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425 Madison #16
Love by Design
ANNIKA
Cheating husband. On-air meltdown. Public humiliation.
Lucky me, I’ve experienced them all.
Oh, and the implosion of my career as an up-and-coming designer and renovation television darling.
That was then.
Now, I’m in the TV studio, more determined than ever to prove to myself (and the few fans I have left), that I’m back for good. Nothing from my past—no man, no mistake—is going to knock me down again.
If only fate—and Grayson Hesse—had gotten the memo.
GRAYSON
Woodworker. Stone house restoration guru. And the new host of Hesse and a Hard Place.
This is what I know:
If this show’s a success, I’ll finally be able to give my family the financial stability they need. My chances of success go way up if I have the best designer in the business working by my side. And the best in the business (despite the lingering rumors) is Annika Hale.
She’s the triple threat: brilliant designer, restoration maven, and the woman who stole my heart six years ago…and hasn’t looked back since.
But that was then.
Now… Well, what is it they say? After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.
Cheating husband. On-air meltdown. Public humiliation.
Lucky me, I’ve experienced them all.
Oh, and the implosion of my career as an up-and-coming designer and renovation television darling.
That was then.
Now, I’m in the TV studio, more determined than ever to prove to myself (and the few fans I have left), that I’m back for good. Nothing from my past—no man, no mistake—is going to knock me down again.
If only fate—and Grayson Hesse—had gotten the memo.
GRAYSON
Woodworker. Stone house restoration guru. And the new host of Hesse and a Hard Place.
This is what I know:
If this show’s a success, I’ll finally be able to give my family the financial stability they need. My chances of success go way up if I have the best designer in the business working by my side. And the best in the business (despite the lingering rumors) is Annika Hale.
She’s the triple threat: brilliant designer, restoration maven, and the woman who stole my heart six years ago…and hasn’t looked back since.
But that was then.
Now… Well, what is it they say? After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2020
14 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Katy Ames
10 books293 followersBoy mom. Bourbon drinker. Binge-reader since I could hold a book. I love adventure, on and off the page. But I love naps even more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 24, 2023
Love by Design is book sixteen in the 425 Madison series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. In fact, this could work as a complete standalone as a lot more happens away from 425 Madison than at 425 Madison.
In truth, I was a wee bit uncertain about this one at first. I’m not crazy about stories where we start chapters with flashbacks, slowly being given snippets that are spread out. I much prefer to have a solid flash back, or for the story to show the past and the present individually. Fortunately, this was not consistent throughout the whole book. Once this aspect of the story passed, I was gripped.
In fact, this became a three-point-five-star rating after the flashbacks finished. I was pulled into the story and would have given it a four-star rating except for how difficult I found it to get into at first. The story was gripping, and I loved the characters. The ending was a bit predictable, but it did not take away from my enjoyment.
All in all, another enjoyable addition to the series.
In truth, I was a wee bit uncertain about this one at first. I’m not crazy about stories where we start chapters with flashbacks, slowly being given snippets that are spread out. I much prefer to have a solid flash back, or for the story to show the past and the present individually. Fortunately, this was not consistent throughout the whole book. Once this aspect of the story passed, I was gripped.
In fact, this became a three-point-five-star rating after the flashbacks finished. I was pulled into the story and would have given it a four-star rating except for how difficult I found it to get into at first. The story was gripping, and I loved the characters. The ending was a bit predictable, but it did not take away from my enjoyment.
All in all, another enjoyable addition to the series.
April 9, 2020
So, I did really enjoy the book by this same author in the first season of this series, Accidentally in Love, but this one I loved even more! What I find interesting is that lately I have been reading a lot of books about home improvement shows, and in real life I HATE those shows! I always joke that they are like watching paint dry. However I really, really liked these characters and this whole story. Now, we had Annika’s side right away, but it was a bit before we got Grayson’s full back story. About a third of the way through I was turning pages as quickly as possible because I needed to know!
This book was so sweet, and sexy, and just all around fun!
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
This book was so sweet, and sexy, and just all around fun!
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
March 31, 2020
This is another entry in the second season of this wonderful series. While I thought that Annika and Grayson's story was OK, it was far from my favorite. I had multiple issues with this book. First, I simply found that this book just didn't hold my attention well. I refuse to go as far as to say I was bored but I was absolutely not as engaged as I normally would be when reading a book from this series. Second, I just wasn't feeling much of a connection or many sparks between these two. To be completely fair, there was a moment or two in the story when I caught a glimmer but for me it always just fizzled away. Lastly, even though a few scenes actually do take place at the 425 Madison building, this read felt so isolated from it that I found it hard to believe that it was in fact part of this series. It really lacked the charm, cuteness, familiarity and feeling of family I've come to expect. Still, it was not a bad book, unfortunately it just fell sort of flat with me. Of my own accord I am posting a candid review.
April 9, 2023
Love by Design is the 16th book in the 425 Madison Avenue series. This is Grayson and Annika's story. I thought it was a cute second chance romance. I liked the chemistry between the couple. The story includes flashbacks to then they first met and their one night together. It helped give me a better view of how intense their feelings for each other were then and in the present. I only wish the story was a bit longer. I think the length took away form the little mystery that shows up toward the end. I do recommend this one.
April 6, 2020
Ames is an author that will help you find your smile, even as you are working yourself through a box of Kleenex. Grayson and Annika are every day people looking to find their spark again. Life may have pushed them around by the heart, but never quite succeeded in breaking their spirit. Love by Design speaks from the heart with an overwhelming amount of humor and emotion.
March 30, 2020
This is the fifth book that Ive read in this series the 425 Madison and I just cant get enough of it, I always look forward to the next in the series. As soon as you start the 425 you will not be able to stop.
This book is Annika and Grayson story and anything can happen on 425 Madison.
Annika has been through the ringer quite a bit over the last couple of years and it has taken a very lot to be able to get back some kind of normality. She lost everything her career, her home and her other half her husband who was cheating on her an who completely humiliated her. She took some time and now she's back and swears that nothing is going to change that. Annika is really good at her job one of the best and she doesn't want anything to get in the way of that.
Grayson's life has also changed and instead of working in woodwork he's now the new host of Hesse and a Hard Place. He is a very man and he knows what he wants.
This is quite something for both of these two after seeing each other after six years and they both have mixed feelings about what happened back then and now things have moved on and they both are not happy about what happened. Now fate steps in and every thing changes. Will they both change with it?
( NO SPOILERS ).
This author has written this story good and the characters are also written awesomely too.
When they meet back up its obvious that they still have a lot of chemistry between them both and this story also has a few twists in the works. I did feel at times that this story was a little slow going and I did feel like I knew exactly what was going to happen. But this book and author are great and this is another great edition to the 425 series.
I always love books that have epilogues to because I always feel like these add something extra special to the books.
This is another new to me author and im glad that Ive found her and I will look for more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read and early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is expected to be released on 6th April 2020.
This book is Annika and Grayson story and anything can happen on 425 Madison.
Annika has been through the ringer quite a bit over the last couple of years and it has taken a very lot to be able to get back some kind of normality. She lost everything her career, her home and her other half her husband who was cheating on her an who completely humiliated her. She took some time and now she's back and swears that nothing is going to change that. Annika is really good at her job one of the best and she doesn't want anything to get in the way of that.
Grayson's life has also changed and instead of working in woodwork he's now the new host of Hesse and a Hard Place. He is a very man and he knows what he wants.
This is quite something for both of these two after seeing each other after six years and they both have mixed feelings about what happened back then and now things have moved on and they both are not happy about what happened. Now fate steps in and every thing changes. Will they both change with it?
( NO SPOILERS ).
This author has written this story good and the characters are also written awesomely too.
When they meet back up its obvious that they still have a lot of chemistry between them both and this story also has a few twists in the works. I did feel at times that this story was a little slow going and I did feel like I knew exactly what was going to happen. But this book and author are great and this is another great edition to the 425 series.
I always love books that have epilogues to because I always feel like these add something extra special to the books.
This is another new to me author and im glad that Ive found her and I will look for more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read and early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is expected to be released on 6th April 2020.
April 8, 2020
Love By Design is book 16 in the 425 Madison series. This is a second chances kind of romance with the two characters meeting up after 6 years.
Both have gone through a lot. Annika more than Grayson as you soon find out at least when it comes to public opinion.
They have a shared past, though not a shared relationship. Misunderstandings and all that, some anger issues and what not.
You get to see the past in some flashback scenes, which I enjoyed. I loved that for the most part Annika and Grayson's relationship was a slow burn, working their way back to each other, even as they were about to be working together.
There was a definite chemistry between the the two. I also loved that Grayson was committed to his family.
