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By Design
Robbie Cooper gets more than he bargains for when Shane Donald walks into his shop, photograph in hand, asking Robbie to tattoo the likeness on his skin. There's something about the photograph and the way Shane talks about him that ignites a spark deep inside Robbie, and he longs to know more. But will he like what he hears, and will he be able to control his instant attraction to his client?
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2013
2 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Worrall
72 books414 followersI live in Leigh on Sea, a small seaside town just outside London on the coast of Essex, about ten minutes from Southend, which boasts the longest pier in the world. I live with my husband and two ever-growing children, who I let think are the boss of me; along with two dogs who actually are.
As the wonderful Beatrix Potter said, “There is something delicious about writing the first words of a new story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” I know exactly what she means.
As the wonderful Beatrix Potter said, “There is something delicious about writing the first words of a new story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” I know exactly what she means.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2013
This short story... Let me start off by saying I have facepalmed myself so many times since reading this book. When you start reading this, even though it's a short, you need to finish it. The book threw me off so badly and then... I am still embarrassed thinking I was going to hate this book.
I won't give too much away, but I loved this short. Lisa Worrall is a great author and I have loved a few of her books, this was another one of those. Rob and Shane... Not everything is as it seems. That's what I loved about it. But at the same time, it's not angsty necessarily and I did smile through some of it.
It was a sexy story that had the perfect amount of detail for the short. Yet I wasn't left not knowing what was going on. I would gladly read another short story about these two... It's nice when you are left with a happy feeling inside, especially after a short when you would normally be left wondering.
It was over quickly but... it was still perfect!
I won a copy of this from the author!!
I won't give too much away, but I loved this short. Lisa Worrall is a great author and I have loved a few of her books, this was another one of those. Rob and Shane... Not everything is as it seems. That's what I loved about it. But at the same time, it's not angsty necessarily and I did smile through some of it.
It was a sexy story that had the perfect amount of detail for the short. Yet I wasn't left not knowing what was going on. I would gladly read another short story about these two... It's nice when you are left with a happy feeling inside, especially after a short when you would normally be left wondering.
It was over quickly but... it was still perfect!
I won a copy of this from the author!!
August 14, 2013
Holy Hell!
I read this one awhile back as it was part of the Hearts of England anthology (one of my absolute favorite anthologies ever). It's not available anymore to buy or lend, at least on Amazon, and I've wanted to recommend it so many times but couldn't without just being a big ol' tease.
This story was just so - WOW! It was one of those perfectly paced shorts that gave just enough, not too much and left you wanting more of the characters but completely satisfied.
There isn't too much I can say without giving away massive spoilers and you really just have to read it without knowing too much and just appreciate Robbie's journey.
So good, can't recommend it enough!
I read this one awhile back as it was part of the Hearts of England anthology (one of my absolute favorite anthologies ever). It's not available anymore to buy or lend, at least on Amazon, and I've wanted to recommend it so many times but couldn't without just being a big ol' tease.
This story was just so - WOW! It was one of those perfectly paced shorts that gave just enough, not too much and left you wanting more of the characters but completely satisfied.
There isn't too much I can say without giving away massive spoilers and you really just have to read it without knowing too much and just appreciate Robbie's journey.
So good, can't recommend it enough!
August 26, 2013
Hot little novella that I picked up from Silver Publishing unfortunately...(don't like SP at all after their treatment of some of my fave authors), but it's Lisa's choice!! 4.5 stars and 
from me!!
All I'm saying is that Robbie owns a tattoo parlour in York, and because he's talented and a lot of people congregate around York because of the ghosts etc.,, his business is doing very nicely thank you. He's having a few problems with his boyfriend who doesn't seem to understand that owning your own business requires self sacrifice and long hours. Robbie is working those long hours one evening when an unexpected customer comes in....I'll leave you to pick the story up from here.
from me!!All I'm saying is that Robbie owns a tattoo parlour in York, and because he's talented and a lot of people congregate around York because of the ghosts etc.,, his business is doing very nicely thank you. He's having a few problems with his boyfriend who doesn't seem to understand that owning your own business requires self sacrifice and long hours. Robbie is working those long hours one evening when an unexpected customer comes in....I'll leave you to pick the story up from here.
