Unlovely Things

Love By Design #2

by M.C. Cerny

A new romantic comedy series by M.C. Cerny, Unlovely Things is book two in the Love By Design Series. So... whatever happened to... Kristen and Demon? Be warned, this couple is feisty, filthy, and funny and they are definitely rated R for ridiculously raunchy. Come back to New Paltz and join the gang for another dose of big love in a small town. Each book in the LBD series is a standalone HEA romance.

Full blurb and cover reveal coming February 14th.

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published March 28, 2017

About the author

M.C. Cerny is a USA Today Bestselling author of fresh sexy books. She experienced her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows, and never looked back. She lives with a menagerie of human and feline fur-babies in rural NJ. When M.C. is not writing, you’ll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathons, and eating all the tacos while plotting her next book.

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demon Pebbles

I like this, mostly, but there's a ton of repetition, and some things are out of sync - and I'm not just talking about Damien and Kristen. A quick example: she wears his flannel around his house but sees his bathroom for the first time days (or possibly weeks) later? It made it hard to stay focused.

There are really sweet moments, but they are interspersed with some cray-cray. There were times when I didn't know if Kristen was coming or going, it all turned so fast. She really does love to hate him.

As a side note, another round with an editor or proofreader wouldn't be amiss.

[QuinnReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demon Pebbles

I like this, mostly, but there's a ton of repetition, and some things are out of sync - and I'm not just talking about Damien and Kristen. A quick example: she wears his flannel around his house but sees his bathroom for the first time days (or possibly weeks) later? It made it hard to stay focused.

Kristen was my unicorn. Elusive as hell and yet she magically pulled me in like a magnet. What she didn’t realize was that I would have done anything for her. Buy tampons, wear glitter proudly, and save the last bit of hot water from the hose for her, anything.
-- Damien "Demon" Hart

There are really sweet moments. There are also some super hot, occasionally hilarious, and extremely dirty (as in rides the red river) moments, but they are interspersed with some cray-cray. There were times when I didn't know if Kristen was coming or going, it all turned so fast. She really does love to hate him.

Also, there are some things that aren't settled - who was Kristen's first? When was the first time these two engaged in the horizontal mambo? What really happened with "Frenchie?"

As a side note, another round with an editor or proofreader wouldn't be amiss.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/19/2021)!🎁

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like all this authors stories, but this one was lacking in my opinion. It made it a little daunting for me to finish this story as it just kept on about how Damien did something and Kristen would never let him explain what that was. It became to the point where I just wanted to skip to the end to find out what really happened but I stuck it through. It is a good book and I look forward to more from M.C.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlovely Things (Love By Design Book 2) By: M.C. Cerny
SomeTimes... "Unlovely Things" Can Turn OUT Perfectly LOVELY, or At Least Loving!
Through the YEARS they've had their UPS & DOWNS...
And during that Time,
They've Each Done some "Unlovely Things" to the Other!
Though some "Unlovely Things" aren't WHAT they seem...
But when TWO hard headed individuals get together,
"Unlovely Things" can SomeTimes be MisInterpreted!
And Now with their BestFriends Marrying Each Other,
They'll NEED to bury the Hatchet to work in Harmony!
Especially when an UnExpected addition to their Friendship comes along!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of M.C. Cerny's "Unlovely Things (Love By Design Book 2)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
1🌟:Hate IT! Didn't finish; usually only given if/when some contents truly objectionable (i.e. main characters does something awful & gets away w/it!)
2🌟:Don't like IT! Rating means I felt the writing was poor, editing was bad, I don't care for characters, or book had some major flaw.
3🌟: I like IT, BUT! There are minor issues... Rating means there's editing issues, needs character development, is too unrealistic, or has issues– I do not consider it an overall bad rating.
4🌟:I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
5🌟: I LOVE IT! It's Spectacular, & I'll read IT Over & Over Again. Few books Receive this rating from me. HowEver, those that DO become Classics.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I have a couple of M.C. Cerny's book, and unfortunately for me started with this one, and yup I know now I have to go back, so please bare with me you know I hate not knowing stuff. all in all I thought this was cute and funny and nice and piping hot..but will add more later when I get them all in orders.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite funny and hot
The story is well written, simple, quite funny , with characters sometimes with surprising reactions. Some scenes are hot, especially the first scene between Kristen and Damien.
These two characters love to hate each other and only them seem to be unaware that they love each other after a decade of mutual rejection. After 10 years, Damien begins to understand that, for his part, he remains very attracted by it, but still he must succeed in convincing Kristen.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was funny and filled with sexual chemistry but I was a little confused as well. I give it a 3.5 stars and really liked it, but I felt like timelines and stories were not matching up. There was a VERY big thing that impacted Kristen and Damian's relationship and I did not feel as if there was actual resolution between this, which is kind of crucial because it was why they didn't get along for over a decade. But other than that, I loved the chemistry between the two, but with so many things not matching up, it made it hard to follow along with the story when I was searching for an answer that was not there.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

M.C. Cerny is back with the second book of this hilarious new standalone Love by Design series with Unlovely Things (LOOOOVE this title for this book!!) and yet again another fun, refreshing, swoony romance in a small town that I'm slowly for! And our hero Damien... **all the heart eyes**

Cerny packed all the feels, all the laughs, all the sizzling heat, all the heart, and all of the unstoppable push and pull that'll keep you glued to the pages in Kristen and Damien/Demon's story.

I totally recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen and Damien shared a friendship until teenage drama and angst caused a rift that they have never been able to overcome. Through the years the two of them have perfected the art of sarcastic banter and trying to outdo each other in an attempt to mask how they feel about each other.

Damien is determined to show Kristen that they have always belonged together and although he is more than up for the challenge it will take all the patience and understanding he can muster to convince her.

[Tayra Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this book. This is a story I am recommending to my friends. I was entertained and trilled to keep reading this story.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with an awesome storyline that has well developed and engaging characters that have lots of chemistry. The smooth flow of the storyline makes for a good reading time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Paschal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows the love/hate relationship between Kristen and Damien. They've known each other since they were kids and slowly moved from friends to something a bit more romantic as teens. After imagined betrayals, Kristen convinces herself to hate Damien, going so far as to rechristen him 'Demon.' For his part, Damien has loved Kristen since they were kids. He doesn't know how to express himself without getting his butt kicked.

Kristen for her part, is a truly unsympathetic character - jealous, self-centered and vindictive. I really didn't like her one bit and don't understand Damien's lasting affection for such a horrible and unhappy person.

While nothing significant changes in their history or how they interact with each other, after years of animosity, the pair finally get together. It just really didn't make a lot of sense.

For me, the best part of this book was Damien/Demon. Handsome and impulsive, he tends to get himself in trouble - usually as a result of Kristen. At the same time, he is funny and tolerant of the crazy woman. At his heart, he is kind and devoted. His one goal in life is to win over the terrible Kristen. Why open yourself up to such abuse?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will admit I had an almost immediate dislike of Kristen, she came off as too whiny, immature and a bit of queen B. Damien didn’t do much better with being totally reckless with his maneuver with someone he admits pushes his buttons and has him arrested, then couple that with a possible DUI and I was not impressed with my intro of either of them.

Damien did redeem himself somewhat as he was actually a sweet guy in love for some unfathomable reason with a bucket load of drama. This was a very painful read as I just wanted to apply duct tape to Kristen’s mouth most of the time. For me this story was just a series of juvenile events after the other with Kristen acting like a shrew and Damien doing whatever it takes to make her happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers included!

Undeniable push and pull attraction! I thoroughly enjoyed the read - it was hard to put down.
I kind of enjoyed the banter (though VERY frustrating at times too) between Kristen and Damien... AKA Pebbles and Demon. The main characters pulled me into their story, and all of their drama! OH MY GOD! The drama!
Their friends and family made really nice additions to the storyline, with almost everybody wanting them to just admit their feelings for each other, and TO each other!
Their history was long, with different things contributing to their lives along the way. At some points, I was worried they might not ever see eye to eye, because of the impact of others. I did feel that Kristen took advantage too much, and used Damien. Not cool! But he was so tolerant of all her BS, which was an obvious testament to how he truly felt about her. She did say that he would always have her heart but wasn't sure if she could trust him to take gentle care of it... I was really hoping that the 'Frenchie' situation (and conversation pertaining to that), would have been settled... I can just hope that this would've occurred behind closed door ;)
Despite the way she treated him alot of the time, I love how he referred to her often, as 'my girl' (swoon)... so incredibly sweet!
And as a HUGE fan of the totally delectable Christian Grey (thank you EL James), I thoroughly enjoyed Kristen's reference to, "red flannel to me is the equivalent of a grey tie and plenty of kinky f#ckery". Hilarious, and totally understandable in the context of this story!
It was a wonderful HEA, and was sweet, dramatic, romantic, and some of the sex scenes were seriously HOT. What more could you ask for? ;)
Thanks you for the ARC. I can't wait to read more of your stories!
I will be recommending this to all my friends!
Thanks you for the ARC. I can't wait to read more of your stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My memories of these characters were a lot more fond when I was deciding if I wanted to read this book than the feelings I have now that I’ve finished it. There are fewer spelling and grammatical mistakes than the previous book, but they’re still prevalent. And I have never seen the word “husked” misused so inappropriately in my life. After the first book, I was curious to know what started the hate-hate relationship between Kristen and Damien, and I still really don’t understand it. That’s one of the things I disliked the most about the way this book ends. There’s no discussion. There’s no growth. There’s no healing. There’s no movement. It’s just “bang” and they’re suddenly together. There’s not even an “I’m sorry I’ve been such a raving homicidal lunatic for decades because I thought you did something you didn’t do and I never gave you the opportunity to explain why I was jumping to the wrong conclusions.” This story desperately needed that moment. I really liked Damien. He comes across as sweet and with a really big loving heart. I also thought he was a giant schmuck for letting Kristen treat him so abominably for so very very very long. It’s not often I actively hate a leading character, but Kristen pushed me to that limit. A lot of it is because she behaves like such a horrible human being and she’s doing it with MY name. I would have liked this book so much better if I could have seen a change in her emotions or her thoughts rather than just her biology.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get to read this book because Damien was such a great side character in the first book who had me laughing so hard. He was the fun friend/cousin, the guy that most people look at as a terrible screw up, and one that just absolutely loved to rile Kristen up. I found myself becoming protective of him especially against Kristen because in book one we do find out that yea she’s been mad at him for a while but we don’t know why until this story and the reason kind of made me mad at her especially since she won’t let him explain himself and it’s just overlooked. Their banter and constant fighting was fun to watch but Kristen was holding that grudge for so long she didn't realize she was stringing poor Damien around while bashing him to everyone and anyone that would listen. I was happy Taylor helped her realize she was being absurd and needed to let him go if she can’t ever forgive him., I think that was part of her wake up call. Other than Kristen being wishy washy and at times she had me wishing Damien would just walk away because he deserves better, I did enjoy this read and can't wait to read Whit's story.

[Lisa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hot plumber!
I loved this story so much! Although this can be read as a stand alone, I am glad I read Love Under Construction first. It provided the back story of Kristen and Damien, and definitely made me want to find out what happened to them. This book did not disappoint me! Their banter and love/hate relationship is hilarious!
Kristen and Damien have known each other their whole lives. Something happens in seventh grade that creates a problem in their friendship. What happened is briefly touched on in this book—I am sure there is still more to that story that will probably be uncovered in other books in this series.
Although they torment each other, their attraction to each other is palatable.
I really enjoyed that this book is about genuine people. Kids that grew up into adults in the same town with the same friends. Even though there are several steamy scenes and undeniable chemistry, their story still remains sweet and enduring. They get their HEA and it hits you right in the feels! Highly recommend!

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I have been waiting to read the epic love story between Damien and Kristen since reading the first book and I was only mildly disappointed. The reader gets a little something of everything good while reading this book: drama, quirky plot, great characters, and a lot of heat. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable and the banter between the two was great. The story was easy to read and I really enjoyed it. I was left a little disappointed because the main point of contention between the duo was never discussed. She never gave him a chance to explain over the years and it was totally forgotten once they got back together. Overall, the book was good, I just wish some closure would have been given. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review and I can't wait for the next installment of this series.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free as an ARC for an honest review.

This book focuses on the story of Kristen and Damien. They have a hate/ hate, love/ hate relationship but you never really learn why Kristen detests Damien, all you know is that she think she saw him do something when they were in 7th grade. But they never talk about it and frankly whilst I liked Damien, I wanted to shake him and tell him to walk away from her because she doesn't treat him nicely. I didn't like Kristen at all. She's a brat and basically stomps her feet until she gets her way. And she came across as a very angry individual that I don't feel deserved Damien.

The other thing that I didn't like about this book is the timeline. One chapter she's with one man having a sexual relationship, they 'break up' and then the same/next day she's sleeping with Damien. Then bam! They're in love and in a long-term relationship.

There were also a number of spelling and grammatical errors.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlovely Things is the second book in the Love by Design series, and can be read by itself, which is how I read it. This is my first time to read a book by this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books!
Damien and Kristen go back to when they were young. They started out as neighbors and being friends playing pranks on each and then as they got older things seem to get a little more sticky. Damien has always been in love with Kristen but she has held a grudge against him and won't let him explain. Will this keep them apart? Can Damien convince her to trust him?
This story all the things I enjoy reading, drama of course, the banter back and forth between Kristen and Damien was hilarious and their chemistry was great! The only thing that kept me from a 5 star review was I wish Kristen would have opened up to Damien more about why she held her grudges.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept but not characters

Unlovely Things is the story of Kristen and Damien. They have an interesting relationship that started when they were kids and then grew into a romantic relationship when they were teenagers. However, things did not go quite as anticipated due to misunderstandings and things imagined and now she hates him.
I cannot really say that I found either Kristen or Damien likeable. Her character is really entrenched into her hatred that it is pathetic. While his character I cannot understand because he still likes her after all these years and how she acts towards him.
The amount of drama was OTT and then they end up together, which to me made no sense at all. Then add in the really bad proofreading and I am sorry to say but this story was just not for me.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Julie Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damon has loved Kristen since childhood but a misunderstanding has kept them apart. Kristen hates Damon (or as she calls him "Demon") since they were in middle school and has no problem letting him know it-- she does however refuses to tell him why.

I found the characters to be amusing and really liked Damon. I felt his frustration at loving someone who, not only doesn't return the sentiment, can't stand the sight of you. What I didn't understand how he could be so enamored with the female lead. Kristen was so incredibly unlikable and immature. The misunderstanding could have cleared up if she had discussed it with Damon and they could have moved on.

This was the first book that I have read by M. C. Cerny but I am going to read the other book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen and Damien have had a love/hate and friends/couple relationship since 7th grade. He was her first kiss, but she couldn’t forgive what she thought had happened all those years ago. Even though they have had other blips of relationships, nether Kristen or Damien can quit thinking or snarking of the other. The upcoming marriage of her best girlfriend to her best male friend, has Kristen feeling lost and wanting something more for herself and that something more means Damien.

Enjoy the quips and pranks between Kristen and Damien as the sparks fly with romance included. M.C Cerny has yet another hit on her hands in her Designed by Love series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen and Damien have a wonderful love/ hate relationship. Damien betrayed Kristen when they were teenagers. She never forgave him even though she wanted him.

Kristen had a relationship with Damiens arch nemesis. He loved to make things harder for him as well, especially since he was a cop.

They plan together Damien’s cousin and Kristen’s best friends bachelorette and bachelor parties. They end up in the same area and all meet up.

Will Kristen find that she loves Damien and can get past the past or will she give him up? Will Damien be able to get past her anger and pranks to be with her other than for occasional sex?

You will have to read to see if they really work it out!

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. Funny, serious, romance and life lessons. Damien and Kristen have been bickering with each other since they were in the 7th grade. Damien has loved her since 7th grade and can’t seem to get her out of his system and move away. They shared their first kiss together then she caught him kissing another or did she ? Every since then they have been at each other’s throats. Planning his cousins and her best friends bachelor/bachelorette party one thing leads to another and they actually talk about things from the past. Life ahead isn’t easy but boy they make it fun and exciting. HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING. Loved this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen is Taylor’s best friend, and now that Taylor and Hunter are getting married, she feels like she’s losing her BFF. As Hunter’s cousin and best friend, Damien is very involved and has had a love/hate relationship with Kristen since high school. Planning the wedding throws Kristen and Damien together more often than ever and forces Kristen to face up to some of her insecurities. I love M.C. Cerney’s writing and I stayed up way too late finishing this story. My one problem was that I had a hard time liking Kristen a lot of the time. Being insecure is one thing; she was just nasty and I kept thinking Damien could do better. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Similar complaints as I had for Book 1, as main couple display lack of emotional maturity. In particular heroine Kristen holding a grudge about a misunderstood incident for years, and not letting Hero Damien explain himself, was beyond disappointing and childish. The stupid tricks she played to embarass him became tedious. He started out as playing the fool, but was quite lovely and devoted by the end, especially putting up with her shenanigans to humiliate him in public and her hot/cold behaviour during secret steamy rendezvous was annoying. Don't know why he chose to be with her, because the drama was so 'High School' and they were in their late 20s, I think. I kept thinking 'Kristen it is way past time to grow up or go to therapy to get past this, move on!' Final Rating: 2.5 Stars

[Julia Red Hatter Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Kristen and Demon's book was going to have me in stitches, and I was right. These two fight worse than cat and dogs. They are absolutely hilarious!

Kristen is a brat. A lovable brat though. She's been so hung up on what Demon did when they were kids that she refuses to give him a chance. Until the hook ups start. Now I'll admit. Kristen did piss me off a bit. The way she dragged Demon around on a string, but she does redeem herself. Demon is sweet as can be. He's the jokester and follows Kristen around like a sad puppy all while keeping up the rivalry they have. These two were meant to be and it was easy to see!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlovely Things is the first book I have read by M. C. Cerny and it was wonderful romance that offers a lot of small town charm, misunderstanding and sweetness. This is Damien and Kristen story they are both enjoyable characters along with all of side characters that are well written. Their attraction was strong and their chemistry generated lots of sparks. The storyline was engaging and fun but offers a solid amount of drama and emotional turmoil as this couple relationship evolves into more than they ever imagined.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.