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Passion By Design: Love in the details
She's designing his home, but he has designs on her.
When interior designer Shana Coltrane lands her dream job in Houston’s prestigious River Oaks neighborhood, she has no idea the historic Mediterranean mansion belongs to the jerk who crashed into her brand-new BMW. She can handle the challenging deadline to furnish his house for the charity fundraiser, but nothing prepares her for the distraction of her handsome client’s relentless pursuit.
Smitten with Shana’s stunning beauty and creative talent, billionaire Terrance Kensington is blindsided by his last-resort designer. In a short red dress and black stilettos, she rearranges his furniture as easily as his plans to remain a bachelor. Only she has the power to rescue him from his dark past. But first, he must shed his carefully cultivated socialite image and the guilt he’s harbored for years.
When interior designer Shana Coltrane lands her dream job in Houston’s prestigious River Oaks neighborhood, she has no idea the historic Mediterranean mansion belongs to the jerk who crashed into her brand-new BMW. She can handle the challenging deadline to furnish his house for the charity fundraiser, but nothing prepares her for the distraction of her handsome client’s relentless pursuit.
Smitten with Shana’s stunning beauty and creative talent, billionaire Terrance Kensington is blindsided by his last-resort designer. In a short red dress and black stilettos, she rearranges his furniture as easily as his plans to remain a bachelor. Only she has the power to rescue him from his dark past. But first, he must shed his carefully cultivated socialite image and the guilt he’s harbored for years.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2019
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Rifi Strawn
4 books36 followersWriting is my passion!
After hanging up my interior design hat, the desire to create still burned inside. I sewed, knitted, made jewelry, and turned my backyard into a mini-botanical garden (I wish), but the yearning to do more didn't stop.
I got busy on my computer crafting romance novels and loved it! I’ve been lucky enough to travel, enjoy different cultures, and meet interesting people. I channel those experiences into my stories—my characters and settings. I hope you love them as much as I do.
What started as a creative outlet, is now a full-time passion and job.
I call myself a citizen of the world, but at heart I’m a true Texan. I married my best friend, and we have two children I’m proud of. Whenever I have free time, I love to cook and ride my bicycle with friends.
Facebook: facebook.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Instagram: instagram.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Amazon: amazon.com/Rifi-Strawn/e/B07P861CP2
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rifi-...
After hanging up my interior design hat, the desire to create still burned inside. I sewed, knitted, made jewelry, and turned my backyard into a mini-botanical garden (I wish), but the yearning to do more didn't stop.
I got busy on my computer crafting romance novels and loved it! I’ve been lucky enough to travel, enjoy different cultures, and meet interesting people. I channel those experiences into my stories—my characters and settings. I hope you love them as much as I do.
What started as a creative outlet, is now a full-time passion and job.
I call myself a citizen of the world, but at heart I’m a true Texan. I married my best friend, and we have two children I’m proud of. Whenever I have free time, I love to cook and ride my bicycle with friends.
Facebook: facebook.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Instagram: instagram.com/RifiStrawnAuthor
Amazon: amazon.com/Rifi-Strawn/e/B07P861CP2
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rifi-...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 14, 2019
A fun contemporary romance between a billionaire and an interior designer. This is a relatively clean read with enough drama and humor to keep me engaged through to the end. I enjoyed the inclusion of design ideas and the trips to find the right pieces for his historic mansion. The fictional peeks into a very privileged life were fun too. This is my voluntary review after receiving a free copy of this book.
September 15, 2019
This was a good read. Shana is in an accident one day and days later she finds out she now works for the guy that hit her. They have an attraction to each other. However, he has a tragic past and until he can deal with it they can't have a relationship. Thankfully by the end he finally sees what he has and they get their HEA.
September 11, 2019
It was simultaneously too much drama and not enough emotional connection --I started feeling sorry for the main characters. Some of the details also pulled me out of the story-- for example, early on Terrance reveals that he had been caring for his sister since their parents died of "old age eight years ago." Based on information given later in the book, his sister likely would have been in her twenties-- how old were the parents when they had their kids????
I also grew tired of Shana. She grew increasingly shallow and needy-- it was like she couldn't function when Terrance was away for more than an hour; all she could of was why he hadn't texted or called. Also-- thigh high boots on a transatlantic flight?
Finally, there were at least three scenes that might have worked better with at least some narration from the alternate POV. As it was, they lost some emotional edge because it was more 'telling' and less 'showing'.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I also grew tired of Shana. She grew increasingly shallow and needy-- it was like she couldn't function when Terrance was away for more than an hour; all she could of was why he hadn't texted or called. Also-- thigh high boots on a transatlantic flight?
