ARC Review: Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

Walk of Shame

(Love Unexpectedly)

by Lauren Layne

Publisher: Loveswept

Genre: Contemporary romance

Release Date: April 18th, 2017

Rating: ★★★★

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Sparks fly between a misunderstood New York socialite and a cynical divorce lawyer in this lively standalone rom-com from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines and Love Story.

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.

Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.

Review:

[Actual rating: 3.5]

Lauren Layne is one of my go-to authors, so I was really excited when I got approved for this on Netgalley that I ditched my school work and finished it on one sitting. 

Now in hindsight I'm a bit confused as to why it is called Walk of Shame when there isn't really any walk of shame in it... Lots of walking, though... Walking aside, this is such a fun read! I especially love the way it read like a rom-com movie in my head. 

Anyway, the reason why this book worked for me is the same reason why LL's books worked for me in the past: the characters. Georgie stole the show for me, I love her so much. She's kindhearted, easy to love, and she's a genuine ball of sunshine I want to squish and keep her forever. Mr. Love Interest, Andrew Mulroney (*cue Georgie voice* Esquire) is also entertaining to read despite his stoic ways. He's definitely the personification of the You Tried meme; boy just can't express himself without offending people, poor thing.

Their early morning banter are basically the highlights of this book, although I'm still horrified that Andrew is up and ready to go by 5 am (can't relate, Andy). I want to call their relationship enemies-to-lovers but I think they are not quite what you call enemies? It's more of Georgie wanting to get under Andrew's skin and crack him because he is so...stodgy? Either way, it's so fun to watch because everybody likes Georgie and then here is Andrew who keeps calling her ridiculous and rolling his eyes. I would take it as a personal challenge as well. 

"I can't shake the sense that while maybe I don't need someone to need me, I really, really wouldn't mind spending time with someone who at least wants me."*

Also, I'm a big Disney buff, so I shared Georgie's obsession with the movie Enchanted. I really love the role the movie played in the book, especially in the end. I was in tears by the time I reached the ending. It really suits the whole HEA vibe this book had going, my hopeless romantic heart is thriving. 

Not to forget, a special shoutout to Peter and Pam, Andrew's brother and sister in law for being awesome. I wish we had more of them. I love their little bit of HEA in the end (I cried, no surprise).

Overall, Walk of Shame has been a great stress reliever, and I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a quick, lighthearted read.

*Quote is taken from the ARC.