August 13, 2013
Review written for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4.5 stars
Robbie is the owner/operator/artist of his own tattoo shop that has become quite successful over its initial year of operation. Unfortunately, making his dream a reality has taken long hours, keeping him from home and his boyfriend.
When Shane enters the shop one late night with a special tattoo request, Robbie knows he cannot turn Shane away. Over the evening, Robbie is reminded about what he has in his life, how he has changed and what is important to him.
I really enjoyed this quick little hot story. It was well written, and even though it is over quickly, you are given plenty of detail to know exactly what is going on and just enough information to figure out what is really happening.
I loved how this all played out and didn’t make us wait too long to see it happen. Yet, at the same time, it was over way too fast. I want more of these interesting smexy guys!
September 4, 2013
4.5 stars
This book was recommended to me by a sweet friend here on GR so I had no concerns about diving right in. The story starts off quite nicely. There’s a bit of humorous banter between one of the MCs and his shop assistant as the characters start to develop and the story begins to unfold. Everything is kicking along rather smoothly. I’m enjoying the simple yet effective writing. The plot is thickening and the sexual tension is building. Oh this is good…. And then, WHAM! WTF?? No Way!! Why in the hell would someone recommend story to me? And then it hit me. They wouldn’t. As the imaginary choir in my head began to sing “Hallelujah” I realized just what was happening. Awwww, how sweet is that!
Lovely short story. Highly recommended.
Ann, you are forgiven! <3
This book was recommended to me by a sweet friend here on GR so I had no concerns about diving right in. The story starts off quite nicely. There’s a bit of humorous banter between one of the MCs and his shop assistant as the characters start to develop and the story begins to unfold. Everything is kicking along rather smoothly. I’m enjoying the simple yet effective writing. The plot is thickening and the sexual tension is building. Oh this is good…. And then, WHAM! WTF?? No Way!! Why in the hell would someone recommend story to me? And then it hit me. They wouldn’t. As the imaginary choir in my head began to sing “Hallelujah” I realized just what was happening. Awwww, how sweet is that!
Lovely short story. Highly recommended.
Ann, you are forgiven! <3
August 27, 2013
Rob, an overworked tattoo artist, neglects his boyfriend. A customer requesting a special tattoo reminds Rob of what's really important in life.
Loved it! This amazing but way too short glimpse at Rob and Shane's life was like an appetizer. I.Want.More! :)))
August 25, 2013
Loved this short story about Robbie a tattoo Artist who is in a long term relationship with his partner but when one night a brand new client ( Shane ) turns up out of the blue and asks him to do him an impromptu special tattoo from a photo of his own lover, it makes Rob look at his own relationship with new eyes and the man in his chair becomes a temptation that he's not sure he can resist!
This might only be a short, almost bitesize interlude but its really keeps you invested in the story, plus its not as straightforward as you think so there's a little tease in there too. A story doesn't always have to be novel length to deserve a high rating and this is a great example of why. I Loved it.... Plus its a Lisa Worall short so that makes it even better!
This might only be a short, almost bitesize interlude but its really keeps you invested in the story, plus its not as straightforward as you think so there's a little tease in there too. A story doesn't always have to be novel length to deserve a high rating and this is a great example of why. I Loved it.... Plus its a Lisa Worall short so that makes it even better!
November 8, 2015
Re-read Novemebr 2015: just as good as the first read!
Fuck!!!! Just read it!!! The whole thing.
Fuck!!!! Just read it!!! The whole thing.
December 17, 2013
Short, but sweet, and I immediately read it again :)
September 7, 2013
Rob owns his tattoo parlor, which means long hours drawing and designing. This in turn means less time at home with his partner. Missed dinners and broken engagements have been happening a lot more often lately. But what can Rob do? He has to work the business to make some business. Then in comes Shane, requesting a tattoo and enlightening Rob in the process.