Finally, there were at least three scenes that might have worked better with at least some narration from the alternate POV. As it was, they lost some emotional edge because it was more 'telling' and less 'showing'.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 2, 2019
I don't like to be negative but...nope.
This book was not to my taste, but I could see how it may appeal to someone else. It was a decent effort, but the characters seemed out of touch and unrelatable. There is a certain polish that I enjoy reading in author's works that isn't here, however there is a solid story and HEA.
An up and coming interior designer lands a sweet account with the billionaire who rear-ended her recently. He is the owner of a historic property that needs to be furnished. Of course they butt heads but end up doing more than that as they fall in love. However, he has some serious demons in his past to deal with as well.
I hope this is more enjoyable to others. I ended up skimming and cringing for most of the book unfortunately.
This book was not to my taste, but I could see how it may appeal to someone else. It was a decent effort, but the characters seemed out of touch and unrelatable. There is a certain polish that I enjoy reading in author's works that isn't here, however there is a solid story and HEA.
An up and coming interior designer lands a sweet account with the billionaire who rear-ended her recently. He is the owner of a historic property that needs to be furnished. Of course they butt heads but end up doing more than that as they fall in love. However, he has some serious demons in his past to deal with as well.
I hope this is more enjoyable to others. I ended up skimming and cringing for most of the book unfortunately.
June 6, 2020
No, no, no. The third person narrative made it feel like a loooong, boring documentary on the least interesting couple in the world. Plot twists and the emotions of the characters jumped from point A to point Z with little to no explanation or reasoning. Not enough dialogue or character development... and sex scenes that were so g-rated and non-descriptive that it was laughable. I can not enjoy a contemporary romance novel where the most risque line during a sex scene is, "do it to me!" This book was 50 shades of meh.
*I received an ARC for my honest review.*
*I received an ARC for my honest review.*
September 20, 2019
Awesome contemporary billionaire romance. Terrance works hard for his money but has suffered through his own tragedy. He's desperately seeking an experienced interior designer for his new mansion. Shane is the Interior Designer chosen to help this CEO who wants things done his way. Unfortunately,at their formal introduction they realize they've recently met. Ms. Strawn has written an entertaining book with witty and smart characters. Neither main character was looking for romance. Obtaining the furniture and accessories as well as interfering exes make for a great story. I received a complementary copy of this book via Hidden Gems and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Strawn.
September 15, 2019
I received this book as part of an ARC review. It was a slow build up for their relationship. They meet when Terrance accidentally runs into Shana's new car. They ignore the attraction between them. They meet again when Terrance unknowingly hires her as his interior designer. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction grows. Terrance pursues Shana until he catches her. Unfortunately his past rears its head and he pushes her away. When he realizes his mistake, he has to work hard to get Shana to agree to marry him. Shana finally agrees and they are happy together with two special bonuses.
September 14, 2019
There were parts I really liked and parts I didn't which has made this a hard one for me to review. There were times I connected with the characters and felt I understood them and times I didn't. Towards the end I started to question whether Terrace was really ready for a relationship and if he really did love Shana. The story was discriptive and flowed well, I was interested in all the characters and how the story would play out, however it just didn't quite work for me and it's bugging me as I really wanted to 100% like it. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
May 30, 2019
When Shana and Terrance's worlds collide - there are going to be fireworks!
Shana has been working hard at her career and she has finally cracked the oh so exclusive side of town. Pity her new client is also the hot guy who wrecked her car. Can we say AWKWARD!!!
Terrance needs someone to design the inside of his home. He finds the perfect designer and he could lose her just as fast!
Sweet read and real Cinderella story!
Shana has been working hard at her career and she has finally cracked the oh so exclusive side of town. Pity her new client is also the hot guy who wrecked her car. Can we say AWKWARD!!!
Terrance needs someone to design the inside of his home. He finds the perfect designer and he could lose her just as fast!
Sweet read and real Cinderella story!
June 26, 2019
Passion by Design is a fun, instant-attraction story! Great characters with wonderful chemistry and some unexpected twists and turns between them. It is easy to read and kept my interest throughout. Great first novel!!
September 19, 2019
This is a new Author to me a well written story. I enjoyed reading interior designer Shana Coltrane and billionaire Terrance Kensington's story. I will be reading more by this Author. I received a Arc of this book through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing.
