships to have. Layne has a solid way to have you fall in love with her work.
Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
My Luck is Holding, Got this in my Little Grabby Hands, WootWoot!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️
We have been waiting...
Audrey and Clark...
Friends to Lovers, please...
Audrey has always been there for Clark...
And He for Her...
So when Clark needs Audrey to save him from his Matchmaking Mom...
Of course, Audrey would be happy to be part of the plan...
But what starts out as Pretend Kisses...
Start to curl toes and stir up Feelings...
As they march toward the Wedding Aisle...
Will Audrey and Clark say I Do...
For real with a...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact, #3)-January 28, 2020
A gifted copy was provided by Gallery Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Passion on Park Avenue (Central Park Pact #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 15, 2020
Romance novels often use familiar tropes, and as Lauren Layne closes out this trilogy, she definitely did an entertaining job with friends to lovers. In the Central Park Pact series, three women met at a funeral only to discover they were all involved with the same man. They have become the best of friends and in this third and final book of the series.
So, what is Audrey Tate's story? Well, she has been best friends with Clarke West for years. Platonic yet they loved each other deeply. When Clarke becomes frustrated with his mother's matchmaking, Audrey agrees to pretend to be engaged to him. In making it look convincing, a gently touch, a long look, a lingering kiss leads the pair wondering if they could possibly be friends with benefits long enough for Clarke to get his mother off of his back.
I loved this book and it was easily my favorite of the series. I loved how Audrey and Clarke were forced to face their feelings. I also loved the humor this book contained. However, the thing that I loved with Marriage on Madison Avenue, as well as with the first two books in the series, Passion on Park Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue especially because of the friendship that existed between Audrey, Naomi and Claire. Although their friendship started from very unusual circumstances, it is powerful and gives the stories a nice emotional edge. These books could be standalones, but I encourage readers who enjoy romance to read the trilogy as a whole.
Many thanks to Gallery and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
So, what is Audrey Tate's story? Well, she has been best friends with Clarke West for years. Platonic yet they loved each other deeply. When Clarke becomes frustrated with his mother's matchmaking, Audrey agrees to pretend to be engaged to him. In making it look convincing, a gently touch, a long look, a lingering kiss leads the pair wondering if they could possibly be friends with benefits long enough for Clarke to get his mother off of his back.
I loved this book and it was easily my favorite of the series. I loved how Audrey and Clarke were forced to face their feelings. I also loved the humor this book contained. However, the thing that I loved with Marriage on Madison Avenue, as well as with the first two books in the series, Passion on Park Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue especially because of the friendship that existed between Audrey, Naomi and Claire. Although their friendship started from very unusual circumstances, it is powerful and gives the stories a nice emotional edge. These books could be standalones, but I encourage readers who enjoy romance to read the trilogy as a whole.
Many thanks to Gallery and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 22, 2020
Release Date: January 28, 2019
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Fake Relationship Romance | Marriage of Convenience | Friends to Lovers
It looks like Marriage of Convenience romances are going to be a "thing" in 2020 as I have already read 3 or 4 books within the trope! I'm not mad about it either. I'm really enjoying the ones I have read already! If that trope is your cup of tea you won't want to miss Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne! This is an interconnected standalone in the series. Each book CAN technically stand alone, but I personally recommend reading them in order because the drive behind these books is connected to each of the characters. Plus, possible spoilers from previous novels may take away from your enjoyment of this one (the spoilers are only WHO they end up but now HOW they get there).
That being said, this is a wonderfully sweet series and I’m bummed that this is the final book. I’ve come to really love all three of these women and seeing them basically rise above has been a powerful experience. This particular book is Audrey’s (if you’ve read the other two or even the first book, you’ll know who she is) and I loved the friends to lovers, marriage of convenience trope between her and Clark. While the ending felt a bit too rushed for me (especially when it comes to the “situation”) the overall story is pleasant. I recommend it to readers of both romances and chick lit. This one felt more like a romance than the other two FYI.
_________________________________________
Let’s Connect:
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Actual Rating: 4 stars
Fake Relationship Romance | Marriage of Convenience | Friends to Lovers
It looks like Marriage of Convenience romances are going to be a "thing" in 2020 as I have already read 3 or 4 books within the trope! I'm not mad about it either. I'm really enjoying the ones I have read already! If that trope is your cup of tea you won't want to miss Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne! This is an interconnected standalone in the series. Each book CAN technically stand alone, but I personally recommend reading them in order because the drive behind these books is connected to each of the characters. Plus, possible spoilers from previous novels may take away from your enjoyment of this one (the spoilers are only WHO they end up but now HOW they get there).
That being said, this is a wonderfully sweet series and I’m bummed that this is the final book. I’ve come to really love all three of these women and seeing them basically rise above has been a powerful experience. This particular book is Audrey’s (if you’ve read the other two or even the first book, you’ll know who she is) and I loved the friends to lovers, marriage of convenience trope between her and Clark. While the ending felt a bit too rushed for me (especially when it comes to the “situation”) the overall story is pleasant. I recommend it to readers of both romances and chick lit. This one felt more like a romance than the other two FYI.
_________________________________________
Let’s Connect:
My Blog | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Twitter | Bookbub
January 21, 2020
Even though I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, this was easily my favorite. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would because there is not a part of it I didn’t enjoy. In short period of time Lauren Layne has become one of my favorite romance authors. Her books always seem to have that magical vibe from the 2000s romcom movies and Marriage on Madison Avenue had it in abundance. The best part of this entire series for me remains the friendship of Naomi, Claire, and Audrey. I’m a firm believer that if a book has strong female friendships it automatically becomes ten times better. And as for Audrey and Clarke’s story, I have too many emotions but all I can say is that they’ve easily made it to my top 5 fictional couples from adult books.
February 2, 2020
the best book in the series by far
I really didn't care about the first two books and wasn't planning of reading this, then I saw it on Scribd and thought oh well what the hell.. and I am glad I did...
it is a cute book! but what is up with one sexy scene and fade to black thing... definitely PG 13 read!
I am not a fan of friends to lovers but this one was done well...if that is your jam pick this one up....
I still don't care about this friends group at all and no one can convince me otherwise!!!
I really didn't care about the first two books and wasn't planning of reading this, then I saw it on Scribd and thought oh well what the hell.. and I am glad I did...
it is a cute book! but what is up with one sexy scene and fade to black thing... definitely PG 13 read!
I am not a fan of friends to lovers but this one was done well...if that is your jam pick this one up....
I still don't care about this friends group at all and no one can convince me otherwise!!!
August 16, 2019
🌼review can be found on my blog! 🌼
i'm going to kill myself now because i'll never read another romance book as good as this one
February 4, 2020
OMGGG. I have been dying for Audrey and Clark's book since Love on Lexington Avenue as I legit die for the fake fiance trope. And after reading, I can say this is my favorite in the series as their chemistry coupled with Lauren Layne's ability to incorporate witty charm had me grinning from ear to ear.
I really enjoyed this story. It was surprisingly emotional and full of moments that had me loving this couple. I enjoyed the fact that both Audrey and Clark didn't know what was right in front of them for years before they took this step. It was fun and flirty and I was here for it!
This story was swoony and angsty and had tears rushing to my eyes at certain points. I felt for Audrey because of her insecurities about deserving love after the Brayden scandal. But I think I loved it the most in the series as Clark and Audrey had wonderful banter and butterfly inducing moments. I loved seeing Naomi and Claire again and seeing their pact go full circle. I will say, however, I was surprised by the complete fade to black scene between Audrey and Clark as the build up was phenomenal and then it fell flat. I felt seeing the culmination of their newfound feelings for each other would have strengthened the story.
Overall, this was another great read and can't wait for more books in the future. 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
***
This series has been such a delight! From the unlikely but deeply rewarding sisterhood, to the sweet and sexy romances that each of these women wound up with - it's just been so much fun to read. And Marriage on Madison Avenue, the finally installment in the Central Park Pact series was no exception.
I mean, everyone knew that Audrey and Clarke were made for each other. Literally. Everyone. Except, that is, for Audrey and Clarke themselves. I so enjoyed watching their chemistry fire up basically without them even being aware of it. It was adorable to watch them fumble their way towards the realization that they were meant to be together, and completely rewarding when they finally figured it out.
That said, I might have liked a little more depth to them. Their struggles were similar, but I felt like they never did a deep dive into their feelings for each other (or, more importantly, why they resisted those feelings so hard). The whole thing wrapped up neatly and sweetly, but I felt like I was missing a little grit along the way.
That said, this was still a solid, swoony, completely enjoyable read. As it happened with each book in this series, the sisterhood stole the scene on more than one occasion and I adored how Ms. Layne brought their stories full circle in the end. If you're looking for something bubbly and sweet? Do not pass this series by! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. It was surprisingly emotional and full of moments that had me loving this couple. I enjoyed the fact that both Audrey and Clark didn't know what was right in front of them for years before they took this step. It was fun and flirty and I was here for it!
This story was swoony and angsty and had tears rushing to my eyes at certain points. I felt for Audrey because of her insecurities about deserving love after the Brayden scandal. But I think I loved it the most in the series as Clark and Audrey had wonderful banter and butterfly inducing moments. I loved seeing Naomi and Claire again and seeing their pact go full circle. I will say, however, I was surprised by the complete fade to black scene between Audrey and Clark as the build up was phenomenal and then it fell flat. I felt seeing the culmination of their newfound feelings for each other would have strengthened the story.
Overall, this was another great read and can't wait for more books in the future. 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
***
This series has been such a delight! From the unlikely but deeply rewarding sisterhood, to the sweet and sexy romances that each of these women wound up with - it's just been so much fun to read. And Marriage on Madison Avenue, the finally installment in the Central Park Pact series was no exception.
I mean, everyone knew that Audrey and Clarke were made for each other. Literally. Everyone. Except, that is, for Audrey and Clarke themselves. I so enjoyed watching their chemistry fire up basically without them even being aware of it. It was adorable to watch them fumble their way towards the realization that they were meant to be together, and completely rewarding when they finally figured it out.
That said, I might have liked a little more depth to them. Their struggles were similar, but I felt like they never did a deep dive into their feelings for each other (or, more importantly, why they resisted those feelings so hard). The whole thing wrapped up neatly and sweetly, but I felt like I was missing a little grit along the way.
That said, this was still a solid, swoony, completely enjoyable read. As it happened with each book in this series, the sisterhood stole the scene on more than one occasion and I adored how Ms. Layne brought their stories full circle in the end. If you're looking for something bubbly and sweet? Do not pass this series by! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
December 15, 2019
Sweet fairytale ending.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can’t decide if this was my favorite story or not. They’ve all been great so it is hard to choose just one. This work is a spin on the classic fake fiancé and best friends turn lovers trope and it proved to be a winner too!
Layne created a delightful matchup with Clarke and Audrey and their friendship that has been so tight for so many years. I can understand the problem they are up against; when you cross that line you can ruin a great friendship. Or maybe because you know each other so well you wouldn’t even consider a romantic relationship.
But Clarke needs help and the only person that he knows that can help pull it off is Audrey. Audrey needs Clarke help and makes a deal. But oh, what a tangled web we weave and all that.…
This book is humorous in all the right places, intense in many places, and a perfect blending of friendship, awareness, and deep seated love. And while the ending may have you gasping a few times, thankfully, it ends beautifully.
Marriage on Madison Avenue offers a witty look finding “the one” even if you know you’ve lost your mind, best friends forever, snarky social media followers, and crafty family members who love to interfere. A sexy and sweet romance you will fall for!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/marriage-on-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can’t decide if this was my favorite story or not. They’ve all been great so it is hard to choose just one. This work is a spin on the classic fake fiancé and best friends turn lovers trope and it proved to be a winner too!
Layne created a delightful matchup with Clarke and Audrey and their friendship that has been so tight for so many years. I can understand the problem they are up against; when you cross that line you can ruin a great friendship. Or maybe because you know each other so well you wouldn’t even consider a romantic relationship.
But Clarke needs help and the only person that he knows that can help pull it off is Audrey. Audrey needs Clarke help and makes a deal. But oh, what a tangled web we weave and all that.…
This book is humorous in all the right places, intense in many places, and a perfect blending of friendship, awareness, and deep seated love. And while the ending may have you gasping a few times, thankfully, it ends beautifully.
Marriage on Madison Avenue offers a witty look finding “the one” even if you know you’ve lost your mind, best friends forever, snarky social media followers, and crafty family members who love to interfere. A sexy and sweet romance you will fall for!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/marriage-on-...
February 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was a light, and fun friends-to-more romance. I do love the thought of long-time best friends having the light bulb turn on and finally see they've had "the one" right in front of them forever.
I was a little frustrated how long it took for these two to finally clue in all the way. It was a gradual progression, but I though it dragged on a bit too long. Plus, I think they're could've been more heat between these two, even with blacking out the bedroom scenes.
A copy was kindly provided by Gallery Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This was a light, and fun friends-to-more romance. I do love the thought of long-time best friends having the light bulb turn on and finally see they've had "the one" right in front of them forever.
I was a little frustrated how long it took for these two to finally clue in all the way. It was a gradual progression, but I though it dragged on a bit too long. Plus, I think they're could've been more heat between these two, even with blacking out the bedroom scenes.
A copy was kindly provided by Gallery Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
i heard that this book is being considered for an oscar nomination next year
I read this book 3 times this year in case y'all are wondering if i love this trope or not
I read this book 3 times this year in case y'all are wondering if i love this trope or not
January 30, 2020
4 “Swoony” Stars
Every time I read a Lauren Layne’s book I know I’m in for a treat. Marriage on Madison Avenue is a fun, flirty, friends to lovers story that kept a smile on my face. Best friends who decide to fake an engagement for just “a little while” because they always have each other’s back. It should be simple, pretend to be together and then pretend to break up. But being best friends and caring for each other complicates things. What if “the one” was always right before your eyes but you never saw it until pushed.
I did not read the prior two books in the series but the author tied everything up very nicely so that I didn’t feel left out. It just makes me want to go back and read the others. Also, the girl friendship in the story started in a unique way and the way that these girls remained tried and true to one another really made me smile and appreciate the friendship among girls who really love and care for one another. Each other girl has found their one....Claire with Scott and Naomi with Oliver, and now it’s Audrey’s turn.
Clarke and Audrey’s journey from friends to lovers is sweet and delightful. I love their relationship as best friends and when more feelings begin to develop between them, you can’t help but root for them. It read very easy and I must admit that I finished in one day. I just wanted that HEA to happen in the worst way and my sleep paid the price but it was so worth it.
I recommend this books for those who love friends to lovers story that have a little bit of drama but lots of playfulness that just makes you smile and forget yourself in a story.
*advanced copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Every time I read a Lauren Layne’s book I know I’m in for a treat. Marriage on Madison Avenue is a fun, flirty, friends to lovers story that kept a smile on my face. Best friends who decide to fake an engagement for just “a little while” because they always have each other’s back. It should be simple, pretend to be together and then pretend to break up. But being best friends and caring for each other complicates things. What if “the one” was always right before your eyes but you never saw it until pushed.
I did not read the prior two books in the series but the author tied everything up very nicely so that I didn’t feel left out. It just makes me want to go back and read the others. Also, the girl friendship in the story started in a unique way and the way that these girls remained tried and true to one another really made me smile and appreciate the friendship among girls who really love and care for one another. Each other girl has found their one....Claire with Scott and Naomi with Oliver, and now it’s Audrey’s turn.
Clarke and Audrey’s journey from friends to lovers is sweet and delightful. I love their relationship as best friends and when more feelings begin to develop between them, you can’t help but root for them. It read very easy and I must admit that I finished in one day. I just wanted that HEA to happen in the worst way and my sleep paid the price but it was so worth it.
I recommend this books for those who love friends to lovers story that have a little bit of drama but lots of playfulness that just makes you smile and forget yourself in a story.
*advanced copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 6, 2022
whenever i read a lauren layne book my life gets better? yeah yeah lauren layne never disappoints. I SERIOUSLY INHALED THIS IN ONE SITTING.
rich madison avenue princess/influencer gets a fake engagement with her also rich best friend who happens to be also be a playboy! I ADORED AUDREY AND CLARKE SO VERY MUCHHH lauren layne always gives me tropes i enjoyed a lot and i'm so happy about this one.
rich madison avenue princess/influencer gets a fake engagement with her also rich best friend who happens to be also be a playboy! I ADORED AUDREY AND CLARKE SO VERY MUCHHH lauren layne always gives me tropes i enjoyed a lot and i'm so happy about this one.
December 16, 2019
For more book Recommendations , reviews and author interviews , visit my blog : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/
*********************
Thanks For the Publisher and the Author for providing me with an advanced Reading Copy (ARC) and giving me the chance to read this book .
*********************
" Patient ... Love is Patient , Love is Clarke , However I can have him .."
Lauren Layne has an incredible ability in writing the conclusion of a series .
I've read all of her books " Multiple times " and with every new series she follows the same strategy .
( During all the series , no matter how many books it contains , she keeps hinting ,teasing the readers and getting them all excited about the love story of a specific couple , which she always leaves for the final book of the series .)
And she NEVER disappoints .
When I read the first book of the " Central Park Pact " series " Passion on Park avenue" , I've found the idea of the pact really odd , but when I thought about it more , I fall in love with the idea, simply because I'm always with women supporting and lifting each other up , what our amazing ladies have done in this series was super impressive . Their friendship was goals .
" Marriage On Madison Avenue " was such a great and swoon-worthy romantic novel . "Friends to lovers " trope is my favourite in the romance genre . I like the relationship that is built on a great and honest friendship .
" Audrey and Clarke " relation was so amazing , while reading about them in the previous books , they had a special spark , Personally , I shipped them from their first scene in " Passion on Park Avenue " :P .
Lauren Layne combined " The marriage of convinance" and " The Friends to lovers " tropes incredibly . The story was lovely , sweet , emotional and beautiful .
Their struggles , Feelings . Their fear of losing each other , how they both fought their change of feeling was heartbreaking and heart-warming at the same time .
Only Layne Can Make you feel like this while reading a book .
The side characters were supportive , it was amazing to read about them again .
Recommended for Romance lovers .
" Almost as though home was whenever Audrey was "
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Thanks For the Publisher and the Author for providing me with an advanced Reading Copy (ARC) and giving me the chance to read this book .
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" Patient ... Love is Patient , Love is Clarke , However I can have him .."
Lauren Layne has an incredible ability in writing the conclusion of a series .
I've read all of her books " Multiple times " and with every new series she follows the same strategy .
( During all the series , no matter how many books it contains , she keeps hinting ,teasing the readers and getting them all excited about the love story of a specific couple , which she always leaves for the final book of the series .)
And she NEVER disappoints .
When I read the first book of the " Central Park Pact " series " Passion on Park avenue" , I've found the idea of the pact really odd , but when I thought about it more , I fall in love with the idea, simply because I'm always with women supporting and lifting each other up , what our amazing ladies have done in this series was super impressive . Their friendship was goals .
" Marriage On Madison Avenue " was such a great and swoon-worthy romantic novel . "Friends to lovers " trope is my favourite in the romance genre . I like the relationship that is built on a great and honest friendship .
" Audrey and Clarke " relation was so amazing , while reading about them in the previous books , they had a special spark , Personally , I shipped them from their first scene in " Passion on Park Avenue " :P .
Lauren Layne combined " The marriage of convinance" and " The Friends to lovers " tropes incredibly . The story was lovely , sweet , emotional and beautiful .
Their struggles , Feelings . Their fear of losing each other , how they both fought their change of feeling was heartbreaking and heart-warming at the same time .
Only Layne Can Make you feel like this while reading a book .
The side characters were supportive , it was amazing to read about them again .
Recommended for Romance lovers .
" Almost as though home was whenever Audrey was "
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