Lisa Worrall did an amazing job of presenting the facts clearly so the reader could easily decide to be on Rob's side or not. The characters were interesting and their dialog was both honest and revealing. I loved how palpable their connection was and how hot their chemistry got to be in that one encounter. These are characters that I would love to get to know more.
By Design was a short sexy read with an interesting twist, intriguing characters and sizzling chemistry.
Lisa Worrall did an amazing job of presenting the facts clearly so the reader could easily decide to be on Rob's side or not. The characters were interesting and their dialog was both honest and revealing. I loved how palpable their connection was and how hot their chemistry got to be in that one encounter. These are characters that I would love to get to know more.
By Design was a short sexy read with an interesting twist, intriguing characters and sizzling chemistry.
November 9, 2015
*4,5 stars*
Beautiful, emotional story.
Sometimes some sacrifices are just not worth it!!
"Things are different now. HE'S different. Or at least he thinks he has to be.
I just want to remind him who he is.... and who's waiting for him.
"You think he needs reminding?"
"Sometimes. I think we all need a little reminder of what we've got on occasion. If not... the gap might get too big to bridge."
November 10, 2015
Rob owns his own tattoo shop, but he has been neglecting his boyfriend.
When a beautiful man wants a tattoo of his lover tattooed on his chest, Rob is reminded of what he has at home.
”I think we all need a little reminder of what we've got on occasion. If not… the gap might get too big to bridge.”
Hot, sweet, and with a beautiful message.
When a beautiful man wants a tattoo of his lover tattooed on his chest, Rob is reminded of what he has at home.
”I think we all need a little reminder of what we've got on occasion. If not… the gap might get too big to bridge.”
Hot, sweet, and with a beautiful message.
September 3, 2014
When a job, or in this case starting your own business and making it a success, becomes more important than your lover and partner, you know you’re in trouble. Robbie, in this beautifully written story, has realized he is neglecting his boyfriend, but has no idea how to snap out of it. After all, he can’t stop working hard and making his tattoo shop a success, can he? Robbie has even changed his appearance to reflect what he thinks his customers expect an up-and-coming tattoo artist to look like. Then again, he loves his boyfriend too much to risk their partnership.
Truly caught between a rock and a hard place, Rob knows there is no easy solution and reverts to his default solution: focusing on making beautiful designs and transforming them into perfect tattoos. The man who walks in one late afternoon is a definite distraction. Shane’s unusual request of having a photograph of someone who is clearly important to him tattooed onto his body makes Robbie think he wants to know more about the guy’s reasoning for this activity. If he can control his raging attraction to the man...
If you like stories about relationships in trouble, if you enjoy a (possibly somewhat expected) twist at the end of it, and if you’re looking for a short, passionate read about a man who has lost his way and urgently needs to find it so he can get close to his lover again, the you will probably like this short story.
Truly caught between a rock and a hard place, Rob knows there is no easy solution and reverts to his default solution: focusing on making beautiful designs and transforming them into perfect tattoos. The man who walks in one late afternoon is a definite distraction. Shane’s unusual request of having a photograph of someone who is clearly important to him tattooed onto his body makes Robbie think he wants to know more about the guy’s reasoning for this activity. If he can control his raging attraction to the man...
If you like stories about relationships in trouble, if you enjoy a (possibly somewhat expected) twist at the end of it, and if you’re looking for a short, passionate read about a man who has lost his way and urgently needs to find it so he can get close to his lover again, the you will probably like this short story.
September 5, 2013
4.5 stars - This is an awesome little story - for such a short story, it sure as hell leaves an impression! It was hot, cute and just a wonderful read if you're looking for something to quick and easy that will leave you smiling. I wont say anything else, just... READ THIS! ;) Oh, and I bloody LOVE Robbie. What a cutie!
Also, does anyone know if this was ever released before, or posted somewhere? Because, as I was reading it, I got the strangest feeling that I had read it before. I thought perhaps this was a re-release or that Lisa posted it on her website or something before, but maybe I'm just going crazy...!
Also, does anyone know if this was ever released before, or posted somewhere? Because, as I was reading it, I got the strangest feeling that I had read it before. I thought perhaps this was a re-release or that Lisa posted it on her website or something before, but maybe I'm just going crazy...!
January 2, 2017
Short reminder to cherish the ones you love even (maybe especially) when life gets hectic.
September 13, 2013
Short and sweet. The twist toward the end was unexpected and very pleasant.
February 28, 2014
I figured out what was going on pretty early, but it was still a great read and a clever plot. The story is short, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything or that I needed more.
October 20, 2013
I liked this book. I've only just read it, but I was excited and looking forward to doing so since the release date. Tattoos are a great element or addition to a book, because they can be used to show a wide variety of different issues, feelings and/or storylines. This is a classic example of such a book, and one with a pretty cool twist to the end. I'll be honest and say that the twist had occured to me, but I hadn't really expected it. The purpose of getting the tattoo is something I really liked, and which is believable - if extreme! The description of the tattoo was my favourite element though - it was so easy to visualise it in my mind that it felt like I was watching it being done! The only issue I had with this book, which is what lowered it from 4.5 stars (out of 5) to 3.5 stars, was the length. It is really short, and I wanted more! It was all wrapped up a bit too quickly and too easily, especially as to do a tattoo that size (with the detail a good portrait tat would want/require) would take more than 2 hours. It just felt like it was at superspeed. If it was teased out, and added on to, for instance..., then it would be superb - it has a good storyline, good characters and is well written. What more would you want?
August 25, 2013
Please leave comments about Pattycake's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
By Design, written by Lisa Worrall, is a beautiful character driven short story about Rob, a man obsessed with his tattoo shop to the point that he's neglecting his boyfriend, and letting his clients' perception of what he should look like dictate his appearance. It takes a customer named Shane, and his request for a special tattoo to remind Rob of what's really important in life. Lisa packs as much emotion, passion, and steamy hot sex into a short story as many much longer ones. I definitely enjoyed reading this gem and the HEA ending came with a surprise twist I didn't see coming. If you're looking for a quick, but very satisfying read, then I can definitely recommend this book to you.
By Design, written by Lisa Worrall, is a beautiful character driven short story about Rob, a man obsessed with his tattoo shop to the point that he's neglecting his boyfriend, and letting his clients' perception of what he should look like dictate his appearance. It takes a customer named Shane, and his request for a special tattoo to remind Rob of what's really important in life. Lisa packs as much emotion, passion, and steamy hot sex into a short story as many much longer ones. I definitely enjoyed reading this gem and the HEA ending came with a surprise twist I didn't see coming. If you're looking for a quick, but very satisfying read, then I can definitely recommend this book to you.
September 9, 2013
Read on 9-9-13
Great short!
Great short!
December 20, 2013
Cute short story about a guy who runs a tattoo place and who is spending more and more time there and trying to fit in to his idea of what a tattoo artist should look like. When a guy comes in for a tattoo (a portrait of someone), he gets a wake up call. 3.5 stars.
August 13, 2013
OH man, I worried for a minute there. This is a great wake up and remember kind of story.
September 13, 2013
omg so confusing.....
so was the guy he tattooed a picture on his bf and was the guy he tattooed on him him?
so was the guy he tattooed a picture on his bf and was the guy he tattooed on him him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2013
I'd already read and enjoyed this as part of the Hearts of England anthology.
August 24, 2013
A short, but very well written story. I could almost smell the Dettol and ink in the descriptions.
September 2, 2013
Predictable, but still a very sweet, yet steamy, short read.
September 2, 2013
Cute story! I had pretty much guessed at what the ending was gonna be, half way through it.
February 12, 2014
3,5 stars
March 1, 2014
3.5
A lovely short. I guessed the twist but it didn't spoil it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews