Isn’t She Lovely

Redemption, Book One

🔥 Steamy, with explicit sex scenes. Readers 18+

This is a New Adult novel! The characters are in their early 20s and act like it 😉

A Pygmalion Retelling

Ethan needs a fake girlfriend for his college summer break, and finds the perfect challenge in moody outcast Stephanie, but as he turns her into the perfect pretend Upper East Side princess, he begins to wonder if he might be falling…for the real her.

Where to Buy

Ebook — Apple | Nook | Kindle | Kobo

Audiobook — Audible | Apple Audio

Paperback — Not available in the US because Penguin Random House owns the print rights and has refused my request to offer a paperback version.

🌎 International — For readers outside of the US, please check your local retailer. I am unfortunately not always notified of international availability or translations!

“Fresh and authentic, Layne packs intelligence, wit, and an addictive romance into one fantastic read! I loved the bold characters, the slow-building yet steamy romance, and the raw and painful edge of self-discovery. I couldn’t put it down!”

—Cora Carmack, NYT Bestselling Author

 More Info

  • • Genre: New Adult

    • Vibe: Mostly light-hearted and young, but with some touchy subjects.

    •  Heat Level: Steamy, with explicit sex scenes and adult language. Intended for readers 18+

    •  Featured Couple: Stephanie and Ethan

    • POV: Alternating first person

    • Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Fake Relationship, Makeover, Opposites Attract

    • Reading Order: You may enjoy reading the Redemption series in order (this is book one), but you don’t have to.

  • • Publisher: Penguin Random House

    • Original Publication Date: October 28, 2013

  • Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund . . . or does he?

    As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

    But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating them. And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?