Publication Date: December 3, 2024
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.
Designs on You by Jaci Burton was a fun-filled contemporary romance with many different storylines tying everything together. Eugene and Natalie took center stage; it was a rollicking good time.
Eugene and Natalie have a five-year age gap, and Eugene’s brother is engaged to Natalie’s sister. What could possibly go wrong? Natalie has two kids and an ex to contend with, but they both add flavor to the tale. There are some steamy moments, sometimes in inappropriate locations. Burton paints a vivid description of the surroundings, making me feel like I was there.
There are a few unexpected moments and several laugh-out-loud moments. As with many romcoms, communication issues are at the forefront but are eventually resolved through love and patience. Watching the couple get to know each other on several levels was fun. There is closure and a chance for a happily ever after, but the book ended abruptly for me, and an epilogue would have been welcomed.
Designs on You is a contemporary romance set in Florida with very likable characters. Sit back with a cold drink and see what high jinks Eugene and Natalie get up to!
Jaci Burton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Boots and Bouquets series, the Brotherhood by Fire series, the Hope series, and the Play-by-Play novels.
