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Crescent Cove #16
Daddy By Design
Enemies to Lovers meets Beauty and The Beast with a redemption arc and a Victorian ghost for some spice.
Beauty:
The night I accidentally attacked his truck in a case of mistaken identity started us off on a very wrong foot. Or maybe not, because for me and my Beast, fighting is foreplay.
The gothic Victorian house on the lake was made for me. From the turrets to the intricate gingham details, it’s an interior designer’s wet dream. I’d spend my lunch break coming up with wild ideas on what to do with it when I could afford it one day.
Then a sold sign appeared.
Some beastly artist named Nolan Devereaux bought it—and hired my firm, Designing Women, to help decorate it. He’s an infuriating know-it-all with his grumpy nature and complete lack of understanding of the perfection of what he has.
Now we’re fighting—and making up in very non-professional ways—over renovating his house. Though he’s footing the bill, his ideas go against the usual rules for homes of significance. And the standards of the matchmaking ghost determined to keep us together.
Beast:
When my sister, Macy, moved to small town Crescent Cove, I thought she’d lost her mind. Then she started building a life—one that didn’t include me. It didn’t bother me at first.
Until the accident.
Until the scars on the inside now were on the outside for all to see.
The minute I saw that Victorian house on the lake, I knew it was where I belonged.
But this loud and opinionated designer keeps trying to dictate my renovations. Except the more she pushes her way into my life, the more I wonder if she’s been the missing piece all along.
And so is the baby she’s carrying…
Author's Note: Inside the pages of this book, you’ll find the ultimate enemies to lovers redemption story with a Victorian ghost who will steal your heart. Daddy By Design is a standalone romantic comedy with a happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger
Beauty:
The night I accidentally attacked his truck in a case of mistaken identity started us off on a very wrong foot. Or maybe not, because for me and my Beast, fighting is foreplay.
The gothic Victorian house on the lake was made for me. From the turrets to the intricate gingham details, it’s an interior designer’s wet dream. I’d spend my lunch break coming up with wild ideas on what to do with it when I could afford it one day.
Then a sold sign appeared.
Some beastly artist named Nolan Devereaux bought it—and hired my firm, Designing Women, to help decorate it. He’s an infuriating know-it-all with his grumpy nature and complete lack of understanding of the perfection of what he has.
Now we’re fighting—and making up in very non-professional ways—over renovating his house. Though he’s footing the bill, his ideas go against the usual rules for homes of significance. And the standards of the matchmaking ghost determined to keep us together.
Beast:
When my sister, Macy, moved to small town Crescent Cove, I thought she’d lost her mind. Then she started building a life—one that didn’t include me. It didn’t bother me at first.
Until the accident.
Until the scars on the inside now were on the outside for all to see.
The minute I saw that Victorian house on the lake, I knew it was where I belonged.
But this loud and opinionated designer keeps trying to dictate my renovations. Except the more she pushes her way into my life, the more I wonder if she’s been the missing piece all along.
And so is the baby she’s carrying…
Author's Note: Inside the pages of this book, you’ll find the ultimate enemies to lovers redemption story with a Victorian ghost who will steal your heart. Daddy By Design is a standalone romantic comedy with a happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2024
360 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Taryn Quinn
100 books1,021 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Taryn Quinn, is the bestie combo of bestselling authors Taryn Elliott and Cari Quinn.
We’re both fur moms and happily single.
We bonded over our love of music and reading and love to incorporate our crazy ideas into sprawling, shenanigan-filled books where an HEA is a promise. If you love found families, you’re guaranteed to find ones you wish were your own by the end of our books.
☕️ Pour a cup of coffee and join us. We’re glad you’re here.
We’re both fur moms and happily single.
We bonded over our love of music and reading and love to incorporate our crazy ideas into sprawling, shenanigan-filled books where an HEA is a promise. If you love found families, you’re guaranteed to find ones you wish were your own by the end of our books.
☕️ Pour a cup of coffee and join us. We’re glad you’re here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 25, 2024
I'm completely obsessed with the Crescent Cove series by Taryn Quinn and Daddy By Design had me immediately hooked! While it's book 16 in the series, it can be read as a complete standalone. The story is funny, emotional, and super sexy, making me feel every emotion under the sun. Quinn knocked this one out of the park!
Dahlia is this happy, kind, chatty powerhouse. A successful designer, she dreams big and goes for what she wants. Nolan is a reclusive artist who keeps to himself and is a man of few words. They have quite the "meet cute" that had me laughing out loud. There is no love lost between them when they first meet but slowly, Dahlia warms to Nolan and they become intrigued with one another. I really loved Dahlia and Nolan together. He was grumpy to her sunshine and they continually butted heads, constantly sparring with one another. Talk about great foreplay! Their witty dialogue was thoroughly entertaining. And their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS! Holy smoking hot, Batman! These two oozed lust and sex. They are steamy, steamy, STEAMY!!! Things are not easy for them but they do find their happily ever after which I adored.
There was so much to love about this story. The characters and setting were top-notch (including plenty of scenes with several past Taryn Quinn favorites), and we also got a treat with Gizmo, the trouble-making cat, and Henriette the ghost residing in Nolan's house. This story was a joy to read. 5 stars
Dahlia is this happy, kind, chatty powerhouse. A successful designer, she dreams big and goes for what she wants. Nolan is a reclusive artist who keeps to himself and is a man of few words. They have quite the "meet cute" that had me laughing out loud. There is no love lost between them when they first meet but slowly, Dahlia warms to Nolan and they become intrigued with one another. I really loved Dahlia and Nolan together. He was grumpy to her sunshine and they continually butted heads, constantly sparring with one another. Talk about great foreplay! Their witty dialogue was thoroughly entertaining. And their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS! Holy smoking hot, Batman! These two oozed lust and sex. They are steamy, steamy, STEAMY!!! Things are not easy for them but they do find their happily ever after which I adored.
There was so much to love about this story. The characters and setting were top-notch (including plenty of scenes with several past Taryn Quinn favorites), and we also got a treat with Gizmo, the trouble-making cat, and Henriette the ghost residing in Nolan's house. This story was a joy to read. 5 stars
July 29, 2024
Great read
What an outstanding addition to the Crescent Cove series. Nolan and Dahlia make a great couple. It was nice checking in on Macy and Gideon as well. This story was emotionally touching, and while Nolan was learning that his scars didn't make him a monster, it brought out a lot of emotions. I would recommend this story to any adult reader that enjoys sexy heroes and the strong heroines that get them.
What an outstanding addition to the Crescent Cove series. Nolan and Dahlia make a great couple. It was nice checking in on Macy and Gideon as well. This story was emotionally touching, and while Nolan was learning that his scars didn't make him a monster, it brought out a lot of emotions. I would recommend this story to any adult reader that enjoys sexy heroes and the strong heroines that get them.
July 24, 2024
love this series loved Nolan and Dahlia
I love the Crescent Cove series. Nolan Devereraux bought the old Victorian house that Dahlia has been in love with since she laid eyes on it. He needs help with the remodel and uses Dahlias Designing Women to help. Such a well written romance. Fast paced beautiful roller coaster of emotions and I loved their story. Waiting for the next.
I love the Crescent Cove series. Nolan Devereraux bought the old Victorian house that Dahlia has been in love with since she laid eyes on it. He needs help with the remodel and uses Dahlias Designing Women to help. Such a well written romance. Fast paced beautiful roller coaster of emotions and I loved their story. Waiting for the next.
December 15, 2024
I really enjoyed Nolan and Dahlia’s story of opposites attract and their bantering had me wanting more. It was entertaining to see ghost matchmaking as well as their family and friends getting in on the action. A great addition to the Crescent Cove series.
July 25, 2024
Ok, so this is book 16 in the Crescent Cover series and it can be read as a standalone-but I would absolutely read Macy's (Daddy in Disguise) book before reading Nolan's! Beauty: The night I accidentally attacked his truck in a case of mistaken identity started us off on a very wrong foot. Or maybe not, because for me and my Beast, fighting is foreplay. The gothic Victorian house on the lake was made for me. From the turrets to the intricate gingham details, it’s an interior designer’s wet dream. I’d spend my lunch break coming up with wild ideas on what to do with it when I could afford it one day. Then a sold sign appeared. Some beastly artist named Nolan Devereaux bought it—and hired my firm, Designing Women, to help decorate it. He’s an infuriating know-it-all with his grumpy nature and complete lack of understanding of the perfection of what he has. Now we’re fighting—and making up in very non-professional ways—over renovating his house. Though he’s footing the bill, his ideas go against the usual rules for homes of significance. And the standards of the matchmaking ghost determined to keep us together. Beast: When my sister, Macy, moved to small town Crescent Cove, I thought she’d lost her mind. Then she started building a life—one that didn’t include me. It didn’t bother me at first. Until the accident. Until the scars on the inside now were on the outside for all to see. The minute I saw that Victorian house on the lake, I knew it was where I belonged. But this loud and opinionated designer keeps trying to dictate my renovations. Except the more she pushes her way into my life, the more I wonder if she’s been the missing piece all along. And so is the baby she’s carrying.
When Nolan's book was announced, I was so beyond excited since I love his sister! I was worried at the beginning whether I would truly like him or not. I should have known that these author's would pull out his story and make me love him! Nolan has been through a lot, but the things he has been through have also shown him what truly matters. But he also still struggles with the things that have happened. And then you throw Dahlia in there! She cracked me up from the first! She is quirky and out there and I loved everything about her! Their chemistry was off the charts, and the banter back and forth was great. I also loved that there was some woo-woo thrown in there! It was definitely worth the wait for a book for him!
When Nolan's book was announced, I was so beyond excited since I love his sister! I was worried at the beginning whether I would truly like him or not. I should have known that these author's would pull out his story and make me love him! Nolan has been through a lot, but the things he has been through have also shown him what truly matters. But he also still struggles with the things that have happened. And then you throw Dahlia in there! She cracked me up from the first! She is quirky and out there and I loved everything about her! Their chemistry was off the charts, and the banter back and forth was great. I also loved that there was some woo-woo thrown in there! It was definitely worth the wait for a book for him!
October 19, 2024
🎨 Read if you like: enemies to lovers, Beauty and the Beast vibes, Victorian houses, redemption arcs, a little ghostly matchmaking, and small-town charm.
📚 Mistaken identity. An accidental truck attack. A gothic Victorian house that feels like fate. When Dahlia, an interior designer with big dreams, crosses paths with broody artist Nolan Devereaux, sparks fly—and not just from their fights. Dahlia's been dreaming of renovating the house Nolan just bought, but now she's stuck working for him. Cue endless bickering, begrudging admiration, and some very unprofessional make-up sessions. Add a matchmaking Victorian ghost into the mix, and this renovation is about to get more than a little spicy.
👨👧 Dahlia is bold, creative, and not afraid to stand up to the grumpy Beast in her life. She’s as fiery as they come and knows exactly how to put Nolan in his place. Nolan, scarred on the inside and out, is closed off at first but can’t resist the fierce designer who keeps pushing her way into his life—and his heart.
💞 This is enemies to lovers at its finest. The chemistry between Dahlia and Nolan is electric, their banter is hilarious, and the tension…oh, the tension. Fighting over paint colors turns into something much deeper as they begin to peel back each other’s layers and realize they might just be what the other needs.
👧 From Nolan’s sister Macy, who brings warmth and family ties, to the Victorian ghost determined to play matchmaker, the side characters add heart and humor. Crescent Cove feels alive with its quirky inhabitants.
✍️ Taryn Quinn's witty dialogue and playful narrative bring this fun, heartfelt story to life. The mix of banter, romance, and a touch of the supernatural makes it unputdownable.
🌟 This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for. Daddy By Design is a delightful rom-com with a redemption arc that will make you swoon, laugh, and maybe even tear up. Plus, there’s a baby on the way that might just change everything.
📲 QOTD: If you could renovate any dream house, what would it look like?