The thing I had the most problem with was Annika's ex, who showed up at the end, and the end of the slow burn that turned into sex every other scene. Seriously? If a tree almost took me out, I would not be in the mood to do the deed. Any kind of deed, to be honest, I'd need a sedative.
While flashbacks played a huge part in the story at the beginning, I wish more time would have been spent on her marriage and its failure. That whole thing, that caused her demise in the tv world for a time, seemed almost like an afterthought. Actually the type of thing that happened, probably would have made her a star in today's reality world of tv.
But these two characters were definitely meant for each other and they were hard not to love. This was a good addition to the series, though I will add 425 Madison didn't play a huge part in the story with this book.
Both have gone through a lot. Annika more than Grayson as you soon find out at least when it comes to public opinion.
They have a shared past, though not a shared relationship. Misunderstandings and all that, some anger issues and what not.
You get to see the past in some flashback scenes, which I enjoyed. I loved that for the most part Annika and Grayson's relationship was a slow burn, working their way back to each other, even as they were about to be working together.
There was a definite chemistry between the the two. I also loved that Grayson was committed to his family.
The thing I had the most problem with was Annika's ex, who showed up at the end, and the end of the slow burn that turned into sex every other scene. Seriously? If a tree almost took me out, I would not be in the mood to do the deed. Any kind of deed, to be honest, I'd need a sedative.
While flashbacks played a huge part in the story at the beginning, I wish more time would have been spent on her marriage and its failure. That whole thing, that caused her demise in the tv world for a time, seemed almost like an afterthought. Actually the type of thing that happened, probably would have made her a star in today's reality world of tv.
But these two characters were definitely meant for each other and they were hard not to love. This was a good addition to the series, though I will add 425 Madison didn't play a huge part in the story with this book.
April 8, 2020
When Grayson himself the host of a reality show about renovating homes he knows that Annika would be the perfect co-host. He is not deterred by her reputation as he knows that she would be an asset and it might just be the way to right the wrongs of the past.
Annika was the co-host of a popular show until her husband’s betrayal not only ended their marriage but destroyed her career as well. This show is the fresh start she desperately needs even if it means working with the man who hurt her so many years earlier.
There is no denying the chemistry between Grayson and Annika, but they are perfect for each other in all aspects of their lives. This is a second chance between two people who have always belonged together.
Annika was the co-host of a popular show until her husband’s betrayal not only ended their marriage but destroyed her career as well. This show is the fresh start she desperately needs even if it means working with the man who hurt her so many years earlier.
There is no denying the chemistry between Grayson and Annika, but they are perfect for each other in all aspects of their lives. This is a second chance between two people who have always belonged together.
April 8, 2020
Love by Design is Book 16 in the 425 Madison series and stands perfectly fine on its own. In fact, this one even more so than the rest as the connection to 425 Madison was fairly minimal.
This story was extremely well written and drew me in right from the start. Without spoiling the story, there was a manipulation in the past and present that I would have liked to know more of the why behind their actions. Regardless however this was a great addition to this fun series!
This story was extremely well written and drew me in right from the start. Without spoiling the story, there was a manipulation in the past and present that I would have liked to know more of the why behind their actions. Regardless however this was a great addition to this fun series!
April 23, 2020
Love by Design was such a fun, unique, and heartfelt read! Katy has done it again with this one, and I couldn't recommend it more! I loved diving into the world of these characters and learning more about what goes on behind the scenes in the lives of home designers, builders, and renovators. Seeing the passion Grayson and Annika both had for what they did and how it shaped their view of the world, and ultimately drew them to each other, was a real highlight of the story for me. Of course, these two also have some intense passion for one another as well! Their love story was completely swoon-worthy and left me with no doubt they were perfect for each other. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance, and this one hit all the right notes. I loved seeing the characters' pasts and presents get interwoven to create such a detailed and compelling picture of their bond and connection. Katy's writing never disappointing, and it really shone here. Love by Design perfectly blends humor, heart, and just the right amount of angst to keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. If you're looking for a story to get you in that 'smiling and singing to myself because I just finished an adorable book and I believe in loooove' mood, this is totally it! It might also leave you with a sudden urge to start a restoration project...
