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Love By Design
Love By Design is a flirty, hot read. In this Sex in the City meets Trading Spaces romp Design Intervention’s second season starts with its own surprise makeover. Interior designer Victoria Bryce must break in her temporary co-host, Aussie Russ Rowland.
Victoria, former socialite wild child hopes the reality show will give her the clout to launch her own design line without her family connections. Russ, former bad boy Australian TV star, is using the show to launch his acting career in the States
Sparks fly on camera and passion ignite behind the scenes as they argue over design plans and measurement mishaps.
But when the past collides with the present will the foundation they built withstand the final reveal?
Victoria, former socialite wild child hopes the reality show will give her the clout to launch her own design line without her family connections. Russ, former bad boy Australian TV star, is using the show to launch his acting career in the States
Sparks fly on camera and passion ignite behind the scenes as they argue over design plans and measurement mishaps.
But when the past collides with the present will the foundation they built withstand the final reveal?
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2011
37 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Liz Matis
17 books164 followersLiz Matis - Top 30 Bestselling Amazon Author, #12 Nationally Bestselling Author on Nook. She is a mild mannered accountant by day and romance writer by night. I love happy ever afters!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 7, 2014
I tend not to like romance books where the two love interests start out expressing their interest in each other by antagonizing one another right out of the starting gate, so I've deducted half a star. If some guy talked to me like that, I'd be like "later, dude..." However, once the 'design' part of the underlying HGTV-style 'Love by Design' home remodeling show starts and there are legitimate -reasons- for those sparks to fly, this book takes off into a light-hearted, fun, and terribly saucy read that will have you flipping the pages and giggling at odd, random moments that will leave the people around you wondering, 'what ... is that woman with the e-reader daft in the head?' It took me a couple of chapters to warm up up to the two main characters (and those chapters were thankfully brief), but once it took off, it was a fun ride (literally 3:-) ).
Save a horse!!! 4.5 stars...
Save a horse!!! 4.5 stars...
September 17, 2013
4.5 stars. I laughed out loud over and over again. There were so many great lines in this! I could definitely see this book being made into a romantic comedy. I liked Victoria quite a bit, and oh man, you can give me a hot Aussie like Russ any day! The secondary characters were well-drawn and the story moves swiftly and effortlessly. It'll go down as nicely as a vodka martini!
January 28, 2013
OK, this book is just a steamy, fun, escape book!!! If you're into or have ever been into any of the design makeover shows, like While You Were Out, you'll LOVE this book!
I enjoyed the two main characters. Sure, there's a bit of "what is he or she thinking" going on... and some of the usual, "I can't say it first" stuff... but mostly, this is a book about how two people who shouldn't have ever come across one another do... and fall in love after falling head-long into lust.
They have more in common than the reader might think at first glance. And that's what makes them work.
If you need a fun, fireside romantic read with steam, this is the perfect book for your cold winter or hot summer nights!
I enjoyed the two main characters. Sure, there's a bit of "what is he or she thinking" going on... and some of the usual, "I can't say it first" stuff... but mostly, this is a book about how two people who shouldn't have ever come across one another do... and fall in love after falling head-long into lust.
They have more in common than the reader might think at first glance. And that's what makes them work.
If you need a fun, fireside romantic read with steam, this is the perfect book for your cold winter or hot summer nights!
October 25, 2011
The cover got me with this one, and I adore a good contemporary romance. Love By Design did not disappoint. The writing is top notch, and I love the snappy dialogue between Russ and Victoria. Russ is one hot Australian who smokes up the pages. The hero and heroine have sparks from the very beginning. Add in a reality design show and a strip club, and you have everything in one package. Highly recommended!
April 17, 2012
I won this book in a Good Reads First-Reads Giveaway. Liz, the author, sent me a lovely letter and even signed the book for me.
What a fun romp of a book! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this romance novel. I love design shows, and especially Australians! You can't go wrong there. This book will have you giggling and your heart racing throughout.
What a fun romp of a book! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this romance novel. I love design shows, and especially Australians! You can't go wrong there. This book will have you giggling and your heart racing throughout.
May 1, 2012
When Victoria’s regular co-host, Neil, has to a leave of absence, Russ Rowland, steps in to take his place on Design Intervention. Victoria isn’t too pleased with this new arrangement, but reluctantly goes along with it. Bickering over colors and layout designs, sparks are flying all over the set! Everyone can feel the heat these two have for one another. Will these two be able to learn to work together, even when the past haunts their future?
When I saw the cover for “Love By Design,” I signed up immediately – without reading the synopsis! (Admit it, you like the cover too, right?) After I finally read what the book was about, I even more intrigued – hot Aussie comes to U.S. and falls for his co-host – what’s not to like?
From the moment I started this book, I was truly engaged with the characters and the story. At first, I found Victoria’s character to be a little too arrogant, but once they start shooting the show their bantering quickly turns into flirting – and was done quite nicely I might add! Russ seems to have the ability to tame her in a way that nobody can! From beginning to end, there were twists and turns (one in particular had me on the edge of my seat), but at the sweet end, these clear to see that two created a love by design.
If you’re looking for a laugh out loud, sweet, and spicy read this is the book for you. This book was one that I would definitely read again! Liz Matis’ Love By Design will make you want to hop on a plane to go find your own Aussie – that’s at least what I wanted to do!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
When I saw the cover for “Love By Design,” I signed up immediately – without reading the synopsis! (Admit it, you like the cover too, right?) After I finally read what the book was about, I even more intrigued – hot Aussie comes to U.S. and falls for his co-host – what’s not to like?
From the moment I started this book, I was truly engaged with the characters and the story. At first, I found Victoria’s character to be a little too arrogant, but once they start shooting the show their bantering quickly turns into flirting – and was done quite nicely I might add! Russ seems to have the ability to tame her in a way that nobody can! From beginning to end, there were twists and turns (one in particular had me on the edge of my seat), but at the sweet end, these clear to see that two created a love by design.
If you’re looking for a laugh out loud, sweet, and spicy read this is the book for you. This book was one that I would definitely read again! Liz Matis’ Love By Design will make you want to hop on a plane to go find your own Aussie – that’s at least what I wanted to do!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
March 19, 2012
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers
*Reviewed by Davia for RNJ
BRIEF SUMMARY
Victoria is an Interior designer with her own show co-hosted with her gay best friend Neil. Victoria has put her wild days on hold to work on her career and keep her judgmental parents quiet. After Neil has to take a leave from the show to take care of his sick mother, sexy Australian handyman Russ Rowland gets the job. Russ came to America to launch his career and get away from bad publicity of his own.
THOUGHTS
I loved the storyline! Victoria has thrown everything into her show and wanted everything to go smoothly and once Russ appears everything is off. The attraction is immediate even before Russ walks in the door; Russ is the guy who vows he will never belong to one woman that is until he meets Victoria.
These two really rumple the bed sheets! I loved Russ and his adorable way. He really made me laugh in the beginning; I loved the scene in the restaurant when he was telling Victoria and Ava Australian bad words!!! I thought Victoria was mean to him and I just wondered how much he was going to take from her. She was a little too moody for me towards a guy who was just a doll.
I did like Ava's character. She is Victoria's agent and friend. She was fun, sassy and could definitely see her with her story. Neil Victoria's friend and co-host is also a good fun character.
This was a great storyline and a fun, sexy ready.
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY
*Reviewed by Davia for RNJ
BRIEF SUMMARY
Victoria is an Interior designer with her own show co-hosted with her gay best friend Neil. Victoria has put her wild days on hold to work on her career and keep her judgmental parents quiet. After Neil has to take a leave from the show to take care of his sick mother, sexy Australian handyman Russ Rowland gets the job. Russ came to America to launch his career and get away from bad publicity of his own.
THOUGHTS
I loved the storyline! Victoria has thrown everything into her show and wanted everything to go smoothly and once Russ appears everything is off. The attraction is immediate even before Russ walks in the door; Russ is the guy who vows he will never belong to one woman that is until he meets Victoria.
These two really rumple the bed sheets! I loved Russ and his adorable way. He really made me laugh in the beginning; I loved the scene in the restaurant when he was telling Victoria and Ava Australian bad words!!! I thought Victoria was mean to him and I just wondered how much he was going to take from her. She was a little too moody for me towards a guy who was just a doll.
I did like Ava's character. She is Victoria's agent and friend. She was fun, sassy and could definitely see her with her story. Neil Victoria's friend and co-host is also a good fun character.
This was a great storyline and a fun, sexy ready.
Storyline: GREAT
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY
October 5, 2012
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I am so glad that I did. I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, lovable, enjoyable and sexy. I enjoyed it so much I immediately bought her other two books.
This book revolves around Victoria Bryce a local socialite who is trying to get away from the family name and to try to create her own name with her home designs. She is a strong female but also has issues letting herself feel for people. Eventually we get to see the ice thaw which is nice.
Russ is a sexy, flirty, and funny Australian man who goes to the states hoping to start a new life and escape his past. He joins Victoria on her show Design Intervention as a co host. The sparks fly between these two. He also has issues when it comes to trust and love.
The banter between these two is guaranteed you to laugh. Within the first three chapters I was laughing so hard my face started hurting. Also, you feel the love these two slowly start to built throughout the book. I love the ending it just made it all the better. If you are looking for a short and fun read this is your book. I highly recommend it.
This book revolves around Victoria Bryce a local socialite who is trying to get away from the family name and to try to create her own name with her home designs. She is a strong female but also has issues letting herself feel for people. Eventually we get to see the ice thaw which is nice.
Russ is a sexy, flirty, and funny Australian man who goes to the states hoping to start a new life and escape his past. He joins Victoria on her show Design Intervention as a co host. The sparks fly between these two. He also has issues when it comes to trust and love.
The banter between these two is guaranteed you to laugh. Within the first three chapters I was laughing so hard my face started hurting. Also, you feel the love these two slowly start to built throughout the book. I love the ending it just made it all the better. If you are looking for a short and fun read this is your book. I highly recommend it.
April 4, 2013
This story worked for me. When you think of any makeover show you immediately think of the hot hunky carpenter. This hot carpenter(Russ Rowland)just happens to be from Australia, but he is moonlighting as a male review dancer, this is a secret. Victoria Bryce is a designer that is trying to get her business established, she is a socialite who has had her time in the tabloids and avoids the paparazzi like the plague. She needs a co-host, and Russ has already hosted a show in Australia and is looking to further his career in America. They meet and their is CHEMISTRY. She tries to be the ice queen, because she knows she is going to attack him the minute she gets alone. He doesn't want to give in either. But the attraction is to strong. This story was really well done, there were other things going on too, but it was kind of believable in the situations that come up.
February 23, 2013
This was very hot! Victoria is kind of a stuck up bitch but she has the best interest, and she's trying not to get hurt but he snarky remarks come on handy when dealing with Russell. Russ is sexy and Australian and they were just made for each other! There witty remarks on the tv show they are hosting and just the way they act! I really didn't think it was going to turn out good for them but I'm glad that it did!
July 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. This was a fast paced romance. With lots of steamy scences. You definitely can't go wrong with a hot Aussie co-star. I don't think i could keep my hands off either. It made me giggle and anxious while i read this book. You can't go wrong, everyone needs to read it.
Thanks for picking me for you goodreads first-read giveaway.
Thanks for picking me for you goodreads first-read giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 11, 2013This was a great short story about Victoria and a an aussie named Russ. Russ is filling in on a tv show for Neil who is on leave. Victoria and Russ find they are attracted to each other and enter into a no strings relationship. Well we all know they don't usually work out and it turns into so much more. you will enjoy this story
February 16, 2013
Love by Design it had sex and more Sex. I felt sorry for poor guy. His co-host just couldn't get enough of him. All in all she got her man and her show at the end of the book. Running out of books too read I am loving it!!!
Want to read
January 23, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/23/2013
January 4, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters - hot Aussie, what's not to love? Victoria and Russ sizzled on screen as co-hosts, but also on the page.
March 3, 2012
This is a great read!! I love the Lingo lesson and the characters have such great chemistry. Hot romance at its best!
March 26, 2012
*Disclosure: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.*
A fun and steamy read!
A fun and steamy read!
February 10, 2013
Interior design and a hot, sexy Aussie with an extensive tool make for one hot romance!
February 3, 2013
A funny, and sexy very good read!!! I enjoyed it very much!!!!!
February 10, 2013
Loved this book! Can't wait to read more from this author!
February 25, 2013
Fun, sweet and steamy. It's a fun quick read for a lazy afternoon.
March 2, 2013
Omg got this book for free and absolutely loved it. I read it one day had trouble putting it down to eat.
November 13, 2014
Love by Design is a funny, spicy, sexy read! Totally loved it! I really loved re-reading it after I found Liz's page and pictured Josh Holloway the entire time. :)
August 22, 2014
quirky and fun
February 15, 2013
Australians, great dialog, sexy as all get out, what else is there to except, yum!
March 26, 2013
Loved, loved, loved it!! Funny, sexy and sweet.
August 13, 2014
This was a cute book and I enjoyed that they were interior designers. The ending was so cute.
April 6, 2020
This was a cute light read. It got most of the Aussie slang right, so bonus points. However this has been out for 9 years and they haven’t fixed the “your/you’re” homonym errors.
I like the new cartoon cover (not on goodreads yet) even though it gets the descriptions of the characters wrong.
I like the new cartoon cover (not on goodreads yet) even though it gets the descriptions of the characters wrong.
April 12, 2020
Fun read. Male character sometimes a little hard to believe.
April 20, 2020
Good, witty read.
Lovely characters. Both Russ and Victoria are easy to like and feel invested in their story. Great friends and camaraderie.
Lovely characters. Both Russ and Victoria are easy to like and feel invested in their story. Great friends and camaraderie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews