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Designing Love #1
Baby by Design
Trish DeVign knows what she needs to be single, successful, and satisfied. She needs a baby. With recent relationships falling short of her expectations, she’s single by choice. With a thriving interior design company, she’s got successful covered. It’s the satisfied part that eludes her, and that’s her mother’s fault - not her adopted mother, but the mother who gave her away, sentencing her to a privileged life with two good people who don’t share with her a single drop of DNA. Tony Corcarelli has spent his adult life as the black sheep of his large Italian-American family ever since he turned his back on running the family carpentry business so he could live a more laidback life, forcing his sister to take the reins. Now, Tony’s grandmother has cancer, and he’s expected to join the family in making her wishes come true. Unfortunately, the two things Nonna wants most for Tony are two things he can’t a wife and kids or the priesthood. There has to be another way. When Trish asks her best friend’s brother, Tony, to escort her to a wedding, a night of fun and flirtation turns serious, with Trish confessing she wants a baby. Could a calculated conception be the answer they’ve both been looking for? This is a new release of a previously published edition.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2013
20 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Elley Arden
43 books184 followersElley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley writes provocative, emotional, contemporary romances, where Mr. Not-My-Type ends up being Mr. Right.
Elley writes provocative, emotional, contemporary romances, where Mr. Not-My-Type ends up being Mr. Right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2013
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Tony is a sexy tattooed motorcycle dude. For this, I give thanks. I like him. I don't like his family dynamic as much. There's a lot of focus on Tony's wild and loose ways. What's lacking is evidence. Why is the family so judgmental? Especially his sister. He didn't want to take over the family business, so what? She CHOSE to. That doesn't explain the amount of animosity she seems to have. And he IS a business owner. The man isn't bopping from odd job to joblessness. Though, I do wonder about his business. It seems like Trish is his only client. That can't be true, but there wasn't a mention of other jobs.
So then there's Trish. Trish is adopted and feels the lack of her birth parents. So the obvious solution to wanting a baby is to choose a man who will want to be around a few times a year? One with a big family that will ALSO only rarely see the child? This confused me. How is it better for a child to think he/she is only wanted once in a while? This is superior to explaining a sperm donor? Her logic wasn't logical to me. She also laments her adoption and adopted parents over and OVER again. Her mother isn't the warmest woman, but I was still baffled by the amount of distance she spoke of. Near the end, we hear a bit about why this is such a huge deal for Trish, but throughout I was confused.
The overall wanting a baby by any means story isn't my usual happy place, and I freely admit to it. This story had bigger holes for me though.
Tony is a sexy tattooed motorcycle dude. For this, I give thanks. I like him. I don't like his family dynamic as much. There's a lot of focus on Tony's wild and loose ways. What's lacking is evidence. Why is the family so judgmental? Especially his sister. He didn't want to take over the family business, so what? She CHOSE to. That doesn't explain the amount of animosity she seems to have. And he IS a business owner. The man isn't bopping from odd job to joblessness. Though, I do wonder about his business. It seems like Trish is his only client. That can't be true, but there wasn't a mention of other jobs.
So then there's Trish. Trish is adopted and feels the lack of her birth parents. So the obvious solution to wanting a baby is to choose a man who will want to be around a few times a year? One with a big family that will ALSO only rarely see the child? This confused me. How is it better for a child to think he/she is only wanted once in a while? This is superior to explaining a sperm donor? Her logic wasn't logical to me. She also laments her adoption and adopted parents over and OVER again. Her mother isn't the warmest woman, but I was still baffled by the amount of distance she spoke of. Near the end, we hear a bit about why this is such a huge deal for Trish, but throughout I was confused.
The overall wanting a baby by any means story isn't my usual happy place, and I freely admit to it. This story had bigger holes for me though.
November 16, 2013
This novel was absolutely perfect. It left me laughing so hard at times that I could barely breathe. At others, it brought tears to my eyes. I ran the gamut of emotions throughout, from fear to angst to sadness to joy. I have read other works by Arden before, but this one tops them.
