Reviews

Love By Design by Ava Olsen

showarst's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This novella introduces us to Jackson Yates, an American interior designer, and Gabriel Lafluer, a hotelier on Saint Martin island. Gabriel's hotel, which has been in his family for many years, has suffered extensive damage due to a hurricane. He has fixed up the outside and has hired Jackson to help with the inside. Jackson accepted the job due to health reasons and the need to slow down.

I actually really liked both Gabriel and Jackson and felt like they were well-matched. It felt very insta-love though. I mean, I enjoy a good insta-love story every now and then, but I felt like in this case there needed to be more development in the relationship. I wanted to see them learn more about each other and fall in love. In fact, during one chapter, it jumped ahead 3 weeks into the relationship when Jackson was only on the island for 4 weeks. I definitely needed more to feel invested in their relationship.

The setting was beautiful and made me very curious about the island. It was a quick and easy read. There was little angst and made for the perfect read for vacations and the beach

I also would have loved an epilogue. Jackson changed his entire life to be with Gabriel and I would like to have seen a future glimpse to see how it all worked out. I really like this author and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

*I received an ARC for my honest review**

notguilty's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was a sultry Caribbean Island novella. This is the story of a french speaking hotelier and a charming Designer who become entranced with each other over the month they are together. Full of delicious meals, skinny dipping, and cozy nights amidst a tropical storm. Fast paced but still feeling complete, this was a wonderful short story.
More...