#BookReview #EnemiesToLovers #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling #VictorianGhost #SmallTownRomance #InteriorDesignGoals #DaddyByDesign #CrescentCove #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #TarynQuinn #BookishVibes
📚 Mistaken identity. An accidental truck attack. A gothic Victorian house that feels like fate. When Dahlia, an interior designer with big dreams, crosses paths with broody artist Nolan Devereaux, sparks fly—and not just from their fights. Dahlia's been dreaming of renovating the house Nolan just bought, but now she's stuck working for him. Cue endless bickering, begrudging admiration, and some very unprofessional make-up sessions. Add a matchmaking Victorian ghost into the mix, and this renovation is about to get more than a little spicy.
👨👧 Dahlia is bold, creative, and not afraid to stand up to the grumpy Beast in her life. She’s as fiery as they come and knows exactly how to put Nolan in his place. Nolan, scarred on the inside and out, is closed off at first but can’t resist the fierce designer who keeps pushing her way into his life—and his heart.
💞 This is enemies to lovers at its finest. The chemistry between Dahlia and Nolan is electric, their banter is hilarious, and the tension…oh, the tension. Fighting over paint colors turns into something much deeper as they begin to peel back each other’s layers and realize they might just be what the other needs.
👧 From Nolan’s sister Macy, who brings warmth and family ties, to the Victorian ghost determined to play matchmaker, the side characters add heart and humor. Crescent Cove feels alive with its quirky inhabitants.
✍️ Taryn Quinn's witty dialogue and playful narrative bring this fun, heartfelt story to life. The mix of banter, romance, and a touch of the supernatural makes it unputdownable.
🌟 This story was perfectly written and was just the right amount of everything you are looking for. Daddy By Design is a delightful rom-com with a redemption arc that will make you swoon, laugh, and maybe even tear up. Plus, there’s a baby on the way that might just change everything.
📲 QOTD: If you could renovate any dream house, what would it look like?
#BookReview #EnemiesToLovers #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling #VictorianGhost #SmallTownRomance #InteriorDesignGoals #DaddyByDesign #CrescentCove #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #TarynQuinn #BookishVibes
August 19, 2024
Amazon
Dahlia keyed the wrong truck and now the very irate owner of that truck has just bought her dream home on the lake. But if she can convince him to let her company decorate that house, she can consider the whole thing a positive rather than a negative. She underestimated their insane chemistry and that all their bickering is some sort of aphrodisiac to them both though. All their fighting has lead to some explosive encounters, messing with Dahlia's mind because Nolan is the very definition of emotionally unavailable, and it might take a meddling ghost to set them straight.
Nolan moved to this tiny town where his sister lives, to get away from his past. He's recovering from a career ending accident and all the scars he now has, both inside and out, when a sassy, irritating woman barrels her way into his life (and heart if he's not careful). Somehow she's convinced him to let her design his house, and they've fallen prey to their explosive chemistry. All their bickering is like catnip and they can't keep from falling into each other's arms. But it's not going to be anything other than an arrangement with benefits because Nolan isn't the man for her and he knows it, even if their resident ghost seems to disagree.
I've been loving all the couples of Crescent Cove and Kensington Square and am always so happy each time someone has a baby and falls in love. The spooky addition of a ghost just made me fall in love with these two worlds even more, and is so fitting for the gothic house they fall in love with and in. Nolan is probably the most brooding to come down the turnpike, and I wanted to give him a big hug as he slowly let out his sad story. Thank God his sassy ray of sunshine came along with her water loving cat, and made his world and his heart right again. This Beauty and the Beast retelling is one of my favorite stories in both Crescent Cove and the Kensington Square series, and it has me all impatient for Jensen and Lyric's story, which I hope is coming soon.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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August 30, 2024
DADDY BY DESIGN is the sixteenth instalment in Taryn Quinn’s contemporary, adult CRESCENT COVE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old, artist/business owner Nolan Devereaux, and designer Dahlia McKenna’s story line. DADDY BY DESIGN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Nolan is Macy Devereaux’s estranged brother (Daddy in Disguise 7)
NOTE: DADDY BY DESIGN is a slightly paranormal romance with a haunted house and a heart broken ghost.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Nolan and Dahlia) DADDY BY DESIGN follows the building but contemptuous relationship between our story line couple. Nolan Devereaux is a cantankerous, thirty-five year old artist, who has moved to Crescent Cove to be closer to the sister he left years before. An accident left Nolan deeply scarred, and in this, Nolan keeps to himself, never letting the world see what happened or why. An ‘accidental’ meeting with Dahlia McKenna brought Nolan up close and personal with the woman with whom he would fall in love but not before Dahlia discover Nolan but the old haunted mansion Dahlia has so wanted to own. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Dahlia and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as Nolan continues to push away the woman with whom he is falling in love.
The world building focuses on the remodel of a haunted house, and the ghost who struggles to move on from the past. Dahlia is a woman on a mission to uncover the truth, a truth that is heart breaking for our heroine, and the former owner of Nolan’s new house.
The relationship between Nolan and Dahlia is an enemies to frenemies to lovers. Nolan’s first impression of Dahlia was dark and damaging, and Dahlia struggled with someone else owning the house she had always wanted. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
We are introduced to Nolan’s friends Archer Baldwin, as well as the return of Lyric Bledsoe, Macy and Gideon.
DADDY BY DESIGN is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and love. The slightly paranormal premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are stubborn and sassy.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: DADDY BY DESIGN is a slightly paranormal romance with a haunted house and a heart broken ghost.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Nolan and Dahlia) DADDY BY DESIGN follows the building but contemptuous relationship between our story line couple. Nolan Devereaux is a cantankerous, thirty-five year old artist, who has moved to Crescent Cove to be closer to the sister he left years before. An accident left Nolan deeply scarred, and in this, Nolan keeps to himself, never letting the world see what happened or why. An ‘accidental’ meeting with Dahlia McKenna brought Nolan up close and personal with the woman with whom he would fall in love but not before Dahlia discover Nolan but the old haunted mansion Dahlia has so wanted to own. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Dahlia and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as Nolan continues to push away the woman with whom he is falling in love.
The world building focuses on the remodel of a haunted house, and the ghost who struggles to move on from the past. Dahlia is a woman on a mission to uncover the truth, a truth that is heart breaking for our heroine, and the former owner of Nolan’s new house.
The relationship between Nolan and Dahlia is an enemies to frenemies to lovers. Nolan’s first impression of Dahlia was dark and damaging, and Dahlia struggled with someone else owning the house she had always wanted. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
We are introduced to Nolan’s friends Archer Baldwin, as well as the return of Lyric Bledsoe, Macy and Gideon.
DADDY BY DESIGN is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and love. The slightly paranormal premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are stubborn and sassy.
copy supplied for review
July 21, 2024
4.5 stars
If you are familiar with the Crescent Cove series by Taryn Quinn you know babies mostly a lot of surprise babies are a big part of that series, their Kensington Square series features a group of savvy group of 20-30s trying to prove themselves in their careers and Daddy By Design is a crossover between these series. First off, the way these two meet was a bit crazy, but also pretty damn priceless and it set the tone for the interesting relationship these two would forge together. Their banter, the grumpy, closed off hero, the smart, bubbly heroine, and the friends and family that support them all made this an exciting and entertaining story.
Nolan is a stoic loner just trying to settle down in the new life he’s created and hoping to reconcile with the sister he left behind. Dahlia along with her partners are kicking butt and taking names when it comes to designing homes. She is mostly upbeat but some recent problems have left her a bit unsettled and honestly a bit angry. Unfortunately Nolan’s truck is in her path, a bit of mistaken identity, and he isn’t happy. When their paths cross again and she claims his new home is hers he fears she’s a bit unhinged but soon realizes she loves the place as much as he does.
These two had so much chemistry it oozed off the pages and while they gave in, Nolan was convinced it wasn’t what he wanted and to be frank he was a bit of a jerk about it. I loved that Dahlia clued in early on there was a lot going on in Nolan’s head and that he was fighting with some big demons from him past. While I’m not a big spooks and spirits person the way these two authors added some shall I say spirited intervention was quite brilliant and I actually enjoyed that part of the story a lot.
Daddy by Design was another great offering from author Taryn Quinn.
If you are familiar with the Crescent Cove series by Taryn Quinn you know babies mostly a lot of surprise babies are a big part of that series, their Kensington Square series features a group of savvy group of 20-30s trying to prove themselves in their careers and Daddy By Design is a crossover between these series. First off, the way these two meet was a bit crazy, but also pretty damn priceless and it set the tone for the interesting relationship these two would forge together. Their banter, the grumpy, closed off hero, the smart, bubbly heroine, and the friends and family that support them all made this an exciting and entertaining story.
Nolan is a stoic loner just trying to settle down in the new life he’s created and hoping to reconcile with the sister he left behind. Dahlia along with her partners are kicking butt and taking names when it comes to designing homes. She is mostly upbeat but some recent problems have left her a bit unsettled and honestly a bit angry. Unfortunately Nolan’s truck is in her path, a bit of mistaken identity, and he isn’t happy. When their paths cross again and she claims his new home is hers he fears she’s a bit unhinged but soon realizes she loves the place as much as he does.
These two had so much chemistry it oozed off the pages and while they gave in, Nolan was convinced it wasn’t what he wanted and to be frank he was a bit of a jerk about it. I loved that Dahlia clued in early on there was a lot going on in Nolan’s head and that he was fighting with some big demons from him past. While I’m not a big spooks and spirits person the way these two authors added some shall I say spirited intervention was quite brilliant and I actually enjoyed that part of the story a lot.
Daddy by Design was another great offering from author Taryn Quinn.
July 22, 2024
Daddy By Design: A Small-Town Romantic Comedy (Crescent Cove Book 16) by Taryn Quinn is a romance about Nolan Devereaux, the owner of a Halloween Candy store that showcases some of his metal art sculptures, who just bought a gothic Victorian mansion that needs extensive renovations in Crescent Cove on Crescent Lake. Nolan survived a horrific welding accident involving one of his commissioned sculptures that has left him scarred internally and physically, giving him a warped sense of self-worth.
Nolan meets Dahlia when she is headed across the street from her apartment building to a local pub for a bachelorette party when she sees a man she is currently dating with another girl and begins to damage a truck door that she mistakenly thinks belongs to her boyfriend by scratching derogatory words on the door when Nolan, the actual owner confronts her actions. This moment is a pivotal moment that brings Nolan and Dahlia together and forever changes their lives. Dahlia, who owns the Designing Women design firm, loves the old Victorian mansion that local lore says is haunted by the previous lady of the house. Dahlia’s firm is hired to begin renovating the old house, bringing her and Nolan into close proximity, which causes sparks to fly after they argue. Between the renovations taking place, the constant bickering between Nolan and Dahlia that ends in spicey times mixed in with a ghost leads to a romance that is a delightful read by Taryn Quinn that ends with a wonderful HEA.
Nolan meets Dahlia when she is headed across the street from her apartment building to a local pub for a bachelorette party when she sees a man she is currently dating with another girl and begins to damage a truck door that she mistakenly thinks belongs to her boyfriend by scratching derogatory words on the door when Nolan, the actual owner confronts her actions. This moment is a pivotal moment that brings Nolan and Dahlia together and forever changes their lives. Dahlia, who owns the Designing Women design firm, loves the old Victorian mansion that local lore says is haunted by the previous lady of the house. Dahlia’s firm is hired to begin renovating the old house, bringing her and Nolan into close proximity, which causes sparks to fly after they argue. Between the renovations taking place, the constant bickering between Nolan and Dahlia that ends in spicey times mixed in with a ghost leads to a romance that is a delightful read by Taryn Quinn that ends with a wonderful HEA.
July 26, 2024
A Beauty and the Beast retelling, and it's happening in Crescent Cove, New York? Yes, please and thank you. There is just no losing when the ladies writing as Taryn Quinn take us back to the Cove. Easily one of my most favorite fictional (drat the luck!) places, I just can't get enough, and Taryn and Cari have given us another winner.
