This is a really cute easy read. One of those books you want when you are just in a reading mood but don’t want all the anxiety of a thriller.
Every grumpy being needs that one person that will through everything right back at them to break down those walls. Natasha is just that for Trent!
Natasha is the one person Trent never wants to see again… until it comes to making Nana Dee smile. He can fake it long enough to get the job done…. Or he thought. Natasha found a way to tear down those wall he has put into place as a young boy , she tore them down all the way to his heart.

I recently read "Designed for Disaster" by Leslie North, and I must say it was a wild ride. As a student, I don't always have a lot of time to read for pleasure, but this book was hard to put down.

*The Plot*

The story follows the main character, who gets caught up in a whirlwind romance with a wealthy and charming guy. But, as the title suggests, things don't quite go as planned. I won't give away too many spoilers, but let's just say there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

*The Writing Style*

Leslie North's writing style is engaging and easy to follow. She does a great job of developing the characters and creating a vivid atmosphere. I loved how she wove together the romance, drama, and humor to create a story that's both entertaining and relatable.

*What I Liked*

- The romance was sweet and steamy (but not too explicit, which I appreciated).
- The characters were well-developed and complex.
- The plot was engaging and unpredictable.

*What I Didn't Like*

- Some of the supporting characters felt a bit one-dimensional.
- The ending felt a bit rushed.

*Overall*

"Designed for Disaster" was a fun and engaging read that I'd definitely recommend to fans of romance and drama. While it wasn't perfect, the strengths definitely outweighed the weaknesses. If you're looking for a lighthearted, entertaining read, this might be the book for you.

Would I read it again? Probably yes, but I'd definitely check out more of Leslie North's books in the future.

Designed for Disaster by Leslie North is a delight from start to finish! This book checks all the boxes for a perfect romance-an easy read with a hilarious meet-cute, sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and a heartwarming HEA.

Natasha and Trent’s story had me hooked right from their unforgettable first encounter. The witty banter and feisty dynamic between these two had me laughing out loud and their journey from fake dating to falling deeply in love tugged at my heartstrings. Natasha is a strong, talented, and fiery heroine, and Trent’s grumpy exterior hides a sweet, loyal man who’s impossible not to root for. Watching them navigate their trust issues and grow together made their romance all the more satisfying.

Nana Dee and the "Lost Boys" add so much warmth and humor to the story. The family dynamics and friendships feel real and made me wish I could join their world. I especially loved the small moments of connection and care that brought depth to the characters- like Trent’s devotion to his grandmother and Natasha’s passion for her craft.

Leslie North’s writing is as engaging as ever with near perfect pacing, sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of spice to keep things steamy yet heartfelt. The emotional twists and turns and the satisfying resolution made this book impossible to put down.

If you love fake dating, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and romances that make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear or two, Designed for Disaster should be on your TBR. This is the second book I've read in the Manhattan Bossholes series and I highly recommend this series to everyone!

“Designed for Disaster” is a grumpy/sunshine romance book by Leslie North. Although this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. The two main characters - Natasha (feisty, vocal, won’t back down) works at a coffee shop where Trent (grumpy, a bit controlling, and tough) spills coffee upon himself and, in a way that makes sense, gets Natasha fired. It turns out that Natasha, fortunately, has a skill besides being a barista and that’s designing furniture. It turns out that Trent runs a furniture store and (long story short) he hires Natasha for both pieces for his grandmother and to work in the main office. I liked a number of the side characters (Trent’s group of friends sound like friends we all need; ditto for Stacy) and while some point of the story are a bit flimsy, it was a good quick read. I will say there’s some “sexy time,” and a bit (for me) too much time spent thinking about hotness rather then, I don’t know, character - but I get it. A bit of snark from both characters throughout the book.

This book made me laugh several times and there is no way that you won’t fall in love with these character instantly. Trent and Natalia have so much sass and snark that they are amazing together. The love they both share for furniture and design is amazing and you will devour this book in no time. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read Stacy’s story. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun guilty-pleasure read. It’s predictable and somewhat tropey, but it has some interesting plot points and some good writing. The likable side characters (especially Dee) are another highlight.

This wasn’t a five-star read for me because the story focuses too much on physical attraction (after Trent gets Natasha fired, she’s still thinking about how hot he is?!) and there’s a major relationship event that felt out-of-order.

However, I still enjoyed this book and it was satisfying to see Trent’s character growth. I rate this story 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.

Content notes: profanity, sexual content

This book was so good - it was a true grumpy/sunshine book! Natasha is a hellcat on wheels - she's fierce and fiesty and oh so sunny. Trent is a stuck-up grump who is just miserable. The other characters are all fantastic, and all together they make this into such a wonderful book. I loved how their attraction naturally just grew from the start, and I really enjoyed the ending.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.