Arden uses very intricate and approachable descriptions that set the scene perfectly without hampering your imagination. She has a unique way of putting things that makes you feel and experience them alongside the characters. Her narratives are heartfelt and personable, never breaking with the flow of the story.
There was a large variety of character types in this story, each with a specific role to play. That said, nothing was ever forced (except, of course for everything coming from the snooty characters, but that’s who they are). Arden uses a multiplicity of approaches when it comes to developing her characters. Not everyone is a well-rounded individual, but rather they are developed into the person that you’d encounter if you met them on the street.
The relationship that develops between the two main characters was the perfect relationship. It may have been off to a rocky start and based on a hair brained scheme with absolutely everything happening backwards and on paper it should have been an absolute train wreck, but it was the perfect relationship for them. Everything was so real and easy to visualise that it made for the perfect story.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Arden uses very intricate and approachable descriptions that set the scene perfectly without hampering your imagination. She has a unique way of putting things that makes you feel and experience them alongside the characters. Her narratives are heartfelt and personable, never breaking with the flow of the story.
There was a large variety of character types in this story, each with a specific role to play. That said, nothing was ever forced (except, of course for everything coming from the snooty characters, but that’s who they are). Arden uses a multiplicity of approaches when it comes to developing her characters. Not everyone is a well-rounded individual, but rather they are developed into the person that you’d encounter if you met them on the street.
The relationship that develops between the two main characters was the perfect relationship. It may have been off to a rocky start and based on a hair brained scheme with absolutely everything happening backwards and on paper it should have been an absolute train wreck, but it was the perfect relationship for them. Everything was so real and easy to visualise that it made for the perfect story.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2014
This was a cute little book that was a case of putting the cart before the horse. The heroine was rather concerned about her biological clock and the fact she was adopted and that she had no one biological to love her. The hero was sensitive, and yet oh so dangerous at the same time. He also had a big family that was great at meddling in the relationship that was trying to be built. Eventually, they got things into the proper order, but the story along the way was a touching one. A great short summer beach read!
June 28, 2019
❤❤❤❤❤
November 20, 2013
**JOSIE’S REVIEW**
*3.5 Stars*
Trish is so tired of the entire dating scene, that she no longer considers marriage a necessity anymore. She has been wanting to have a baby for the last couple of years, but the real problem is finding someone ready to have a baby with her. She has secretly wanted to have a big family who noticeably loves one another like her best friend Angie has. Trish has had a crush on her Angie’s brother, Tony, for a while. She starts to see Tony as a contender to father her baby. However she is not willing to take the risk because he is her best friend’s brother and they work together.
Tony is considered the bad boy of the family. The family finds out that Nonna (grandma) has ovarian cancer and they decide to make her last days filled with beautiful memories and love. Here is where the problem lies…Tony cannot think of a way to make her happy. Getting married or becoming a priest is NOT an OPTION.
On a drive home from Trish’s cousin’s wedding, Tony and Trish have a conversation that changes everything. During this conversation Trish tells Tony she has wanted a baby for a while and Tony knows that this is something that would make Nonna happy.
“We don’t have to make a baby. But if you think for a minute I’m leaving here before I get something in return, you’re crazy. I think you should lift up the shirt. You’ve been teasing me for two weeks, ever since that birthday party.”
Things are not going to be easy for them. Yes the chemistry is there but besides Angie, they are also lying Angie to his family. Angie does not want Tony to hurt her best friend and warns Trish that Tony thinks marriage is for losers and is too much of a loser himself. She starts ignoring Trish and giving her the cold shoulder. Trish does not want the stress and is starting to rethink the plan. During this time Tony starts to see Trish differently and decides he wants Trish and things are about to change.
Trish and Tony have a lot to work on before they can reach their dreams of a happy family. Will things work out for them? Can they have the family they both want so badly? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!
*3.5 Stars*
Trish is so tired of the entire dating scene, that she no longer considers marriage a necessity anymore. She has been wanting to have a baby for the last couple of years, but the real problem is finding someone ready to have a baby with her. She has secretly wanted to have a big family who noticeably loves one another like her best friend Angie has. Trish has had a crush on her Angie’s brother, Tony, for a while. She starts to see Tony as a contender to father her baby. However she is not willing to take the risk because he is her best friend’s brother and they work together.
Tony is considered the bad boy of the family. The family finds out that Nonna (grandma) has ovarian cancer and they decide to make her last days filled with beautiful memories and love. Here is where the problem lies…Tony cannot think of a way to make her happy. Getting married or becoming a priest is NOT an OPTION.
On a drive home from Trish’s cousin’s wedding, Tony and Trish have a conversation that changes everything. During this conversation Trish tells Tony she has wanted a baby for a while and Tony knows that this is something that would make Nonna happy.
“We don’t have to make a baby. But if you think for a minute I’m leaving here before I get something in return, you’re crazy. I think you should lift up the shirt. You’ve been teasing me for two weeks, ever since that birthday party.”
Things are not going to be easy for them. Yes the chemistry is there but besides Angie, they are also lying Angie to his family. Angie does not want Tony to hurt her best friend and warns Trish that Tony thinks marriage is for losers and is too much of a loser himself. She starts ignoring Trish and giving her the cold shoulder. Trish does not want the stress and is starting to rethink the plan. During this time Tony starts to see Trish differently and decides he wants Trish and things are about to change.
Trish and Tony have a lot to work on before they can reach their dreams of a happy family. Will things work out for them? Can they have the family they both want so badly? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!
November 22, 2013
Baby by Design
I absolutely adored this book!
Baby by Design by Elley Arden follows Trish DeVign, a successful interior designer who desperately wants to have a baby and what better way to have one then asking your best friends brother? If you could see me right now, you’d know I’m grinning. I genuinely enjoyed the plot of this story.
Trish was completely uptight and so high strung, but it was part of her charm and I liked how her character craved family. Even from the beginning of the story we got to see how Trish strives to fit in. She’s been looking for someone to Father her child for a while, but with no luck until she decides to ask Tony Corcarelli, her best friend Angie’s brother.
Tony is awesome. I love how snarky and charming he is. The way he’s described it the book probably made me swoon as much as Trish did. I really like his friendship with Trish and how they expand their working relationship to include more. Arden’s plot involving Tony’s grandmother and family was the perfect way to push Trish and Tony together and it didn’t feel forced like a lot of storylines.
While I loved Tony’s family, I didn’t like how Angie and Vin were always judging him and putting him down. Despite Tony’s carefree lifestyle he’s genuinely a good guy and I love his interactions with Trish. I think my favorite scene had to be the dance at her family’s wedding. The scene was so hot and yet at the same time, it was just a dance.
There were so many great parts in this book, but I don’t want to give them all away by talking about them here. The story was sweet and the characters were great. I don’t think there’s one person I didn’t like. It was a quick and entertaining read and I’d highly recommend it for anyone looking for something sweet and fluffy to read.
I absolutely adored this book!
Baby by Design by Elley Arden follows Trish DeVign, a successful interior designer who desperately wants to have a baby and what better way to have one then asking your best friends brother? If you could see me right now, you’d know I’m grinning. I genuinely enjoyed the plot of this story.
Trish was completely uptight and so high strung, but it was part of her charm and I liked how her character craved family. Even from the beginning of the story we got to see how Trish strives to fit in. She’s been looking for someone to Father her child for a while, but with no luck until she decides to ask Tony Corcarelli, her best friend Angie’s brother.
Tony is awesome. I love how snarky and charming he is. The way he’s described it the book probably made me swoon as much as Trish did. I really like his friendship with Trish and how they expand their working relationship to include more. Arden’s plot involving Tony’s grandmother and family was the perfect way to push Trish and Tony together and it didn’t feel forced like a lot of storylines.
While I loved Tony’s family, I didn’t like how Angie and Vin were always judging him and putting him down. Despite Tony’s carefree lifestyle he’s genuinely a good guy and I love his interactions with Trish. I think my favorite scene had to be the dance at her family’s wedding. The scene was so hot and yet at the same time, it was just a dance.
There were so many great parts in this book, but I don’t want to give them all away by talking about them here. The story was sweet and the characters were great. I don’t think there’s one person I didn’t like. It was a quick and entertaining read and I’d highly recommend it for anyone looking for something sweet and fluffy to read.
June 11, 2015
** 3 1/2 Stars **
I received and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet story of two people coming together, at first just wanting something from the other, but end up finding love and happiness. I enjoyed reading the journey that Tony and Trish went on to get to their happily ever after.
Trish has wanted to have a baby for the last couple of years, and has been trying to find someone she could have a baby with. She’s gotten to the point that marriage isn't even a requirement anymore, but she hasn't found anyone she’s willing to have a baby with. That all changes when she finally considers Tony a candidate, Trish has had the hots for Tony for a while, but with him being her best friend’s brother and some she works with, she hasn't been willing to give that a chance. Well, that is until a conversation they have during the drive home from her cousin’s wedding.
Tony’s family has just recently found out that his Nonna has cancer, and everyone is trying to do things to give her great memories for the time that she has left. The only thing is though, Tony can’t think of anything he can do to make his Nonna happy, well except for getting married or becoming a priest. After Trish explains to him what she has wanted for a while, he realizes this is something he could do to make his Nonna happy, he could have a baby.
While they are both trying to get something they want, they never would have guessed at the outcome. The feelings weren't supposed to get involved, sure they respected each other, but they weren't supposed to fall in love. Will Trish and Tony stop over thinking things and let things happen, or will they try to ruin something that could be great?
This was a great quick read and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet love story.
I received and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet story of two people coming together, at first just wanting something from the other, but end up finding love and happiness. I enjoyed reading the journey that Tony and Trish went on to get to their happily ever after.
Trish has wanted to have a baby for the last couple of years, and has been trying to find someone she could have a baby with. She’s gotten to the point that marriage isn't even a requirement anymore, but she hasn't found anyone she’s willing to have a baby with. That all changes when she finally considers Tony a candidate, Trish has had the hots for Tony for a while, but with him being her best friend’s brother and some she works with, she hasn't been willing to give that a chance. Well, that is until a conversation they have during the drive home from her cousin’s wedding.
Tony’s family has just recently found out that his Nonna has cancer, and everyone is trying to do things to give her great memories for the time that she has left. The only thing is though, Tony can’t think of anything he can do to make his Nonna happy, well except for getting married or becoming a priest. After Trish explains to him what she has wanted for a while, he realizes this is something he could do to make his Nonna happy, he could have a baby.
While they are both trying to get something they want, they never would have guessed at the outcome. The feelings weren't supposed to get involved, sure they respected each other, but they weren't supposed to fall in love. Will Trish and Tony stop over thinking things and let things happen, or will they try to ruin something that could be great?
This was a great quick read and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet love story.
November 30, 2013
Wow!! Baby by Design is the first book in the Designing Love Book series by Elley Arden. I loved this story. I can’t wait to read more books in the series. Trish DeVign is single and was adopted. She has no biological family of her own and wants one. She wants a baby. Trish seems to have everything she wants but a child to call her own. Therefore, she approaches the one man who seems to be the perfect man to have a child with, Tony Corcarelli. Trish is an organized list-making woman.
Tony Corcarelli is trying to do his best to make his grandmother, Nonna happy. He is at a loss in his life. His happy go lucky life seems not to be making him as happy anymore. When Trish approaches him about having a baby together that seems spark something in him and make him reevaluate his life. Tony is a hot and sexy man.
The chemistry between Tony and Trish is blistering hot. They might have only been friends if Trish did not approach Tony about having a baby because they were both upset about upsetting Tony’s sister and Trish’s best friend Angie. The sex scenes were a wonderful combination of hot and sweet.
I just wish the ending was more flushed out. What happed between the last chapter and the epilogue? Overall, this was a wonderfully hot and sweet story. I have great hopes for the rest of the book in the series. I can’t wait to read them.
Tony Corcarelli is trying to do his best to make his grandmother, Nonna happy. He is at a loss in his life. His happy go lucky life seems not to be making him as happy anymore. When Trish approaches him about having a baby together that seems spark something in him and make him reevaluate his life. Tony is a hot and sexy man.
The chemistry between Tony and Trish is blistering hot. They might have only been friends if Trish did not approach Tony about having a baby because they were both upset about upsetting Tony’s sister and Trish’s best friend Angie. The sex scenes were a wonderful combination of hot and sweet.
I just wish the ending was more flushed out. What happed between the last chapter and the epilogue? Overall, this was a wonderfully hot and sweet story. I have great hopes for the rest of the book in the series. I can’t wait to read them.
July 25, 2014
This is the first book in Elley Arden's new series and I'm afraid it's my lowest rating yet. This story is light, well written for the most part and filled with laughter and emotion.
The story sweeps you along, almost to the point where you forget about the questions raised, like why is Tony despaired of by so many of his family? He's accused of being reckless and fancy free but the only thing that seems to back this up is that he has tattoos, rides a bike and hasn't married yet.
The relationship between Trish and Tony is completely believable although I did want his sister to keep her nose out of other people's business. I couldn't completely understand the reasons behind Trish and what she wanted but I didn't want to delve too deeply whilst reading this.
The main thing for me with this book was that I was reading along quite happily, trying not to question the reasons why and just accept when all of a sudden it's all over, the "I love you's" have been spoken and I'm at the epilogue. The ending seemed quite abrupt, almost as if the word count had been reached and that was that.
Not so sure if I'll carry on with this series, I much preferred the Kemmons' Brothers Baseball series although Marrying the Wrong Man (Charlie's story) in the Harmony Falls series remains my favourite book so far.
The story sweeps you along, almost to the point where you forget about the questions raised, like why is Tony despaired of by so many of his family? He's accused of being reckless and fancy free but the only thing that seems to back this up is that he has tattoos, rides a bike and hasn't married yet.
The relationship between Trish and Tony is completely believable although I did want his sister to keep her nose out of other people's business. I couldn't completely understand the reasons behind Trish and what she wanted but I didn't want to delve too deeply whilst reading this.
The main thing for me with this book was that I was reading along quite happily, trying not to question the reasons why and just accept when all of a sudden it's all over, the "I love you's" have been spoken and I'm at the epilogue. The ending seemed quite abrupt, almost as if the word count had been reached and that was that.
Not so sure if I'll carry on with this series, I much preferred the Kemmons' Brothers Baseball series although Marrying the Wrong Man (Charlie's story) in the Harmony Falls series remains my favourite book so far.
December 18, 2013
"Baby by Design" had two opposites with two separate goals in mind but with one means in order to achieve those goals. We have Tony Corcarelli, a furniture maker labeled by certain members of his family as irresponsible, and Trish DeVign, an interior designer who prefers having her life mapped out. Tony is the brother of Trish's best friend and someone who Trish has had a thing for for years.
Trish has always wanted her own family, what with being adopted and never knowing who her biological parents were, and Tony wants to add to his Nonna's bucket list by giving her the great-grandchild she wants. When Trish suggests to Tony that he father her child and fulfill Nonna's wish, Tony agrees. Of course, as expected, things are never as simple as they may seem.
This was a pretty good story but lacked chemistry between the two lead characters. Even the supporting characters, particularly Angie, Trish's best friend and Tony's sister, and Vin, Tony's cousin, seemed too forced at times, becoming nothing more than meddling relatives who didn't have a high opinion of Tony.
I'm giving "Baby by Design" three stars out of five.
Trish has always wanted her own family, what with being adopted and never knowing who her biological parents were, and Tony wants to add to his Nonna's bucket list by giving her the great-grandchild she wants. When Trish suggests to Tony that he father her child and fulfill Nonna's wish, Tony agrees. Of course, as expected, things are never as simple as they may seem.
This was a pretty good story but lacked chemistry between the two lead characters. Even the supporting characters, particularly Angie, Trish's best friend and Tony's sister, and Vin, Tony's cousin, seemed too forced at times, becoming nothing more than meddling relatives who didn't have a high opinion of Tony.
I'm giving "Baby by Design" three stars out of five.
December 4, 2013
3.5
Hear that? It's ticking....Is that a biological clock?
No, not particularly. Trish doesn't want a baby just because of her biological clock. She is single, and wants a blood relative to call her own. See, she's adopted, and as much as she loves her family, she needs someone that has a blood relation to her. And of course, babies are special, lovable and wonderful. So where's the prospects?
Not there, of course.
So, enter her best friend's brother. He's hot, single, and yeah, she's attracted to him. Has been for a long time. But he's kind of a player and sometimes a jerk and her best friend would KILL her! Until he escorts her to a wedding and things change, for the both of them.
Trish and Tony have some sparks, but neither of them are sure where to go from there. They've known each other for years, and of course there's the fact that Tony's sister doesn't want them together because he's a jerk. yeah, complication, complications.
The story is light, fun, humorous and full of great characters. It's a bit of a typical romance, but an enjoyable one.
Hear that? It's ticking....Is that a biological clock?
No, not particularly. Trish doesn't want a baby just because of her biological clock. She is single, and wants a blood relative to call her own. See, she's adopted, and as much as she loves her family, she needs someone that has a blood relation to her. And of course, babies are special, lovable and wonderful. So where's the prospects?
Not there, of course.
So, enter her best friend's brother. He's hot, single, and yeah, she's attracted to him. Has been for a long time. But he's kind of a player and sometimes a jerk and her best friend would KILL her! Until he escorts her to a wedding and things change, for the both of them.
Trish and Tony have some sparks, but neither of them are sure where to go from there. They've known each other for years, and of course there's the fact that Tony's sister doesn't want them together because he's a jerk. yeah, complication, complications.
The story is light, fun, humorous and full of great characters. It's a bit of a typical romance, but an enjoyable one.
November 22, 2013
Elley Arden does it again! She has such a way with her characters, it's mesmerizing. Tony, the hero in this story, is so much fun! I love that he's full of life and laughter. Unfortunately, his sister and other family members think he's never serious. Yet, he's serious when he wants to be.
In comes Trish, a friend of Tony's sister. Trish is the exact opposite of Tony. Serious, business oriented, reliable. But, Trish is about to shatter the put-together misconception when she asks Tony to be the father of her child. She's dreamed of having a baby and no man has proven worthy of the task ... except Tony. Tony quickly agrees, wanting to please his Nonna who was diagnosed with cancer.
The growth of the characters through this book is what really got me, even with the secondary characters. The whole Corcarelli family is a hoot!
I can't wait to read the others in this series. I'm ready for more, Ms. Arden!
In comes Trish, a friend of Tony's sister. Trish is the exact opposite of Tony. Serious, business oriented, reliable. But, Trish is about to shatter the put-together misconception when she asks Tony to be the father of her child. She's dreamed of having a baby and no man has proven worthy of the task ... except Tony. Tony quickly agrees, wanting to please his Nonna who was diagnosed with cancer.
The growth of the characters through this book is what really got me, even with the secondary characters. The whole Corcarelli family is a hoot!
I can't wait to read the others in this series. I'm ready for more, Ms. Arden!
November 16, 2013
4.7 Star Review - Baby by Design (Designing Love Book #1)
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book by Elley. This book includes passion, laughs, heartache, and a sweet love story.
Trish DeVign wants a baby. She is dating to try to get a man that is husband material so she can get married and have a baby. But her dates all turn out to be bad choices.
Tony Corcarelli is considered the family bad boy. His family thinks he is a screw up. But Trish thinks he is HOT.
Can the bad boy give her what she wants? Will he be okay with what she needs from him.
Trish is a planner and a thinker. She spends her time making plans and overthinking everything.
Tony is a bad boy. He spends his time on a motorcycle running from the family problems. Can he stay in one place long enough to help out Trish?
Very good read. Love all the surrounding characters. Can't wait to see who shows up in the next book.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book by Elley. This book includes passion, laughs, heartache, and a sweet love story.
Trish DeVign wants a baby. She is dating to try to get a man that is husband material so she can get married and have a baby. But her dates all turn out to be bad choices.
Tony Corcarelli is considered the family bad boy. His family thinks he is a screw up. But Trish thinks he is HOT.
Can the bad boy give her what she wants? Will he be okay with what she needs from him.
Trish is a planner and a thinker. She spends her time making plans and overthinking everything.
Tony is a bad boy. He spends his time on a motorcycle running from the family problems. Can he stay in one place long enough to help out Trish?
Very good read. Love all the surrounding characters. Can't wait to see who shows up in the next book.
November 14, 2013
In Baby by Design by Elley Arden, Trish DeVign knows what she wants and how she wants it. She knows that everything has to go according to plan. But no matter how successful she is in her business, she can’t seem to get what she wants in the relationship and satisfaction department. Every man she has dated only cares about their own needs and being on the good side of her adoptive parents, but none have wanted what she wants or cared for her enough. She has secretly desired her friend’s family or at least something like that, she wants the chaos, the big family and the love they very obviously share for each other.
Tony Corcarelli ahs spent his adult life being the black sheep of the family since he decided that he didn’t want to run the family carpentry business. And nobody, especially his sister who took the reins of the business has let him forget it. Read More...
Tony Corcarelli ahs spent his adult life being the black sheep of the family since he decided that he didn’t want to run the family carpentry business. And nobody, especially his sister who took the reins of the business has let him forget it. Read More...
August 21, 2014
The introduction to the Corcarelli clan, and Elley Arden starts off this series with a bang. Who doesn't love a tattoo-ed bad boy who, like the heroine Trish mentions, carries a sticky-handed kid while wearing a designer suit? Tony all but melted my heart, and yeah, sometimes I wanted to bash his family, especially Angie, for bringing him down as much as they do and tarring him so well as the black sheep of the family without really taking the time to get to know him properly.
But Trish sees beyond all this putting-down; she sees the man...even if she views him as a baby-making machine at first. It was funny and lovely to witness her quirky attempts at getting noticed by Tony and then when she drops her bombshell of them needing to have a baby together? Priceless!
You don't need to read this book before Book2, but if you can, do it! It's a marvellous intro into the world Ms. Arden paints in this series, as well as being a delighful romance in its own right.
But Trish sees beyond all this putting-down; she sees the man...even if she views him as a baby-making machine at first. It was funny and lovely to witness her quirky attempts at getting noticed by Tony and then when she drops her bombshell of them needing to have a baby together? Priceless!
You don't need to read this book before Book2, but if you can, do it! It's a marvellous intro into the world Ms. Arden paints in this series, as well as being a delighful romance in its own right.
November 13, 2013
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Baby by Design is the first book in the Designing Love series by Elley Arden. This was a fun little read. The characters were easy to relate to and very likable. Tony was very swoon worthy. Italian guys are pretty hard to resist anyway, and Tony is no exception. Coming from an Italian family myself, it was fun to read about another Italian family and pick out the similarities. Trish and Tony come together for different reasons. Love not being one of them. Though they fight it, they have chemistry and attraction to one another. I enjoyed the tension between the two as their symbiotic relationship grew into more. This was a cute and fun story. I'm curious about the upcoming books in this series.
November 9, 2013
This review can also be seen on www.chillreviews.blogspot.com.
I was sucked into this book from the start. I really liked that Tony didn't run away from Trish when she suggested that they have a baby. The bad boy aspect of the story was just enough that you knew he just had a reputation for being a bad boy but really was a good guy. Trish's mom was super annoying but I could tolerate her because her dad was down to earth. I could relate to the big family aspect of Tony's life, I have one myself and they seriously have a way of finding out everything, but in the end they are there for you no matter what. This was a great book and a very easy read. Check it out I'm sure you won't be disappointed, if you do leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
I was sucked into this book from the start. I really liked that Tony didn't run away from Trish when she suggested that they have a baby. The bad boy aspect of the story was just enough that you knew he just had a reputation for being a bad boy but really was a good guy. Trish's mom was super annoying but I could tolerate her because her dad was down to earth. I could relate to the big family aspect of Tony's life, I have one myself and they seriously have a way of finding out everything, but in the end they are there for you no matter what. This was a great book and a very easy read. Check it out I'm sure you won't be disappointed, if you do leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
January 18, 2015
This was a toothachey sweet romance. It says sensual, but it was more like, meh. I felt with all the talk of how hot Tony was, that there could have been a lot more heat in this story! Don't get me wrong. It's a good book. There's the man falling for his sisters best friend. The best friend who falls for the brother and oh yea, everything is perfect right?! Happy ending after. It was mostly transparent and predictable. But it was a good read. If you want something sappy and sweet to pass an afternoon, grab this one.
October 22, 2014
This was a cute story, though it definitely had its share of awkward moments. It was very predictable, but had a surprise or two. I didn’t get all the foundations for their personalities and the reasons they had to behave the way they sometimes did, but they were who they were and it still worked out as a story. Not an exceptional or stand out story, but still cute.
Baby by Design is a sweet story about family. Don’t miss out if you just want a nice, easy read with no gratuitous love scenes.
Baby by Design is a sweet story about family. Don’t miss out if you just want a nice, easy read with no gratuitous love scenes.
March 26, 2016
This was a cute story, though it definitely had its share of awkward moments. It was very predictable, but had a surprise or two. I didn 19t get all the foundations for their personalities and the reasons they had to behave the way they sometimes did, but they were who they were and it still worked out as a story. Not an exceptional or stand out story, but still cute.
Baby by Design is a sweet story about family. Don 19t miss out if you just want a nice, easy read with no gratuitous love scenes.
Baby by Design is a sweet story about family. Don 19t miss out if you just want a nice, easy read with no gratuitous love scenes.
November 14, 2013
This is another great book from Elley. Hope we don't have to wait to long for book 2. This is a must read you can't put it down as you love the characters Trish and Tony. You will love how they start this relationship and best of all how they end up. Baby Angelina is the icing on the cake for them :-)
August 24, 2015
A very enjoyable lighthearted book with lovely characters and a good story. I loved the chemistry between a playful Tony and straightlaced Trish, they worked so well together. Tony's sister Angie was a very mean and uptight woman and I'm wondering if the author will tell her story as I do feel that there is one there. I will definitely read this author again based on this book.
November 23, 2013
I had received this book's ARC for the book tour but it ended up on my DNF pile. Reason being, it was too slow and there was not much plot period. Made it stale and boring for me.
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January 2, 2014thecpacing of the story in the beginning is too slow. i skipped a lot of pages because of Angie. i know she has issues but her nagging and bitter attitude is irritating.
August 15, 2014
A quick, fun read. It was enjoyable. Loved the characters.
October 28, 2014
Review to follow
April 13, 2016
Very good
Very good book. I really like this author and plan on purchasing more of her books. Most of them sound very interesting.
Very good book. I really like this author and plan on purchasing more of her books. Most of them sound very interesting.
November 25, 2013
Don't know if I was missing some pages or it was just that the ending was rushed....
January 28, 2014
3.5 stars
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