What did I love about this book? What DIDN'T I love? Sassy, self-confident, successful woman meets one surly, broody, beast of a man and together they create the most beautiful story. Dahlia and Nolan are fire from the start, a hot, combustible duo that had me smiling through their entire story, except when I was dabbing my eyes, because, oh, my goodness, the hearts on these two.
The subplot with Harriette could not have been more perfect for this paranormal loving romance reader, and catching up with several of my CC faves, along with a healthy helping of new folks and cats (Gizmo, I'm looking at you) rounded things out just wonderfully.
There are still plenty of matches to be made in the Cove, and I can't wait to see what the ladies have in store for us. In the meantime, DADDY BY DESIGN gets five big fat hearts from me. If you haven't read these books, you are so totally missing out, so get to clicking and get caught up, because you will absolutely love them, too. ❤️
July 24, 2024
I always love going back to Crescent Cove with Taryn Quinn!!! This one goes up on my top three books.
Dahlia and her friends own a company that renovates homes, offices and many other buildings as their designs are attracting more and more customers. She is very angry when she finds out her dream house on the Lake has been sold. A Gothic home that is said to be haunted still by Harriette, the previous owner. She attempts to get the new owner to let her renovate the house that she loves so much.
Nolan is now the owner of the mansion that caught his eye as he loved the spookiness of the home and the Gothic charm. He is a former designer that actually got in an accident from one of his own pieces that has left him scared inside and out. He also chose the house because it's right in Crescent Cove where his sister Macy lives and is hoping to make amends as they have not spoken in years.
Nolan and Dahlia keep running into each other in bad coincidences that just keeps fueling the fire.
This couple joins together like fire and ice and beauty and beast as Nolan is so bitter and grumpy and Dahlia tries to bring the light. Plus a cat named Gizmo who has a very bad habit of turning on water faucets, and a ghost named Harriette who has opinions. Excellent read, LOVED this story and this couple has chemistry that will have you page flipping like crazy!!!!!!
Dahlia and her friends own a company that renovates homes, offices and many other buildings as their designs are attracting more and more customers. She is very angry when she finds out her dream house on the Lake has been sold. A Gothic home that is said to be haunted still by Harriette, the previous owner. She attempts to get the new owner to let her renovate the house that she loves so much.
Nolan is now the owner of the mansion that caught his eye as he loved the spookiness of the home and the Gothic charm. He is a former designer that actually got in an accident from one of his own pieces that has left him scared inside and out. He also chose the house because it's right in Crescent Cove where his sister Macy lives and is hoping to make amends as they have not spoken in years.
Nolan and Dahlia keep running into each other in bad coincidences that just keeps fueling the fire.
This couple joins together like fire and ice and beauty and beast as Nolan is so bitter and grumpy and Dahlia tries to bring the light. Plus a cat named Gizmo who has a very bad habit of turning on water faucets, and a ghost named Harriette who has opinions. Excellent read, LOVED this story and this couple has chemistry that will have you page flipping like crazy!!!!!!
July 23, 2024
This book starts off with Dahlia having one of the worst nights as she's on her way to her friends bachelorette party across the street. The icing on the cake is when she she's a guy she went out with on a few dates with another woman. She decides to scratch "little d*" into his car door only to realize that it wasn't his truck. It belongs to Nolan.
Nolan is also having a really bad day. He just picked up his brand new truck and some chick has scratched it up with a horrible phrase (that isn't true!). This is the start of their non-stop fighting, hating, roll in the sheets relationship.
Nolan is a famous artist that had a piece explode on him and he's badly scarred from the incident and gave up his craft especially since he's uninspired. He comes to the Crescent Cove area to make up with his sister who lives here. He bought a "ghost" haunted house and wants to fix it up. Of course, Dahlia is a designer that loves this house. She considers it hers and is shocked to find out that Nolan bought it.
These two shouldn't work but they do. I don't want to give everything away but the two of them have battles and it's so endearing to read about the "ghost". Another wonderful read from the amazing team called Taryn Quinn.
Nolan is also having a really bad day. He just picked up his brand new truck and some chick has scratched it up with a horrible phrase (that isn't true!). This is the start of their non-stop fighting, hating, roll in the sheets relationship.
Nolan is a famous artist that had a piece explode on him and he's badly scarred from the incident and gave up his craft especially since he's uninspired. He comes to the Crescent Cove area to make up with his sister who lives here. He bought a "ghost" haunted house and wants to fix it up. Of course, Dahlia is a designer that loves this house. She considers it hers and is shocked to find out that Nolan bought it.
These two shouldn't work but they do. I don't want to give everything away but the two of them have battles and it's so endearing to read about the "ghost". Another wonderful read from the amazing team called Taryn Quinn.
July 25, 2024
Nolan is the epitome of a tortured hero. Growly and grumpy, the standoffish vibes are out in full force and he’s a difficult man to like in the beginning. However actions, as they say, speak louder than words (or grunts in this case), and Nolan’s willingness to put in the work when it came to his family and make amends, together with the protector side of his personality, showed that he was in fact a kind man at heart. Strong but vulnerable at times too, I came to like him very much.
Dahlia is a smart woman, although she doesn’t always make the best decisions in her life. However, her absolute best decision was not to give up where Nolan was concerned and I loved the way she gave as good as she got. She’s stubborn and determined, kind and understanding, she was a perfect match for him.
Daddy by Design is a slow burn. The steam and sensuality is definitely there, you just need to have patience. These authors write those scenes extremely well and it’s so worth the wait. A smattering of ghost activity and some historical revelations bring funny but also poignant and slightly melancholy moments too.
A lovely addition to the Crescent Cove series, with just enough cameo appearances from previous characters to enhance and not overshadow Nolan and Dahlia’s story.
Dahlia is a smart woman, although she doesn’t always make the best decisions in her life. However, her absolute best decision was not to give up where Nolan was concerned and I loved the way she gave as good as she got. She’s stubborn and determined, kind and understanding, she was a perfect match for him.
Daddy by Design is a slow burn. The steam and sensuality is definitely there, you just need to have patience. These authors write those scenes extremely well and it’s so worth the wait. A smattering of ghost activity and some historical revelations bring funny but also poignant and slightly melancholy moments too.
A lovely addition to the Crescent Cove series, with just enough cameo appearances from previous characters to enhance and not overshadow Nolan and Dahlia’s story.
July 21, 2024
Daddy By Design really ties together the characters from Kensington Square (Her Billionaire Bargain) and Crescent Cove. Shelby is a designer and has been in love with an abandoned Victorian home for years. After a crazy incident the night before, she heads out to pay a visit to her favorite dream home. Much to her surprise, the man that she had the incident with has bought the home that she adores. Nolan has no desire to interact with anyone, let alone the wild woman from the night before. She's completely unhinged! What they do both have in common is their love of this home. Shelby knows that her firm can do the best job in restoring this property to what it once was. So what happens when you mix lightening and tinder? Fire! And that's what these two are together. If you're a fan of the Crescent Cove series you're going to love all of the supporting characters from this baby crazy town. Daddy By Design was told from dual POV and has all of the charm, quirkiness, heat and hilarity that you can expect from a Taryn Quinn book.
September 5, 2024
Kinda Meh
Not quite sure how I feel about this one. I like enemies-to-lovers books, and this was done rather well for that trope. I kinda liked the haunted house bit, but it sort of drops off. And personally, my HEA would not include disembodied spirits. Maybe that's just me.
I liked Nolan--give me a damaged/broken/bad boy any day--and I really liked his relationship with Macy. I actually kinda liked Dahlia, but after that opening scene, it was kinda touch and go for me. She was tipping into "quirky girl" territory, but she pulled back enough for me to tolerate her.
We never find out why Harriet is still in the house. We never see Macy introduce Nolan to her kids as Uncle Nolan. Nolan's emotional 180 didn't seem to fit. We never see any of Dahlia's family. And we never find out exactly what happened at Nolan's candy store. I think some (or all) of these things would have made the story...better?...more cohesive...?...less meh?
It was OK. Not the best TQ work, but not bad.
Not quite sure how I feel about this one. I like enemies-to-lovers books, and this was done rather well for that trope. I kinda liked the haunted house bit, but it sort of drops off. And personally, my HEA would not include disembodied spirits. Maybe that's just me.
I liked Nolan--give me a damaged/broken/bad boy any day--and I really liked his relationship with Macy. I actually kinda liked Dahlia, but after that opening scene, it was kinda touch and go for me. She was tipping into "quirky girl" territory, but she pulled back enough for me to tolerate her.
We never find out why Harriet is still in the house. We never see Macy introduce Nolan to her kids as Uncle Nolan. Nolan's emotional 180 didn't seem to fit. We never see any of Dahlia's family. And we never find out exactly what happened at Nolan's candy store. I think some (or all) of these things would have made the story...better?...more cohesive...?...less meh?
It was OK. Not the best TQ work, but not bad.
July 25, 2024
Nolan’s and Dahlia are explosive!
I have to say, Dahlia and Nolan may be my favorite couple in Crescent Cove or Kensington Square! Dahlia is both a hot mess and a put together professional. She is funny, smart, believes in ghosts, and has such an open and loving heart (which she often wears on her sleeve). She doesn’t need a man to make her complete, but she can certainly recognize a special one when he comes along.
Nolan is dark and broody, but with a soft center. He grew up hard, found his joy in life and watched it slip away. He holds onto his pain and is too scared to let the good back into his life.
I loved seeing the tension between Nolan and Dahlia from their unique meet-cute to their unquenchable thirst and passion for one another. They were super hot together, but also very relatable. There was sweetness and fire to go along with the characters heartbreak. In the end, I wanted more of both of them!
I have to say, Dahlia and Nolan may be my favorite couple in Crescent Cove or Kensington Square! Dahlia is both a hot mess and a put together professional. She is funny, smart, believes in ghosts, and has such an open and loving heart (which she often wears on her sleeve). She doesn’t need a man to make her complete, but she can certainly recognize a special one when he comes along.
Nolan is dark and broody, but with a soft center. He grew up hard, found his joy in life and watched it slip away. He holds onto his pain and is too scared to let the good back into his life.
I loved seeing the tension between Nolan and Dahlia from their unique meet-cute to their unquenchable thirst and passion for one another. They were super hot together, but also very relatable. There was sweetness and fire to go along with the characters heartbreak. In the end, I wanted more of both of them!
July 25, 2024
Nolan and Dahlia, what a combination that makes so much combustion!!! I adore these two characters. Both have some personality quirks that make them the perfect beauty and the beast. She is the upbeat, get stuff done kind of girl who believes the haunted gothic mansion is hers. He is the grumpy, push everyone away who actually owns said mansion. The accidental meeting that entails a not so nice saying on a brand new truck turns into some interestingly funny conversations and even hotter sexy times.
Nolan is so complex that even his former welding genius can’t unwind. And he doesn’t want to. His history made him who he is but his future may change his outlook.
Dahlia is amazing in how she takes care of everyone around her. Her cat steals some of the show in this one BYW. She picks up the slack in her job when her partners can’t and her own self care may be put on the back burner until Nolan turns up the heat.
Nolan is so complex that even his former welding genius can’t unwind. And he doesn’t want to. His history made him who he is but his future may change his outlook.
Dahlia is amazing in how she takes care of everyone around her. Her cat steals some of the show in this one BYW. She picks up the slack in her job when her partners can’t and her own self care may be put on the back burner until Nolan turns up the heat.
July 21, 2024
Nolan is a grumpy, loner, emotionally unavailable ex artist, who is recovering from a terrible accident. Dahlia is a fiesty, stubborn, creative designer who acts on instinct rather than logic. After a crazy first meeting, these two love to bicker, fight and have explosive make ups.
Nolan buys the haunted victorian mansion on the lake, it just happens to be Dahila's dream home. She is adamant that she will be the one to re-design it.
