Queen B’s Decree: When I saw Made in Manhattan advertised as a play on “My Fair Lady,” I immediately was sucked in. Oh, one of my favorite musical movies with a gender-bent contemporary twist? Yes, please.
Cain is the newly found (and previously undiscovered) grandson of Violet’s “employer” and mentor. Violet is then tasked with helping the Louisiana-born Cain fit in with the rest of the hoity toity Manhattan society. Cain is highly resistant to this and takes out all his resentment on Violet. Cain is actually a very unlikable character for a big chunk of the book. While I like that he challenged Violet’s views and helped her see how snobby and rude some people can be, it can’t excuse his own behavior toward her.
Violet was the star of Made in Manhattan. She shows great emotional growth yet retains her innate sweetness and light. I couldn’t see why she was attracted to Cain (other than the surface looks) as first, but he eventually won me over as he let down his guard.
Overall, Made in Manhattan had good pacing, fun and witty banter, and an enjoyable storyline. Another great read by Lauren Layne.
Book: Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: mild salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: opposites attract