I thought this was such a cute and easy read. If you are looking for a sweet romance about a single mom, this is the one for you!

This is a standalone book by Jaci Burton, however, the characters from her book released last year, Housebroke, do make an appearance and have ties to this book.

This was a cute, not too deep, contemporary romance. The romance between Natalie and Eugene was heartwarming. I loved how Eugene understood that Natalies kids would come first to her when she was dating. It was refreshing to read and see that there were not hurt feelings on his part because of this, and he supported this. I really enjoyed Natalie as a character. She was a strong woman who sacrificed a lot for her family, and now that she is divorced, she is putting her degree to work and providing for her children. Eugene was a fantastic character as well. He listened, and genuinely tried to connect with Natalie and her children. The relationship between Natalie and Eugene was wonderful. I love how they kept things slow and then added on to the relationship piece by piece as they became infatuated with each other.

If you are looking for a sweet romance about a single mom, then check this one out.


Couple points that were distracting but i'm only leaving on netgalley as they may be because of the point of the editorial process this book was at.

When Eugene and Natalie were on their first date. Eugene says he puts on jeans and a t-shirt. Later, at the bar, Natalie comments on his button down shirt.

Later in the book, Natalie mentions her favorite drink is a caramel macchiato and it's a splurge drink for her. Further in the book, Eugene mentions he brings Natalie her favorite drink; it's a latte.

DNF. I couldn't get into Designs on You. I just didn't like the writing voice. It was hard for me to relate to the main characters with the third-person narrative. Along with that, I felt like there were a lot of additional writing details that didn't need to be added in. I wasn't the biggest fan of Natalie. I found her unnecessarily antagonistic towards Eugene. I sort of felt bad for him. Perhaps the story got better after I put it down. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

This was a quick, cute read that is women's fiction with a romance plot. The fmc is a divorced single mom that is just getting her life back and trying to grow into her new life after her ex took a lot of her dreams and aspirations away. The mmc is a a video game designer and he hires the fmc to design his house.

I liked the journey and character development that the fmc went through and how it impacted the romance. This is an instant love kinda book because they are attracted to each other immediately and the mmc gets close to her and her kids. This book is very sweet and I recommend it for anyone that likes short romance books. Thank you Berkley Romance for this arc for an honest review.

I enjoyed this offering from Ms. Burton. Mix an older professional woman (Natalie) who is also divorced and a mother of 2, with younger video game developer (Eugene) and watch the sparks fly. Natalie resists her interest in Eugene but he keeps trying. I enjoyed the banter and friendship that develops between the 2 throughout the book and also the addition of interaction with Natalie's children. Pick this one up in December when it becomes available for another fun read from Jaci Burton!

Natalie is a divorced mom of two young children. Her ex always put her and the kids second. She stayed home and kept house and raised the children. Now she is using her interior design degree and works with another woman and is loving it. Eugene is a video game designer and needs someone to decorate his new house. He’s handsome and a little younger than Natalie but the sparks fly every time they are near. Which is a lot because Eugene’s brother is living and dating Natalie’s sister. When it’s suggested Natalie do the decorating she reluctantly accepts. They start dating but Natalie is right where she wants to be in life and doesn’t believe it will last long. What she doesn’t realize is Eugene now’s what he wants it’s Natalie. Can he convince her to give them a chance ?

Good story. Natalie is smart, sexy, and witty. Eugene is handsome and into video games and having fun. Sex. Two adorable kids, and a pup.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

My first from Jaci Burton and I absolutely loved it!

This was a great finding your home and finding yourself in your mid-30s while dealing with real life situations such as children. I really loved this and needed to read it.

I’m turning 30 in a few months and while I’m not quite there yet, I’m starting to feel the adultness of it all so this has made my anxiety a bit better about it.

"Designs on You" is a touching narrative that explores the themes of self-discovery and starting anew. The story provides a charming getaway, highlighting the pleasures of grown-up life and the quest for contentment amidst the hurdles that life throws our way. At the heart of the tale is a newly single mother who sets out to build a rewarding existence for herself and her offspring. She realizes that her longing for intimacy doesn't necessarily mean needing a man in her life. Enter the endearing younger man who appreciates her for who she is, without pressing his own desires, and who comes to adore her children as if they were his own. The protagonist, Natalie, confronts the complexities of adult life in her mid-30s, an epiphany that strikes a chord with many readers. The book serves as a poignant reminder to savor the simple joys of life—like late-night gaming, sharing love, and embracing the happiness that one deserves. Natalie's new beginning as a single mom and an interior designer, along with Eugene's steady involvement in family gatherings as the brother of her sister's boyfriend, paves the way for an engaging plot when he buys a new house and naturally seeks Natalie's design savvy.

Great book about a woman and mother freeing herself and finding herself. Our main character has just gotten a divorce from her long time husband and is trying and succeeding to make a wonderful life for herself. She has realized that she really doesn’t want a man but misses the intimate side of things. Enter our younger male lead who sees her for herself and doesn’t try to make her conform to his wants. He ends up loving her kids just as much as she does.

Jaci Burton is one of my faves and I really enjoy books about "real" people (like the divorced aspect in this book). Little spicy, but it didn't overtake the plot (a pet peeve of mine) and it was a quick, fun escape read!

Sometimes being an adult is really hard. Like Jaci Burton’s FMC Natalie, I was in my mid-30’s when I realized just how hard life can come swinging at you and I was not prepared for it. But sometimes you get a fun book like Designs on You that reminds you of the fun and joy you get to have being a grownup, despite the seemingly constant hurdles. Beautifully written, Designs on You is a gentle reminder to stay up too late playing the video game, to tell someone special that you love them, and go grab that happiness you deserve.

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on instagram closer to publication date and on Amazon when published!

Overall, this was a cute read. Freshly into a new routine post-divorce, Natalie is a single mom and an interior designer. Eugene’s a fixture at family gatherings since he’s the younger brother of her sister’s boyfriend. When Eugene buys a new house, of course Natalie is the one to decorate it.

I don’t usually enjoy romance stories wherein young children frequently appear, but Natalie’s kids seemed fairly authentic even if they both washed their hands when asked the first time.

A fabulous contemporary romantic comedy that's both hilarious and heartwarming. The writing style perfectly complements the fun and engaging storyline. The characters are relatable and their chemistry is electric. An absolute joy to read.

I love Jaci Burton’s books and this was no exception! There was amazing dialogue and chemistry between Natalie and Eugene and it was so fun to read as they fight their feelings. Fast paced, angsty, with steam and humor. A great read!

A very satisfying contemporary romance that blends fun, charm, and a touch of heartfelt emotions. Highly recommending! 5 stars!