Throw in a ghost Harriette and an adorably cat Gizmo, and you have a hilarious, passionate, frustrating book which brings in some of our favourite people from previous books and some quirky new ones. (Archer).
This is the book which requires a comfortable chair, a hot drink, snacks and a couple of hours of uninterrupted peace so that you can become absorbed in the fantastic world of Crescent Cove.
Nolan buys the haunted victorian mansion on the lake, it just happens to be Dahila's dream home. She is adamant that she will be the one to re-design it.
Throw in a ghost Harriette and an adorably cat Gizmo, and you have a hilarious, passionate, frustrating book which brings in some of our favourite people from previous books and some quirky new ones. (Archer).
This is the book which requires a comfortable chair, a hot drink, snacks and a couple of hours of uninterrupted peace so that you can become absorbed in the fantastic world of Crescent Cove.
July 22, 2024
Welcome back to Crescent Cove/Kensington Square where everyone knows everyone and there are an abundance of babies! Nolan has come to town and all he wants is some quiet to heal from his injury and to get back on his feet before he lets his sister know he's there but he runs into Dahlia when she vandalizes his truck and then the next day shows up at his new home/mansion which just happens to be her dream home. She is a designer and is adamant she is going to bring this victorian/gothic home back to what it needs to be. What to you get when you combine a grumpy ex-artist with a sassy designer, a ghost, and a spunky cat? Fire, baby, so much so that baby makes it all the better! I love this series and it just keeps getting better. All the familiar characters pop up and even a few new ones which keep things moving along!
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
July 23, 2024
Devon and Dahlia for the win!!!
Okay two chapters in and I was hooked. I was intrigued and enamored with Devon and Dahlia. Their chemistry jumped off the page and the way they fought just keep me salivating for more. Crescent Cove and Kensington Square is the place to be! I enjoyed the dialogue, the lust, the fire between Dahlia and Devon. And can we all get behind the fact that Harriette was an awesome secondary character. I loved her so much. Her story was surprising. Devon being related to a resident Crescent Cover made it all the more interesting. Gizmo…oh how our furry pets take the cake. Insert heart eye emoji please.
Taryn Quinn keeps giving us delightful Crescent Cive babies and stories that make us laugh, fall in love and dare I say want to drink the Crescent Cove water. Bravo ladies! Another super hot in my book!
Okay two chapters in and I was hooked. I was intrigued and enamored with Devon and Dahlia. Their chemistry jumped off the page and the way they fought just keep me salivating for more. Crescent Cove and Kensington Square is the place to be! I enjoyed the dialogue, the lust, the fire between Dahlia and Devon. And can we all get behind the fact that Harriette was an awesome secondary character. I loved her so much. Her story was surprising. Devon being related to a resident Crescent Cover made it all the more interesting. Gizmo…oh how our furry pets take the cake. Insert heart eye emoji please.
Taryn Quinn keeps giving us delightful Crescent Cive babies and stories that make us laugh, fall in love and dare I say want to drink the Crescent Cove water. Bravo ladies! Another super hot in my book!
July 23, 2024
Dahlia and Nolan (Dev) met in the most interesting way.
Dahlia is having a bad day that just keeps getting worse into the night. She sees a guy she went out with a few times making out with another woman. She decides to get even by scratching into his truck door " little d***". But it wasn't his truck it was Nolan's. Thus begins the rocky, steamy, sassy, sexy, grumpy courtship of Dalia and Nolan.
These two are opposites but so meant for each other. Dahlia straightforward and sunny disposition is no match for his grumpy intense self.
Nolan's background story is intense and we may not have all of it, but Dahlia just sees the guy she's attracted to.
I love the added piece about the ghost in the old Victorian that Nolan bought and Dahlia's company is renovating.
Great story.
Dahlia is having a bad day that just keeps getting worse into the night. She sees a guy she went out with a few times making out with another woman. She decides to get even by scratching into his truck door " little d***". But it wasn't his truck it was Nolan's. Thus begins the rocky, steamy, sassy, sexy, grumpy courtship of Dalia and Nolan.
These two are opposites but so meant for each other. Dahlia straightforward and sunny disposition is no match for his grumpy intense self.
Nolan's background story is intense and we may not have all of it, but Dahlia just sees the guy she's attracted to.
I love the added piece about the ghost in the old Victorian that Nolan bought and Dahlia's company is renovating.
Great story.
July 24, 2024
Yeah! Welcome back to the "family". Taryn and Quinn have exceeded my expectations in the telling of Daddy by Design, Nolan and Dahlias story in the towns of Crescent Cove and Kensington Square. Nolan is a grumpy artist/metal welding media and Dahlia is a precious designer with her own business. They are polar opposites.
Nolan moved to Crescent Cove after a traumatic accident to be closer to his sister Macy. He bought an old Victorian mansion on the lake and hires Dahlias team for renovation. The structure is beautiful and is a favorite of Dahlias. It is complete with a haunter.
Their relationship is kinda crazy but it works and they fall in love. But, not before a surprise that is so Crescent Cove..."in the water".
I loved this book.
Nolan moved to Crescent Cove after a traumatic accident to be closer to his sister Macy. He bought an old Victorian mansion on the lake and hires Dahlias team for renovation. The structure is beautiful and is a favorite of Dahlias. It is complete with a haunter.
Their relationship is kinda crazy but it works and they fall in love. But, not before a surprise that is so Crescent Cove..."in the water".
I loved this book.
July 25, 2024
A grumpy/sunshine story. Dahlia was a little over the top sometimes, but not to the point of being unlikeable to me. Nolan is basically hiding himself and trying to do some recovery after injury and not being the man he should have been. A lot of his responses are from a place of hiding himself. I loved how things moved along between Nolan and Macy and her family. I am wondering if Harriette is somehow part of the cause of the baby-making boom in Crescent Cove. Her history was very sad. There are a lot of fun moments and banter throughout the book. Some very yummy times too. Nolan is a much better cat parent than Dahlia. He was so sweet in that way. Overall really good story. Didn’t lag. Chuckle’s happened out loud.
