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Made in Manhattan
By Lauren Layne
Table of Contents
About The Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Central Park Pact comes a reverse My Fair Lady for the modern era about a pampered and privileged Manhattan socialite who must teach an unpolished and denim-loving nobody from the Louisiana Bayou how to fit in with the upper crust of New York City. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.
Violet Townsend has always been a people pleaser. Raised in the privileged world of Upper East Side Manhattan, she always says the right things, wears the right clothes, and never rocks the boat. Violet would do anything for the people closest to her, especially her beloved grandmother. So when she asks Violet to teach the newly-discovered grandson of her friend how to fit in with New York City’s elite, Violet immediately agrees. Her goal? To get Cain Stone ready to take his place as heir to his family company…but to say he’s not exactly an eager student is an understatement.
Born and raised in rural Louisiana and now making his own way in New Orleans, Cain Stone is only playing along for the paycheck at the end. He has no use for the grandmother he didn’t know existed and no patience for the uppity Violet’s attempts to turn him into a suit-wearing, museum-attending gentleman.
But somewhere amidst antagonistic dinner parties and tortured tux fittings, Cain and Violet come to a begrudging understanding—and the uptight Violet realizes she’s not the only one doing the teaching. As she and Cain begin to find mutual respect for one another (and maybe even something more), Violet learns that blindly following society’s rules doesn’t lead to happiness…and that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.
Violet Townsend has always been a people pleaser. Raised in the privileged world of Upper East Side Manhattan, she always says the right things, wears the right clothes, and never rocks the boat. Violet would do anything for the people closest to her, especially her beloved grandmother. So when she asks Violet to teach the newly-discovered grandson of her friend how to fit in with New York City’s elite, Violet immediately agrees. Her goal? To get Cain Stone ready to take his place as heir to his family company…but to say he’s not exactly an eager student is an understatement.
Born and raised in rural Louisiana and now making his own way in New Orleans, Cain Stone is only playing along for the paycheck at the end. He has no use for the grandmother he didn’t know existed and no patience for the uppity Violet’s attempts to turn him into a suit-wearing, museum-attending gentleman.
But somewhere amidst antagonistic dinner parties and tortured tux fittings, Cain and Violet come to a begrudging understanding—and the uptight Violet realizes she’s not the only one doing the teaching. As she and Cain begin to find mutual respect for one another (and maybe even something more), Violet learns that blindly following society’s rules doesn’t lead to happiness…and that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.
About The Author
Photograph by Anthony LeDonne
Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than three dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies worldwide. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
Product Details
- Publisher: Gallery Books (January 18, 2022)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781982152840
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Raves and Reviews
Praise for Made in Manhattan
"This lighthearted read includes witty banter, a "phew, that’s hot" romance, and the author's adept ability to bring her characters and their experiences off the page and into your life. New York’s never felt more real than it does in Layne’s Made in Manhattan."
– USA Today
"Layne (To Sir, with Love) brings a light touch to this delightful, gender-swapped My Fair Lady tale in which the city itself is a nuanced character…[It] is sure to tug readers' heartstrings. Layne has a skill for building unique heroines, and Violet...adds depth to this contemporary. Layne’s fans are sure to be pleased.”
– Publishers Weekly
"With amusing minor characters and dialogue that’s both clever and steamy, Layne (To Sir, with Love, 2021) delivers a satisfying HEA with this standalone novel."
– Booklist
Praise for To Sir, With Love
"Layne crafts a gleefully shameless homage to The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail that sparkles like champagne fizz. ... This is a delight."
– Publishers Weekly, *starred* review
“Layne’s newest contemporary romance features a classic enemies-to-lovers plot and plenty of banter. The side characters, including Gracie’s siblings and employees, add an extra spark to this already charming tale. A first-tier purchase, especially for libraries where romantic comedies are popular.”
– Library Journal, *starred* review
"Layne updates the Nora Ephron 1998 rom-com, You've Got Mail, for digital-age Manhattan...Sweet and full of humor… readers will be rooting for Gracie to find her Prince Charming."
– Booklist
“Remember the movie You've Got Mail? Think of this novel as an updated version, Tinder and all....It's the perfect read while sipping a Mai Tai on the sand.”
– Cosmopolitan.com
“If you love the 1998 film You've Got Mail you’ll love this book...And if you’re a sucker for a New York City setting, Cooper’s little Manhattan shop and park dates will check that box for you, too."
– USA Today
“As light and refreshing as a glass of champagne, To Sir, with Love will have you smiling from the first swoon-worthy page to the last.”
– Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"Fans of Nora Ephron will adore this ... Lauren Layne puts a fresh spin on a favorite classic, creating a charming, witty, heartfelt tale of hope and love and second chances."
– Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of THE LIFE LIST
"A charming, swoony, funny, must-read delight of a book! Unexpected side-effect: I now crave a champagne tasting in Manhattan with an oh-so-handsome business rival."
– Evie Dunmore, USA Today Bestselling Author of PORTRAIT OF A SCOTSMAN
"To Sir, with Love is a delight—as sweet and bubbly as a glass of champagne. I loved Gracie's fairytale take on the world, her wonderful friends and family, and her highly unusual romantic situation! Such a warm, lovely read."
– Beth O'Leary, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flatshare
"Crackling with humor and sizzling with romantic tension, this charming modern fairy tale sparkles like the best champagne. I couldn’t put it down!"
– Alexis Daria, National Bestselling author of You Had Me At Hola
“Perfect for: fans of You've Got Mail, Meet Cute, and The Wedding Party.”
– Country Living
“For when your fave movie of all time is You’ve Got Mail…Don’t miss this modern version."
– The Skimm
This book was absolutely amazing. Layne has a special gift with bringing to life Manhattan based romances... The best romance novel that I have read in months!... A brilliantly beautiful story that hits all the right spots... A definite must read!"
– Harlequin Junkie
“Lauren Layne proves once again that she’s the queen of contemporary New York City romance with To Sir, With Love. Her breezy dialogue and delightful characters will fully immerse readers in this dreamy and sophisticated love story… a wonderfully satisfying romance.”
– Bookpage *starred review*
"To Sir, With Love would be a great introduction to Layne’s books if you haven’t already tried them already. What are you waiting for? Your next book boyfriend awaits!”
– Fresh Fiction
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Made in Manhattan eBook 9781982152840
- Author Photo (jpg): Lauren Layne Photograph by Anthony LeDonne(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
