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Tall, Dark and Driven #1
Making the Love List
My Big, Fat Greek Wedding meets Virgin River.
She's found the perfect guy. He knows she's off-limits. When integrity clashes with a plan to throw out the rule book, it could tear both their worlds apart.
Yasmin Katsalos is done with being a good little Greek girl. Having survived a near-death experience, she's made a list of all the things she wants to do and is determinedly checking them off. And it just so happens that her big brother's best friend is the perfect choice for "seducing a tall, dark, and handsome man out of my league."
Lane Griffiths is made of loyalty. Believing he owes the Katsalos family for their generosity and family support when he's had none, he's glad to assist with renovations to the wedding hall. But he didn't count on his friend's flirty little sister interfering with his plan to do the right thing.
As Yasmin turns up the heat in her attempts to win him, she can't understand the gorgeous man's reluctance to give in to their obvious attraction. And though Lane can't get the blossoming young woman out of his head, he knows that giving in to their desire could blow both their worlds apart.
Making the Love List is Book 1 in Tall, Dark and Driven, the sweet, small-town contemporary romance series that readers can't get enough of. If you love smoldering chemistry, witty banter, and big ensemble casts, then you'll fall for Barbara DeLeo's irresistible stories.
She's found the perfect guy. He knows she's off-limits. When integrity clashes with a plan to throw out the rule book, it could tear both their worlds apart.
Yasmin Katsalos is done with being a good little Greek girl. Having survived a near-death experience, she's made a list of all the things she wants to do and is determinedly checking them off. And it just so happens that her big brother's best friend is the perfect choice for "seducing a tall, dark, and handsome man out of my league."
Lane Griffiths is made of loyalty. Believing he owes the Katsalos family for their generosity and family support when he's had none, he's glad to assist with renovations to the wedding hall. But he didn't count on his friend's flirty little sister interfering with his plan to do the right thing.
As Yasmin turns up the heat in her attempts to win him, she can't understand the gorgeous man's reluctance to give in to their obvious attraction. And though Lane can't get the blossoming young woman out of his head, he knows that giving in to their desire could blow both their worlds apart.
Making the Love List is Book 1 in Tall, Dark and Driven, the sweet, small-town contemporary romance series that readers can't get enough of. If you love smoldering chemistry, witty banter, and big ensemble casts, then you'll fall for Barbara DeLeo's irresistible stories.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2020
About the author
Barbara DeLeo
17 books143 followersBarbara DeLeo’s first book, co-written with her best friend, was a story about beauty queens in space. She was eleven, and the sole, handwritten copy was lost years ago, much to everyone’s relief. It’s some small miracle that she kept the faith and is now living her dream of writing sparkling contemporary romance with unforgettable characters.
After completing degrees in Psychology and English then travelling the world, Barbara married her winemaker hero and had two sets of twins.
Barbara still loves telling stories about finding love in all the wrong places, with not a beauty queen or spaceship in sight.
Visit Barbara on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDeLeoA...
After completing degrees in Psychology and English then travelling the world, Barbara married her winemaker hero and had two sets of twins.
Barbara still loves telling stories about finding love in all the wrong places, with not a beauty queen or spaceship in sight.
Visit Barbara on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDeLeoA...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 27, 2021
Immature selfish 24yr old seduces older brother's best friend. The characters actions where completely believable to type right up until the end when I thought why they come together in a HEA felt rushed and not like any real forgiveness or growth occurred for the girl. That was my main problem with story, she didn't seem like a woman but a girl and he was definitely a man not a boy. I felt sorry he was lumped with the adult child that doesn't really grow up. Separately great, detailed, realistic, emotional characters but I didn't feel like they belonged or even grew together over the course of the story.
October 14, 2021
This is my first read by this author and the first book of the series. This was Yasmin and Lane’s story. She is the “little” sister of his best friend. She has always been attracted to him. They never pursued anything because of his ties to her brother and her family…
Yasmin is living life to the fullest. After a health scare she made a bouquet list of all the things she wants to do. One of those things invokes seducing a tall, dark and handsome man, which turns out to be Lane.
Lane has always loved his surrogate family. He cherishes the childhood he had with them since his own was full of angst between his divorced parents. When Yasmin gets back into town and they end up working together he is drawn to her like never before, but he doesn’t want a relationship and he doesn’t want to lose his best friend and family.