I received a free copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book.
July 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐✨ Beauty and the Beast
Dahlia meets the Beast by doing a HUGE OOPS! Nolan meets the beautiful young woman in the pouring rain while she's at his truck. She babbles and he growls. Just right for each other right? They are both artists in their own way. He wants to use some of his talents to fix his new old home. She loves this home so since she can no longer get it, she wants to use her talent as a designer to be part of the fix up. But..... the house comes with a live-in fixture. Normally I'm not into supernatural stuff, but I loved how it worked out. Proofreading needs to be cleaned up! That's why I didn't give 5 ⭐. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a very happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
Dahlia meets the Beast by doing a HUGE OOPS! Nolan meets the beautiful young woman in the pouring rain while she's at his truck. She babbles and he growls. Just right for each other right? They are both artists in their own way. He wants to use some of his talents to fix his new old home. She loves this home so since she can no longer get it, she wants to use her talent as a designer to be part of the fix up. But..... the house comes with a live-in fixture. Normally I'm not into supernatural stuff, but I loved how it worked out. Proofreading needs to be cleaned up! That's why I didn't give 5 ⭐. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a very happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
August 6, 2024
Daddy by Design was a wonderful enemies to lovers story by the amazing writing duo that is Taryn Quinn.
Nolan's been through a lot and has the literal scars to prove it. So when he sees what Dahlia's done to his truck (in a case of mistaken identity) he's none too pleased. When Dahlia finds out he bought her most favorite looking-at house, she's angry as well. Nolan hires Dahlia's company to do the remodel on his home, and there is no end to head-butting between the two
Fortunately, fighting is foreplay for these two.
In true Taryn Quinn style, the pair learn to see beyond the fighting to the true feelings underneath... and getting there is a VERY smexy trip!
Daddy By Design is a standalone romantic comedy with a happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger.
Nolan's been through a lot and has the literal scars to prove it. So when he sees what Dahlia's done to his truck (in a case of mistaken identity) he's none too pleased. When Dahlia finds out he bought her most favorite looking-at house, she's angry as well. Nolan hires Dahlia's company to do the remodel on his home, and there is no end to head-butting between the two
Fortunately, fighting is foreplay for these two.
In true Taryn Quinn style, the pair learn to see beyond the fighting to the true feelings underneath... and getting there is a VERY smexy trip!
Daddy By Design is a standalone romantic comedy with a happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger.
July 21, 2024
DADDY BY DESIGN is the sixteenth in Taryn Quinn’s sometimes playful, sometimes emotional, always entertaining and hot and sweet small town series set in babies-are-in-the-water Crescent Cove.
Nolan Devereaux is the living embodiment of tall, dark, and broody artist. Dahlia McKenna is much more sunshine and impulsive heart. When they both fall in love with the same gothic mansion, the resulting heat can’t be put out.
Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott bring this pair vividly to life as they clash then eventually find ways to…collaborate. Friends and family alike provide loving support and unvarnished truth-telling as needed, as Dahlia and Nolan fight their pasts and presents to design a shared future worth having, one worth everything. A terrific addition to this ultimately joyful series.
Nolan Devereaux is the living embodiment of tall, dark, and broody artist. Dahlia McKenna is much more sunshine and impulsive heart. When they both fall in love with the same gothic mansion, the resulting heat can’t be put out.
Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott bring this pair vividly to life as they clash then eventually find ways to…collaborate. Friends and family alike provide loving support and unvarnished truth-telling as needed, as Dahlia and Nolan fight their pasts and presents to design a shared future worth having, one worth everything. A terrific addition to this ultimately joyful series.
July 20, 2024
I loved this new addition to the Crescent Cove family! Dahlia and Nolan have a bit of a rocky start that grabbed me and pulled me into their story. Nolan is a bit grumpy, he's a loner, dealing with things that happened in his past, and just wanting to reconnect with his sister. Dahlia is great, she's smart, a bit sassy, and is able to keep Nolan on his toes. I loved the pull that they have, the sparks that fly, and how their story played out. I love their friends, and have my eyes on some that I'm hoping to get to know more of in the future!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 25, 2024
Nolan is a scarred Former Metal artist who purchases a Victorian House in need of Restoration and to reconnect with his estranged sister. Dahlia is in love with his house,which is reported to be haunted. He wants to be left alone with his scars and pain, and she wants to restore the house. they spark at their first meeting and it only gets hotter.
There's A cat, A ghost, estranged siblings, and a lot of passion between Nolan and Dahlia.
The characters are well matched, he's a grumpy loaner and she's an annoying firebrand. Together they make a good storey and a combustible romance. the mystery of the ghost and the restoration of the gothic Victorian is icing on the cake!
There's A cat, A ghost, estranged siblings, and a lot of passion between Nolan and Dahlia.
The characters are well matched, he's a grumpy loaner and she's an annoying firebrand. Together they make a good storey and a combustible romance. the mystery of the ghost and the restoration of the gothic Victorian is icing on the cake!
April 20, 2025
Enemies to lovers & grumpy/sunshine all in one
I love this Crescent Cove series. All the stories are so cute. This is the perfect enemies to lovers addition. Nolan is the grumpiest guy to come into the town yet. But it’s all because of his backstory. He has a LOT of walls. Dahlia we already know from her design studio/business. She’s just had bad luck with her sorrowful love life. Mix a that with a few really bad days and and too much booze and craziness and/or bad things are bound to happen.
There are instant fireworks between Dahlia and Nolan, but not the good kind..…until they are. Insanely fun ride!
I love this Crescent Cove series. All the stories are so cute. This is the perfect enemies to lovers addition. Nolan is the grumpiest guy to come into the town yet. But it’s all because of his backstory. He has a LOT of walls. Dahlia we already know from her design studio/business. She’s just had bad luck with her sorrowful love life. Mix a that with a few really bad days and and too much booze and craziness and/or bad things are bound to happen.
There are instant fireworks between Dahlia and Nolan, but not the good kind..…until they are. Insanely fun ride!
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