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Lifestyle by Design #2
Heart Robber
Jessa Allen knew she was plain and average. Yes, she was brainy and successful in her career as a senior writer for the popular Lifestyle by Design magazine, but she wasn't a raving beauty who easily attracted hunky, gorgeous men like Rob Granger even if her well-meaning friends wanted her to believe she was. So when Rob asked her out, she was shocked. A seriously handsome man who had magnetism she couldn't seem to escape wanted her. That wasn't something that happened everyday. Rob Granger was instantly attracted to Jessa Allen. She wasn't the usual type he went for but there was something alluring about her that drew him like a moth to a flame. But he was a self-confessed playboy who had absolutely no plans to be tied down by any woman. He valued his freedom, first and foremost and his expanding business was the only thing he was committed to. But he was intent on satisfying his intense desire for Jessa. They both didn't want to fight their physical attraction for each other. But Jessa found herself falling for the man who could not promise her tomorrow. And Rob was set on only having a short fling with Jessa especially when they lived in different states - he in Melbourne and she in Sydney. Could Jessa trust herself not to fall apart when the time came to let Rob go? And could Rob ever find freedom in what he considered as a prison to be avoided at all cost?
250 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2012
16 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Miranda P. Charles
39 books436 followersHi! I’m Miranda P. Charles, a romance author based in Sydney, Australia. I write steamy contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring swoon-worthy heroes and strong, independent heroines.
My stories are steamy, heartfelt, and a little addictive—blending humour, emotional depth, and irresistible chemistry, always with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
You’ll usually find me awake in the wee hours of the morning (thank you, insomnia!) writing while the world is quiet—my favourite time to create love stories.
My stories are steamy, heartfelt, and a little addictive—blending humour, emotional depth, and irresistible chemistry, always with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
You’ll usually find me awake in the wee hours of the morning (thank you, insomnia!) writing while the world is quiet—my favourite time to create love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 19, 2013
Jessa Allen has low self-esteem and is completely thrown for a loop when the hunk of the party, Rob Granger asks her to dinner. Jessa agrees, because she knows she will never get another chance, but Rob is not looking for any long-term commitments. After one night of fun, an arrangement is made to keep things casual. Will they both keep their hearts protected or will they give in and accept their feelings?
Heart Robber is the story of how Jessa and Rob overcome their insecurities and learn to love themselves and each other. This is the second book in the Lifestyle by Design series and picks up right where the first book left off, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of Will and Clarise will still get snippets of their inner thoughts and follow their happily-ever-after, while falling in love with Jessa and Rob. The writing is improved from the first book, while the spiciness of the romance is amped up too. This book is a must read for fans of spicy romances with sweet, relatable characters.
Notes:
A copy of this book was provided by the author for me to review.
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
Heart Robber is the story of how Jessa and Rob overcome their insecurities and learn to love themselves and each other. This is the second book in the Lifestyle by Design series and picks up right where the first book left off, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Fans of Will and Clarise will still get snippets of their inner thoughts and follow their happily-ever-after, while falling in love with Jessa and Rob. The writing is improved from the first book, while the spiciness of the romance is amped up too. This book is a must read for fans of spicy romances with sweet, relatable characters.
Notes:
A copy of this book was provided by the author for me to review.
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
September 25, 2013
THIS READ LIKE I WAS WATCHING EPISODES OF THE OLD TV SHOW "FRIENDS" BUT TAKING PLACE IN AUSTRALIA. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FEMALE LEAD CHARACTER JESSA, SHE WAS SO INSECURE AND WEAK ABOUT EVERYTHING. SHE COULDN'T HAVE A THOUGTH WITHOUT HER FRIENDS APPROVAL, BUT THEY ALL WERE UP IN EACH OTHERS BUSINESS. TRUE LOVE DID WIN IN THE END. IT DID HAVE A FEW NICE LOVE SCENES.
June 20, 2021
Realization Of What The Heart Wants
Heart Robber is the second book in the Lifestyle By Design Series by Miranda P. Charles. I was not expecting a lot due to the disappointment in book 1 but there was definite improvement and I enjoyed this story a little more.
Writer and Editor of Lifestyle by Design Magazine, Jessa "Jess" Allen believes herself to be brainy and an intellectual rather than a beauty. Her self-confidence is lacking due to some past issues and her own skewed viewpoint about herself. However, a good looking playboy might just change her perception and discover something about himself along the way.
Marketing Genius and Entrepreneur, Rob Granger has decided to expand his business from Melbourne to Sydney. Recently, he has come out of a relationship that moved a little too fast. He has always been honest with his partners about what he is seeking. Currently, due to his workload, he is not interested in anything serious. However, when he meets a lovely woman at a charity auction, he is bowled over.
