3.61 AVERAGE


3.5

3.5 stars

3.5. The first few chapters were a bit hard to get through, but once we met Oliver, I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed Oliver’s and Naomi’s relationship, the banter and chemistry were amazing and I loved how confused they both were because of it. Claire and Audrey (and Deena) were also fun and I wish we’d seen more of them.

I will admit that the “major conflict” seemed dumb to me, it seems dumb to me that Naomi is holding Oliver SO responsible for his 10-year-old actions, it seems to me that she understood her anger at Walter as including Oliver, because she is completely irrational about why he’s “bad”. Maybe it was her mom poisoning her from age 9 to 29, but did she really expect a boy who wasn’t even her friend to break up his family over hers? It also turned Naomi into a really weird character, it seemed she just flip-flopped through personalities for the sake of the plot.

The TV Show conflict thing was a bit random and I felt like it only popped up every once in a while to bring ~drama~ (even if it wasn’t very dramatic). It felt unnecessary, but it also didn’t pop up enough to be annoying.

I’m not sure I liked either of the main characters enough to really believe in their redemption, Naomi was angry and bitter and really out for revenge cloaked as closure and while I could see why she would be bitter even after 20 years, her passive-aggressive way of handling it was beyond ridiculous. Why didn’t she just come forward with the truth? And Oliver made a really shitty choice back when he was 10 that essentially left Naomi homeless. Ughh, I don’t know. I just didn’t care enough about either of these people.

combination of a trope i don't like and not being able to get behind the couple. i should have gone with my gut and skipped this one. i'm looking forward to the other two in the series though!

3.5 stars

Short and cute, and surprisingly a slow-burn. I enjoyed the book but I felt like there was something.. missing.. and I don't know what it is. Also, I kind of got bored waiting for The Drop (y'all know what I'm talking about if you've read the book) to happen.

Overall, I'd still reread this. I actually loved the bond that was formed between the three ladies and of course, the romance was sweet. Although I wouldn't classify this as enemies-to-lovers though despite how they (or more like Naomi) saw each other as nemesis before. They were more like the bantering-type than the hating-type.

AAAAAAANNDDDDDD... I actually love that cover. It's kinda fresh from seeing real people (men or couples) in the covers of romance books.

Weird concept of a book, but I was intrigued by the characters and their friendship. The whole empowered female boss, rag to riches story sort of laid it on thick, but it wasn't bad. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but more of a beach read IMO.

This is a fun, quick, romance read. The way it starts is a little odd, but it has a satisfying ending. It's not profound or heavy, but I don't think it's meant to be. This is the definition of a breezy romance read and if you're looking for something lighthearted, this is the right place to look.

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Oh, Lauren Layne does it again! The first few chapters of this book didn't have me hooked and it worried me there for a minute. Luckily, the story really kicked into gear and once it did so it stayed there! Passion on Park Avenue was truly a blast and a breathe of fresh air that had me chuckling, swooning, cringing and jumping around. Passion on Park Avenue is a true and pure form of a love story that leaves readers feeling as though their grin is set to permanent.

Honestly, if not for the slow start, Passion on Park Avenue is the perfect romance novel. Tied into one of the most beloved cities in the states, and rooted in unlikely and sweet friendships, sprinkled in with flawed and likable characters, Lauren Layne writes more than just a love story and it really, truly, works.

Passion on Park Avenue feels like several types of love stories rolled up into one. Learning to love yourself. Learning to love and forgive those who've wronged you. Loving your friends. Falling into romantic, lifelong, passionate love. This is where Layne excels beyond just vividly drawn characters: love. It's all about the heart and soul of life.

This definitely wasn't what I was expecting from Layne after reading a few of her books last summer and autumn--Passion on Park Avenue wasn't just as light and dishy. Instead, it was a story filled with heart and hints of real emotional human complexities. Naomi and Oliver, and their history, were truly an outstanding and well-developed relationship that all but sizzled off the pages and into our finger tips. I loved the fact that their relationship was slow-burn and electrifying without being blatantly in your face.

Further, the friendship that formed between Naomi, Claire and Audrey was truly what dreams are made of. There's so much humor to be found in the bond that they formed. After all, it's not everyday that you become tight with the women who were all unknowingly involved with the same man. You know, after his funeral. (Iconic!)

While it was nowhere near as steamy as I'd expected, compared to some of Layne's other novels, it was still an absolute delight. Layne's prose has become more polished and in depth, lively to new degrees, which makes for a compelling and swoon-worthy story. As for familiarity, this definitely feels like a classic Lauren Layne read that's been elevated to new levels.

And, in so many ways, reading Passion on Park Avenue feels a little like falling in love itself. One thing is certain: I can't wait to dive into Claire and Audrey's stories, ASAP!
hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes