((2.5))

3.5 stars :)

Sarah Morgan does not disappoint. You can't help but love her characters. I especially enjoy how the character for the next book in the series is always in the previous book. Both Molly and Daniel are looking for short term and fun in a relationship. He has a reputation for being a playboy. The only relationship Molly wants is with her dog. Can two damaged and relationship challenged people make a friendship work? Love, love, love this story. I read it in one day, even with going to work and doing the mom thing. Great read!

It all starts with Daniel borrowing a dog to meet a woman. Said woman is Molly, a psychologist with a blog and an author of books on how to have healthy relationships.

Daniel “knows” he won’t fall in love because after all, he’s a divorce lawyer who’s seen it all. Molly is just scared to death to label anything love because it’s caused her pain, personally and professionally, before. They each carry baggage, they each have some secrets, but learn to trust and share with each other.

Well written, with lots of great characters, like Daniel’s twin sisters, Molly’s friends Gabe and Mark, and other cool people. What I really liked in this novel is that each person has a life of their own, and we learn about their jobs, their quirks, and some hopes as well.

Lots of action, adorable dogs, tightly written plot. Definitely want to check out more by this author.

I really liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite of Sarah Morgan's New York series. I think it bothered me that Daniel was such a playboy. It's probably just my own bad experiences with such men clouding my judgement, so if you're reading this, at least give it a try if you've loved her other books!

I actually chose to quit reading this book halfway through. It started out promising enough. Guy sees a woman in the park who doesn't even notice him. Gets a dog on loan to attract her attention because she is clearly a dedicated dog lover. It's a great meet-cute and I was intrigued. But after that is where things got off track to the point of repulsion from me, mainly in the way that Daniel continues to address Molly as if she is a case to be won, or that he has already won, only when she finally gives into him. It's as if NO just doesn't mean NO in this book. He constantly shows behavior as if she owes him sex because he was nice to her or helped her with her dog or listened to her talk. (So NOW she should want to sleep with me...) He gets her address and invited himself over to her home on more than one occasion claiming it's a date or pre-date.

And then there's Molly who can't seem to just say NO and mean it. NO, I'm uncomfortable, but since he kissed me without my consent and he is attractive I guess I have to give him my phone number when he commands it (not asks) and I have to let him come over to my house, even though I think it's a bad idea. She continues to say NO, but then rewards him for not listening to her, respecting her, and then decides she has no choice but to get excited about having sex with him because, well he invited himself over to her house twice and carried her sick dog. It's like Stockholm Syndrome up in here.

I just felt really disappointed with the dynamics of these characters and the false notions it can send about love vs. lust vs. stalker/controlling. Daniel seemed to hold all of the power and could just walk all over Molly and never get called on his bad behavior. Even giving Molly the simple window to say "I don't want to go out with you because I don't like the way that you talk to me like you've already won" would have helped. Make him have to give something up earlier in the story to prove that he actually cares about going out with HER not just getting her because he wants her.

I just adored New York, Actually. Told from dual points of view, New York, Actually follows the story of Molly and Daniel. Molly spends her days advising those who are in desperate need of advice when it comes to love. She loves helping others and working them through their problems. One would think since she doles out such good advice, that she must be successful in her romantic relationships as well. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth. Molly has had the worst luck when it comes to love and relationships. Now, the only man in her life is her amazing dog, Valentine....When you live and breath divorce cases and settlements like Daniel does, your outlook on love isn't very good. Sure, you want to go out and have a good time; so long as their are no strings attached. However, when Molly enters Daniel's life, everything Daniel thought will be turned upside down.....

New York, Actually was a fantastic read. I thought it was smart and incredibly well written. I was pulled into Daniel and Molly's story right from the very beginning. I loved the interactions between the two of them and thought they had some really great chemistry. I loved that our characters weren't perfect. They were flawed and had insecurities of their own that they both had to overcome. There were a lot of obstacles that Daniel and Molly were faced with on their journey to happily ever after. But, I have to say, I really enjoyed watching them navigate their way through their relationship, through all the ups and downs. It was great watching these two fall.

New York, Actually is a quick, and easy read. One that can easily be devoured in just one sitting. This book is filled with lots of romance, humor and of course some nice steamy moments. Overall, a really enjoyable read.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*