I liked the fact that the authoress brought up the issue of self-esteem and self-confidence in women and how the main character had a warped opinion about her attractiveness. It was nice to see Jessa's friend rally around her in interesting ways to make her realize the error of her ways. The book also had a lot of events taking place and the story had depth to it. The supporting cast from the first book was back and learning more about their lives was a treat. The sex scenes were hot and enjoyable.
What I didn't like was that the characters seem to be so confused about what relationships, commitments and love mean. Both the male and female characters need constant support from their friends to make sense of their feelings and to navigate their relationship. Seemed very strange to me. Also, in both stories, the main characters seem to be in fast mode when it comes to their feelings and resolution. I am not a big fan of those tropes. Lastly, the writing style showed improvement, but the authoress has a tendency to repeat the same thought process over and over again. It was a little less in this book, but still present.
Since I have the third book in my library and am curious as how the most outspoken member of the group handles romance, I will finish the series. If you are looking for a book, about people working toward realizing what they want in life with some steamy sex and a fun supporting cast, you may love this book.
Heart Robber is the second book in the Lifestyle By Design Series by Miranda P. Charles. I was not expecting a lot due to the disappointment in book 1 but there was definite improvement and I enjoyed this story a little more.
Writer and Editor of Lifestyle by Design Magazine, Jessa "Jess" Allen believes herself to be brainy and an intellectual rather than a beauty. Her self-confidence is lacking due to some past issues and her own skewed viewpoint about herself. However, a good looking playboy might just change her perception and discover something about himself along the way.
Marketing Genius and Entrepreneur, Rob Granger has decided to expand his business from Melbourne to Sydney. Recently, he has come out of a relationship that moved a little too fast. He has always been honest with his partners about what he is seeking. Currently, due to his workload, he is not interested in anything serious. However, when he meets a lovely woman at a charity auction, he is bowled over.
I liked the fact that the authoress brought up the issue of self-esteem and self-confidence in women and how the main character had a warped opinion about her attractiveness. It was nice to see Jessa's friend rally around her in interesting ways to make her realize the error of her ways. The book also had a lot of events taking place and the story had depth to it. The supporting cast from the first book was back and learning more about their lives was a treat. The sex scenes were hot and enjoyable.
What I didn't like was that the characters seem to be so confused about what relationships, commitments and love mean. Both the male and female characters need constant support from their friends to make sense of their feelings and to navigate their relationship. Seemed very strange to me. Also, in both stories, the main characters seem to be in fast mode when it comes to their feelings and resolution. I am not a big fan of those tropes. Lastly, the writing style showed improvement, but the authoress has a tendency to repeat the same thought process over and over again. It was a little less in this book, but still present.
Since I have the third book in my library and am curious as how the most outspoken member of the group handles romance, I will finish the series. If you are looking for a book, about people working toward realizing what they want in life with some steamy sex and a fun supporting cast, you may love this book.
September 25, 2024
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Jess’s is the beautiful woman that thinks she is plain and is confused why an attractive guy would like her. This would kill it for me but her hesitancy seems more warranted given his reputation (f boi). The make him realise he has feelings by the mutual friends is fun and an enjoyable Australia read!
Jess’s is the beautiful woman that thinks she is plain and is confused why an attractive guy would like her. This would kill it for me but her hesitancy seems more warranted given his reputation (f boi). The make him realise he has feelings by the mutual friends is fun and an enjoyable Australia read!
February 15, 2014
Jessa Allen bright, intelligent, successful, and beautiful, not that Jessa believes it she knows she believes she average despite wha her best freinds tell her, but while at a party for her freinds she meets Rob Grainger, successful, gorgeous marketing agent.. The two are drawn together and spend the whole party talking Rob stuns Jessa when he asks her out, sure she is not really his type but he can't seem to not be drawn to her.
Rob does not want a relationship, he enjoys having casual relationships with no attachments but as much as he knows Jessa is a girl who will want a relationship he can not help to be drawn to her . Jessa just wants to spend more time with him and agrees to a short term relationship , but she is not sure is she is going to be able to let him go without gettting hurt. Rob usually does not have issues with feeling propieterary about a women but the thought of Jessa , dating someone else , being in the arms of someone else has him reevaluating hs lifestyle .
Can these two work it out? What will their freinds and family think?
Sweet, intense and passionate read.
Rob does not want a relationship, he enjoys having casual relationships with no attachments but as much as he knows Jessa is a girl who will want a relationship he can not help to be drawn to her . Jessa just wants to spend more time with him and agrees to a short term relationship , but she is not sure is she is going to be able to let him go without gettting hurt. Rob usually does not have issues with feeling propieterary about a women but the thought of Jessa , dating someone else , being in the arms of someone else has him reevaluating hs lifestyle .
Can these two work it out? What will their freinds and family think?
Sweet, intense and passionate read.
August 22, 2013
I loved this story. It'the first I have read by Miranda Charles but definitely won't be the last! Although it is the second in the series, it didn't make any difference - and normally I like to start at the beginning. The couple from the first book were great supporting characters in this one, but I didn't feel I'd missed out on anything. Though I do intend to go back and read their story.
I really felt that this whole group of friends were people I would like to know in the real world. I totally relate to Jessa and her hangups about herself. Rob is gorgeous and I enjoyed the journey he went on as he fell for Jessa.
The chemistry - and the sex - between the two of them was perfect. I'll be adding Ms Charles to my to read list.
I really felt that this whole group of friends were people I would like to know in the real world. I totally relate to Jessa and her hangups about herself. Rob is gorgeous and I enjoyed the journey he went on as he fell for Jessa.
The chemistry - and the sex - between the two of them was perfect. I'll be adding Ms Charles to my to read list.
January 16, 2014
We met Jessa and Rob in Will to Love. Starting where that one left off now we get to see their story as well as the continuation of Will and Clarise's story.
Jessa wants to find "The One" but doesn't think she diserves a hottie like Rob. Rob doesn't do long term commitment, but there's something about insecure Jessa that he just can't deny. As he lives in Syndey for 4 months can the two accept each other and what they want?
Getting to see more of these characters is great and learning the next girls story and seeing her find love is great. Loved these two together even if it did take knocking Rob in the hear for him to see what was right in front of him. Watching Will's antics as he coaxed his best friend to figure out his feelings was too funny!!
Jessa wants to find "The One" but doesn't think she diserves a hottie like Rob. Rob doesn't do long term commitment, but there's something about insecure Jessa that he just can't deny. As he lives in Syndey for 4 months can the two accept each other and what they want?
Getting to see more of these characters is great and learning the next girls story and seeing her find love is great. Loved these two together even if it did take knocking Rob in the hear for him to see what was right in front of him. Watching Will's antics as he coaxed his best friend to figure out his feelings was too funny!!
March 3, 2014
Another fun romantic romp with great steamy sex scenes from Miranda Charles. Jessa feels like the invisible woman in the room. She doesn't see how beautiful she really is even though her friends/family know differently. Jessa meets Rob through her friend Clarise's boyfriend Will. Jessa is looking for a relationship and Rob is afraid of long-term commitments so they decide to be temporary boyfriend/girlfriend. But what happens when real feelings get involved? How do you approach a termination date to your relationship? I love how Miranda Charles gives us a great romance between 2 characters but at the same time we are interacting with all the characters from her other stories and we find a great network of friends supporting each other as they deal with the challenges of life.
January 12, 2014
I loved all the friends from the first book that came back from Will to Love that were back and how the story evolved from that and just continued to grow. A must read. Poor plain Jessa. Only everyone sees her as not so plain. Even hottie Rob. When Rob ask Jessa out, she thinks it is only because she is the only single female there. But something about her pulls him to her. As always, the guy doesn't want the relationship, the girl does. But the guy realizes he is finding an emotion he never thought he could have...love. Can't wait to read Ray of Love.
April 2, 2015
I found Heart Robber to be an exceptional read. Jessa perceives herself as ordinary. She does not see the traits and qualities that to others make her extraordinary. When she attracts the attention of Rob who is handsome and everything she believes she is not,she can't fathom why he would be interested. Ms. Charles did an excellent job of driving home the point that outside beauty is not as important as inner beauty. I loved this story.
October 5, 2013
I really, really enjoyed this book. I love the brainy, not-your-typical girl character falling for the bad boy. And that's exactly what happened between Jessa and Rob. They had to figure out how to be together and then decide if it's worth staying together.
If you like romance novels, then you'll love this one!
Reviewed by Crystal
If you like romance novels, then you'll love this one!
Reviewed by Crystal
January 26, 2014
I wasnt quite sure how the second book would be. But I absolutely loved it. It showed how someone who had casual sex with people all the time could find someone unexpectantly and love forever. I am glad the characters from the first book was on there also. It was a great read. looking forward to the third book and how the stories continue
April 18, 2013
Sweet read. Enjoyed it very much
April 22, 2013
Average book, average review. Very basic story and as usual felt slightly sagged out then rushed at the end. But that seems to be the norm for this genre.
April 30, 2013
Not as steamy as I was expecting.
October 6, 2013
I dont like characters w low self esteem, and this girl put herself down throughout the book. It seemed like she was fishing for compliments from her friends.
February 18, 2015
such strong emotions! just like Will to Love! Rob and Jessa are fun and sexy! It's great to see Will and Clarise again, even if the circumstances were a little heart-wrenching! a great fun story!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews