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House of Evans #1

Ulterior Designs

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Book one of a new-adult romance duet.

Warning: This book is designed for readers 18+ due to language and graphic sexual content.

A blueprint for desire.

With a shared passion for breathing life into an unconventional dream home, the attraction between a struggling new grad of interior design and an award-winning architect with eclectic sexual tastes is irresistible. But with a cloud of lies and loss hanging over him, the only arrangement Logan wants is one of indulgence and pleasure. However, fate seems to have another design plan in mind for them—a plan that ultimately leads them down a path of desire and discovery.

When the man obsessed with creating his unusual home sets his sights on the woman who keeps unknowingly navigating her way back to him, lust clouds his judgment and he makes an inappropriate proposition. After nearly blowing his chances with the talented and alluring beauty, he readjusts his plans, because it just so happens that his sexy ulterior motives go hand-in-hand with her expertise in interior design.

Though Chloe may be young and naïve in Logan's eyes, she sees him for who and what he is: a man with severe commitment issues. But she's optimistic—maybe too optimistic. And she isn't easily deterred or scared away either, not even by the unusual nature of his design plans or his eclectic sexual tastes. In fact, she's intrigued by them. Faced with a man who can give her not only the experience she needs to propel her career, but everything she's ever fantasized about, she hopes that their physical and intellectual compatibility can prevail over his fears. And more importantly, that they can move forward to become not only design collaborators, but partners on a deeper level.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2016

11 people are currently reading
389 people want to read

About the author

Ella Dominguez

133 books1,576 followers
bizcardTYPEWRITER

Ella is a self-proclaimed lover, dreamer, and wanderer who is unequivocally obsessed with ukuleles and unicorns. She is a respiratory therapist by day and a writer by night. While she refuses to be confined by genre labels, she believes her talent best lies in writing passion-filled, ethnically diverse, suspenseful novels. More of an avid reader than an author, she is committed to writing the stories that the characters in her head tell her to.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews481 followers
June 16, 2016
3.5* frustrating man and his minou STARS!

I was intrigued by the cover and blurb. I enjoy how Ella Dominguez write about dominant man with bdsm or some kinks and submissive women. I was hooked with Altered State which is a dark romance with psychology and thriller. But this one is entirely different.

Logan Evans is a rising star and genius architect, searching for someone to design his masterpiece, House of Evans. Chloe Stephens is just an intern but inside, she's very talented designer. Logan couldn't forget Chloe and fascinated with the way she thinks. Pursing her into agree with his terms wasn't easy and Logan wouldn't give up.
"While you've been busy imagining ways to make my home beautiful, I've been envisioning ways to make you come."

Honestly, I don't really know about interior design or architecture. But whatever they're doing, I could feel their passion into the job. Both Logan and Chloe fascinated me. They're so professional yet ridiculously cute together. Chloe is a hard working and determined person with her job. She's also very patient with Logan even he hurts her feeling many times.

When Logan proposed something intrigued Chloe, she couldn't resist. The curiosity inside her made Logan amazed and call her minou (kitten). I'm quite enjoy their 'relationship' outside job. Logan is a bit control freak and dominant man but he doesn't need the label. He's kinky but I think this is not really a BDSM. Chloe enjoys almost everything Logan gives to her. It was really safe and tame.
“I enjoy being with you, but my demands aren’t up for negotiation, so I need you to listen carefully.” Stroke. “When we’re together …” stroke, “… you do as you're told.” Stroke. “As. You’re. Told,”
description

There are things didn't work for me. Logan seems couldn't move on from his past. He's trying so hard to keep Chloe in friends-with-benefit label. This man annoyed me so much with his uncertainty and too much feeling for a man. I hate touchy man. Logan is definietly not my type at this moment. He keeps push and pull Chloe until she couldn't do it anymore and he let her go. His insecurity cost his happiness with Chloe and he didn't realize it.
You can’t make a person love you. You can’t make a person be faithful or want the same things as you, no matter how much of yourself you give to them.

The cliffhanger didn't surprise me because both Logan and Chloe need more time. Overall, the story move with steady pace and a bit roller-coaster with mixed feelings between Logan and Chloe. I hope Logan will figure out his shit and moving on his life with Chloe. Because, damn they look so good together.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Julia.
235 reviews24 followers
May 29, 2016
4.75 - Minou - Stars

PRE-ORDER AMAZON

It all started with a house... And an urge to decorate it...

And now, please, welcome to The House Of Evans, a place that will blow your mind and turn your on in a matter of a second

A successful architect Logan Evansmeets a newbie but very talented interior designer Chloe Stephens. He cannot resist the pull and asks her not only to make his house beautiful but to give him a ride

The spark is flying. The tension is visible. But is Logan ready to give her more? But is Chloe Ok with it?

Logan is quite an ambitious hard working man with a baggage. Being successful he knows what he wants and how to achieve it. But once burned he is not so willing to open to Chloe.

" I love the gray areas. To me, gray means possibility."



Chloe is quite a naive young prospective designer. She is young and believes in the best. She is ready for new experiences . She is loyal to people around her and dedicated to her work.

Their worlds collide. They feel but they are not sure what to do with it because one is always scared that another will flee.

"I want a genuine toe-curling, tongue-swirling, tonsil-probing, knee-buckling, make-me-cream-my-jeans, orgasmic mouth-to-mouth lip lock - not a pity kiss..."



Their story is quite hot and sexy with a touch of BDSM. It's the journey of passion, of hard work and dedication, of being not afraid to start anew. I liked these characters. I started to sympathize and love them. They are quite a pair.

Once again I fall in love with Ella's unique style. And though the beginning of the book was rather slow, at the end I wished this book never finished.

Please let book 2 come out very very soon.

ARC provided to me by a talented author Ella Dominguez in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,568 reviews409 followers
June 9, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.


3.75 to 4 Stars

Full review to come.
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
898 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2016
Ella Dominguez is the queen of writing books about domination and control. Her books allow you to experience the honest and true form of sexual domination and submission that truly captivates you. Ulterior Designs was truly a masterpiece in my eyes. It brought emotions, a captivating story, honest chemistry between two characters and a true exploration of sexuality. I was in awe.

Ulterior Designs is about a man Logan Evans, an architect who wants his home to be decorated. He meets Chloe Stephens, an interior decorator. He asks her to decorate his home but he not only wants to his home decorator but he finds out he is attracted to her. He proposes to Chloe that they enter into a sexual relationships with no feelings involved. But the question is can you have a sexual relationship without feelings involved. Is it possibble. You need to read this book to find out. This book is simply perfection. It has everything in this book. Emotions, drama,intrigue and a huge dose of intrigue. I loved it so much. It started out slow. I love books that starts slow because you always know that you will get to part where everything just breaks loose. Everything just clicked together. I just got lost into the plot and all I wanted to do is find out more and more about the characters and the plot.

Written in third person, Ulterior Designs really explored human emotion. The writing was so enchanting and well developed. Yes it started slow but the writing just made me become so engrossed in the book. My eyes were just glued to the book. I found myself so lost in the words and the dialogue. Some scenes I was able to question myself what was happening and I wanted more. It is a full length book but I really did not want it to end especially with how to ended. Obviously have to wait for the next book since it is a series. It was also balanced. I liked that there was a story than a big splash of hot sexy scenes. It was about exploring the couple's emotional and sexual story. A hige plus in my eyes

I have saying that not only the plot makes you want to read the book but the characters also make or break the book. This time the characters made sense. I loved how developed they are and I am sucker for character development. Logan Evans is truly an enigma. Dominating, always in control and just o sure of himself, he made the perfect hero. I loved how the autjor made him in human. I could really feel his struggles and just made it more captivating and real. But I wanted to know morre about his pat. I wanted to find out about what made him who he is. Chloe Stephens to me started young and naive and I really thought she would like that throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised because as I got more into the book, she came out of her shell. I loved that a lot. She was the perfect contrast to Logan.

Overally Ulterior Designs was amazing and I cannot wait to read more.

ARC provided exclusively by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
June 8, 2016
Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

Ella Dominguez is one of those authors that I know to one-click. Her unique take on dominance and submission, her writing style, her strong heroines and slightly tarnished heroes all combine to make something special each and every time. Ulterior Motives just highlights what a fantastic story-teller she is.

When I read a book, I tend to base how much I enjoy it on how much I enjoy the hero. With Ulterior Motives, I was having a hard time. I loved the story, I loved the cadence of the writing, and I wanted to like Logan so much. But he just kept falling short of my expectations. He claimed to be dominant, he claimed to be into a lifetstyle that would shock Chloe, a young and naïve interior decorator he hired to transform the old church he was turning into a home. But for all of his claims about himself, I never saw that materialize. Instead, I saw a man that was so wrapped up in his own relationship insecurities, he should have had a sign on him for every woman to RUN as fast as they can. I loved the story, I just got frustrated with the man.

But, at some point I found my focus shifting. It moved from the flawed hero to Chloe, and my heart went out to her in a way that I was not prepared for. I literally ached for her and the story brought me to tears. Oddly enough, it was not one particular scene, rather the entirety of the situation of a man that plays games and doesn’t want to commit. Logan wants Chloe, doesn’t want anyone else to have her, but is so mired in his own issues that he can’t admit what is painfully obvious to everyone. His fear of commitment is driving away a woman that is perfect for him, and for no other reason that he is not brave enough to try to love again. Everyone has been hurt in the past, and Logan’s relationship hurts were no easier or more painful than anyone else’s. But the fact that he is willing to risk losing a woman he loves, just on the principle of not letting himself be hurt again, coupled with the way words can cut a person who is doing all the right things, well, it just twisted my heart.

It saddened me to see Chloe question herself, but I loved the fact that she had the strength to stand up to Logan’s farce of a “no strings attached” relationship. I wept for this woman and actually had dreams about this book the night I finished it. It worked itself into my subconscious and I couldn’t seem to let go of that feeling of having lost something that could be perfect.

Ulterior Designs is not a stand alone but the first half of a two part series. Ella Dominguez stories never seem to have a traditional take on dominance and submission, so I am eager to see what she has in store for Chloe and Logan’s relationship. I want to see these two work it out.

Provided Logan wises up.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for KFForever.
1,053 reviews32 followers
June 1, 2016
https://kfforever.com/

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

3.5 Stars

I have absolutely no argument about the author’s character and plot development which is nothing less than excellent. That being said, I'm not a great fan of third person but Ms Dominguez’s style of writing kept my attention. I had trouble connecting to the egocentric alpha protagonist who drove me up the wall and around the bend. Investing in the heroine was so much easier for me. Why then, did this man who would become so important to her, rile me to such an extent that made me want to give him a good head-bashing with my Kindle! Most probably because of his indecisiveness. I also asked myself if either of them would be able to have a relationship of this kind without repercussions. Here, my opinion is given about how I really felt about this couple.

Theirs is a complex story beginning on quite a slow note. Soon the pace picks up intriguingly well as one reads on. Intense attraction runs riot when they first set eyes on each other and don’t think for one moment that steam doesn't rise from the pages because it does just that! What Logan Evans has in mind I didn’t like at all though. Since his was a business proposition of sorts with tentatively written clauses in it, not including emotions on a personal level would be cause for much confusion. It’s obvious that his experience in worldly ways was of abundance; thus, my wish for him to bend the rules a tad in his ‘ulterior’ plan and see how he was going to deal with his innermost thoughts had me stuck to the pages. A master in his field of work and horrendously gorgeous, Logan’s blind-sided by her beauty, naivety and enthusiastic professionalism. The one thing that swayed my opinion of him was his absolute trust in her regarding his baby. His baby being a project of design.

“I may not be as sophisticated as the other women you've been with, but I'm not desperate…”

Chloe Stephens abiding to Logan’s persuasive ways without taking into consideration the outcome, concerned me. Nevertheless, it would be what it would be regardless of the course of events or my feelings. That mentioned, she doesn't need much convincing as her desires are controlled with the precision of Swiss watch! Yeah, by now you must have noticed that Logan has a domineering streak!

“I enjoy being with you, but my demands aren't up for negotiation, so I need you to listen carefully. When we’re together… you do as you’re told. As. You’re. Told.”

Chloe is my kind of gal. In spite of the fact that I questioned whether she was mature enough to change her lifestyle, I shouldn’t have doubted her for a moment. She takes the bull by the horns and dives into the unknown with gusto. There were times while reading I tried to warn her out loud since I felt that Logan’s past hindered him from investing in their relationship on an emotional basis. I still think Logan is a sod and a half but I couldn't help but love his endearing French name for her and then the ending; my oh my, roll on book two!

“I’d threaten to paddle your ass for being so damned obstinate, but it seems pointless seeing as you like it so much.”

Ahem, but what is this story really about you may ask! Here, I have to mention the synopsis. Ms Dominguez has gone to a lot of trouble to write a perfect one which can be the bane for many authors. Therefore I’m not going to let on but I will say this… original, descriptive and explicitly narrated scenes abound. Bravo to you Ms Dominguez.

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Profile Image for Michelle ♥ The Romance Vault ♥ .
1,166 reviews97 followers
June 6, 2016
Let's start this review off with, "I just want to bash Logan over the head!" There I said it ;) Man oh man, does Logan need a sprinkling of love dust, actually he needs smothering with it! There's being arrogant, dominant and sexy as hell and there's also being a dickhead and total prat! And Logan for me, hit the dickhead end of the scale a few times with his aversion to letting someone in. Isn't it great when a book character gets you yelling at them, frustrated at them and downright want to kick them where it hurts, hahahaa, yes I'm mean ;-)

I have got to say, this took me longer to sink into, considering I grew up reading 3rd person, it took me a while to get used to it after reading 1st person that is everywhere nowadays and I've come to love. So I'm so used to 1st person now that 3rd person can stop me from fully falling into the characters as easily, but I get there, just takes a couple of chapters and voila I'm off.

Interior Designs for me was a lot tamer, from the mind of Ella, in my opinion. Still hot as heck but surprised me a little it seemed less in depth with sexy time. I read this in a day, simply because I couldn't put it down, which is no surprise at all with Ella's books and my love of them. Yes it did take me a while to settle to 3rd person but hell I was enthralled to find out where this was going. I am gutted I have to wait to find out what happens next so Ella please put pen to paper quickly and give us the final part, I can't wait! So pleased to see/find out it's not a long wait at all, next month in fact! ☺

I received Interior Designs to review, and my honest review is how can anyone not love a book where they might be battling with the character's decisions, stupidity and naivity. Really pulls you into their world and grips with the need to find out more with each turning page. It's dogone good stuff that's what it is and I honestly can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
July 8, 2016
Poor Chloe. I felt her pain. Logan Evans was a hot, sexy and virile guy. And Chloe's innocent is intoxicating to him. Add her creativity and vision she has for his home to be decorated, she's one thing he can't resist. No matter how hard he tries. And that puts poor Chloe on a roller coaster ride she doesn't want to be on.

She may have been younger and a but naïve, but she was wise and mature in all the ways of how she handled Logan's constant push and pull. I heart broke for her hurt emotions. And I hurt for Logan. Wanting to badly to have Chloe but being to scared to accept it.

I can't tell you how much I LOVED these characters. They were funny and adorable and sexy and most of all...REAL.
The story was erotic without being over the top. It was funny and cute in the right places and wonderfully written. I can't wait for the second part of their story.
Profile Image for Kathleen Burcham.
160 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2017
Having never read any of Ella Dominguez's books before, I was in awe by her writing. I absolutely love this book. It took me a little bit to get into it but once I got going, I didn't want to put it down. I loved how the chemistry between Logan and Chloe is built throughout the whole book. Logan knows what he wants and Chloe is a newbie interior designer. Chloe learns that Logan isn't a good boy after she learns how Logan wants her to decorate his house.

This story is thoroughly written and does an awesome job at describing scenes. This won't be the last book I read of hers.
Profile Image for Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V..
803 reviews127 followers
June 15, 2016
I beta read this book for the author while it was still being written and rewritten so I won’t comment on grammar or spelling errors or anything like that as I’m not sure what the final product presented.

I knew going into this story that it was going to be dark like Ella’s other work. There is definitely still angst and some hot BDSM sex but more than anything it’s about a man in his 30s who thinks he’s incapable of being in a committed relationship, and the 22 year old interior designer that hopes she can change his mind.

Logan Evans wants Chloe in his bed and his super-duper plan is to have this fresh out of college interior designer, design his house, the House of Evans. Logan figures this is a perfect way to get to know her better and to get her into his bed. What he doesn’t expect is the sheer amount of talent that Chloe has and marvels as she slowly transforms his house. Over the course of a few weeks they “enjoy each other’s company”, all the while Logan is insisting he can’t do commitment, even while helplessly obsessing over Chloe. Chloe hopes that Logan can try for the sake of her, but isn’t really confident in his ability to stop being so childish and just own up to his shit. Throughout the story Chloe is constantly showing Logan how intelligent she is, and how much she knows and understands, despite her age. More than once she puts Logan in his place and makes him accurately feel like the scared, spoilt, child he’s acting as.

I really was hooked on this story all the way through. I absolutely LOVED Chloe! She loved Logan and really wants things to work between them but she refuses to be a pushover and won’t just roll over to Logan’s ridiculous issues. The ending definitely had me excited to read the 2nd and last book in the House of Evans series. I really want to see where the two of them go from here where Chloe just keeps getting more mature and sure of herself, while Logan keeps touting the same line over and over again, “I don’t do/can’t do commitment” and isn’t allowing for any personal growth.
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
383 reviews22 followers
June 22, 2016
Ulterior Designs is unlike any of the books that Ella Dominguez has written before. This is the first in a duet titled The House of Evans, it's a love story about a stubborn man and a loving woman that is a delicate as a fabergé egg and has the patience of a saint. Logan Evans is an architect that recently saved an old church by moving it across the country to his vinyard in Napa Valley and restoring its pristine condition. Now that he's done with the restoration he needs an amazing interior designer to complete his vision for his dream house.
Logan then hires Mr. Dimitry Moriarty (D-Mo), owner of Indulgent Designs, but when Mr. Moriarty is late Logan is pleasantly surprised when his intern, Chloe Stephens, shows up to look over his home and give her opini me while they wait for Mr. Moriarty to arrive. However, when he does finally arrive, Mr. Moriarty is more than rude, he is also unwilling to compromise or listen to Logan's ideas for his own home. But when Mr. Moriarty disrespects Chloe, his intern, Logan has more than enough and fires Indulgent Designs from doing the interior design on his home.
Fate then throws Chloe in his path a few times after the meeting at the House of Evans makes no him wonder if he should just hire Chloe to see what skills she has because they seem to have a similar vision for his home. Then story started to get hot and heavy from there and then when I wasn't ready for the end, I was left needing more having to wait for book two. Ella sure did lay out a great foundation in book one and has me hooked. I cannot wait for the next book to see how this story will end.
Profile Image for Jodee.
403 reviews20 followers
June 2, 2016
'I want a genuine toe-curling, tongue-swirling, tonsil-probing, knee buckling, make-me-cream-my jeans, orgasmic mouth-t0-mouth lip lock - not a pity kiss...'

That is my favorite line from the book.

Now this is the story of two people who are extremely attracted to each other in every way possible. But the question is, is that strong attraction enough? They have both been hurt in their past which makes each guarded.

Chloe is a young, naive, beautiful woman. Logan is experienced, sexy and what else controlling of course. Theirs is a story of passion and dedication.

This first installment of the 'House of Evens' definitely leaves you panting for the next installment.

I have read all of Ella Dominguez's books and I love them all. Her style of writing catches you and makes you want to be those people. This book didn't start out quick, it took some getting into but once you get into it you will be sad that it ends. I would also suggest reading this book with the playlist that is on Spotify it really adds to the story.

Can't wait for the next one. PLEASE WRITE QUICK :)

Profile Image for Barbi.
387 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2016
Architect Logan Evans wanted to hire one of the biggest interior designer to help make his house perfect. Money was no object so he requested the most highly sought after designers to come to his house to lay out his vision.
A knock on the door presents a young woman with gorgeous eyes who introduces herself as Ms. Stephens. Later she revealed herself to be a graduate student and not the designer's assistant, but Logan is intrigued. Ms. Stephens seems to share his vision and has a perspective leaving Logan curious about her. A bump happens with the designer, causing Logan to seek out Ms. Stephens to help design and decorate his house.
The sparks and flirtation is unmatched between them, but the hot and cold leaves them both working toward something they are uncomfortable and unfamiliar with. This book has some SERIOUSLY hot scenes. Like honest to goodness smoking hot scenes that keep your turning the pages to see what happens.
This is a must read book and is undoubtedly a 5 star read. Thank you Ella for letting me read this book--it is more amazing than the last. I cannot wait for book two!
1 review
June 1, 2016
I think Ella Dominguez is a master at getting you to fall hook, line and sinker for the characters she so masterfully develops. I finished the book a few days ago and put off writing my review because she truly ripped the scar tissue covering this heart of mine completely off. I am so darn grateful to have received an ARC of this wonderful book. If you're not acquainted with her work I encourage you to get to one- clicking asap!!! The House of Evans does not disappoint, I love all the details that go into her stories, she literally takes you to church with her eloquence and substance. The works of Ms Dominguez always have super sexy alpha men with issues and the strong women that love them warts and all and boy does Logan have a few. I love how dominant he is but wanted to scream at his obstinate ways, and I really liked how the interior designer leaves a mark on all things Evans. I remember being in love at that age and how hopeful you are that thing will work out, I hope you will take a chance on Ulterior Designs and see if the House of Evans is built on the sand of lust or foundation of
Profile Image for Sylvie Lapensee.
28 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2016
I caught myself not being able to put this book down. Seriously, I was blow drying my long hair & just had to read through my hair because I couldn't put it down for two minutes! There are three sayings that captured me so much I had to write them down. ( Might be spoiler alert... just had to share my fav.)

#1. " While you've been busy imagining ways to make my home beautiful, I've been envisioning ways to make you come."
#2. " Anything in life worth having requires a plan of action."
#3. " ... I don't know you well enough to assume anything about you. I have do idea which guy you are except a brilliant architect with a kind heart and a filthy mind."

I've pre-ordered for Interior Motives for my Kindle & programmed my IPhone to alert me when it's coming in! Ella... you've edged my sexual tension with this book until the next one is in my hands to continue reading. If only "Adela chair" could talk!!!! ;)
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,515 reviews44 followers
Read
May 27, 2016
Wow is all I can say I absolutely loved this book its actually the 1st book I've read by Ella Dominguez and it won't be my last. This is a story about Logan Evans who's an architect that has hired a interior designer Chloe Stephens to decorate his new home and it's her first day on the job and she soon finds out that Logan is a dirty boy by the furniture he's wanting her to decorate his home with, but what she doesn't know is that he has plans to train her in the tastes he has the only thing is that Logan keeps sending her mix signals and it confuses her in the process she knows that she'll only end up getting hurt if she continues to give into him, but he knows how to work her. This isn't a standalone, but it's so worth reading. The author does a amazing job of describing the hot, erotic & sensual acts that take place in the book you feel like your the one who is experiencing the actual acts whew smoking hottt. I want to thank Ella Dominguez in allowing me to read this amazing book.
Profile Image for Lynde Shaw.
515 reviews
May 23, 2016
After a slow start, the story picks up quickly. Too quickly if Logan has anything to say about. Because, you see he needs Chloe to slow down on the interior design of his house. He's fighting tooth and nail his desire for more than just sex. He's lost his trust in love and relationships. Better to remain emotionally uninvolved and just keep it sexual. And just as equally, Chloe is fighting just as hard to show Logan that she can be trusted. She gives him numerous chances to realize she isn't going anywhere until she realizes that it's not up to her. Logan needs to realize it himself. So we're left with the ball in his court. In book 2, will he finally pull his head out of his ass and learn to trust that Chloe is in it for the long haul? I have a good feeling about it!
Profile Image for Yve.
1,114 reviews
May 26, 2016
Once again, I had the pleasure of beta reading another book for Ella Dominguez. I cannot say enough good things about the first book in the House of Evans duet. Over the past four years, Ella has perfected her writing style and the results shine through in Ulterior Designs. She draws you in, keeps you engaged and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely cannot wait to read the conclusion to Chloe and Logan's love story.
Profile Image for Tina.
34 reviews
July 29, 2018
FUKINFABULOUSLY SEXY!!!

Grab a drink, lock the doors, shut your phone off. Ready?? Dive into this sexy, mind blowing, hottness of a book. The story itself is fabulous, the sexy scenes make it out of this world.
Profile Image for Syl.
178 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2021
Really fun, unexpected read. I liked their strange relationship, but I loved that the author chose to really show us how passionate the main characters could be through their work. Totally worked for me. Can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Lita Thomas.
1,568 reviews27 followers
May 30, 2016
Ulterior Designs (House of Evans, #1) by Ella Dominquez tells the story of Chloe. A recent graduate with a degree in interior design. She is new to the field and works several jobs to keep a room over her head, clothes on her back and food in her stomach. She is a very creative young lady who just wants a chance to prove herself and do what she loves. While interning for a famous designer she meets Logan an up and coming architect who has a church he has converted into his home. Logan has a true vision for his home. When Chloe clashes with the designer and the designer doesn’t see Logan’s vision he is fired. Chloe finds herself let go by the designer and has to find a way to continue to pursue her dream. Logan has a physical attraction for Chloe. He has issues that keep him from getting close to a woman. All he wants is sex with no strings attached. Logan propositions Chloe with being the interior designer who can bring “The House of Evan to life. The relationship between Logan and Chloe is not only business plus pleasure. When things get too cozy for Logan he changes into another person. He is giving Chloe whiplash. She cares for Logan and has figured out his issue with commitment. I truly enjoyed their story. I have read many of the author’s books and I enjoy the way in which she tells a story. I can say I loved and hated the way the book ended. The author got such a reaction from me that I had to contact her to let her know how I felt. I am really looking forward to the next book in the saga of Logan and Chloe. It should be rather interesting to see where the road will take the two of them. I was given an ARC of the book for an honest review. I give this story 4 stars.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
June 9, 2016
3.5 STARS

