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Texas Nights #4

Designed for Love

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Book four of Texas Nights

Ashton Hot blonde. Old Money. Off-limits.

That's how Mac McLaughlin sees her, anyway. And now that he's enduring a temporary self-imposed exile in tiny Shelbyville, Texas, he's seeing her way too often. Mac only wants to succeed as the contractor for the Lily Lake development in order to rebuild his reputation and return to Dallas, pronto. A sexy distraction like Ashton was not in the plans.

Mac Hot builder. Cash poor. Hands-on.

Ashton kissed her trust fund goodbye and left her life as a society princess to prove she could make it on her own. Developing Lily Lake is her big chance, but it's hard to stay focused working side-by-side with bossy, rough-around-the-edges Mac. Especially when he pulls off his shirt.

When the discovery of an endangered species derails the project, Mac can't afford to stick around for a stalled job. His and Ashton's explosive chemistry aside, he's outta there…unless she can convince him that they just might be able to build something together.

86,000 words

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2014

2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

About the author

Kelsey Browning

51 books380 followers
Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy mysteries.

Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.

For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Marcus.
Author 68 books262 followers
November 24, 2014
Wow! I just love Kelsey's books. She has a way with words and story telling that has me laughing out loud one minute and my heart aching for her characters the next. Designed for Love is a fun, sexy, fast read and by far my favorite of the Texas Nights series. And it had hammock sex. And motorcycle sex.

This is small town romance at it's absolute BEST!!!

You MUST read this book!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
September 16, 2014
Oh Ashton, you're funny when you're drunk and horny, "I've had my eye on that hammock in your little clearing." She nestled her head onto his shoulder. It was a perfect fit, and the scent of her shampoo teased his senses and fueled his appetite for her. "Tell me, Mac, have you ever made love in a hammock?" She also has great ideas when Mac doesn't hurry up and get down to business, "means I'm going to tie you to one of these trees, let tree bark bite into your naked a**, while I get between your legs and suck-" Mac does the same thing when she doesn't hurry up as well, "goddammit, Ashton. If you don't stop teasing, I'm going to turn you over, spank your a** and eff you over the handlebars." I loved this book, this one was my favorite one out of the series so far.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books736 followers
November 24, 2014
My Review:
This is my first Kelsey Browning read and I understand the appeal of her writing. It was a fun and entertaining contemporary romance read. (And it should be noted that I've not read her other books and this one absolutely worked as stand-alone with no issues or confusion at all.)

In this book there are two characters trying to find redemption.

Ashton is the pampered trust fund princess. She grew up as a Houston debutante, but has since given up her trust fund and is trying to make it on her own...not as easy as she expected it to be. In fact, she's dead broke, hungry, and trying to keep her new interior design business from going bankrupt.

Mac was a successful developer in Dallas. Until his father died in an accident that Mac blamed himself for. In the aftermath of grief, drinking, and self-blame he let his business go down the toilet. Now he's in Shelbyville trying to make it up to his mother by using his carpentry skills to build her a shop and figure out how to save what's left of his reputation.

So when Ashton's grandmother hands over the Lily Lake project to her grand-daughter, this is a good thing for both of them...if they can pull it off. That's a big IF!

I loved Ashton and Mac in this story. At first he doesn't see her at all, but as they work together he begins to see that Mac is so much more than he first thought. I like how they complement each other. Mac believes in her and that does huge things for her ability to do this. Ashton is relying on him and he doesn't want to let her down. My only real issue within this framework was that no one else could see the changes in Ashton. I hated that and I truly hated the way her grandmother treated her especially at the end of the book. I understood what the author was trying to do, but I still feel she did a disservice to Ashton's character by the way that she had that play out.

There were some cute sections of the book too. I loved Mac's evolution with his relationship with Napoleon the dog. I also liked how Ashton handled the final scenes with the professor. That alone showed how much she'd grown in this book. I love her backbone and stubborn will...regardless of pretty much everyone else giving up on her. She never gave up on herself and that makes her a great heroine.

Overall, it was a fun and entertaining read. I see more Kelsey Browning books in my reading future since I'm always looking for good contemporary romance and with these set in Texas, it's a win/win.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for *P.
1,566 reviews36 followers
January 23, 2015
4.5 Star Review

This is the fourth story in Browning's Texas Nights Series and I am excited we get more of Ashton. She was the rich society girl from Houston who tried to sue Roxanne in the second book of the series. By the end of the book, she was redeemed in my eyes and was looking forward to her book. Honestly, I had a harder time remembering Mac, the hero in this story. He is the complete opposite of the old Ashton. In addition, he has some issues with the past that he is still dealing with and working on the Lily Lake project is only a step back in the direction to his life and work in Dallas.

Ashton knows Mac is not gonna be around but she can't fight the attraction to Mac and honestly her forward behavior was unexpected. There was good chemistry between the two and I really enjoyed the build up for this couple and their relationship both in and out of the bed, or should I say hammock. What I wasn't expecting was the comedic nature of this book. Definitely coming across more as a romantic comedy than an angst driven story, this fourth book was refreshing.

I did find Asthon's grandma and the environmentalist storyline less than appealing and all the hyphenated phrases did get to be a bit much. Despite this, I loved how the story develops and was thrilled with the HEA Ashton gets with Mac.

Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,695 reviews281 followers
November 9, 2014
Finally, Ashton gets her story! I admit, when the series started, I was not a fan of Ashton, or I should say the person she was then. But as the series went on, she changed, grew, and turned her life around. By the time Designed for Love was over, I was happy with her character; she had come a long, long way from the spoiled, shallow girl we first met.

And Mac . . . Oh, who could resist a man that is good with his hands, wears flannel, and has a goatee? *dies* And, of course, the fact that he's so sweet to Ashton's little dog, even though he pretends he hates the little guy. <3

All in all, this was another lovely, sexy, and funny romance from Browning! I've been a fan since her debut, and I look forward to many more years of excellent novels.

Look for an excerpt of DESIGNED FOR LOVE on TBQ's Book Palace November 22nd!
Profile Image for Tabitha Jones.
303 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2014
This was the first book of Kelsey Browning that I have read and it was amazing! Although Designed for Love s Book 4 in this series. I had no problem reading it as a standalone. The chemistry between Ashton and Mac was purely electrifying.This book is based on Ashton and Mac working together to make the Lily Lake project a hit in Shelbyville to help bring in new tourists. Can Mac and Ashton work their magic on the project to keep it a float or will their feelings get in the way. At times I would laugh so hard Kelsey sure does know how to write a sensational book that keeps you wanting more.. A great book for everyone
118 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2014
This was a very cute book. It was fun and even made me chuckle in more than a few places. It was nice reading about a socialite giving up her trust fund to try and make it on her own and boy did she ever make it! With the courage of her brash grandmother and of the gorgeous contractor, Mac, partnering with her in a huge construction project, she more than shows herself capable of doing things more than hosting tea parties. She's respected, learns small town life is not as easy as it seems and although money makes life easier, doesn't give you pride unless you earn the money yourself.
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
September 29, 2015
Totally Entertaining

From the very first, this book starts off with excitement and humor. Kelsey Browning kept me turning the pages with wanting to know what was going to happen next. Full of surprises all the way through. I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend Designed for Love as well as the rest of the Texas Nights Series!
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2014
Story Synopsis:

Ashton Davenport: Hot blonde. Old Money. Off-limits.

That's how Mac McLaughlin sees her, anyway. And now that he's enduring a temporary self-imposed exile in tiny Shelbyville, Texas, he's seeing her way too often. Mac only wants to succeed as the contractor for the Lily Lake development in order to rebuild his reputation and return to Dallas, pronto. A sexy distraction like Ashton was not in the plans.

Mac McLaughlin: Hot builder. Cash poor. Hands-on.

Ashton kissed her trust fund goodbye and left her life as a society princess to prove she could make it on her own. Developing Lily Lake is her big chance, but it's hard to stay focused working side-by-side with bossy, rough-around-the-edges Mac. Especially when he pulls off his shirt.

When the discovery of an endangered species derails the project, Mac can't afford to stick around for a stalled job. His and Ashton's explosive chemistry aside, he's outta there…unless she can convince him that they just might be able to build something together.

My Thoughts: I haven’t followed the full series. I was introduced to Kelsey Browning’s writing in book three, Problems in Paradise. In this book we are again in Shelbyville, Texas. Some of the characters from book three also play a role in the story, but if you haven’t read any of the series, it doesn’t take from the story or the fun of being in a small town. Yes, small towns have their personalities and this one is no different. Someone’s business is everyone’s and truth or untruths which is very much part of the story run rampant through the population, so nothing is secret.

Ashton Davenport grew up with a golden spoon in her mouth with all the trappings of a debutante. She, however, didn’t like the direction her life was headed within her family nor the lifestyle which came with her trust fund. She didn’t overly like herself within that environment, so with what grit she had, she told her family she didn’t want the trust fund and moved to Shelbyville to start fresh. She’d always loved to make things beautiful, which led her to the idea of starting up a small business in Shelbyville called Designs to Die For. Unfortunately, her background dealing with the rich and mighty did little to encourage people in Shelbyville to like her let alone trust her and give her business.

Afraid she would go belly up, she talked with her grandmother, Adelaide Chappell, an astute politically inclined woman, who had always liked Ashton, feeling there was potential behind the rich blonde girl she was. When Adelaide offered her the chance to run the Lily Lake project, a huge undertaking for Ashton, she hoped this would goad her into become the person she ‘saw’ she could be. As we find out, Ashton had lots of growing to do, but gutsy enough to climb off the floor every time she was knocked down.

Mac McLaughlin’s mom mentioned to Mac she’d like to do something with her life, maybe move to a small town and open a boutique, so he decided Shelbyville would be a great town for her. He also wanted to do something special for her. As a contractor from Dallas and great with carpentry he leased a store and proceeded to gut it, putting in the necessary shelves, designing for a doggy boutique. Designs to Die For was just next door. Mac had a lot of personal problems, owed lots of people money back in Dallas and just wanted to get his head screwed back on the way it should be, finish the project for his mom and head back to his old haunt.

Ashton needed help fast. Her general contractor up and died on her, so she had to ask Mac to help, being the only general contractor in town who she felt had the background and need to start this project. How would she convince him? He wanted nothing to do with her and Ashton, well Ashton, was a bit of a thorn to him. When he saw she was cornered, he agreed to help her meet her grandmother’s stipulations in the first phase of the project. He was drawn to the woman and had trouble keeping distance from Ashton. He wasn’t the kind of guy for her who was too high maintenance and self-centered – or so he thought.

A particular scene at the beginning of the story that kept me laughing was when Mac first meets Ashton in the Piggly Wiggly story where Napoleon, Ashton’s little pooch steals the show. Kelsey writes an extremely descriptive and hilarious scene of Napoleon racing from aisle to aisle, knocking stuff down and finally getting himself into the butcher shop where all the meat is on display behind the glass cases. Both Mac and Ashton try catching him.

By the time Napoleon is caught, Ashton’s tab is huge. The manager tells her she has to pay over $9,000. It’s money she doesn’t have. It’s money that Mac doesn’t have either, but he finds himself paying it for her. Here is where we learn what stuff Mac is made of. Ashton agrees and promises to pay it back, but so many things back-fire on the two, it becomes neigh impossible to get the money together.

Ashton, in the meantime learns to put others before herself, learns that the feel of flannel plaid shirts is preferable to silk, and believing in oneself and others makes life worth living.

I enjoyed dialog when Ashton and Mac talk with Napoleon, the pooch. He was very much part of the story. I also liked the tough love approach Adelaide Chappell has for her granddaughter and how some people need to be prodded with a big stick to believe in themselves.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read with plenty of sparks flying between Ashton and Mac, but so much more in the telling that it will linger long in my memory.
Profile Image for Sandy.
338 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2023
This was a great story that had me laughing out loud at time and panting at others. What a couple! And Napoleon had me laughing throughout at his antics.
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews90 followers
October 2, 2015
Man, I just finished DESIGNED FOR LOVE and already I'm having symptoms of withdrawal! I need more of Ashton and Co. or I won't be responsible for my actions!

Mac McLaughlin drives Ashton Davenport crazy. Paul Bunyan and the former trust fund princess have less than nothing in common, so why does his mere presence make her all…tingly? When the frustratingly stubborn man helps her out of a VERY expensive predicament, she begins to see him a little differently. And when he agrees to be her GC on an ambitious lakeside development project? She's a goner…and so is Mac.

There's absolutely zero reason that this debutante with her psychopathic little doggie should turn him on as much as she does, but when the fierce, down to earth and self-deprecating woman gets near him, hell if he can find it in him to give a shit about the whys. All he wants to do is hold her and make love to her and protect her from the world. And he'll get his chance during the construction process, as the two of them face one setback after another and become VERY close. They'll have to stand together if they're going to have any shot at finishing the project on time for its first booked wedding. But things don't always work out the way we want them to…

OOH, you'll love this one ya'll! The 4th offering in the ultra fabulous Texas Nights Series, DESIGNED FOR LOVE, is an absolute diamond in a sea of CZ. It's witty, playful, fun, sexy, erotic, laugh out loud funny, relatable, smart, silly, well written and just plain FABULOUS. Ashton is a straight up excellent character, and as fans of this series can attest, she's gone through quite a transformation from spoiled little rich girl pain in the ass, to savvy local entrepreneur determined to fit into the Shelbyville, TX community…but nothing quite goes her way.

Mac is pretty damn hot. I just picture this big delicious piece of man meat in a tool belt and a smile. Come to mama! Their chemistry is absolutely combustible, and though the sex takes a while to get to, it's sensually erotic when it does come (pun totally intended). I'm pretty sure that was my first experience reading hammock sex, and I must admit that I ordered one online about 2.3 seconds after that I finished reading that scene.

Was that TMI? My bad.

Even though DESIGNED FOR LOVE can be read as a stand alone, this series is so good that I enthusiastically recommend picking up the first 3 books in the series. You definitely won't be disappointed!

Bottom Line: Though this book is perfect for slowly sipping sweet tea on a porch swing after the kids are in bed, you'll find yourself furiously flipping pages because it's just that awesome. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

The Romance Review - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,367 reviews205 followers
November 25, 2014
4 stars--DESIGNED FOR LOVE is the fourth installment in Kelsey Browning’s contemporary, adult Texas Nights romance series focusing on the small town of Shelbyville, Texas. This is poor little rich girl/interior designer Ashton Davenport and construction foreman Michael ‘Mac’ McLaughlin’s storyline. DESIGNED FOR LOVE can be read as a stand alone. Some of the previous storyline characters, including Beck and Eden from Problems in Paradise (book 3) have small cameo roles throughout the novel.

Told from close third person (Ashton) point of view DESIGNED FOR LOVE focuses on Ashton Davenport-a young woman who walked away from her trust fund leaving the big city of Dallas, Texas behind to try and make it on her own. Born into wealth and expected to follow her family’s bidding, Ashton ventured out on her own to focus on a career in interior design. When Ashton’s grandmother offers Ashton a chance to oversee a new land development in Shelbyville, Ashton jumps at the opportunity only to discover that there are people willing to do just about anything to see the plans fail. Enter Mac McLaughlin, Ashton’s new general contractor and a man who hopes to overcome the failings of his past.

The relationship between Mac and Ashton is one of contempt and disdain. Mac is blinded by Ashton’s family connections and sees Ashton as a spoiled rich kid playing a game with other people’s lives. Mac needs this job opportunity to rid the demons from his past and Mac sees Ashton as a thorn in his chance at redemption. Their attraction to one another is immediate. Ashton is unaware as to why Mac’s feelings lean toward hate and scorn but as their relationship begins to build, the fall out from small town mentality will affect everything including Ashton’s future and Mac’s heart. The sex scenes are seductive, provocative and comedic-ever had sex in a hammock or with a small but terrifying dog nipping at your…um, butt?

The secondary characters include Ashton’s grandmother-a feisty woman who is willing to use any and all means at her disposal to get what she wants done. The townsfolk and surrounding population of Shelbyville see an environmental disaster in the making and attempts to stop the construction will push Ashton into the limelight and out of a job.

DESIGNED FOR LOVE is a romantic, wondrous and oft times comedic look at two people destined for one another but caught up in a game brought about a meddling but well meaning old lady. There are moments that will break your heart balanced by moments of humor and fun. Kelsey Browning’s TEXAS NIGHTS series is about family and love; letting go of the past; and acceptance in a small town not accustomed to change and growth.

Reading Order
1. Personal Assets
2. Running the Red Light
3. Problems in Paradise

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Becky.
3,453 reviews143 followers
December 4, 2014
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books on 12/4/14.

Even though Ashton didn't start out well in this series (she tries to sue Roxanne, the heroine of book two in the series-- Running the Red Light for a spectacularly selfish reason) I had faith in Kelsey's ability to turn her into a proper heroine.

She totally did. :)

Since book two, Ashton's moved to Shelbyville, given up her trust fund/family money, and started her own business. So far the results have been less than stellar, but she's not giving up--she wants to be the kind of person her annoyingly endearing dog Napoleon deserves. She can't afford caviar and steak for him anymore; the least she can do is give him an owner to be proud of.

I know: caviar and steak. It makes it all the more fun later when you find out what Mac gets him hooked on--just wait! ;)

Some of the best parts of this book were the glimpses we get inside Aston's head. For one, they really show her progress from a still somewhat spoiled rich girl to a capable woman who stands up for herself and gets things done. For another, she's pretty darn funny--and the things she thinks (even when she doesn't want to) about Mac are absolutely fabulous. If I could figure out how to make my Kindle highlight on a PDF file, this one would have been glowing--I snorted, choked on my spit, and downright laughed many, many times while reading this one.

Hopefully no one heard me while I was reading on my lunch break at work. I don't think anyone was nearby, but...

Anyway.

Designed for Love was a very entertaining read--Ashton ends up being one heck of a heroine, and I really liked Mac for about 95% of the book (he was a butthead for about 5%, but it's hard to hold that against him, since the plot needed him to be. Plus, he does something awesome for his mom so all is forgiven). Even Napoleon becomes quite the character. I'm not totally convinced of the logistics of the hammock encounter (yes, that kind of encounter) and Ash's grandmother's tactics toward the end still don't quite sit right with me, but overall I have to say that this one was my favorite of the series.

It would work as a standalone if needed; characters show up from the other series books (including the wedding of one couple--squee!) and earlier events are alluded to, but I don't think there was anything here that a newbie to the series needs to know that they don't at least get a rudimentary explanation for.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie .
4,261 reviews38k followers
November 6, 2014
Designed for Love by Kelsey Browning is a 2014 Carina Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the fourth in the Texas Nights series. If you have been following along with the series, you will remember Ashton, the rich girl. She was not my favorite person at first, but I had the feeling we would meet her again and sure enough- here she is with her own story.
Having informed her family she did not need her trust fund, the over confident Ashton, a designer, now finds she she doesn't have two pennies to rub together. In desperate need of work, she convinces her grandmother she is the right person to run the Lily Lake Project. One thing she really needs though is a good contractor. .. and she know just who to ask...

Mac is in Shelbyville after leaving Houston because of some personal issues. He took his father's death hard and his life spiraled out of control. The Lily Lake Project could be just what he needs to work his way back into the plush jobs he once had in Houston. But, Ashton and that darned little dog, Napoleon just might be his undoing.

The chemistry between Ashton and Mac is immediate and hilarious at times. The attraction between them keeps on distracting them from the task at hand, but things might have gone smoothly, except when an overeager environmentalist decides to cause trouble. The project will test Ashton's resolve to live without her trust fund, but she is one determined lady, even when it seems no one has much faith in her. Will she get the project completed by the deadline? What happens after that? Will Mac go back to Houston or will Ashton and Shelbyville give him a change of heart?

There is nothing like small town romances and Shelbyville is as charming as they come. While all the books I have read in this series have been really good, this one has a love scene that should go down in the romance novel hall of fame. It was hot and funny at the same time. So, you know the romance is hot and steamy, but what I liked best was the change in Ashton and her never say die attitude,plus how the town folk have come to accept her into their community. Mac had to have his own epiphany before he really came around, but he too did a lot of changing and prioritizing. This was a super fun book but also has plenty of touching moments as well, making it well rounded and my favorite of the series so far.
5 stars!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
7 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2014
What sexy, southern fun! Designed for Love has the perfect recipe for a spicy and sweet romance: hot chemistry between our main characters, a southern backdrop and a great balance of sassy and heartfelt.

I loved Ashton’s story arc. She showed up with the trappings of a Texas debutante and proved everyone wrong. It was refreshing to see a female character that is determined to do things on her own. She was not the damsel in distress character that is a familiar trope in contemporary romance. Even when things seemed like they were falling apart, she pulled herself up by her bootstraps, and who doesn’t love a strong female heroine! Don’t get me wrong..there’s no story without conflict, but I loved Ashton’s tenacity and her connection with her SUPER sassy grandmother, Gigi.

Mac, was the perfect counter to Ashton. Strong and masculine, but with a soft side. His storyline also proved to have depth and definitely added to the layers of his relationship with Ashton. Also, can anyone resist bicep hugging flannel?

Their relationship moved at a slower than normal pace than I am used to in romance novels. Which is NOT a bad thing. The sexual tension was palpable and made for some majorly steamy scenes. There’s one particular scene that sticks in my mind that actually takes place in Lily Lake that I think every reader will enjoy. Wink Wink.

Besides the obvious chemistry, Designed for Love has a great storyline. Ashton decides to leave big money behind in Dallas to make it on her own and ends up running a huge project. Which proves to be an undertaking that she doesn’t even know if she can handle. All while toting around her hilarious and naughty shih-poo mix, Napoleon. I absolutely adored the scenes with Napoleon, Ashton and Mac. Let’s just say he gets in a lot of trouble, and it is very fun to read!

Even though this is the 4th in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But, after you read this I am betting you will be coming back for more. Hopefully, we get to see what is in the future for Mac and Ashton!
Profile Image for Irene.
1,911 reviews129 followers
November 25, 2014
4.5 solid stars

This series keeps getting better and better, loved Designed for Love!

Ashton kissed her trust fund goodbye and left her life as a society princess to prove she could make it on her own. Developing Lily Lake is her big chance, but it’s hard to stay focused working side-by-side with bossy, rough-around-the-edges Mac. Especially when he pulls off his shirt.

I have a serious girl crush on Ashton, she was funny, strong and wasn't going to take anyone's sh*t, loved her!

Ashton and Mac made a great couple, they were both loveable and made this such an enjoyable read.
Mac and Ashton would tease and stir each other all the time, they knew which buttons to press to get a reaction from one another. And the way Ashton's little dog Napoleon would get under Mac's skin was hilarious. Mac was such a cutie, he would act all macho and threaten Napoleon but on the side he was feeding him snacks and having deep and meaningful convos on how to win Ashton's heart, so much love for these characters!

Look at this face, how could you not fall in love with this little guy =)

description

And let's not forget their amazing chemistry, Mac and Ashton's night together on the hammock, one word... **HOT**

Beautiful scenery, a storyline that holds your interest and characters that will touch your heart, what more could you want from a romance story. I highly recommend Designed for Love and all the books in the Texas Nights series.

description

Thank you Netgalley and to Carina Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2014
What a fun read that had me laughing, then fanning myself, then wishing I lived near Lily Lake in Shelbyville so I could hang out with all the colorful characters in this small town! And that includes Napoleon, the little dog with a big personality who at times totally stole the show!

This is the first book in the series I have read, and although it is book 4 I didn't have any trouble picking up on the characters and most of the backstory. Of course now I can’t wait to go back and read the first three books so I can get the lowdown on the other couples in those books and also find out more about Ashton and what drove her to Shelbyville in the first place.

Ashton was such a complex character – she’s looking to prove something to not only herself, but to her family and anyone else who has judged her. Of course that leaves her very vulnerable, which only serves to make me like her even more. Her dog Napoleon was such a great supporting character – for a character that doesn't speak, his involvement in the story right from the first page sets the tone for the fun and heat you know you are going to get throughout the book. Mac was quite the complex character himself, being driven by the demons of his past and thinking he also has something to prove. And when the two of them finally come together boy do they heat up the page – be it in the lake, in the hammock, or even on his motorcycle…hot!

This is a definite must read for anyone who loves a great story that has a lot of laugh out loud moments and brings some heat!

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,475 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2015
Designed for Love by Kelsey Browning is the fourth and final book in her Texas Nights series and was a favorite for me.

Ashton Davenport finally gets her story and she really grows and matures into a very independent, smart, sassy and determined woman. Michael "Mac" McLaughlin is your Alpha male that is very, very good with tools. He was a big independent contractor in Dallas before he lost his way after his father dies. He's building himself and his business back up in Shelbyville. Oh, I can't forget Napolean, Ashton's pedigreed pooch, who definitely brought several "laugh out loud" moments to the book

This story is a redemption story for both Ashton and Mac and they succeed winningly together. The sparks fly every time they are together. The banter between them made me smile as they circled around each other until the sparks finally ignited. Ms. Browning's writing flowed smoothly and the smexy times between Ashton and Mac felt realistic as their relationship had been progressing in spite of them fighting their mutual attraction.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Ms. Browning!
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,374 reviews119 followers
September 8, 2015
Wonderful! Ms. Brown has a wonderful way with words!

Ashton is a pampered trust fun child who is trying to change in more ways than one. It is not easy to be the person she wants to be and her dog, Napoleon, adds to her challenges from time to time. Mac is a big rugged contractor trying to make a comeback from some past mistakes in the building world of Houston, Texas. The two have been very aware of one another in previous books in this series but this is their story and what a fun one it is. Construction of a huge development on Lily Lake, a conservationist creating trouble, deadlines to meet, trying to prove themselves and Napoleon causing chaos all make it difficult to find time for romance BUT when the two are together, whether in a hammock or on a motorcycle, they really come together with steam aplenty! Ashton and Mac are well matched and fun to spend time with. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys steamy contemporary romances.

Thank you to the author and her assistant for the copy of this book to read and review.

4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Delene Yochum.
131 reviews9 followers
November 23, 2014
Designed for Love is the fourth book in the Texas Night Series. Having read the first three I was anxiously waiting to read Ashton and Mac's story! Ashton the poor little rich girl who is trying to prove herself to friends, her grandmother and the town of Shelbyville, Texas and Mac,coming home with his tail tucked between his legs has let grief destroy his business and reputation in Dallas. I enjoyed this book because instead of a one person point of view we were told the story through both H/h points of view and with their thoughts in their head right out there, letting us peek into their thinking. I wanted Ashton to succeed and enjoyed watching her become "that" person she wanted to be. Mac is my new book boyfriend! The book was sexy, sensual and a satisfying read. I can't forget Napoleon... a sweet mischievous little critter that will make you laugh while he wins your heart.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,612 reviews78 followers
November 24, 2014
5 star

This is Ashton and Mac’s story. If you have read the other books in the series you have already met Ashton. She is trying to prove herself. It’s not easy but she didn’t expect it to be. Mac is a contractor who is working on rebuilding his reputation. He is a little broken. When they keep running into each other and the chemistry is off the charts you wonder if they can resist the pull of each other. Can Ashton prove herself to everyone? Can Ashton and Mac build a relationship or is Mac going to run?

I was not a fan of Ashton before this story. There are some laugh out loud moments in this story. But all in all I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book, the series and this author.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,409 reviews149 followers
November 23, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Kelsey Browning! I was lucky enough to get a review copy of Designed for Love.

Ashton Davenport has grown so much over this series. I honestly didn't like her when she first appeared in the series. However, the more time we spent with her the more I saw how she first acted wasn't the real Ashton.

I absolutely loved Mac and Ashton together! They are so different, yet their relationship worked perfectly for me. Even knowing Mac planned to go back to Dallas after the Lily Lake project was done, I loved Mac and Ashton as a couple. They had incredible chemistry together and they made each other stronger.

Designed for Love is a wonderful addition to the Texas Nights series. I highly recommend this book and series to everyone who enjoys contemporary romances.
Profile Image for Brooke Blogs.
682 reviews201 followers
November 24, 2014
Designed for Love is the fourth (and final) book in the Texas Nights series by Kelsey Browning. I *love* this series. This final book was no exception. The story is funny, sassy and sexy all at once. Kelsey does a fantastic job of focusing each book in the series on a specific couple, but still incorporating the other characters we know and love. It you like sassy, snarky, sexy contemporary romance, this is a series you don't want to miss.

I received an advanced copy for review purposes, but this did not influence my opinion.
Profile Image for Lizz.
780 reviews22 followers
August 25, 2016
I honestly didn't think I would be able to warm to Ashton after how she came off in the previous books, but I ended up really liking her. The scene in the supermarket was so funny, and you have to love Mac. I wasn't sure how I was going to like this series when I read the first book, but I think they series got better as it went along.
Profile Image for Tracey Devlyn.
Author 37 books399 followers
November 17, 2014
Designed for Love is another hit for author Kelsey Browning. I adored the chemistry between Ashton and Mac and how the Lily Lake Project slowly forced them together. Emotion, passionate, humorous, and genuine--that's how I sum up Kelsey Browning latest Texas Nights story.
Profile Image for Sheila Lord.
518 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2015
I won an autographed e copy of this book and loved it I couldn't put it down, the character were awesome and Mac sounds like a dream......gonna have to read some more of this authors work......an enjoyable fun, romantic with a little mystery involved book
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,477 reviews49 followers
August 30, 2014
3.5 stars
Mac and Ashton story was not what I expected but enjoyable.
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