castella_and_novellas's Reviews (480)

What the heck did I read.

Listennnnn, smut? We stannnn it. The over protective nature of Jensen? I’m all about it. But the actual reading experience is pretty bad. Too fast, jumps around. If you come solely to read the smut, it’s a 5 star review. But including the “plot” and too many extra characters? Had to drop it. 

Summary:

If you were to search ‘Manhattan Girl,’ you would automatically get Violet Townsend. Prim and proper, she knows everything about life in New York. Her mentor, Edith, has played a large role in teaching her how to be a perfect upper New Yorker. One day, Edith asks Violet for the biggest favor: to help train her grandson Cain Stone to be fit to run her company. Easy enough right? Except Cain has Louisiana running through his veins and can’t get along with the big city lifestyle. Even though they are at odds with one another, Violet and Cain must work together…and maybe find love while they’re at it. 

My Thoughts:

An adorable storyline! As said in the book and on the blurb, it is very “My Fair Lady” inspired and did well to encapsulate that vibe. A fast and easy romcom to read in one sitting, I enjoyed every minute. Very fluffy read that sucks you into the NYC lifestyle.

The banter between Cain and Violet was flirty and fun to read. The enemies to lovers aspect mixed with mutual attraction was played out well here. I think it works so well pacing wise because Lauren Layne’s books (that I’ve read so far) are very slow burn. There’s enough tension built, but still playful in tone. 

Cover Thoughts:

Who is in love with pastel pink covers?? This girl!!! I love looking at the cover- it’s very minimal with a hand drawn city skyline and an illustration of Violet. Pink and white just work so well in what I imagine her to be, I adore it. The only thing I would change is the lip color in Violet’s illustration. Maybe leaving it blank or a simple smile would make it look cleaner. Otherwise, no complaints here! It’s absolutely adorable.

Here’s the thing… smut? Awesome, fun, cute. The plot? Sooo much more than I needed emotionally for a novella. Also felt weird to have serious conversations while reading a more adult scene. Fun angst though.