This is the first book of this author that I have read, and the first book in the House of Evens duet. As much as I liked this book and truly want to read the next installment to see how it all pans out, I really did struggle to get to grips with it. The story is very similar to other books that I have read and I felt that some scenes were too short and others far too long. The beginning was drawn out too much and got confusing as to whose POV it was from. I did like the development of the characters and how little bits of information about them was released, but these tid bits were revealed too slowly for me, hence why I struggled. The characters are complex and that is what kept me reading as I wanted to find out what makes them tick.

Chloe Stephens is a newly graduated interior designer and cannot wait to start her new career. She has landed an internship with the most prestigious design company in San Francisco and is looking forward to learning from the best. Logan Evans is an architect extraordinaire and has managed to buy his dream home in Napa and is in desperate need of an interior designer to make his house come alive. He has some rather individual tastes and has a clear idea of what his home will be. When Chloe and Logan meet there is an instant attraction between them and sparks fly when they embark on a relationship of sorts which includes eye opening situations for both of them. They are both so different and think they know what they want. What will happen when the lines between employer and employee blur?

All that being said, it does end on a slight cliffhanger so I do really want to read the next book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,839 reviews38 followers
June 6, 2016
Ulterior Designs
I just want to say to Ella Dominguez that you wrote one hell of a book with this story! I love Chloe, she's so fresh and bright, but with a naïveté you can't help but to embrace, because it's not that she's pretending to be something she's not, she's genuinely curious about that side of Logan.

On the subject of Logan, he's a whole bucket of sexy, but I wanted to use one of his floggers or paddles and knock some sense into him, when it comes to his behavior with Chloe. He wants her, but doesn't want to give her what she wants and more importantly what she deserves. I didn't like some of his tactics towards the end of the book, but thankfully Chloe did what she had to do in order to preserve her heart. But the last two chapters just about broke my heart, especially the ending, I didn't think it would go down like that. And while this does end on a cliffhanger, it looks the next book is due to be released in July, so fingers crossed Chloe and Logan will find a resolution that appeases everyone.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Harrison.
37 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
Oh Logan..... This man is a panty-scorcher, dear readers. Watch out.....

Two very creative people whose paths cross through a shared project discover that their shared chemistry is off the charts.... But he's a little skittish, and she is a little naive.... However, don't count Chloe out. She's a smart, no-bullshit kinda girl and she does not give in to dramatics and ridiculousness that easily.

This Book One of Two has 1) super smokin' hot sexy times with some interesting details and equipment (I love the equipment), 2) excellent dialogue and chemistry between the two characters, 3) a great setting and some interesting side characters and 4) a sequel on the way!!!

Getchu some Logan. You will not regret it.

(I provided this honest review in exchange for an ARC)
Profile Image for Maureen Ames.
337 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2016
Can an over powering attraction between two people bring them together? Or will their past heartbreak and betrayals tear them apart?
Logan, sexy, controlling and experienced, Chloe, beautiful, young and naive, both drawn to each other in all ways possible. Will their attraction and desire for each other be enough to overcome the insecurities from the past. this first installment of Ulterior Design ( House of Evan) leave you wanting more.


Profile Image for Jacki.
380 reviews
May 30, 2016
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I am a long time fan of Ella Dominguez, so I jumped to get my hands on this book. I definitely didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the characters abd rally thought it was a nice difference in an idea for the entire plot. It made the story unique. Of course it was sexy in true Ella fashion.
Overall, this was a nice sweet read.
Profile Image for Beasty.
108 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2016
Really fun, unexpected read. I liked their strange relationship, but I loved that the author chose to really show us how passionate the main characters could be through their work. Totally worked for me. Can't wait for the next installment.
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