June 6, 2019
Passion By Desigin
A fantastic love story with ups and down . Great deals of variety. Lots of competition for Love to conquer all. Annette
A fantastic love story with ups and down . Great deals of variety. Lots of competition for Love to conquer all. Annette
May 11, 2019
A sweet romantic story of two people from different walks of life, Shana never thought she would land such a prestigious job and Terrance couldn't believe he'd found such a talented interior designer. A fast moving story that wont disappoint. I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to my fellow readers.
I was given this ARC to read for an honest and unbiased review.
I was given this ARC to read for an honest and unbiased review.
September 11, 2019
This is a pure wholesome love story. It is a long complete story. Shana is a home decorator and Terrance is the billionaire whose home Shana is working on. I like the way they met originally at the start of the story. Lots of love and getting to know you throughout the book. A good twist at the end.
November 11, 2019
A dark brooding billionaire in need of rescue. A gal just up for the task no matter the beginnings. Great ingredients for a fun tale, and that’s certainly what Rifi Strawn’s Passion By Design is. Definitely fun and worth the read.
October 6, 2019
On a rainy day, Shana just got rear-ended and the guy who rear-ended her was a total prick Terrance Kensington. She didn't want to deal with him but she really needs everything taken care of because she can't afford to fix her brand new car.
Shana is very talented interior designer and needs a boost and landing a historic Mediterranean mansion will change everything for her. When she was offered the job at the mansion, she couldn't believe her luck until she met who own the house, Terrance who rear-ended her car. She couldn't pick and choose her clients since she was on tight income. And Terrance was willing to pay triple of her fees so she decided to design his mansion.
Mansion needed to be finished in couple month and he was rejecting most of her choices. So Terrance decided to bring Shana to his trip to England.
While they were in England, they learn and falls for each other but she doesn't want to mix business with love so they decided to keep to themselves.
Both are really falling for each other but when they were discussing the future, Terrance didn't want kids or marriage. Shana was not in rush for marriage or kids so she decided to go along with his plan until his past was creating more problems for him.
They will have to figure out what they really want and if Shana can mend Terrance's heart and move on from his past.
It is stand alone and it does have HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Shana is very talented interior designer and needs a boost and landing a historic Mediterranean mansion will change everything for her. When she was offered the job at the mansion, she couldn't believe her luck until she met who own the house, Terrance who rear-ended her car. She couldn't pick and choose her clients since she was on tight income. And Terrance was willing to pay triple of her fees so she decided to design his mansion.
Mansion needed to be finished in couple month and he was rejecting most of her choices. So Terrance decided to bring Shana to his trip to England.
While they were in England, they learn and falls for each other but she doesn't want to mix business with love so they decided to keep to themselves.
Both are really falling for each other but when they were discussing the future, Terrance didn't want kids or marriage. Shana was not in rush for marriage or kids so she decided to go along with his plan until his past was creating more problems for him.
They will have to figure out what they really want and if Shana can mend Terrance's heart and move on from his past.
It is stand alone and it does have HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. She’s headstrong and independent. When she meets him they just have this spark. He’s an arrogant. Spoiled. Head stung guy. There relationship it hot and intense. But he has a past that he hasn’t forgotten. It plagues him in nightmares. Can love fix all things. I’m sure it can. This is a must read.
February 19, 2020
This book was an easy read for me, but also a little slow at times. It held my attention for the most part but did not actually suck me in. As someone else said in their review, I understood how other people could love the book but it's just not for me.
May 29, 2019
A delightful quick easy read. The characters evoke nicely during the story. It is a wonderful beginning for this newly published author
November 14, 2019
Had potential
I thought this had the makings of a great book with awesome settings, lavish lifestyles and drama. However it unfortunately feel short and never quite managed to hit the mark. I found the constant flipping between POV's without warning or delineation confusing at times and it detracted from the book's rhythm. I was unable to really connect with the main characters and didn't feel their chemistry either. The initial part of the book was quite interesting with the various interior design elements however unfortunately the latter part became just about the push/pull of their relationship and was less interesting or eventful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this had the makings of a great book with awesome settings, lavish lifestyles and drama. However it unfortunately feel short and never quite managed to hit the mark. I found the constant flipping between POV's without warning or delineation confusing at times and it detracted from the book's rhythm. I was unable to really connect with the main characters and didn't feel their chemistry either. The initial part of the book was quite interesting with the various interior design elements however unfortunately the latter part became just about the push/pull of their relationship and was less interesting or eventful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews