They’ve been hired to remodel a mansion. Will they end up getting a room?
Marisa Sanchez has grand designs for her future. After taking over her grandfather’s construction firm, the successful vlogger and civil engineer is about to take the next step with a new show on the Home Design Network. But she’s not pleased to find out she can only have the lucrative gig if she agrees to work with a handsome rival.
Levi Chance takes the responsibility of providing for his brothers seriously. So when his biggest client asks him to come into the spotlight to co-host a new program, he reluctantly accepts. But he fears the pretty, camera-loving partner he’s been assigned might bring his top-notch reputation tumbling down if she can’t deliver the goods.
Discovering her teammate is quite capable, Marisa battles her attraction to him as she ambitiously turns the project upside down. And the more Levi works with the smart Latina, the more he worries he’s about to push the “no sex” morality clause in their contract into forbidden territory.
Will Marisa and Levi’s fixer-upper turn into a happily together forever?
Renovated is the charming first book in the moving Chance Brothers contemporary romance series. If you like sparkling attractions, comedic moments, and steamy action, then you’ll love Nikki Kiley’s well-built romp.
Nikki Kiley is an author of Contemporary Romance who lives in a tropical paradise. A voracious reader, who felt transported and transformed by the stories she read, since she was a young girl she dreamt of writing stories that would entertain and move her readers, like she was and still is, by talented authors. Finding herself working from home during lockdown, she could not resist the opportunity to make those lifelong dreams a reality. An accountant by profession, when not working the day job of running a medical office, she spends hours crafting and writing stories about characters – everyday heroes and heroines - earning their chance at love. She makes her home in Puerto Rico with her very handsome husband, two young adult children, and a gentle giant, the bullmastiff, Kira, who many readers will recognize in her stories. She loves the beach, her Nespresso maker, and cupcakes (S’more in particular).
A really nice surprise this book from Nikki Kiley, an author I didn’t know before. I liked her style. Everybody knows those TV shows that makes do-overs on houses in an incredible short time. How often I thought to myself that what they are doing can’t be for real, the micromanaging with that short timeline, wonderful to look at … and can’t stand up to a family using this kitchen or that room for every day life. Yeah, reading this, I might have to think over my beliefs… Marisa and Levi are starting this series and I am on my way to see if I can find the release date of the next one… that’s how I enjoyed this. But there might be some triggers hidden in a nice romance…for me, that fact was only contributing to the beauty of Marisa. Being a survivor and helping others to survive… she’s a female hero! Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Title: Renovated Author: Nikki Kiley Publication date: August 5th, 2021
Summary: They’ve been hired to remodel a mansion. Will they end up getting a room? Marisa Sanchez has grand designs for her future. After taking over her grandfather’s construction firm, the successful vlogger and civil engineer is about to take the next step with a new show on the Home Design Network. But she’s not pleased to find out she can only have the lucrative gig if she agrees to work with a handsome rival. Levi Chance takes the responsibility of providing for his brothers seriously. So when his biggest client asks him to come into the spotlight to co-host a new program, he reluctantly accepts. But he fears the pretty, camera-loving partner he’s been assigned might bring his top-notch reputation tumbling down if she can’t deliver the goods. Discovering her teammate is quite capable, Marisa battles her attraction to him as she ambitiously turns the project upside down. And the more Levi works with the smart Latina, the more he worries he’s about to push the “no sex” morality clause in their contract into forbidden territory. Will Marisa and Levi’s fixer-upper turn into a happily together forever? Renovated is the charming first book in the moving Chance Brothers contemporary romance series. If you like sparkling attractions, comedic moments, and steamy action, then you’ll love Nikki Kiley’s well-built romp.
Review: This is a softer version of what I would call enemies to lovers. I absolutely loved this book and it grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Marisa is a strong independent woman who knows exactly what she wants. To make a name for herself, save her grandmother's business and to continue to run her grandfather's business. She has so much passion and know-how that it makes me feel like I could be doing some home improvement. Levi knows what it takes to keep his family's construction business above ground. He is determined to do that and to keep his brothers away from Marisa. I really want to see the story for Noah. I mean yes I would love to see this turn into a series for all of the brothers I love a good brother's series but if I had to pick just one more to be written it would be Noah's. I love all of the unexpected twists to the story. On my final note I just have to say this book makes me want to watch HGTV so bad!
this was an enjoyable book. I loved the romance between Marissa and Levi. The bonds of trust that are formed. very touching story about how Marissa became an orphan and the community that eventually came around to support her in her time of need. great spice :)
Marissa and Levi both work in construction. He runs a company with his brothers and she continues her grandfather's legacy and is a great figure on social media. Both are offered a television program renovating houses and they accept and, although at the beginning there is a problem, they immediately begin to work together without a problem, well one, and it is the immense attraction they feel, but their contract prohibits them from having a relationship. But the heart wants what the heart wants and they start a relationship. But when everything seemed to be going well, the press finds a story in Marissa's past that puts her job in danger. She decides to cut Levi out of her life so as not to harm him, but Levi is not the kind of man to sit around. A beautiful story, very romantic and fun. My first book by this author, but not the last.
Levi and Marisa feel so well researched and put together! For those who love home renovation shows, this pretty much digs into the ins-and-outs of how those shows bring people together who might have otherwise not been in the same career areas. Renovated also takes a modern spin on what could be in home renovation shows, wrapped up in a nice bow.
Enjoyable romance between Marisa and Levi. Neither one wants to work together but decide to try. Lots of good feels and a good story. Highly recommend!!!
The story’s premise is that Marisa (vlogger) and Levi (contractor) are teamed up to host a new home improvement program. Sexual tension runs high as they work hard to complete the project under a tight deadline.
I really loved Marisa, a young woman who has been through so much in her childhood. She is strong woman who uses her background and skills to help other women. She seems more interested in helping out her grandmother than rising to fame. Marisa takes no flack from others, and backs it up with her construction experience. Levi is one of the good ones, the glue that keeps the construction firm of brothers together. He quickly works out that he had underestimated Marisa during their first meeting, and then focuses on ways to support her.
There is a huge cast of characters in the novel, all unique with their own traits and issues. I assume that they will be used to create more stories in a series (yes please!). I really liked Karina so I’m hoping that she features in one of these books.
At first, I thought this was an enemies-to-lovers story. They are both weary of each other at the start, but the sexual tension quickly rises. They definitely have chemistry together. The more I read, I think this falls into the secret relationship trope. There were a couple of open-door sex scenes that were hotter than August in Miami!
While this might appear to be “typical” romance novel, there were plenty of other layers that made it unique. Marisa’s past catches up with her. I teared up when the people whom she helped came to her support when she needed it the most.
The novel is set in Miami, and the author does a great job of describing Little Havana, food, fauna, and other things unique in the area. As a South Floridian, I did chuckle with the characters living in places with lots of property; it must have been outside Miami’s city limits.
Personally, I didn’t like the epilogue because I don’t need the HEA tied in a neat bow. I would have much preferred them watching the show on TV, including the homeowners’ reaction to the final product.
This is an excellent debut novel. I loved the author’s note that she is an accountant who used the Covid lockdown to write. I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway, and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Overall, I loved this romance story. The characters were well developed and I was vested in their stories. The plot kept my interest throughout, and I liked how Marisa’s story played out. The flirting, the tension, and the sex scenes were fun and hot. A perfect summer read.
Renovated: A Workplace Romance is a contemporary romance by a new-to-me author, Nikki Kiley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was very readable, the story flowed, and I just had to keep turning my digital pages to see what happened next.
Marisa Sanchez, known for her social media presence about home repairs and design is teamed up with Levi Chance, a home contractor to co-host a new Home Network TV Show called Renovated. They're brought together at the last minute after the original team of hosts fell apart.
With a tight timeline, they have to work through their differences and doubts about each other's abilities while at the same time learning what motivates each. Levi runs a family business with his 5 brothers. Marisa runs her business with the hope of earning enough money to buy the building to help save her Nana's business.
The story keeps you updated on the progress of the renovation, but more importantly, it keeps you up to date with their familial obligations all the while as they're undeniably attracted to each other. When a huge curve ball is thrown Marisa's way that may put the entire show in jeopardy, the families come together and do what families do best, which is to support each other.
Throughout the book we get to enjoy Marisa and Levi's steamy romance as well as meet Levi's brothers and Marisa's sweet Nana and her best friends who stood by her through all her ups and downs. I can't wait to read more stories to get to know all those characters even better.
This was a fun romance. It was a pretty quick read that will leave you longing for more. And... you get a sneak peek into the next Chance Brother romance, so be sure to pick this up!
I received this ebook as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book, the story was cute and portrayed a pretty natural falling in love.
With that being said though, I feel like this book was trying to do too much at once. We've got the renovation, the love story, trying to save a building from being torn down, friends getting drugged in a bar, media frenzy about something from Marisa's past and that is what I want to talk about. Some of this was probably just setting up for side characters to get their own books, but it was a lot to throw in one 250 page book.
*Spoilers*
First of all, who in the world is going to blame a 13 year old for her father killing her mother and then herself? No one. It is not some shameful thing that she should feel guilty about, and if she'd been going to therapy like the character said she was, it was probably something she worked on early on in that journey. I understand that she may not want to talk about it with everyone, but it's also not going to turn into some huge scandal. "Oh my gosh, people are going to think I'm a horrible person! This is going to ruin the show!" No, people are going to feel bad for you and probably watch the show even more to see how the girl turned out. No one was going to vilify her.
Second of all, the media frenzy itself was a little weird. Yes, she has a little bit of a social media following, but she's basically an unknown person starring in an unaired home improvement show. I really don't see major news outlets and talk shows picking up the story. Maybe those trashy gossip rags.
*End spoilers*
Anyway that's my rant. I really did enjoy the story, but that part bugged me.
There is a LOT going on here! This is way more layered, and dense, than a typical romance which is a nice treat for readers. There is a lovely sense of place too--Miami almost feels like another character.
The main characters are thrust together to work on a home renovation show for an HGTV-type network. They're both competent professionals but with different focuses and goals and, initially, neither is thrilled about the pairing. However, they develop mutual respect, then chemistry, then a budding friendship and partnership. They were both people I could respect and like, and, therefore, I was really invested in their lives and their path to happiness.
The author gracefully walks the tightrope of steam--the sparks between the two are blisteringly hot and the physical relationship is described quite graphically, but it never gets overly mechanical or base. It's hot, but still romantic, which is not always easy to accomplish.
This is a great opening act to what I'm sure will be a very enjoyable series. I'm looking forward to more!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Amazing Start to a New Series - So Much More Than the Description!
I LOVED this book - could not put it down! Levi and Marissa both had so much depth to their characters - this was not a typical Rom-Com. Marissa is a strong Latina woman raised in the Cuban part of Miami running her grandfather's construction company while also blogging and posting on social media to help other women fix-up their own homes. Levi is running his family's construction company with his 5 younger brothers and trying to keep his parents vision and their family together. Of course they are thrown together and the magic happens. But this book also goes deeper into issues like domestic violence, historic preservation, caring for our elders, foster care, distortion of stories by the media and so much more....Although Levi and Marissa got their HEA this just wet my appetite for more Chance brothers and more from Nikki Kiley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Renovated involves Levi and Marisa. Two people who are forced to work together and who have a lot at stake. Marisa is running her grandfather's business and this TV show could be the break she needs to save her grandmother's hair salon from being made into condos. For Levi, it will give his family business even more exposure. They just have to fight their attraction.
I thought this was a cute and steamy romance. I loved Levi from the start. I loved his loyalty to his brothers and his drive to keep his business successful. Marisa did take me a while to warm up to. I didn't like how she was so defensive in the beginning. But, she did eventually grow on me. I grew to like her even more after learning her tragic back story. I enjoyed watching them fall in love. The story was also enhanced by the peripheral characters. Levi's brothers were fun and I loved their bond. I do recommend trying this one out.
Marisa, a house flipper gets a TV show of her own but is only accepted if a rival, Levi Co hosts with her. Well as they say in TV land, drama, drama, drama and it certainly supplied in this book. The chemistry and dynamic is fairly unique between Marisa and Levi. Strong though and challenging as they certainly have their issues to get through before things start to heat up. I really enjoyed the setting of a TV show, and the other supporting characters certainly added the depth to the story. This was a fast paced, easy read book with an interesting storyline and great characters. Fantastic book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marisa Sanchez took over her grandfathers construction company and she has a great following. The Home Design Network wants her to co-star with a rival construction company run by Levi Chance and his brothers. This is a really amazing love story with some horrific drama that happened to a little girl when she was 13 years old. I love how everyone rallied around Marisa and supported her when the price of fame starts slinging mud. Wonderful love story between Marisa and Levi and great working relationship. Plenty of hot steam. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every now and then, I like to try out new authors. And this cover of Nikki certainly caught my eye!
And it’s about a woman, in charge of a construction company, who is also a successful vlogger. Well, count me in! I loved Marisa, a strong and independent woman, who can certainly hold her own in a men’s world. From personal experience I know how hard it can be for a woman in a men’s world, so it is nice to read about it.
Levi is a cute guy. Forced too young into a father role for his younger brothers, but loyal to a fault. The chemistry he and Marisa have is off the charts. But there is so much more than meets the eye in this story and I loved the extra background stories on both Marisa as the Chance family. And now I’m of course very curious about the story of Dale and Rebecca. I’ll keep my eye out for Restored! Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Thank you to #Nikkikiley and #Netgalley for an advanced copy of this novel for a fair an honest review. In the first novel in her Chance Brothers series, Nikki Kiley tells the story of Marisa and Levi, general contractors who join forces to host Renovated, a home improvement series on the Home Network. The duos journey toward love is not without its challenges both public and private. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a charming love story combined with a behind the scenes look at home improvement television. I am anxiously anticipating the upcoming novels in this cute series.
Having been a fan of home renovation shows for ages, I really wanted to read this book when I saw the blurb. It was even better than I anticipated. The parallels to the real-world network and show references were enough to make the book feel grounded in reality, but not so blatant that they impeded the plot.
I loved Levi Chance's brothers and Marisa's grandmother and friends. I suspect between all of them, I believe Ms.Kiley will keep me reading for quite a while.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nikki Kiley’s first book in her ‘Chance Brothers’ series has left nothing to chance. This book is full of adventure, suspense, mystery, romance had some twists and turns and exceeded expectations. Levi and Marisa, the main characters, have been paired together to co-host a home improvement show called Renovated. The two did not start off so amicably. But as time went on their work really showed they had good chemistry together. This book was so riveting it was hard to put down. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
I have read this book 2 times already, and am currently on my 3rd time.
Renovated is a FUN read that is set in Miami and it really does an excellent job at blending Miami's culture, our protag Marisa's heritage, and her romance with our burly workaholic love interest (Levi <3). Marisa's backstory is also an important story (no spoilers!) and its inspirational to see how she grew from that tragedy and helps others, you can't help but root for her.
While my rating is completely biased (hello, the author is my mother), it's a fantastic book and I would recommend it to anyone that craves ~spice~ in their life.
This book was amazing. I love renovation and house flipping shows, so this was a great niche romance for that. Marisa and Levi had fantastic chemistry as co-hosts as well as lovers. The characters were believable and real. The trauma and problems were heart wrenching. The characters were relatable. The heat in this book was on point. The epilogue and bonus epilogue included was amazing. Also, the downloaded extra bonus epilogue was an unexpected treat. There are five more brothers, so this will be a fantastic series. I look forward to reading more from this author. The bonus epilogue included alludes that the next book will belong to Dale.
4.5 stars - Renovated is a cute, sexy and sometimes serious contemporary romance. I love it when I get to read well-written multi-cultural romances! The heroine is a breath of fresh air. No, life hasn't been perfect for her, in fact it was tragic. Yet, she’s thriving. She’s a queen at making lemonades out of lemons and paying it forward. The hero is sexy, loyal and just the right amount of rough around the edges. I really enjoyed this read. I hope the brothers all get their own HEA!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book one in The Chance Brother's Series and it is Marisa and Levi's story and what a great start to a new series. Marisa and Levi are rivals but when they are both asked to work together on a home renovation show will they be able to put there differences between them aside and make it work. As there friendship and chemistry gets stronger will they be able to make a relationship work or will they go back to his they were before the show. I absolutely loved this book as it was so well written and engaging with great characters and storyline that kept your attention. This is the first book that I have read by Nikki Kiley but definitely not the last and I recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more books by Nikki Kiley in the future as I like her writing style so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Engaging, charming story. 4.5* This is a very pleasant, easy-to-read, engaging story. Marisa and Levi are likeable well-described characters and the storyline has a lot of momentum to keep it interesting. Rivals can develop into lovers which is exactly what happens here. I am a fan of home decoration shows and it was nice to read a book that I could relate to. The book was witty and written with good penmanship. I will be looking out for further novels from this author. I am happy to recommend this engaging romance to all who like the rom-com genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.
Well constructed story and novel concept. Levi and Marisa are brought together to co-present a TV house renovation show. Her past explodes into their budding romance but this also threatens to affect the show. Engrossing story from the start and excellent first in series for this family of six brothers.
Well constructed story and novel concept. Levi and Marisa are brought together to do-present a TV house renovation show. Her last exploded into their budding romance but also threatens the show. Engrossing story from the start and excellent first in series for this family of six brothers.
OMG!!! this story is so good and unique, I absolutely adore all the characters, the plot, the reference from the latin culture and the mental health awareness that the fantastic Nikki Kiley brought to us in this book.
From the very first page I adore Marissa. She is a Wonder Woman in all sense of the word. She is determine, strong, intelligent with a heart of gold. Her passion for home remodelling and to serve in her community is just something amazing.
When Marissa is offer to work in a Home Remodel for a tv show she see a great opportunity to help her grandmother but when things don't go according to plan and she is pair to work with Levi and his brothers from The Chance Brothers things heat up and get oh so interesting. With the no dating a co worker rule Levi and Marissa have a few challenges to face.
Levi's personality was so likeable. He and his brothers form a unity that I truly adore. When things between him and his sexy Latina co-host take a turn from friendship to something more he has to work for what he wants.
The mental health awareness of this story was touch beautifully. I can't believe this is Nikki's first book.
This romcom was perfect in every page and I can't wait to see what's to come up next in this series.
Renovated is a fun forbidden love romance. Levi and Marisa are working together and have signed contracts to say that they won't get involved in any way. Unfortunately, their chemistry is so strong that they just can't seem to resist one another. Marisa had a troubled childhood and she struggles to trust anyone or let them in. Levi knows what they have is real and isn't ready to let Marisa go without a fight. Levi and Marisa work really well together as a couple, and I enjoyed reading about their relationship's growth. When Marisa's childhood comes to light, there are quite a few big issues dealt with and it works well within the storyline. I did find when this happens though, the other reasons that they can't be together are almost forgotten about and don't really seem to be an issue to anyone anymore, which was a little odd. I enjoyed this read and it was a good start to what seems to be the start of a series. I'd be interested to read the rest of the books when they come out and spend some more time with the Chase family.
A book that sizzles in the right moments, especially when the romance takes off, but forgets some basic conventions of writing in order to rush toward the coupling, namely infringing on the show-don’t-tell rule. Once this story finds its legs, the hits come at the right time, the obstacles and payoffs combining in a satisfying way and the novel ending as with a great sense of catharsis.