This story is just ok. I found the two main characters difficult to pull for at times. I was more drawn to Lane since Yasmin seemed very selfish. It was also hard to understand her job, illness and overall reasons for sudden change of heart at the end. They get their HEA, but i am not sure I believed it. Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yasmin is living life to the fullest. After a health scare she made a bouquet list of all the things she wants to do. One of those things invokes seducing a tall, dark and handsome man, which turns out to be Lane.
Lane has always loved his surrogate family. He cherishes the childhood he had with them since his own was full of angst between his divorced parents. When Yasmin gets back into town and they end up working together he is drawn to her like never before, but he doesn’t want a relationship and he doesn’t want to lose his best friend and family.
This story is just ok. I found the two main characters difficult to pull for at times. I was more drawn to Lane since Yasmin seemed very selfish. It was also hard to understand her job, illness and overall reasons for sudden change of heart at the end. They get their HEA, but i am not sure I believed it. Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 23, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author and I enjoyed it very much. This is a cute small town romance that was a lot of fun to read. Yasmin had a near death experience and now has a new outlook on life. She is back home and ready to live life to the fullest. She has made a list of things she wants to do that she would never have done before her ordeal. Her brother's best friend Lane seems to be on that list. She wants to seduce a tall, dark stranger who is out of her league, and he fits the bill perfectly. What she doesn't realize is that Lane is totally attracted to her, but being his friend's sister, he considers her off-limits. This is a delightful story, full of emotion and witty banter and I really enjoyed reading it. This looks to be a great series and I'm looking forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
This is the story of Yasmin and Lane. After escaping death in Borneo, Yasmin now has a bucket list. She’s taking life by the horns and going to live it to the fullest. Next on her list is to seduce a tall, dark man who is out of her reach. When she sees Lane, her brother’s best friend she sets her sights on him. Lane is surprised at how much Yasmin has changed from the shy girl to the free spirit he sees before him. The attraction is undeniable. Where will this lead, something temporary or permanent? I enjoyed this fun, entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2020
Wonderful story full of banter and high emotions. Love the locales and the characters, who work so well together. Nothing like a big family (and extended family). Her bucket list gets the two together, but with their chemistry, I would hope that they would get together anyway. Many light moments to keep you smiling and laughing and praying it all works out. Loved the viewpoints and storylines. Will definitely be reading more from this author soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2020
Although I read this to the end I nearly DNF it halfway through. It's not bad, just didn't grab me.
September 18, 2020
This is the 1st book in a new series and is Lane and Yasmin’s story. Yasmin had a near brush with death which has changed her outlook of live, and she has drawn up a bucket list of things she would never have done before, which Lane, her brother’s best friend is on. Lane has always been drawn to Yasmin but considered her off limits being his best friend’s little sister. When they are working together to help renovate a wedding hall, the chemistry in undeniable. This is a beautifully written tale which is emotional, entertaining, and with witty banter. I was hooked and intrigued throughout and look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend for all.
August 23, 2020
Super Sweet Story!
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 21, 2020
The story follows Yasmin and Lane. Yasmin has just escaped from death and has created a list of everything she needs to do to live. On that is seducing a tall, dark, mysterious, and completely out of her league man. Lane, her older brother’s best friend, fits the criteria.
In the story, Lane and Yasmin are remodeling her parent’s wedding hall. Throughout the novel, they argue over silly things, and the way it as written always made me want to laugh. It is a great standalone but if you read the first book, there is a bit more background to the family but it’s not necessary. I enjoyed this book a bunch. It was exciting, adventurous, and heartbreaking. Great beach or by the pool read!
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
In the story, Lane and Yasmin are remodeling her parent’s wedding hall. Throughout the novel, they argue over silly things, and the way it as written always made me want to laugh. It is a great standalone but if you read the first book, there is a bit more background to the family but it’s not necessary. I enjoyed this book a bunch. It was exciting, adventurous, and heartbreaking. Great beach or by the pool read!
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
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September 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/20/2020)! 🎁
March 19, 2022
Making the Love List: A sweet,small,town,older brother 's best friend romance(Book 1)
Another wonderful book about brother's best friend that was totally forbidden but works out fine after you have faced death.
Another wonderful book about brother's best friend that was totally forbidden but works out fine after you have faced death.
September 7, 2020
I enjoyed Lane & Yasmin's book. Good characters. This was an entertaining read. And a new author for me. I received a free arc copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
March 14, 2022
Thought this was great, never read any of her books before but look forward to more!!
August 22, 2020
Lane Griffiths was a long-time friend of the Katsalos family for years. When they need renovations done to their wedding hall, Lane has the time and is glad to help out. Complications arrived when he had to work with his best friend’s little sister, Yasmin, and the two of them argued over many things. Yasmin is no longer the girl he knew. Her new attitude attracts him, not realizing that he is on a certain to-do list she has been working on!
Yasmin faced a near-death illness in Borneo and it shook her up. Now she wants to be free-spirited and carefree, to do the things she might never have had courage to experience before. She put a purple streak in her hair and a diamond stud in her nose, for example. And she needs to seduce a tall, dark, handsome man – much like Lane Griffiths actually! In the meantime, Lane is trying to resist his best friend’s little sister. Can he do it? Or is he doomed to be the checkmark on her list?
This is another of my favorite kind of book, with laughter and humor interspersed to break up any tense or awkward parts and keep the reading experience fresh. I loved the story line of such different characters who had their own goals that put them at cross-purposes. Grab your copy and see if Yasmin gets through her list with or without Lane’s cooperation!
Yasmin faced a near-death illness in Borneo and it shook her up. Now she wants to be free-spirited and carefree, to do the things she might never have had courage to experience before. She put a purple streak in her hair and a diamond stud in her nose, for example. And she needs to seduce a tall, dark, handsome man – much like Lane Griffiths actually! In the meantime, Lane is trying to resist his best friend’s little sister. Can he do it? Or is he doomed to be the checkmark on her list?
This is another of my favorite kind of book, with laughter and humor interspersed to break up any tense or awkward parts and keep the reading experience fresh. I loved the story line of such different characters who had their own goals that put them at cross-purposes. Grab your copy and see if Yasmin gets through her list with or without Lane’s cooperation!
August 21, 2020
If you're looking for a small-town romance that has all the swoons, then this book and series are a must read.
Yasmin has returned home after defying death in Borneo with a new lease on life and a bucket list. Gone is the shy, introvert her family protected, she's living life her way and not what's expected of her. Number five on her bucket list is to seduce a tall, dark stranger out of her league. Enter Lane, her brother's best friend who can't believe the girl he remembered, is all grown up, gorgeous and takes his breath away.
Lane grew up shunted between his parents. He's reserved, has his set ways, and it was delicious watching him loosen up and live in the moment. Even more surprising was how the two of them complimented each other when they believed they were on different paths in life. Jasmin wants her trip to Rome and to see the world, while Lane seeks stability. The ending had me grinning, swooning with a happy heart and a grumbling stomach. I could smell and taste the lovely Greek food. Yum.
Making the Love List is a standalone but also part of a series I adored and I can't wait to sink my teeth into. Give me more!
Yasmin has returned home after defying death in Borneo with a new lease on life and a bucket list. Gone is the shy, introvert her family protected, she's living life her way and not what's expected of her. Number five on her bucket list is to seduce a tall, dark stranger out of her league. Enter Lane, her brother's best friend who can't believe the girl he remembered, is all grown up, gorgeous and takes his breath away.
Lane grew up shunted between his parents. He's reserved, has his set ways, and it was delicious watching him loosen up and live in the moment. Even more surprising was how the two of them complimented each other when they believed they were on different paths in life. Jasmin wants her trip to Rome and to see the world, while Lane seeks stability. The ending had me grinning, swooning with a happy heart and a grumbling stomach. I could smell and taste the lovely Greek food. Yum.
Making the Love List is a standalone but also part of a series I adored and I can't wait to sink my teeth into. Give me more!
August 21, 2020
Making a list and checking it twice:
After recovering from a serious illness, Yasmin makes a list of things she wants to accomplish. One of which is seducing a tall, dark and handsome man and she sets out to do that with her older brother's friend, Lane. It was fun seeing her go about this whilst Lane tried desperately to resist the attraction that he had for her. However they had different life goals so all was not smooth sailing and I liked that they had to re-evaluate their desires and priorities.
Overall this was a light, enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully reading more in the series. One thing I wished though was that the characters had of been more accurately reflected on the books cover. Yasmin had purple streaks in her hair whilst Lane was portrayed as always wearing suits and button up shirts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After recovering from a serious illness, Yasmin makes a list of things she wants to accomplish. One of which is seducing a tall, dark and handsome man and she sets out to do that with her older brother's friend, Lane. It was fun seeing her go about this whilst Lane tried desperately to resist the attraction that he had for her. However they had different life goals so all was not smooth sailing and I liked that they had to re-evaluate their desires and priorities.
Overall this was a light, enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully reading more in the series. One thing I wished though was that the characters had of been more accurately reflected on the books cover. Yasmin had purple streaks in her hair whilst Lane was portrayed as always wearing suits and button up shirts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
The first book in the Tall, Dark and Driven series a well written story by a new Author to me, and I know I want to read the next book. This is Successful restaurateur Lane Griffiths and Yasmin Katsalos' story. This tells of a woman that after a brush with death in the wilds of Borneo reinvents herself, but not in a good way. She can not see what is right in front of her face until it is almost too late. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2021
Great love story!
Lane was determined not to be used in life and love like his parents used him. Yasmin was determined to make her own choices and do her own thing, since almost dying from a fever. Together they overcame certain things in life that were holding them back from total freedom of life and live.
Lane was determined not to be used in life and love like his parents used him. Yasmin was determined to make her own choices and do her own thing, since almost dying from a fever. Together they overcame certain things in life that were holding them back from total freedom of life and live.
August 22, 2020
Enjoyed reading the story with Yasmin who suffers a serious illness while in Boreno but survives and comes home only to help renovate her family's wedding venue. Her brother's friend Lane is to help with the work but they have different opinions on what should be done. This is funny at times and sad at other times as they work through how to get the work done at the same time how to make a relationship between them work.
August 21, 2020
Good read
I like this book. Solid story yes Yasmine was a little in a way selfish and short-sighted not thinking about Lanes reputation. But her heart was in the right place. And I have to say I would probably be a little selfish as well if I made thru a serious illness. Lane was just a stand up guy. Not an alpha, just a good man.
I like this book. Solid story yes Yasmine was a little in a way selfish and short-sighted not thinking about Lanes reputation. But her heart was in the right place. And I have to say I would probably be a little selfish as well if I made thru a serious illness. Lane was just a stand up guy. Not an alpha, just a good man.
August 21, 2020
This was my first read from this author. It was an okay read. The reason I'm only giving it 4 stars is that I don't particularly like the third person point of view of story telling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2021
As a Book Reviewer, I received an ebook copy of Making the Love List by Barbara DeLeo, the first book in her Tall, Dark, and Driven series, and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review or any review.
In Making the Love List, Yasmin Katsalos has been in Borneo, but now she’s come home, but she’s not the same studious, conservative girl she was when she left, and when her brother, Nick’s, best friend, Lane, is forced to work with Yasmin on renovations of her family’s restaurant/wedding venue, sparks begin to fly. What will happen to Lane’s relationship with Nick and his parents if Lane gets involved with Yasmin?
Making the Love List is a steamy contemporary romance story that will make you laugh, grip your heart, and maybe even cause you to shed a tear or two. Barbara DeLeo has done a great job creating engaging characters as well as a unique plot, and I love the way the characters learn some difficult things about themselves amidst the conflict of the story.
For my readers who like their romance clean, I will mention that there is a scene in Making the Love List that includes quite a bit of sexual innuendo. There is also one sexual scene that is not explicit that takes place between two characters who aren’t married.
For those of you who like your romances realistic and know that things in the real world aren’t always as they should be, I think you’ll find Making the Love List by Barbara DeLeo fresh with an unusual twist.
This book is also well written and has obviously been well edited.
I give Making the Love List by Barbara DeLeo 5 stars, and I look forward to reading the rest of the Tall, Dark, and Driven series.
In Making the Love List, Yasmin Katsalos has been in Borneo, but now she’s come home, but she’s not the same studious, conservative girl she was when she left, and when her brother, Nick’s, best friend, Lane, is forced to work with Yasmin on renovations of her family’s restaurant/wedding venue, sparks begin to fly. What will happen to Lane’s relationship with Nick and his parents if Lane gets involved with Yasmin?
Making the Love List is a steamy contemporary romance story that will make you laugh, grip your heart, and maybe even cause you to shed a tear or two. Barbara DeLeo has done a great job creating engaging characters as well as a unique plot, and I love the way the characters learn some difficult things about themselves amidst the conflict of the story.
For my readers who like their romance clean, I will mention that there is a scene in Making the Love List that includes quite a bit of sexual innuendo. There is also one sexual scene that is not explicit that takes place between two characters who aren’t married.
For those of you who like your romances realistic and know that things in the real world aren’t always as they should be, I think you’ll find Making the Love List by Barbara DeLeo fresh with an unusual twist.
This book is also well written and has obviously been well edited.
I give Making the Love List by Barbara DeLeo 5 stars, and I look forward to reading the rest of the Tall, Dark, and Driven series.
March 26, 2021
Arc for honest review . This is the first book in the Tall , Dark , and Driven series . Barbara is a pretty new author to me until recently , but I have very quickly fallen in love with her books and writing. Her books just have a way of sucking you right into the story and holding your attention throughout the whole book .I loved Yasmin and Lane so much , watching their relationship grow throughout the book was such a beautiful thing. Not to worry , besides having a wonderful story , there is plenty of steam and off the charts chemistry between these two .there were also some very heartwarming as well as heart wrenching moments . But for me , having all those things in a book it what makes it so hard to put down . I was hooked from the beginning and highly recommended this amazing book ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
Loved the book. Great work Barbara. This story of Yasmin and Lane was a fabulous read and enjoyed being part of their lives as I read through the pages. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 12, 2021
1st book in a three part series about the Katsalo family. After surviving a life-threatening illness, Yasmin is determined to escape her family's strict expectations as the dutiful daughter by creating a bouquet list. She returns home to learn her parents' lives are complicated by their failing restaurant creating a severe strain on their marriage. Now she must choose between her family loyalty and her feelings with former crush, Lane Griffiths if second chances are realistic or fantasy dreams?? What's the right answer?
March 13, 2021
I love Yasmin and Lane!! I can't wait to read more in the series in hopes of finding out more of their story! Yasmin is learning to be carefree and stop living by strict rules her family has set for her. Lane is successful and excited to work his dream job, when he's asked to help his best friend's family business. They were supposed to just work together, but sometimes working together means falling in love.
Seriously can't wait for more!!
Seriously can't wait for more!!
October 1, 2021
An entertaining read. Lane & Yasmin make an intriguing couple and their struggle with being true to self and loyalty to family pulls at the reader's heart strings. The family dynamics add an extra level of complexity that the reader gets to disseminate and guess how the characters will find a balance that everyone can live with comfortably. Receiving an ARC copy from Voracious Readers Only and the author, I willingly write my review and encourage others to read this book.
September 29, 2020
Finding yourself isn’t what you would expect
Lane is a wealthy restaraurantur, and agrees to help redesign Yasmin Katsalos`s parents failing wedding venue. Yasmin has suffered a debilitating illness, and has made a list of goals to turn her life around. She asks Lane, her brothers best friend to help her with item number five.
Lane is a wealthy restaraurantur, and agrees to help redesign Yasmin Katsalos`s parents failing wedding venue. Yasmin has suffered a debilitating illness, and has made a list of goals to turn her life around. She asks Lane, her brothers best friend to help her with item number five.
June 7, 2021
I'm not sure where to start with this book. I felt as if I was a part of the story from the very beginning. Yasmin's "bouquet list" was definitely a twist on the typical bucket list.
I felt the importance of family throughout this book, and I'm hoping Genie, Nick and Ari all get their own HEAs too.
I felt the importance of family throughout this book, and I'm hoping Genie, Nick and Ari all get their own HEAs too.
July 31, 2021
An absolutely beautiful story.
Yasmin made her bouquet list after a near brush with death. Tall, dark and handsome, out of her league guy to seduce? Enter Lane, her brother's friend. They are forced together to help her parents.
I love how both of these characters evolve and change...like we all do when meeting someone.
No cliffhanger and a HEA.
Yasmin made her bouquet list after a near brush with death. Tall, dark and handsome, out of her league guy to seduce? Enter Lane, her brother's friend. They are forced together to help her parents.
I love how both of these characters evolve and change...like we all do when meeting someone.
No cliffhanger and a HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews