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The Carlisles #3
Built for Love
Some loves are built to last in Lori Foster's sizzling new novella
Contractor Jesse Baker knows all about knocking down walls--but chipping away at Tonya Bloom's defenses has been tougher than he expected. The gorgeous blonde has made it clear she doesn't have room in her life for romance...so what is it about her that makes Jesse determined to prove her wrong?
Realtor Tonya is an expert on houses, but building a home--and family--for her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin, is a challenge she never expected. And while Jesse might be a shoulder to lean on, he's also a distraction she can't afford. But with Jesse set on winning her heart, will she realize once and for all that the perfect love doesn't always happen at the perfect time?
Contractor Jesse Baker knows all about knocking down walls--but chipping away at Tonya Bloom's defenses has been tougher than he expected. The gorgeous blonde has made it clear she doesn't have room in her life for romance...so what is it about her that makes Jesse determined to prove her wrong?
Realtor Tonya is an expert on houses, but building a home--and family--for her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin, is a challenge she never expected. And while Jesse might be a shoulder to lean on, he's also a distraction she can't afford. But with Jesse set on winning her heart, will she realize once and for all that the perfect love doesn't always happen at the perfect time?
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
79 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
434 books11.8k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 13, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
I am trying to both get caught up on some of my favorite authors and making sure I review them too. I read Built for Love the early part of last year and I'm only now reviewing it. My bad.
Like most of Foster's reads, this one is quick and easy to read. It's only about 90 pages. Sometimes a story can suffer from being a short story but Foster is a queen of short stories. Her's are always fleshed out and you always feel like it was more pages than it was.
Built for Love is no different. I really enjoyed it and so much happened. You can't help liking the characters and feeling for them. Even though this is a romance you really do have more than two people in this romance. Besides Jesse and Tonya, we have Tonya's nephew Kevin in the mix. You really feel for Kevin. He wants badly to have a happy family and still love his mom who's parenting wasn't the best. I think he felt guilty for liking being happy.
Tonya wanted to do the very best by her nephew and because of that she was willing to let her love life slide and didn't want to get involved. I understood her, she wanted what was best for her family.
Jesse is such a great guy. He got that Kevin was very unhappy and was there for him. He was always there for Tonya and she needed it. Sometimes you need someone to bounce your worries off of and Jesse was that for her.
It took a bit but these two finally came together and I was happy for them. This tied up the short series perfectly. I really enjoyed it and found it a good read. I was glad that I finally read it and finished the series. Now I need to read some other series by her.
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I am trying to both get caught up on some of my favorite authors and making sure I review them too. I read Built for Love the early part of last year and I'm only now reviewing it. My bad.
Like most of Foster's reads, this one is quick and easy to read. It's only about 90 pages. Sometimes a story can suffer from being a short story but Foster is a queen of short stories. Her's are always fleshed out and you always feel like it was more pages than it was.
Built for Love is no different. I really enjoyed it and so much happened. You can't help liking the characters and feeling for them. Even though this is a romance you really do have more than two people in this romance. Besides Jesse and Tonya, we have Tonya's nephew Kevin in the mix. You really feel for Kevin. He wants badly to have a happy family and still love his mom who's parenting wasn't the best. I think he felt guilty for liking being happy.
Tonya wanted to do the very best by her nephew and because of that she was willing to let her love life slide and didn't want to get involved. I understood her, she wanted what was best for her family.
Jesse is such a great guy. He got that Kevin was very unhappy and was there for him. He was always there for Tonya and she needed it. Sometimes you need someone to bounce your worries off of and Jesse was that for her.
It took a bit but these two finally came together and I was happy for them. This tied up the short series perfectly. I really enjoyed it and found it a good read. I was glad that I finally read it and finished the series. Now I need to read some other series by her.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
May 21, 2018
Good quick read. Tonya is raising her 12 year old nephew Kevin after his mom died. Kevin is struggling with the changes - an the neglect from his mom. Jesse has feelings for Tonya and wants to get to know her - and he likes Kevin and wants to help him adjust. Very enjoyable.
December 10, 2016
Built for Love by Lori Foster
The Carlisles #3
3 Stars - When I purchased this book I actually thought it was a different story I was buying, so sadly that was a disappointment for me. However Lori Foster is a great author so I wasn't to worried.
This novella however didn't stack up to Foster’s norm. I didn't feel much chemistry between the two lead characters, I found Jesse a bit too pushy and assuming, and Tonya couldn't seem to make up her mind at times. Is the relationship going too fast or not fast enough.. on the flip side both Jesse and Tonya seemed very caring towards Kevin and wanted the best for him.
I felt the story skipped along at a quick pace and felt rushed at times. I would have liked to get to know these characters better and have the plot explored a bit more as it had a good premise.
I am still looking forward to the book of hers I thought I was buying!!! Which I think, comes out in the new year..
Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
The Carlisles #3
3 Stars - When I purchased this book I actually thought it was a different story I was buying, so sadly that was a disappointment for me. However Lori Foster is a great author so I wasn't to worried.
This novella however didn't stack up to Foster’s norm. I didn't feel much chemistry between the two lead characters, I found Jesse a bit too pushy and assuming, and Tonya couldn't seem to make up her mind at times. Is the relationship going too fast or not fast enough.. on the flip side both Jesse and Tonya seemed very caring towards Kevin and wanted the best for him.
I felt the story skipped along at a quick pace and felt rushed at times. I would have liked to get to know these characters better and have the plot explored a bit more as it had a good premise.
I am still looking forward to the book of hers I thought I was buying!!! Which I think, comes out in the new year..
Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
March 26, 2017
Lori Foster's book "Built for Love" is a beautiful novella of caring, nurturing, Love and just an all around sweet romance story. Jesse and Tonya made such a wonderful couple while showing that Love and caring to Tonya's neglected nephew Kevin, whom she now is raising. What is there not to like in this short read that will make you feel good after the last page is read? And of course, we cannot forget Love and her kittens. I have yet to find a Lori Foster book I have not enjoyed greatly, and "Built for Love" is no different. Wish it was longer. 4.5 Stars!
June 29, 2017
Cute Short Story
"Built for Love" is a short story that addressed abuse and abandonment issues in an unobtrusive way. I liked the play on words for the title and the role the cat played in the story. I'm not a cat lover, but this story made me see the potential of having a cat.
I recommend the short story to anyone having difficulty speaking or interacting with mentally abused children. I'm not saying it's a perfect guide, but maybe this can help you get the ball rolling.
"Built for Love" is a short story that addressed abuse and abandonment issues in an unobtrusive way. I liked the play on words for the title and the role the cat played in the story. I'm not a cat lover, but this story made me see the potential of having a cat.
I recommend the short story to anyone having difficulty speaking or interacting with mentally abused children. I'm not saying it's a perfect guide, but maybe this can help you get the ball rolling.
November 8, 2016
I felt like this was way too saccharine for my taste. Also, it could have used some more editing. Sometimes the POV switches with no transition or in the middle of a paragraph.
July 8, 2018
Jesse has been trying to make the moves on Tonya, but he can't get past the walls she's been building. He knows they could have something special if she'd give him a chance, and he's sure they'd be great out of bed together too. Now that Tonya's formerly abused, orphaned, twelve-year-old nephew is living with her, she's added an additional layer to those walls. But he manages to convince her that he can woo her without getting in her way...in fact, he's willing to help her. She agrees and finally Jesse gets to be a part of her life and her family, with the help of a pregnant cat named Love.
This was super sweet - like, wholesome family kinda sweet. Not much in the way of relationship angst at all, and the passion is on a pretty low simmer for the most part. The majority focus here is how Jesse and Tonya build a friendship and fall in love while trying to comfort her nephew and make him a part of the family. It's good in that respect. Really good, very believable and the kid is written spot on...though he does feel a bit older than twelve, that could definitely be attributed to life experience. As for a romance, it was kinda underwhelming but only because the romance got underplayed in favor of the drama of Tonya and her nephew. The characters were enjoyable and weren't annoying at all. I loved the cat and the symbolism of her name and all the sayings about how we're making room for "Love" and all that - cute, but a bit cheesy...but still nicely done.
This was super sweet - like, wholesome family kinda sweet. Not much in the way of relationship angst at all, and the passion is on a pretty low simmer for the most part. The majority focus here is how Jesse and Tonya build a friendship and fall in love while trying to comfort her nephew and make him a part of the family. It's good in that respect. Really good, very believable and the kid is written spot on...though he does feel a bit older than twelve, that could definitely be attributed to life experience. As for a romance, it was kinda underwhelming but only because the romance got underplayed in favor of the drama of Tonya and her nephew. The characters were enjoyable and weren't annoying at all. I loved the cat and the symbolism of her name and all the sayings about how we're making room for "Love" and all that - cute, but a bit cheesy...but still nicely done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2019
This was probably my favorite of the 3 novellas - Jesse and Tonya are so good together - Jesse is so steadfast ... and I liked that they'd been introduced in "book" 2. [Although... what about that date he had? I guess ... it ... didn't happen? Was ignored?]
ANYWAY. I liked Kevin a lot too - I felt he was written realistically, as was Tonya's situation of suddenly becoming the guardian of her ~estranged nephew who had been neglected, possibly abused ... and I mean - yeah it pushed my buttons. I definitely teared up at one point - and wished there was a Tonya for EVERY kid I encounter ...
I liked that Jesse and Tonya are both established in their lives, that they have friends and mutual friends.
It's a lot of sweet, some sexy.
C+
ANYWAY. I liked Kevin a lot too - I felt he was written realistically, as was Tonya's situation of suddenly becoming the guardian of her ~estranged nephew who had been neglected, possibly abused ... and I mean - yeah it pushed my buttons. I definitely teared up at one point - and wished there was a Tonya for EVERY kid I encounter ...
I liked that Jesse and Tonya are both established in their lives, that they have friends and mutual friends.
It's a lot of sweet, some sexy.
C+
October 11, 2017
I like this author, but I had trouble connecting with the characters. Since it was so short, there wasn't time to get to know Tonya and Jesse. I understand the dynamics of the story, but would have liked more time alone with Tonya and Jesse. This was a bonus book with Under Pressure and I listened to it on audio. I liked the narrator's voice for men, but the women voices leave a lot to be desired.
August 18, 2017
Love
This was a sweet fast read.
Jesse was so hot for Tonya, but more than that he cared about her and her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin.
What better way to break barriers than with fur babies and persistence.
I shed tears for all Kevin must have gone through and things we take for granted that he never had. This one just made me very emotional.
This was a sweet fast read.
Jesse was so hot for Tonya, but more than that he cared about her and her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin.
What better way to break barriers than with fur babies and persistence.
I shed tears for all Kevin must have gone through and things we take for granted that he never had. This one just made me very emotional.
November 23, 2016
LOVE is Family
Loved this quick read about how Tonya takes her nephew when his mom dies and learning what love is with the help of Jesse..who has been chasing Tonya..... Tonya finds out that with help and love....all things are possible!
Loved this quick read about how Tonya takes her nephew when his mom dies and learning what love is with the help of Jesse..who has been chasing Tonya..... Tonya finds out that with help and love....all things are possible!
January 28, 2017
This was really short, and Jesse was a bit too 'gentlemanly' to make it very hot... But it was a quick and very sweet read. I wish it were longer, so that we could have seen more of how things would play out for them
March 2, 2018
I listened to this audiobook novella as part of the audiobook of her other book Under Pressure. It was sweet, about a woman who is taking care of her sister's son and the man who is renovating her house. I thought the cat Love and her kittens were adorable.
December 23, 2023
Best book Boyfriend
Jesse is committed to Tonya from the start. She returns the attraction, but has a lot going on. He helps her renovate, and nurtures the relationship with her and her nephew. Short, steamy and HEA.
Jesse is committed to Tonya from the start. She returns the attraction, but has a lot going on. He helps her renovate, and nurtures the relationship with her and her nephew. Short, steamy and HEA.
June 8, 2017
What a great quick read and a wonderful story. Loved Jesse and Tonya, but Kevin stoled my heart.
June 20, 2017
A bonus book included with a different Lori Foster book I read. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't great.
August 5, 2017
Cute story, a little difficult to follow if you haven't read the previous books, but still fun
June 11, 2018
I either somehow missed a book, or there was absolutely no plot development. I would've given it a 2-star, except I reserve those for books I mostly/half complete.
July 26, 2018
Oh my heart 😚😍
January 29, 2020
A cute and simple romance, short story.
Read
March 9, 2020No Kindle version available
August 11, 2022
2.5 cute enough with the kid but the relationship was all go from the start so it had no build up. Blah.
January 27, 2017
This was a great short story......gonna have to try and find the rest of the series.
December 29, 2020
Quick read, fun and smart and family!! Great Lori foster style :-)
March 14, 2017
Just loved this short story. Lori Foster never disappoints!!!! Could read it again and again ....
March 11, 2017
Good read.
January 18, 2021
Cute little read. Enjoyed this story and the characters. Tonya gets custody of her deceased sister's son. He is 12 and understandably superstitious. Tonya his Aunt want him and Jesse is in the mix trying to go after her even with her having custody of Kevin. Nice chemistry between everyone.
June 28, 2021
Foundation of Care, Empathy and Sexiness!
Built For Love is the third book based on the anthology books by multiple authors. The other books by Lori Foster were "Love Unleashed" and "Love Won't Wait". All of these stories were short, therefore this book is a quick read.
Regardless, the story premise is amazing and the authoress covers so much material in this book. I loved every minute of my read and could not put this book down. There are so many books out there, that you wait for it to finish.
Jesse Baker, a talented contractor has had the hots for realtor Tonya Bloom for quite some time. However, Tonya now has the responsibility of her 12-year old nephew, Kevin. She can't contemplate bringing in a man that she is attracted to in the mix.
Jesse with his empathy and understanding makes his place known with his humility and helps out Tonya in the process. Tonya also has to deal with her perfectionist attitude, seriousness and guilt, so that she can give Kevin a good home. Kevin's issues are also handled with such care and depth. The homeless kitty named "Love" really makes her mark.
This story has the angst, the plot, the awesome characters and the laughter needed to make for an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The other two couples from the previous books make an appearance. I am now eager to know their stories.
Lori Foster never disappoints me and for other readers, she won't either. Highly recommend this book for its emotional quotient, sexiness and fun!
Built For Love is the third book based on the anthology books by multiple authors. The other books by Lori Foster were "Love Unleashed" and "Love Won't Wait". All of these stories were short, therefore this book is a quick read.
Regardless, the story premise is amazing and the authoress covers so much material in this book. I loved every minute of my read and could not put this book down. There are so many books out there, that you wait for it to finish.
Jesse Baker, a talented contractor has had the hots for realtor Tonya Bloom for quite some time. However, Tonya now has the responsibility of her 12-year old nephew, Kevin. She can't contemplate bringing in a man that she is attracted to in the mix.
Jesse with his empathy and understanding makes his place known with his humility and helps out Tonya in the process. Tonya also has to deal with her perfectionist attitude, seriousness and guilt, so that she can give Kevin a good home. Kevin's issues are also handled with such care and depth. The homeless kitty named "Love" really makes her mark.
This story has the angst, the plot, the awesome characters and the laughter needed to make for an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The other two couples from the previous books make an appearance. I am now eager to know their stories.
Lori Foster never disappoints me and for other readers, she won't either. Highly recommend this book for its emotional quotient, sexiness and fun!
November 2, 2016
For a short story, this book had a ton of heart! I love Lori Foster, and I was excited to read about the final guy in this short story series, Jesse. Jesse met his heroine, Tonya, in book 2. They were both attracted but she didn't have room in her life for a relationship. Now, we get to know why.
Jesse is a carpenter and a sweetheart. He used to be quite the ladies man, but as soon as he met Tonya, he knew he wanted her to be his. He's been showing up for her ever since, in any way he can. That's mostly been through renovation work to her old house.
Tonya is a real estate agent and she's beautiful. Her older sister was an addict and a hot mess, and now she's gone, leaving her 12-year-old son without a mother. Tonya takes Kevin in, and is trying to figure out where their lives go from here.
I really loved this couple and their chemistry. I love that Jesse kept showing up and proving, to both Tonya and Kevin, that they were important to him and that he was going to be there for them, and that they could trust him. Kevin had a rough life before, with his mother, and he's not sure how to act now. Lori really captured Kevin in a very realistic and believable way. I fell in love with Kevin right along with Jesse and Tonya.
This was such a sweet, sexy story! I'm so glad we got to see everything come together for the 3 guys from this series. I'd love a look at them again some time in the future! Extended epilogue anyone?!
Jesse is a carpenter and a sweetheart. He used to be quite the ladies man, but as soon as he met Tonya, he knew he wanted her to be his. He's been showing up for her ever since, in any way he can. That's mostly been through renovation work to her old house.
Tonya is a real estate agent and she's beautiful. Her older sister was an addict and a hot mess, and now she's gone, leaving her 12-year-old son without a mother. Tonya takes Kevin in, and is trying to figure out where their lives go from here.
I really loved this couple and their chemistry. I love that Jesse kept showing up and proving, to both Tonya and Kevin, that they were important to him and that he was going to be there for them, and that they could trust him. Kevin had a rough life before, with his mother, and he's not sure how to act now. Lori really captured Kevin in a very realistic and believable way. I fell in love with Kevin right along with Jesse and Tonya.
This was such a sweet, sexy story! I'm so glad we got to see everything come together for the 3 guys from this series. I'd love a look at them again some time in the future! Extended epilogue anyone?!
February 2, 2017
A novella about a romance between Jesse, a contractor, and Tonya, a realtor who has recently acquired the responsibility of raising her 12-year-old nephew Kevin after the death of her sister, a single mother. Kevin's mom was a neglectful, selfish mother with a bad attitude, unsavory boyfriends, drinking problems, and other issues. Tonya loves Kevin and wants to give him the type of warm, caring home he never had but he's closed off and distant. Jesse and Tonya met through mutual friends and while attraction and chemistry exists, she doesn't want to act on it but spend her time making a home for Kevin. But Jesse is a man with a mission, and he's determined not to give up on her or Kevin. A quick read. It's a pleasant story, but could've been more enjoyable if it had been a full-length novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews