It was a marathon, not a sprint, but I had such a great time going along for the ride. This is a true S-L-O-W burn between two characters who need to battle their own demons before they have any chance of getting things right together. I loved that it was a new spin on the single dad/nanny trope, where spending time together has actually made their relationship worse. Getting to know the grumpy man has extinguished the teenage crush our heroine once had, while watching the sunshine nanny effortlessly bond with his son has made this single dad jealous and resentful. It takes some time before they can build up a level of trust – or even like – and I loved seeing them slowly make their way together. It’s tender and emotional with plenty of darkness in both characters’ pasts, so watching them grow stronger and brighter together was immensely satisfying. It’s the kind of love story that requires some patience, but there was never a dull moment for me – I loved it!
The story follows Ellie, a songwriter who is working as a nanny while her music career is in shambles. She’s been working for the man she used to crush on as a teenager, but living with the closed off, jaded and depressed dad has changed her feelings about him. Rafael has shut down since his messy divorce, so he has all kinds of trust issues. But once the two are able to let down their walls a little bit, they quickly realize how much they have in common – and that their broken pieces might just fit together.
Asher likes to write beefy books – sometimes too beefy – so I was a little nervous to see that this is even longer than the first book in the series. However, this took no time at all to draw me in, and I was never bored with it. I loved the slow burn, actually. It was important for these characters to build trust with each other before becoming something more, and it was still easy to see the undercurrent of connection and chemistry beneath the surface. They’ve both gone through a lot in their lives, and it was only by opening up about those experiences that they were able to grow together. Rafael was such a great guy – imperfect and vulnerable, yet loving and steady. He’s the perfect counterpart to Ellie, and I also loved the side she brought out in him. It’s such a quiet love story in so many ways, but their connection shone throughout. And when they finally made their way together? It felt so, so good.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XAqIDM
Audio Note:
The audio is excellent, highly recommended! It’s duet-style, which I love, and so well done. Vanessa Edwin is a talented narrator, and her performance was very good. I was nervous about Noah B. Perez because I’ve only listened to one other audiobook from him and he really played up his accent in that one in a bad way – I’ll forever be haunted by the way he said “Lucas” in The American Roommate Experiment. That was not the case this time; I actually loved his accent and had no trouble with it. The audiobook is nearly 15 hours long, so I listened over the course of three days, but I was never bored or disinterested. I was excited to pick it back up each time. It’s also a super slow burn with just a bit of spice, so it made a great workday listen. All in all, very pleased that I chose this format.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4eyo8Eh
Blurb:
Rafael
Ellie Sinclair is a hopeless romantic who writes love songs.
I’m a struggling workaholic who could inspire a hundred breakup albums.
On paper, we have nothing in common except for my son.
For eight months, I avoid her until our summer trip.
Fourteen days. Two islands. And one nanny I shouldn’t be attracted to.
Spending time with Ellie is expected, but enjoying her company?
That isn’t part of our travel plans.
After my divorce, I swore to protect my heart at all costs.
Even if it means breaking hers in the process.
Ellie
What’s worse than working for a grumpy single dad?
Admitting that I once had a secret crush on him in high school.
Thankfully, Rafael Lopez and I have changed since we graduated from Wisteria High.
He is a billionaire with a company to run and a child to take care of.
I’m an unemployed songwriter he hired to watch his son and teach music.
We coexist without any issues until a vacation changes everything.
Lines blur and old feelings for Rafael return with vengeance as I face a new dilemma.
Being his son’s nanny is one thing, but wishing for more?
Sounds like a heartbreak song waiting to be written.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XAqIDM
Start the series today!
These will definitely read as standalones, but the characters tie the series together. I’ll admit that I wasn’t feeling Love Redesigned the first time I tried it, but I think I was just in the wrong mood. It’s more second chance-y than anticipated, but now I’m looking forward to going back to it.
Julian
If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.
So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.
At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.
The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.
But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.
What happens if I want her to stay?
Dahlia
People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.
Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.
I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.
Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.
Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.
Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?
That isn’t part of the plan.
Love Redesigned is a steamy, small town romance about two family friends-turned-childhood rivals. It is the first book in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series and has a happy ending.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RBcpLs
About the Author:
Lauren Asher is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, Globe and Mail, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of contemporary romance. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help falling in love with and fictional worlds you wish were real.
Her favorite activities outside of writing include DIY projects, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
Follow Jeeves on social media!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Jeeves Reads Romance 