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Modern Masters of Their Castle #2
Designs on Forever
As a model, Mallory Andrews’ good looks had worked for her for years, but now she’s determined to prove she’s a talented historical interior designer. To do that she must remain unwavering in her focus regarding her current project, the restoration of a historical English manor house turned hotel. The problem is, she keeps getting sidetracked by the handsome and charming grandson of the owner.
Renowned hotel magnate and business consultant, Evan Townsend is retained by the board of his estranged grandmother’s company to make recommendations regarding the failing hotel that could put his grandmother into bankruptcy. His first chore is to terminate the work Mallory is doing. She launches a campaign to prove the changes she has made and others she has planned will benefit his grandmother’s financial bottom line. Evan’s mounting attraction to the beautiful and clever Mallory has him reconsidering his stance on her present work, yet he remains resistant to her requests not to sell the hotel so her work can continue. If only he could be as unaffected by her kisses.
Both fear the other is using the sexual magnetism between them to get what they want. Can Mallory and Evan design a way to break through the walls of half-truths and what-ifs to build a lifetime of love?
Renowned hotel magnate and business consultant, Evan Townsend is retained by the board of his estranged grandmother’s company to make recommendations regarding the failing hotel that could put his grandmother into bankruptcy. His first chore is to terminate the work Mallory is doing. She launches a campaign to prove the changes she has made and others she has planned will benefit his grandmother’s financial bottom line. Evan’s mounting attraction to the beautiful and clever Mallory has him reconsidering his stance on her present work, yet he remains resistant to her requests not to sell the hotel so her work can continue. If only he could be as unaffected by her kisses.
Both fear the other is using the sexual magnetism between them to get what they want. Can Mallory and Evan design a way to break through the walls of half-truths and what-ifs to build a lifetime of love?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Susan Carlisle
350 books234 followersSusan Carlisle’s love affair with books began when she made a bad grade in math in the sixth grade. Not allowed to watch TV until she brought the grade up, Susan filled her time with books. She turned her love of reading into a passion for writing. With over 25 books for Harlequin and Masters of Their Castles series under her own imprint. She writes steamy romances with sexy heros and the strong women that captivate them.
She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband of over 35 years. Susan loves castles, traveling, sewing, afternoon tea and reads voraciously.
Visit her at http://www.SusanCarlisle.com
She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband of over 35 years. Susan loves castles, traveling, sewing, afternoon tea and reads voraciously.
Visit her at http://www.SusanCarlisle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. Mallory and Evan meet and although they may be at odd's there in intense chemistry between the characters. Both have baggage from the past and as they explore their interest in each other they face drama, twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2020
Set My Back Teeth on Edge
After hearing good things about this book, I found myself disappointed by it. I did not like the hero as he came off as a jerk most of the time. Not quite hero material in my book. And his first fixation was on the heroine's gorgeous looks. Puh-lease. I'm so tired of romances putting such an emphasis on looks, making the main characters so beautiful or handsome… off the charts compared to others known to the other MC. What's wrong with having a “normal” woman or man as a hero or heroine in a contemporary romance? Books are not visual except what the reader sees in his or her mind. Why can't we just allow people to be average but still lovable? That would be awesome and frankly make a book stand out. I never felt any chemistry between them, and frankly, I was just annoyed too much by the hero. The heroine had better qualities that I appreciated, like her love of doing a good job and her passion for history.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
After hearing good things about this book, I found myself disappointed by it. I did not like the hero as he came off as a jerk most of the time. Not quite hero material in my book. And his first fixation was on the heroine's gorgeous looks. Puh-lease. I'm so tired of romances putting such an emphasis on looks, making the main characters so beautiful or handsome… off the charts compared to others known to the other MC. What's wrong with having a “normal” woman or man as a hero or heroine in a contemporary romance? Books are not visual except what the reader sees in his or her mind. Why can't we just allow people to be average but still lovable? That would be awesome and frankly make a book stand out. I never felt any chemistry between them, and frankly, I was just annoyed too much by the hero. The heroine had better qualities that I appreciated, like her love of doing a good job and her passion for history.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
October 4, 2020
The second book in the Modern Masters of Their Castles trilogy is a rewarding romance about two people with opposite personalities and opinions being attracted to each other. Mallory’s passion is bringing older structures back to the way they once were years ago, making the past come alive for present day individuals to cherish. As for Evan, he appreciates history, yet it must be incorporated into his projects in a profitable way or not be used. When the beliefs of this couple clash, the scenes are often very energetic as neither readily back down without voicing their strong views. The resulting storyline as Mallory and Evan work through a variety of compelling developments is very engaging plus believable.
To bring back Ashley Court to the way that it was in the past has Mallory Andrews paying close attention to details in order to have the historical castle accurate in every way possible. However, to make certain the payoff will be worth the cost, an auditor will be brought in to decide if her plans can continue to be carried out as she hoped. From the moment Evan Townsend meets the woman working to improve Ashley Court, most of their discussions have a more negative vibe than positive as he only concentrates on whether a business is making money while she is more interested in historical accuracy. When it appears the undertaking may not proceed if Evan gets his way, Mallory is equally determined to have him realize the reasons behind her choices.
It was highly interesting to watch Mallory and Evan react to the same situations, as their responses were often not at all alike. With her love of history and his thirst for a great return, there were numerous instances where they disagreed over how to move forward with a task. Seeing what arguments each would come up with was enjoyable, and I often did not know who would win or if the final result would be standoff. As this couple came to know one another better, lots of emotion is conveyed throughout the many situations which arise, and I found every sentiment to come across as convincing. Susan Carlisle is an author whose stories are always captivating plus feature appealing characters, and each vividly described occurrence in DESIGNS ON FOREVER kept me thoroughly entertained.
To bring back Ashley Court to the way that it was in the past has Mallory Andrews paying close attention to details in order to have the historical castle accurate in every way possible. However, to make certain the payoff will be worth the cost, an auditor will be brought in to decide if her plans can continue to be carried out as she hoped. From the moment Evan Townsend meets the woman working to improve Ashley Court, most of their discussions have a more negative vibe than positive as he only concentrates on whether a business is making money while she is more interested in historical accuracy. When it appears the undertaking may not proceed if Evan gets his way, Mallory is equally determined to have him realize the reasons behind her choices.
It was highly interesting to watch Mallory and Evan react to the same situations, as their responses were often not at all alike. With her love of history and his thirst for a great return, there were numerous instances where they disagreed over how to move forward with a task. Seeing what arguments each would come up with was enjoyable, and I often did not know who would win or if the final result would be standoff. As this couple came to know one another better, lots of emotion is conveyed throughout the many situations which arise, and I found every sentiment to come across as convincing. Susan Carlisle is an author whose stories are always captivating plus feature appealing characters, and each vividly described occurrence in DESIGNS ON FOREVER kept me thoroughly entertained.
September 19, 2020
Susan Carlisle has written a 5-star book. Mallory is working for a Mrs. Townsend at her hotel Ashley Court re doing things. The company board of directors think she is putting too much money into it so they want an audit done. In come Evan Townsend, Mrs. Townsend's grandson. At first, Mallory and Evan don't get alone since he feels Ashley Court should be sold. He tells Mallory to come up with a plan and meet him in Rome the next week and they will discuss he plans to save Ashley Court. Mallory goes to see him and the attraction between them is off the charts. They end up sleeping together and things go fine between them until Mallory overhears a message from the board of directors telling Evan that they agree with him about selling Ashley Court. Mallory gets mad and books a flight back to London and then calls for a taxi. She goes and packs her things and leaves the villa. She is hoping to get away without talking to Evan but he comes out looking for her before the taxi gets there. She tells him that she is hurt that he didn't tell her about the sale, but she is more hurt because she thought they had trust between them. She tells him they have nothing else to talk about. Once she is back at Ashley Court she finds out from Mrs. Townsend that the sale is going through. Mallory books a flight back to the States since she is no longer needed. It has been a few months and her partners Allison and Jordan tell Mallory that she has to go to the Historical Design Award dinner since she is to be the one to represent their company. Mallory doesn't want to go since she has no entry into it. Evan shows up to the Award dinner and walks up to Mallory and said "Mallory." She says "Hello, Evan." What are you doing here tonight?" He tells her that one of his hotels is up for an award." After the dinner and awards are over, Evan tells Mallory they need to talk.
Will Evan get Mallory to listen to him about Ashley Court?
Will Mallory give in to what Evan wants or will she walk away?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will Evan get Mallory to listen to him about Ashley Court?
Will Mallory give in to what Evan wants or will she walk away?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
Love this series!
DESIGNS ON FOREVER
Main Characters: Evan Townsend, Hotelier Tycoon; Mallory Andrews, Historical Designer
After the tragic death of his parents, Evan Townsend found himself in the care of his emotionally distant grandmother, Eleanor, who mentored him to take over the family’s hotel corporation. He learned to smother his sensitive side and focus on business.
Mallory Andrews is accustomed to being cautious regarding men due to a bad dating experience that left her shaken. She’s focused on building her portfolio as a designer for herself and the firm she owns with her two best friends. Finishing the historic restoration of Eleanor Townsend’s Ashley Court Hotel will enable her to enter a very prestigious contest and secure her place in the restoration world.
Just as Mallory has her goal within sight, Evan Townsend invades Ashley Court with the Board of Director’s directive to stop the bleeding of money that his grandmother has initiated. He’s determined to end the extravagance, but Mallory is just as determined to make him see reason and convince him that the restoration makes business sense.
Evan and Mallory are similar in their approaches to their professional lives, but very different regarding their personal lives. He has a catch-and-release attitude toward dating. She’s a wait-for-an-emotional-connection kind of woman.
Even though they’re at odds, their initial attraction leaps off the page and continues to grow despite the adversarial tensions. I won’t reveal the secrets of their past, but as they come to light, Evan and Mallory come to respect and trust each other. Even so, trust recently won can be tenuous, and once broken can create a gulf that appears impossible to heal.
DESIGNS ON FOREVER is a spirited romance with an edge-of-your-seat resolution.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DESIGNS ON FOREVER
Main Characters: Evan Townsend, Hotelier Tycoon; Mallory Andrews, Historical Designer
After the tragic death of his parents, Evan Townsend found himself in the care of his emotionally distant grandmother, Eleanor, who mentored him to take over the family’s hotel corporation. He learned to smother his sensitive side and focus on business.
Mallory Andrews is accustomed to being cautious regarding men due to a bad dating experience that left her shaken. She’s focused on building her portfolio as a designer for herself and the firm she owns with her two best friends. Finishing the historic restoration of Eleanor Townsend’s Ashley Court Hotel will enable her to enter a very prestigious contest and secure her place in the restoration world.
Just as Mallory has her goal within sight, Evan Townsend invades Ashley Court with the Board of Director’s directive to stop the bleeding of money that his grandmother has initiated. He’s determined to end the extravagance, but Mallory is just as determined to make him see reason and convince him that the restoration makes business sense.
Evan and Mallory are similar in their approaches to their professional lives, but very different regarding their personal lives. He has a catch-and-release attitude toward dating. She’s a wait-for-an-emotional-connection kind of woman.
Even though they’re at odds, their initial attraction leaps off the page and continues to grow despite the adversarial tensions. I won’t reveal the secrets of their past, but as they come to light, Evan and Mallory come to respect and trust each other. Even so, trust recently won can be tenuous, and once broken can create a gulf that appears impossible to heal.
DESIGNS ON FOREVER is a spirited romance with an edge-of-your-seat resolution.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
Evan and Mallory’s love story in Designs on Forever by Susan Carlisle, book two in her Modern Masters of Their Castles series, is a wonderful, sweet and enjoyable tale. Mallory Andrews worked hard to prove she’s a talented historical interior designer not an empty-headed blonde and former model. Her focus is on her project, especially the restoration of a historical English manor being turned into a hotel that she is currently working on. Evan Townsend, renowned hotel magnate and business consultant, has been hired by the board of his estranged grandmother’s company to see what can be done by a failing hotel that could force his grandmother into bankruptcy. His first decision is to stop future work that Mallory had planned for the place. Mallory fights to prove that the work she is doing will actually benefit the bottom line. These two share an attraction that pulls them together and possibly change their views toward each other’s stance on the hotel. The off the charts chemistry Mallory and Evan have burn up the sheets yet neither want this sizzling magnetism to interfere with what they want; regarding the hotel. One of them is going to have to compromise, or maybe both of them, in order for them to receive the love they both deserve.
Ms. Carlisle wrote an emotional, flirty romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, off the charts chemistry, magnetic attraction, wonderful dialogue, and charming characters giving Mallory and Evan a chance at a forever love. I highly recommend Designs on Forever to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Carlisle wrote an emotional, flirty romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, off the charts chemistry, magnetic attraction, wonderful dialogue, and charming characters giving Mallory and Evan a chance at a forever love. I highly recommend Designs on Forever to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 19, 2020
Mallory Andrews is in charge of restoring an historical English manor house turned hotel. As a model, her good looks had worked for her for years, but now she’s determined to prove she’s a talented historical interior designer.
Evan Townsend is retained by the board of his estranged grandmother’s company to make recommendations regarding the failing hotel that could put his grandmother into bankruptcy. He must decide if the work Mallory is doing there will benefit his grandmother’s financial bottom line and whether to sell or not.
As they fight their mutual attraction, both of them stand in different lanes where the hotel is concerned. He remains resistant to her requests not to sell the hotel. She needs to continue her work in order to be able to be part of a contest that may change her professional life forever.
I love that they are honest about their point of view from the beginning. The sexual attraction feels real and the dynamics of the main characters are intense and page turner. There are few second characters but they are nice and interesting. Part of the book happens in Italy, so additional points for bringing beautiful memories to my mind.
This is the first book I read of this author but I really like this one. It´s an easy reading and I totally recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Evan Townsend is retained by the board of his estranged grandmother’s company to make recommendations regarding the failing hotel that could put his grandmother into bankruptcy. He must decide if the work Mallory is doing there will benefit his grandmother’s financial bottom line and whether to sell or not.
As they fight their mutual attraction, both of them stand in different lanes where the hotel is concerned. He remains resistant to her requests not to sell the hotel. She needs to continue her work in order to be able to be part of a contest that may change her professional life forever.
I love that they are honest about their point of view from the beginning. The sexual attraction feels real and the dynamics of the main characters are intense and page turner. There are few second characters but they are nice and interesting. Part of the book happens in Italy, so additional points for bringing beautiful memories to my mind.
This is the first book I read of this author but I really like this one. It´s an easy reading and I totally recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2021
Two fiery characters who won’t back down and a love that could save them both.
Susan Carlisle’s books are must reads for me. When I saw she had a new series, the Modern Masters of Their Castles series, I knew I had to check it out. Granted, I came in at book 2 – it’s a bad habit of mine, starting in the middle. But that didn’t take away from the book. Not at all. The writing flowed well and the story was engaging. I liked the characters and I cared about them. I had to know what would happen next for them.
Mallory is strong-willed and determined, which was great. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to use her looks to get what she wanted, but that she also had a brain in her head. She was refreshingly honest and forthright. Evan is just as headstrong and I liked him, even though he could come off a bit abrasive at times. He knew what he wanted and what he had to do. At least he was honest with himself.
The romance portion of the story, the chemistry between the characters was off the charts, too. I loved that.
If you’re looking for a good book to warm the chilly nights, then this is one to check out. Recommended.
Susan Carlisle’s books are must reads for me. When I saw she had a new series, the Modern Masters of Their Castles series, I knew I had to check it out. Granted, I came in at book 2 – it’s a bad habit of mine, starting in the middle. But that didn’t take away from the book. Not at all. The writing flowed well and the story was engaging. I liked the characters and I cared about them. I had to know what would happen next for them.
Mallory is strong-willed and determined, which was great. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to use her looks to get what she wanted, but that she also had a brain in her head. She was refreshingly honest and forthright. Evan is just as headstrong and I liked him, even though he could come off a bit abrasive at times. He knew what he wanted and what he had to do. At least he was honest with himself.
The romance portion of the story, the chemistry between the characters was off the charts, too. I loved that.
If you’re looking for a good book to warm the chilly nights, then this is one to check out. Recommended.
September 8, 2020
Evan Townsend against his will has to take care of him distant grandmother since the death of his parents. She takes care of the family's hotel corporation but due to her emotional state he finds himself trying to put needed focus on the business. He meets Mallory Andrews who is designer and is working on his grandmothers Ashley Court . Trying to stop all extravagant spending and make the hotel solvent is his goal. Unfortunately Mallory wants to make a name for herself and this is the place she feels will do it finally the company she started with her friends will receive the recognition they want. Sounds like a plan but Evan wants to stop all the bleeding of money going into it. Definite crossroads . Ms. Carlisle has written such a lovely story that has a little of everything us romance readers love, but the conflict between the two only make the HEA that much better. Trust is difficult but love is stronger. loved it.
September 20, 2020
When opposites attract:
I thought the title was clever and that this was a great addition to the series.
It was fun seeing Evan and Mallory go head to head, especially as they were opposites in many ways. Mallory is passionate about restoring the old manor house's interior as authentically and beautifully as possible. Meanwhile Evan is pragmatic; a cool businessman whose main focus is the bottom line. There was plenty of drama with him threatening to end the restoration project however there was also a tenderness and touching romance.
I enjoyed the dual locations of England and Italy. Only thing I thought the ending was a bit rushed and everything was resolved in far too short a time frame (no contact for 6 months to being engaged in a few hours, all without even dating!!!) However I would still highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the final one in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought the title was clever and that this was a great addition to the series.
It was fun seeing Evan and Mallory go head to head, especially as they were opposites in many ways. Mallory is passionate about restoring the old manor house's interior as authentically and beautifully as possible. Meanwhile Evan is pragmatic; a cool businessman whose main focus is the bottom line. There was plenty of drama with him threatening to end the restoration project however there was also a tenderness and touching romance.
I enjoyed the dual locations of England and Italy. Only thing I thought the ending was a bit rushed and everything was resolved in far too short a time frame (no contact for 6 months to being engaged in a few hours, all without even dating!!!) However I would still highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the final one in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2020
Mallory is working hard to restaure the Ashley Court Notable Hotel historically correctly. She gives all she has to this project which will hopefully bring her the historical design award.
Evan is in control of the costs of the restauration and has to give his evaluation to the members of the board from Townsend Notable Hotels. His only solution to save the company is to sell...
Not the best time or way to become attracted to each other..
I liked reading about Mallory and Evan. At the beginning he comes of as an cold hearted businessman with no love to spare, either to Ashley Court not Mallory.
With every page turning we learn a bit more about him and the “why”he is who he is today . And with every day passing Mallory as well learns to know, like and eventually love him..
Romantically, witty and down to earth . I like it!
I received a arc copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evan is in control of the costs of the restauration and has to give his evaluation to the members of the board from Townsend Notable Hotels. His only solution to save the company is to sell...
Not the best time or way to become attracted to each other..
I liked reading about Mallory and Evan. At the beginning he comes of as an cold hearted businessman with no love to spare, either to Ashley Court not Mallory.
With every page turning we learn a bit more about him and the “why”he is who he is today . And with every day passing Mallory as well learns to know, like and eventually love him..
Romantically, witty and down to earth . I like it!
I received a arc copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
This is the second book in The Masters of there castle series and it is Mallory and Evan's story. Mallory is a former model but she now wants to be taken seriously as a historical interior designer and the thing that can clinch the deal is the restoration of a Historical English Manor House that is now a hotel. Evan is on the board of his grandmother's company and to stop the hotel failing he intends to stop Mallory continuing the restoration but things do not always go as planned. I loved this.story so much as there are many twists and turns that makes this book a real page turner and you have to keep reading to see what would happen next and it is so well written. This is the first book that I have read by Susan Carlisle but definitely not the last and I recommend you read this book as it is definitely worth it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.
September 25, 2020
DESIGNS ON FOREVER (Modern Masters of Their Castle Book 2) by author Susan Carlisle is August 2020 release.
Mallory Andrews worked hard to prove her talent as a historical interior designer. But the current project she was working on had gone over-budget. And the board had put an auditor on her project.
Evan Townsend was a business consultant. And he needed to be fair as he was accountable to the board. But he couldn’t help being favorable to Mallory. He liked what he saw of her work. And he liked her.
Despite being attracted to Evan, Mallory didn’t want to take any steps as she wanted his approval on her work.
DESIGNS ON FOREVER is an engrossing story. Author Susan Carlisle wove this heart-warming tale and brought to it the pages. This story gave me a glimpse of big restoration buildings. Readers would stay hooked to the story till the end.
Highly recommended for all readers.
Mallory Andrews worked hard to prove her talent as a historical interior designer. But the current project she was working on had gone over-budget. And the board had put an auditor on her project.
Evan Townsend was a business consultant. And he needed to be fair as he was accountable to the board. But he couldn’t help being favorable to Mallory. He liked what he saw of her work. And he liked her.
Despite being attracted to Evan, Mallory didn’t want to take any steps as she wanted his approval on her work.
DESIGNS ON FOREVER is an engrossing story. Author Susan Carlisle wove this heart-warming tale and brought to it the pages. This story gave me a glimpse of big restoration buildings. Readers would stay hooked to the story till the end.
Highly recommended for all readers.
October 1, 2020
Mallory Andrews, a Historical Designer, is working on the restoration of Ashley Court. Mallory is working with her best friends for their firm. Mallory was a runway model who now wants to prove she is good at her job. Not just her looks but brain too. Evan Townsend is brought in by the Board of Director’s directive to stop his grandmother from bleeding the company. Evan is all business and that’s how he works where Mallory lads with emotion. Mallory knows she has to change his mind. They both are at odds but have chemistry. She intrigues him like no other. She can’t stop thinking of him. Will Evan agree to let her complete the job? Will they let their passion take over or will they walk away? Two people who have trust issues. Susan Carlisle does it again. She draws you in and keeps you there.
January 25, 2022
I enjoyed this second book in the Modern Masters of their Castles series. I found the characters very interesting. Mallory, who is beautiful and once worked as a model, wants to be admired for her intelligence and skill, not her looks. Evan, who was trained from an early age by his unemotional grandmother, strives to not be like her, although he seems to have grown into a duplicate of her in many ways.
This is a somewhat a story of transformation. The two main characters have to let down the brick walls they created to actually begin to live a fulfilled life. These are a meant to be couple, but they are their worst enemy at times. It was interesting to see how the author developed the story so that they could actually become a couple.
I am enjoying reading this series and look forward to the third and final book, His Heart’s Home.
This is a somewhat a story of transformation. The two main characters have to let down the brick walls they created to actually begin to live a fulfilled life. These are a meant to be couple, but they are their worst enemy at times. It was interesting to see how the author developed the story so that they could actually become a couple.
I am enjoying reading this series and look forward to the third and final book, His Heart’s Home.
October 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The romance in the book was great. It is about Mallory who is a former model and now a historical interior designer. She is trying to prove that she is a great historical interior designer and she is doing it by working on a castle that is an hotel in England. Evan is a business consultant that comes into to help the board of the hotel to decide if they should continue the renovation of the castle/hotel or sell the building. Evan believes that business is business and the profit is what should be looked at when making decisions and emotion has no place.
This is how Mallory & Evan grow and change because of their romance and I think that is the reason I really enjoyed this book.
This is how Mallory & Evan grow and change because of their romance and I think that is the reason I really enjoyed this book.
August 15, 2021
This is the second book in the Modern Masters of Their Castles trilogy, but is a standalone story in itself, as I had no trouble following the storyline. Mallory and Evan come with diagonally opposite belief systems when it comes to design and architecture. While the former strives to retain the beauty of older structures when bringing them to life, Evan does not care for anything that does not bear monetary value. When their lives are brought together making Mallory redesign the failing manor hotel belonging to Evan's grandma, the two are left in crossroads. This romance has many elements to make it engaging - compelling characters, good narration, and a tight pace. I loved reading this, and I am thankful to Carlisle for having gifted me with a copy of this book.
September 4, 2020
I enjoyed Evan and Mallory even more than Ian and Allison in the first book of this series. Evan is hardheaded and seemingly passionless, Mallory is hardheaded and passionate, and when they finally give in to what they feel for each other, the fireworks are everywhere. Of course, all it takes is one huge misstep on Evan’s part and one gigantic feeling of betrayal on Mallory’s part and everything crumbles to dust. I’m finding that this author is really good at the big reunion between her couples, though, so Evan and Mallory find their way in spectacular fashion. I’ll be interested to see how Jordon finds her match and happiness.
September 7, 2020
"Designs on Forever (Modern Master of Their Castle, #2)" by Susan Carlisle is the second book in this series and I enjoyed reading it. This is tycoon Evan Townsend and designer Mallory Andrews's story. When Evan's parents died he grew up with his Grandmother who was not the best at showing affection. Mallory is leery around men because she's had some bad experience in her past but her passion for her work makes her knock heads with Evan. While she is trying to restore Historical restoration of the 'Evelyn Townsend's Ashley Court Hotel' he's trying to stop it because he feels that it is using unnecessary funds. At the same time, they both find themselves attracted to each other.
September 8, 2020
This is the second book in the Modern Masters of Their Castles Series but is read as a standalone. This is Evan and Mallory's story. She is a designer working on a historic hotel that is owned by his grandmother's company. Evan was raised by his grandmother after his parent's tragic deaths. She was all business and raised him to be the same. The book is well-written and fast-paced. They are opposites in how they treat their personal lives which causes some conflict when they become interested in each other. Plenty of drama and some twists to keep your interest. I enjoyed this book and know you will. I read a free book via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 28, 2020
What a great read and book #2 in the series Modern Masters of Their Castle.
Mallory Andrews is a former model that turn the pagent life into college life to prove she is more than looks. As a historic interior designer, she can showcase her brains.
Evan Townsend is the grandson of a hotel magnate. A falling out in his early twenties and the tragic death of his parents when he was young, has left him alone.
When his grandmother's hotel board decide there could be a problem with the future of the hotel, they hire Evan to do a study to see what is going on.
Evan & Mallory's path cross and nothing will be the same.
Waiting desperately for book #3!!
Mallory Andrews is a former model that turn the pagent life into college life to prove she is more than looks. As a historic interior designer, she can showcase her brains.
Evan Townsend is the grandson of a hotel magnate. A falling out in his early twenties and the tragic death of his parents when he was young, has left him alone.
When his grandmother's hotel board decide there could be a problem with the future of the hotel, they hire Evan to do a study to see what is going on.
Evan & Mallory's path cross and nothing will be the same.
Waiting desperately for book #3!!
December 24, 2020
Designs on Forever by Susan Carlisle is another instalment in the Modern Masters of Their Castle. Evan Townsend is brought in to review the renovation that is under way by Mallory Andrews of a period property into a hotel. The hotel was purchased by his Grandmother – head of a group of hotels but the board think it is getting too expensive and not worth the money being spent on it. Mallory loves restoring properties and her company has been given the task of bringing this one back to life. Evan and Mallory disagree about the project and the expenditure but at the same time are attracted to each other. A good read.
September 28, 2020
This story is good but slow read. I felt that the novel was having a lot of words and the story did not move forward. The baseline is good that Mallory is renovating a castle with an award in mind . But the auditor comes in with finance checks who is also Mallory's client's grandson. Evan enters with his facts and numbers but he is also hot. Then the story starts getting slow. I skipped a few chapters to actually move forward. If you like detailed stories then this one is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
A great second book in the Modern Masters of Their Castles series. I really liked the originality of incorporating the nobility trope but moving it forward a couple of centuries in time. I thought that the author did a wonderful job portraying the characters well, giving them a good amount of depth to their individual personalities and the interactions between them. Evan and Mallory were realistic and completely believable in their dialogue and actions. A very enjoyable book to read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
Designs on Forever is the second book in the Modern Masters of Their Castle series and the first I have read in this series and by this author. The book was well written and the plot was developed. The characters were charming and easy to connect with. The connection between Evan and Mallory was strong, but their goals were opposite. Finding a compromise was the only way they could have a future together.
June 8, 2021
Delightfully sweet and enamoring. A take on an enemies to lovers/opposites attract trope that brings two unlikely characters together in a race against time. She's remodeling a historic hotel that he's been sent to cut the money train on. I felt bits of the story could have been developed more and there was a little lag here and there, but overall a solid story with interesting characters, endearing storylines and a sweet happily ever after.
September 7, 2020
Good story. showed the H and h on opposing sides but didn't keep repeating the same thoughts over and over as sometimes happens to fill space. Other elements going on in the story. Story line was well planned, written, and edited. Will read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2020
Can Mallory and Evan design a way to break through the walls of half-truths and what-ifs to build a lifetime of love?
So the main characters are career-minded with sad backgrounds that meet because they have opposing goals for Court Hotel. The story was a nice easy romance read with good pacing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So the main characters are career-minded with sad backgrounds that meet because they have opposing goals for Court Hotel. The story was a nice easy romance read with good pacing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2020
So well written and entertaining. This heartwarming story pulls you in and holds you in its grip until you read the last words. The characters are amazing, intriguing and endearing. You'll easily fall in love with everything about this book so I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2021
The character of Mallory and Evan are well thought out and engaged me from beginning to the end. The storyline is well developed with plenty of twists and turns to keep entertained. Will the characters work through the walls of half truths to allow the love to grow between them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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