Love on Lexington Avenue

July 29, 2019
This strong sequel to Passion on Park Avenue will appeal to slice-of-life romance readers as well as fans of HGTV marathons. A year after the unexpected death of Claire Hayes’s cheating husband, she decides she needs a change in her life and begins renovating the home she and her husband shared. When she hires contractor Scott Turner to do the heavy lifting, she’s not sure whether she’s up to dealing with his gruff personality, and she also has no idea how to handle the emotions his presence inspires in her. At first glance, Scott and Claire seem like opposites. He’s all flannel and rough edges while she’s a wealthy widow stuck in a rut. As the remodeling continues, they realize that they have more in common than anyone suspects. As in the first book, the sticky slow-burn romance focuses on healing after an incredible betrayal. Layne’s fans will enjoy this venture. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency.

Narrators Tim Paige and Virginia Rose pair perfectly for the romantic second installment of the Central Park Pact. Claire, a young widow, is determined to get out of her rut, beginning with the redesign of her home. Enter Scott, a contractor whose heart has been hardened by a cheating ex, cynicism Claire can relate to. Tensions rise, but soon the pair's wariness turns to respect--and possibly more? Rose creates a "Sex and the City" dynamic for Claire's girlfriends--Naomi, with her sultry voice, and the younger Audrey, with her higher pitch and sweet tone. Claire is steady in speech and subtle with her emotions. Paige excels as gruff but charismatic Scott, whose silences are telling, as are his enthusiastic conversations with his dog. A.L.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine