Yours in Scandal

Man of the Year, Book 1

By: Lauren Layne

Narrated by: Jason Clarke, CJ Bloom

A political golden boy and the woman of his dreams take the risk of their lives in a sexy romantic comedy of strange bedfellows and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?

©2020 Lauren Layne (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Narrators Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom have fun with this sophisticated, funny story of a straightlaced hunk who happens to be the mayor of New York City. He meets and reluctantly falls for the reformed wild child and gorgeous daughter-in-hiding of his political rival, the governor. Sparks fly, and love is in the air, but secrets and politics make falling in love deliciously complicated. Both Bloom and Clarke smoothly move between portrayals of male and female characters. Voices are appropriate and convincing. This is a smart and rollicking performance." (AudioFile Magazine)

“Charming.” (Publishers Weekly)

Finding Your Happy

Several friends had recommended Lauren Layne to me, but I hadn't had a chance to read any of her books yet. I have definitely been missing out! This is my first book by her, but I fell in love with her writing style and sense of humor. The enemies-ish to friends to lovers slow burn romance was really well done and I loved the banter and back and forth between Addie and Robert. There's even a bit of taboo with all the secrecy and politics involved. The plot was fairly predictable, but it was done in a way that was still compelling and entertaining. I could see the book playing out in my minds eye like a movie. It definitely gave me Notting Hill vibes with the push and pull between our characters and the realities of their lives. I appreciated that Robert and Addie handled the majority of obstacles maturely, and that even when I didn't agree with their decisions, I understood them. They had incredible chemistry and I just about burst into flames when Robert uttered the word "mine". The ending wrapped up a little too neatly, but it left me with a huge smile on my face and the epilogue was just right. Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom were fantastic as Robert and Addie. The casting was perfect and both performed the male and female characters wonderfully. It made it very easy to distinguish between characters. I will definitely be reading/listening to more Lauren Layne books in the future!

So cute

I loved this book and always love Lauren Layne’s romances for all the feels and the butterflies. The narration was great too.

good read

this book was good. I like the way it ended. it just made it feel warm and loving.

Sweet political romance

Robert is the mayor of NY and planning on running for governor. As part of the plan, he and his team hire Adeline, who is an event planner but also the estranged daughter to the current governor who is a really horrible person and father. Overall, this book flowed well and I enjoyed the interplay between Robert and Addy but also between Addy and her friends. This was a bit of a slow burn and of course, political aspirations necessitate continuing to harp on their reputations (I wish real politicians cared as much as these fictional ones). i'm not a huge fan of political romances (but I loved the second book in the series and I love Jason Clarke, who narrated the book so I had to give it a try. Overall, a good way to spend a few hours.

I adore Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom as narrators and both did a great job. I found that even during those times when I just wished the story would progress faster, at least these narrators made the story an auditory experience!

a must read.

Loved the audio for this book. The book itself is a must read or listen to.

Wonderful new series

Lauren Layne has written another great story. This is the beginning to a new series. I can't wait for the next book. CJ Bloom and Jason Clarke were wonderful narrators.

good

Loved this story. It was funny, sad, and had a great ending. loved having the option to read or listen.

Yours In Scandal

So good and a great start to a new series! Robert Davenport, Jr. is finishing up his second term as Mayor of New York City and recently newest Citizen's Man of the Year. He has lived his life emulating his late father trying to live up to his high standards and giving his all to the people of New York while in office. Now he is looking to his future and his campaign manager has found what appears to be solution to finding the dirt needed on the governor who does not appear to have any except his daughter who disappeared. She has been found, though looks nothing as she did and has changed her name and settled down. She is no longer the boozing, stripping, and hot mess she used to be, she is now a sedate events planner. Robert sets out to hire her and, oh my, do these two have chemistry. It was so much fun watching them circle each other and try to keep apart to not start a scandal but this one...oh yes...this is such a good one!!! Definitely a recommended read. I'm not giving anything away. READ THIS ONE!

Good book with great narration

This was a really good book. Not too much drama or angst and the characters were fun and interesting to read.

Perfect combination of drama, humor and sexy

It had been so long since I last read a book by this author! But I discovered that I still enjoyed her work. I love her writing style, the chemistry she creates between her characters, the believable professional settings. And it’s always sexy. Bonus!

Both characters don’t know who they are nor what they want in life, and they get their answers when they meet each other. I liked that aspect of the story. Robert is forgetting to really live to honor his dead father’s vocation, while Addie is hiding herself behind a false image to forget her own father’s ambitions.

The secondary characters were interesting, with Addie’s friends–who are complete enablers–and Robert’s employees–Martin as the devil on his shoulder, and Kenny as the angel on the opposite shoulder. They don’t have much of a personal arc, but they have a role in the story and they play it well.

As for the audiobook, it was amazing. Both narrators are equally talented, and they convey the characters’ feelings with genuine emotions–sigh the trembling voice… A delightful romance with the perfect combination of drama, humor and sexy.