DESIGNS ON YOU is the follow-up book to Jaci Burton’s HOUSEBROKE. HOUSEBROKE told the story of how Hazel Bristow and Linc Kennedy got together. In DESIGNS ON YOU, Hazel’s sister Natalie and Linc’s younger brother Eugene have an unexpected romance that evolves over the course of the book. At the opening of this book, Natalie is freshly divorced and enjoying her new freedom – even with the responsibilities of her career and motherhood. She is cautious about jumping back into the dating pool. Although he’s super attentive, Eugene’s youthful approach to life, and few years younger difference in age, does not make Natalie any less anxious. What follows is a fun rom com and a compelling story of two people experiencing life changes. This story is told from alternating perspectives.
Because of Natalie’s initial reluctance to get involved with Eugene romantically, I thought this might shape up to be something of an enemies-to-lovers tale. Happily, I found that was not the case. Eugene is able to demonstrate to Natalie that while he may have a flirty and teasing personality, he is just as driven as she is when it comes to his career. He’s also extremely serious about his feelings for her. He’s not the “kid” she first labels him. The age difference is only about five years or so and was more of a way for Natalie to distance herself and protect herself from any possible heartbreak. No character is a cliché in DESIGNS ON YOU. Each character is multifaceted, and you enjoy rooting for them and seeing which way their lives will flow. Natalie’s children, and the relationship they develop with Eugene, add texture to this story without coming across as being overly sentimental. The main characters’ siblings are good sounding boards and sources of support with meddling and playing matchmaker.
DESIGNS ON YOU is entertaining and emotionally satisfying. This will probably wind up being a favorite re-read for me. Jaci Burton does a great job of balancing phenomenal storytelling and steamy scenes. One thing I really like about erotic scenes in this book, and other stories by this author, is how they have context and fit the characters. I look forward to reading Jaci Burton’s next book.
Sparks fly when an interior designer and a game designer cross paths, but they must learn if they can design a happily ever after in this heartfelt romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton.
Natalie Parker is in her mid-thirties, divorced, and firmly focused on her newly resurrected career and her two children. When her sister asks her to help design the backyard in the new home she shares with her boyfriend, Linc, Natalie’s more than happy to take on the project. What she isn’t prepared for is Linc’s younger brother, video game designer Eugene Kennedy. He’s smart, incredibly good-looking, and constantly flirts with Natalie. He’s also too young for her, which makes him totally off-limits.
Eugene is intrigued by Natalie’s beauty, smarts, and especially her sarcastic wit. When he teases her, she throws it right back at him. Besides that, they have an instant chemistry, but she keeps trying to get rid of him despite the sparks that fly between them. And Eugene never backs down from a challenge.
Natalie is running out of reasons to think being with Eugene is a bad thing. Her kids adore him, her sister loves him, and even her always negative mother does, too. The only person holding her back is...her. Maybe it’s time she take that leap and design herself a love for the ages. After all, if she can create the perfect home, she sure as hell can design a happily ever after.
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