April 7, 2020
ONE SPECTACULAR ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Sensational! Katy knocks the brakes this baby, spinning all the shenanigans and mayhem, with such acumen, immense passion and unique insight, welding this sparkling jewel together sleek, shiny and tight. A tumultuous wild ride chocked-full of unexpected circumstances and thrilling mishaps, blasts those swirling emotions into play, booting this glittering jewel into a roaring tempest, catapulting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. Twined, combined and interwoven, exposing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and delivering one chart topping piece of perfection, propelling this gem to life spectacularly. Intense attraction and chemistry sizzles, alluring and mesmerizing, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there standing in the middle of ground zero with them. Fantastic job Katy, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Sensational! Katy knocks the brakes this baby, spinning all the shenanigans and mayhem, with such acumen, immense passion and unique insight, welding this sparkling jewel together sleek, shiny and tight. A tumultuous wild ride chocked-full of unexpected circumstances and thrilling mishaps, blasts those swirling emotions into play, booting this glittering jewel into a roaring tempest, catapulting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. Twined, combined and interwoven, exposing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and delivering one chart topping piece of perfection, propelling this gem to life spectacularly. Intense attraction and chemistry sizzles, alluring and mesmerizing, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there standing in the middle of ground zero with them. Fantastic job Katy, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
April 6, 2020
Annika is getting back in the saddle, she has had a rough couple of years since finding her husband with another woman live on TV, and she lost everything, her career, her husband and her home.
Greyson is no longer the handsome carpenter he was six years ago, he is now the star of Hesse and The Hard Place, and Annika is a behind the scenes designer.
When the two meet, she realises who he is, and realises that the feelings she had 6 years ago are still there, but she is angry about what happened, and unbeknown to her, he is angry with her about what happened as well.
When the truth comes out, and they actually talk, they both know that they not only want but need each other. But, things don’t run according to plan when they turn up for a live tv morning show and someone she doesn’t want to ever see again tries to throw a spanner in the works. Will he tear Greyson and Annika apart or are they too strong together to let it happen.
Another great story to come out of the 425 Madison series.
Greyson is no longer the handsome carpenter he was six years ago, he is now the star of Hesse and The Hard Place, and Annika is a behind the scenes designer.
When the two meet, she realises who he is, and realises that the feelings she had 6 years ago are still there, but she is angry about what happened, and unbeknown to her, he is angry with her about what happened as well.
When the truth comes out, and they actually talk, they both know that they not only want but need each other. But, things don’t run according to plan when they turn up for a live tv morning show and someone she doesn’t want to ever see again tries to throw a spanner in the works. Will he tear Greyson and Annika apart or are they too strong together to let it happen.
Another great story to come out of the 425 Madison series.
April 5, 2020
My first time reading this author, and what a thoroughly enjoyable diversion! Great book to curl up and enjoy while the world is taking a timeout for social distancing. A talented designer and an emerging home restoration TV star share a past and few misunderstandings! Annika and Grayson must find a way to work together and overcome their history as she tries to rebuild her life post-divorce and public humiliation and he needs a successful show to be able to help his family. Wonderful story with good character development and enough drama to keep the reader engaged as they move past their negative experiences and toward a HEA. Some good secondary characters provide interest and depth to the story. As a detail oriented person, a few inconsistencies in dialogue and story lines were bothersome, but for most, they will be minor, insignificant issues. I would recommend this book to friends, and plan to read more from this author in the future. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 5, 2020
In this series I haven’t been disappointed yet and while reading this one I couldn’t help but be blown away. Not only do you get the excitement of those butterfly feelings about a new couple but oh goodness do you get DRAMA!!
Throughout this book you feel all the emotions Annika feels and it kind of knocks you on your butt but when Grayson comes into the picture you can’t help but hold onto hope. Annika seems to struggle and I can completely understand why but seeing Grayson struggle had me completely confused for most of the book. It’s a good confusing because I had to keep guessing what the heck was going on and by the end you will be dancing around figuring out everything!
I loved the mystery of what the heck happened, I loved the growth of each character you witness throughout the book and holy goodness I loved the sexual tension plus the drama! I think in this book you get quite a bit more than you were expecting because parts kind of came out of no where but made me love this book all the more!!
Throughout this book you feel all the emotions Annika feels and it kind of knocks you on your butt but when Grayson comes into the picture you can’t help but hold onto hope. Annika seems to struggle and I can completely understand why but seeing Grayson struggle had me completely confused for most of the book. It’s a good confusing because I had to keep guessing what the heck was going on and by the end you will be dancing around figuring out everything!
I loved the mystery of what the heck happened, I loved the growth of each character you witness throughout the book and holy goodness I loved the sexual tension plus the drama! I think in this book you get quite a bit more than you were expecting because parts kind of came out of no where but made me love this book all the more!!
March 31, 2020
Misunderstandings, if they aren't cleared up, can lead to some unnecessary grief - and some decisions you might never have made.
Gray and Annika met on a design show six years ago, they hit it off and, through flashbacks, seemed like they had explosive chemistry together. They went so far as to sleep together, one night, only once, and when Annika woke in the morning, she was alone - and hurt. Little did she know, Gray had a good excuse, but she wouldn't learn of that until some years later, when their paths crossed again.
I really like how they were honest with their feelings, and talked, even when they kept getting interrupted, what was with that asshat of a manager, Drew, what a twirp, glad Gray put him in his place. When they went to the family's farm, and were filming a TV show, the family brought some lightness and comedy (via the kids) to the story. Finally they were able to get it out, and pick up where they left off - loved this love story.
Gray and Annika met on a design show six years ago, they hit it off and, through flashbacks, seemed like they had explosive chemistry together. They went so far as to sleep together, one night, only once, and when Annika woke in the morning, she was alone - and hurt. Little did she know, Gray had a good excuse, but she wouldn't learn of that until some years later, when their paths crossed again.
I really like how they were honest with their feelings, and talked, even when they kept getting interrupted, what was with that asshat of a manager, Drew, what a twirp, glad Gray put him in his place. When they went to the family's farm, and were filming a TV show, the family brought some lightness and comedy (via the kids) to the story. Finally they were able to get it out, and pick up where they left off - loved this love story.
April 6, 2020
425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love. Katy Ames has written a perfect love story for Annika and Grayson. They met, they hooked up, and then they lost touch due to a miscommunication. A few years later they meet again and the heat they felt initially has not been put out. The sparks, the heat, the attraction is still there and stronger than ever.
I did feel that this book moved a little slower than some of the other in the series and that I knew exactly where Grayson and Annika would end up, but I enjoyed every word on the book. I looked forward to finding moments where I could read another chapter, find out what twists would come next for these two, and when they would finally come together happily.
Katy Ames is an author that I am looking forward to reading more from. I recommend picking up your own copy of Love by Design and finding out for yourself why 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.
I did feel that this book moved a little slower than some of the other in the series and that I knew exactly where Grayson and Annika would end up, but I enjoyed every word on the book. I looked forward to finding moments where I could read another chapter, find out what twists would come next for these two, and when they would finally come together happily.
Katy Ames is an author that I am looking forward to reading more from. I recommend picking up your own copy of Love by Design and finding out for yourself why 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.
April 6, 2020
Simple and tender
3.5
Good simple romance, well written and rather sweet which gives a new chance to a couple who was separated on a misunderstanding 6 years ago. Their story has a background of TV show which brings some twists and turns, but the whole remains cute and tender . There is a lot of going back with the past at the beginning, and it tends to annoy me.
Annika finds Grayson: they both think that one had ghosted the other 6 years ago and after that, Annika married then divorcedfrom her husband who had cheated on her, live on tv during a show in which she participated.
When she discovers that she is going to work with Grayson, the one who had broken her heart, Annika takes her courage with both hands to face and rebuild her career.
However, the spark between them is not extinguished and it only asks to burn again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
3.5
Good simple romance, well written and rather sweet which gives a new chance to a couple who was separated on a misunderstanding 6 years ago. Their story has a background of TV show which brings some twists and turns, but the whole remains cute and tender . There is a lot of going back with the past at the beginning, and it tends to annoy me.
Annika finds Grayson: they both think that one had ghosted the other 6 years ago and after that, Annika married then divorcedfrom her husband who had cheated on her, live on tv during a show in which she participated.
When she discovers that she is going to work with Grayson, the one who had broken her heart, Annika takes her courage with both hands to face and rebuild her career.
However, the spark between them is not extinguished and it only asks to burn again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
April 7, 2020
Love By Design is another romance in the 425 Madison Ave., but you don't need to read all the other books to know what's going on with Nika and Grayson. And there is a lot going on.
These two have a past that would be best left there but this is the world of romance and they can't, and we all get to go along for the ride. And it was, for the most part, a fun ride. I didn't really care for the constant flashbacks. It's not my favorite form of storytelling because it takes me out of the current story and that affected my overall enjoyment of Love By Design.
That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, I did. Mostly. I thought Annika was doing exactly what she said she wouldn't do, go crazy over a man again and quickly at that. But the journey was interesting and I'm looking forward to the next one!
These two have a past that would be best left there but this is the world of romance and they can't, and we all get to go along for the ride. And it was, for the most part, a fun ride. I didn't really care for the constant flashbacks. It's not my favorite form of storytelling because it takes me out of the current story and that affected my overall enjoyment of Love By Design.
That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, I did. Mostly. I thought Annika was doing exactly what she said she wouldn't do, go crazy over a man again and quickly at that. But the journey was interesting and I'm looking forward to the next one!
April 9, 2020
Do you like second chance romance with the world of design setting the stage? Eek, this story has a unique, sweet spin. It looks at life after humiliation and heartache. The thing making it worse, it was viewed on national television. Eek.
Annika and Greyson are wonderful characters who are reconnecting after a brief relationship. Our heroine has been dealing with rebuilding her life after it imploded. Love how our hero is revealed to be a supporter and defender of Annika. So good.
What a beautiful addition to the 425 Madison Ave Series. I would say this is one of my favs in this collection so far. Definitely worthy of all 4.5 stars. Its a wonderful simple tale of romance with some sexy elements. Wink. Happy Reading Everyone!
Annika and Greyson are wonderful characters who are reconnecting after a brief relationship. Our heroine has been dealing with rebuilding her life after it imploded. Love how our hero is revealed to be a supporter and defender of Annika. So good.
What a beautiful addition to the 425 Madison Ave Series. I would say this is one of my favs in this collection so far. Definitely worthy of all 4.5 stars. Its a wonderful simple tale of romance with some sexy elements. Wink. Happy Reading Everyone!
April 6, 2020
Based around a home reno show, Grayson is the host and pulls strings to get his long lost love interest to co-host the show with him. As with all long list loves, they are usually lost for a reason, and this is the first order of business both wish to get sorted. This book in the 425 Madison Avenue series by Katy Ames was fantastic. The chemistry between Grayson and Annika was off the page. And once they started to sort through their history, that chemistry became explosive. I loved the addition of his family, which were crazy and loveable especially little Little who was wise beyond her years. I especially enjoyed the ending which you will have no trouble hanging on for. Very special and a great feel good moment.
This was an ARC and this was my honest and voluntary review.
This was an ARC and this was my honest and voluntary review.
April 6, 2020
Based around a home reno show, Grayson is the host and pulls strings to get his long lost love interest to co-host the show with him. As with all long list loves, they are usually lost for a reason, and this is the first order of business both wish to get sorted. This book in the 425 Madison Avenue series by Katy Ames was fantastic. The chemistry between Grayson and Annika was off the page. And once they started to sort through their history, that chemistry became explosive. I loved the addition of his family, which were crazy and loveable especially little Lottie who was wise beyond her years. I especially enjoyed the ending which you will have no trouble hanging on for. Very special and a great feel good moment.
This was an ARC and this was my honest and voluntary review.
This was an ARC and this was my honest and voluntary review.
April 9, 2020
I LOVE me some 425 Madison series, but as much as it pains me to say this, Love by Design was a bit slower for me to be honest. That doesn't mean that I disliked it, just means that it took some time before I really got into it. This is the story of Annika & Grayson, who I really didn't imprint on. She's been through some things which messed with her in some ways, and made me mad reading. Grayson also had some things happen to me, but really made me happy was they didn't totally lose their full of life selves completely. There was some humor which had me laughing, and I wouldn't mind getting a bit more from these two to see if that spark was fully developed in my eyes. Anyway, this is just my opinion, so hit those one click buttons to decide for yourselves!
April 16, 2020
Having a second chance at love doesn't happen everyday, so when Annika and Grayson meet after a one night stand that occured six years ago, you wonder what will happen as the story unfolds. The book is told in flashbacks as well as in present day by both characters. This way, you get the full feel of what happened when they first met and the years following.
I liked the premise of LOVE BY DESIGN, a home design television show, since watching home makeovers on television is one of my favorites.
It was an emotionally charged story, romantic and angsty. I thoroughly enjoyed LOVE BY DESIGN.
I honestly wish the author would write a second book about Annika and Grayson.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I liked the premise of LOVE BY DESIGN, a home design television show, since watching home makeovers on television is one of my favorites.
It was an emotionally charged story, romantic and angsty. I thoroughly enjoyed LOVE BY DESIGN.
I honestly wish the author would write a second book about Annika and Grayson.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
April 6, 2020
Annika and Grayson’s story is swoon and fire! An unputdownable read with a sweet HEA! I love that when we get introduced to these characters, it isn’t the first time they met. We get a glimpse into their history through their thoughts of the past. I love the setting this story is set in, and how Annika and Grayson are brought together and reconnect.
The chemistry between these two had me swiftly turning through the pages. I was rooting for them from their first moment together. Annika and Gray are so well matched, and bring out the best in each other. The writing is so well done. A must read romance!
The chemistry between these two had me swiftly turning through the pages. I was rooting for them from their first moment together. Annika and Gray are so well matched, and bring out the best in each other. The writing is so well done. A must read romance!
April 6, 2020
A bit disappointing
This was a quick read and is an okay story with a lot going on. I liked that it was told from dual POVs, but it was a bit disjointed with the back and forth in time, which usually is not a problem for me. There's palpable chemistry between Grayson and Annika and of course Annika's ex-husband is a major jerk, but his actions and especially his stunt at the end were kind of ridiculous and unrealistic.
I've read other books by this author and loved her eloquently-written Tropical Tryst series; however, this was a little disappointing in comparison.
I do thank the author for providing an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was a quick read and is an okay story with a lot going on. I liked that it was told from dual POVs, but it was a bit disjointed with the back and forth in time, which usually is not a problem for me. There's palpable chemistry between Grayson and Annika and of course Annika's ex-husband is a major jerk, but his actions and especially his stunt at the end were kind of ridiculous and unrealistic.
I've read other books by this author and loved her eloquently-written Tropical Tryst series; however, this was a little disappointing in comparison.
I do thank the author for providing an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 6, 2020
Every book in this series can be read as a stand alone, but some characters from other books do pop up. This book is about Annika and Grayson and it touched lots of emotions. Once I started it, I did not want to put it down. I give a lot of kudos to Grayson for all his caring and patience and understanding where Annika is concerned. I loved his quirky family, too. Annika got put through the wringer by her exhusband and it takes her awhile to find her mojo again. I enjoyed the relationship dynamics between Grayson and Annika and seeing how they developed and grew.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
Great story and behind the scenes of a TV show Hesse and a Hard Place. Remolding old homes with a design team. Grayson has met Annika in years before he helps to hire her for his new TV show. Annika was on a TV show years before but caught her ex husband cheating with a co worker on back stage and cause a scene on TV and was let go. Annika went into hiding until this show came up. She meets Gray as she called him and they start up slow at first because she is causes of another guy. Love this story . At times it was funny, sad, learning to trust again, and love. Can't wait to read the next book. Love this series.
April 6, 2020
This was another solid offering from this series! Annika was a designer and host of a TV show. She finds out that her husband was having an affair on air and had quite the meltdown. Grayson is host of a new design show and Annika is working with him. Annika knows this is her second chance at a career in design and can't let anything or anyone in her way. Grayson had his work cut out for him to win her over. It was such a pleasure to read!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️
April 7, 2020
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the sixteenth book of the 425 Madison series. The books are standalones, but I suggest to read them all and in order.
This story is a sweet romance of two people who hurt each other deeply in the past by a misunderstanding. It's really nice how they clear up the air and don't beat around the bush once they meet again.
I liked the characters and the writing style.
But I missed other characters of the series and a connection to 425 Madison Avenue, a place many readers like me learned to love.
This is the sixteenth book of the 425 Madison series. The books are standalones, but I suggest to read them all and in order.
This story is a sweet romance of two people who hurt each other deeply in the past by a misunderstanding. It's really nice how they clear up the air and don't beat around the bush once they meet again.
I liked the characters and the writing style.
But I missed other characters of the series and a connection to 425 Madison Avenue, a place many readers like me learned to love.
April 7, 2020
This was just the kind of book I needed right now. Easy, fun read light on the drama and angst. Annika is recovering from a personal and professional disaster. Grayson is trying to keep his family afloat. Together they make a fabulous team, and the chemistry between them is fire.
This book is a wonderful little getaway from the real-life drama going on, and a fun behind-the-scenes look at the design and renovation shows we love to watch. Definitely get this second chance, one-that-got-away love story and escape to the world of 425 Madison for a couple hours.
This book is a wonderful little getaway from the real-life drama going on, and a fun behind-the-scenes look at the design and renovation shows we love to watch. Definitely get this second chance, one-that-got-away love story and escape to the world of 425 Madison for a couple hours.
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