Designed for Disaster by Leslie North is a quick, enjoyable read with an engaging grumpy-sunshine romance, with mid-level spice, lots of humor, and just the right amount of drama. The banter and chemistry between the main characters were the highlights for me. This book is ideal for readers seeking a light, entertaining read that doesn’t demand much mental effort, as the plot is very straightforward and predictable. Readers who prefer more complex character development or intricate storylines might find it a bit too simplistic.

I read On the Rocks and then immediately sought out Designed for Disaster. I love the way North writes her female main characters. They're bold and interesting and strong!

Natasha is driven and talented while also being warm-hearted. She has overcome adversity and may have some trust issues, but is very independent and self sufficient. Trent is an excellent counterpart to Natasha - he is also driven and successful with similar trust issues but excellent boundaries.

A fun story with an engaging plot, this was a fast read. The romance is always on point and North has built a world with so many wonderful characters. Highly recommend!

Fake-dating is forever and always a great time! While this wasn't your classic fake-dating storyline, it was nice to have a bit of a change even if it did sacrifice some of the usual tension. Natasha just wants to see the best in everyone, apart from Coffeezilla obviously, and Trent just wants to be loved. The banter is fantastic and the side characters are all well written (I need Dee and Stace in my life). This story is hot and fun and I LOVED it when they ditched the bar. Some character growth and heartfelt conversations and realisations made this book beautiful in parts. Overall this was enjoyable and I look forward to reading more of Leslie's work.

This was a fun and fast paced book with engaging interactions between the characters which I really enjoyed but my only issues was with how quickly the enemies to lovers arc had been resolved and how quickly the "fake dating" turned into real dating which made me miss the tension fake dating romances normally convey. Overall this was a pretty good book with fun characters though I would have hoped the "enemies" and fake dating part would have dragged on for a bit longer.

This was a cute and cozy romance! The main reason that I rated it 3 stars is that everything happened awfully fast between the characters, and I felt like the chemistry was lacking. And the proposal after the 3rd act breakup, as adorable as the moment was, just didn't feel right.

I did, however, enjoy the banter, I liked all of the side characters, and I appreciated that the FMC was a very independent person and didn't hesitate to stand up for herself. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!

I absolutely enjoyed this book! The banter was great, the push back from the fmc, the shift from grumpy to soft.... the read was fast, engaging and didn't make me feel like I had to force my way through. The naughty scenes were enough without over powering the story once we got there.

I'd definitely read another book by this author.

I've read all the boss hole books so far and I've enjoyed them all for different reasons, but the common thread that I really enjoy is the lead female character (Natasha in this book) knows their own worth. They don't accept the grand gesture apology without the other person (Trent) putting in the time to fix the real problem of the relationship. I am a big believer in teaching our young woman to know your own self worth and I love seeing it in books, instead of the typical dross that can be passed of as a sign he cares.
Natasha and Trent both have huge trust issues due to previous trauma and I found it very engaging to watch their relationship grow and for them to slowly allow each other into their lives and hearts. Their chemistry was very well written and I will look forward to the next lost boy becoming found

Yes!! The banter in Leslie North books never fails!
The sassy hardworking Natasha meets the grumpy bosshole Trent and the "Disaster" begins.

The Fake-dating and Workplace romance works well and it's an esay grumpy/sunshine troupe with tension, spice and laugh out loud-moments!

I read all for the Manhattan Bosshole series, and this migth be my favorite!

Post on IG (one_fairy_tale_at_the_time) on 9 of jan.2025

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a way to start the new year!

Natasha, a struggling aspiring furniture designer, juggles multiple jobs in New York City while pursuing her dream of starting her own furniture line. After losing one of her jobs due to a confrontation with a man she dubs "Coffeezilla," she faces a financial crisis. Just when things seem hopeless, she unexpectedly gets an opportunity to design furniture for a high-profile client, only to find out that her new client is none other than Trent Saunders, the CEO of a successful furniture company—and the man who got her fired. As they work together, an unexpected connection develops, complicated by personal challenges and misunderstandings that could jeopardize both their careers and their growing relationship.

I love a grumpy sunshine, a dual POV and with a sprinkle of spice! The banter was top notch and I will not be incorporating”mantrum” into my vocabulary. The pacing was great and there was enough character development to keep me invested.

I’m not usually a fan of third act break up, but I think it works given their past experiences. Natasha also was able to hold her own and stand up to Trent and his BS.

I was not familiar with the author’s previous works. This is book three of the series but I could read it easily without having read the previous two, though I’ll certainly be picking them up now! I look forward to learning more about the Lost Boys.

This was an easy and very enjoyable read (perfect to read by the pool!), and I can’t wait to recommend it to my friends!

A Romance to die for!

I was hooked from the start, didn’t think I could finish this novel in a day but yes I did.

The tension, plot and everything was perfection!

I liked the grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers story with added boss-employee and fake dating tropes, but didn't think Trent was a bosshole at all. I found Natasha's way of eavesdropping, jumping to conclusions and interfering uninvited in personal situations much more unpleasant and intrusive, even though she usually has positive intentions. Both protagonists react hypersensitively, but this is understandable given their previous painful experiences. The plot is well written and full of emotion, humorous banter and bickering, a few twists, a sizzling chemistry between the protagonists, steamy love scenes and a whole cast of very likable secondary characters. I really love the bonds and interactions between the „Lost Boys“ themselves and with Nana Dee. The way Natasha cared about Trent‘s younger brother was heartwarming too.
It’s not essential to have read the previous books in the series, although you meet their main characters again.

After many losses and disappointments in her past, Natasha Dryer’s biggest dream is to become successful with her furniture designs, but in the meantime she has to keep her head above water with part-time jobs, including as a barista in a café. When she is fired after a confrontation with an arrogant customer, she is fuming with rage.
Shortly afterwards, she is contacted by a prospective buyer of her furniture who wants to order some pieces from her for his grandmother and when she arrives at the agreed meeting point, she immediately recognises him as her nemesis from the café.
Trent Saunders has been successfully running the family furniture company for several years, which was founded by his grandparents and almost bankrupted by his constantly bickering parents before he took it over. After many disappointments and hurts in his past, his main carers are his best friends, the "Lost Boys", his younger brother and his ailing grandmother Nana Dee, who took them all under her wing a long time ago. To make his grandmother happy, Trent wants to give her some exclusive pieces of furniture, but he never expected that the fury from the café and the innovative furniture designer could be one and the same person. Worse still, Nana Dee thinks she is his girlfriend and sees Natasha as the solution for the company's new sustainability line. So he has to hire her and pretend to have a fake relationship with her for his grandmother‘s sake…

If you like fast-paced enemies to lovers stories with spice, plenty of tension, humorous interactions and great friendships, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Leslie North has a winner in her latest book. Designed for Disaster was an entertaining read that I recommend.

Review of Designed for Disaster by Leslie North:

Designed for Disaster is a romance novel with a very typical formulaic plot. It centers on two characters—one being a determined professional and the other a charming but mysterious figure. The tension builds up predictably as their conflicting personalities lead to sparks flying between them. The concept of opposites attracting isn’t new, and this book doesn't add much new to that trope.

The writing is straightforward, sometimes a bit repetitive, with moments where it feels like the author is forcing emotions or plot twists for dramatic effect. The character development is a bit weak; they don't feel particularly complex or fleshed out. The chemistry between the leads is present, but it might come across as a little too rushed or shallow, making it hard for readers to fully invest in their relationship. The pacing can feel uneven, especially as it drags through certain parts, but it picks up when the romance takes center stage.

If you’re a fan of light, easy romance with minimal depth and predictable plotlines, Designed for Disaster might be enjoyable. However, if you prefer more nuanced characters and complex plots, it may leave you disappointed. Overall, it’s not a groundbreaking read but offers a simple, uncomplicated romance for those looking for a quick escape.

I absolutely adore reading this book. The chemistry between Natasha and Trent was over the roof, their banter was funny and sensual at the same time. The rest of the lost boys and families were charming and the grandmother was everything we can expect from a meddling and sweet and creative person.

Trent’s grandparents started a high end furniture company and made a successful empire until this parents took over and almost bankrupt the company. Trent was giving the task of save the company and his family at the same time, something he took quite seriously.

Natasha is this talented furniture designer hardly making ends meet after working three jobs. The last thing she needs is a grumpy and entitled customer getting her fired from her coffee shop job.

This book is an enemy to lovers story with an interesting twist. It was well written with balanced characters that will make you want to follow their own stories.
I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to enjoy this ARC.

This is my voluntary and honest review.

A battle of wills that stirs up trouble and ignites the heart. Trent and Natasha set off sparks. From start to finish, North walks a fine line between fire and ice that screams sensory overload.

Loved reading the amazing and engaging romance story. While Natasha is working, she tries to tell a grumpy man to not sit at the table with the sign, but the handsome billionaire, Trent, ignores her concern, puts his coffee cup down on the table and the coffee literally falls on him, turns into a coffeeezilla, and gets her fired from her job. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and another must read riveting story by thee fabulous and fantastic author, Leslie North.

Synopsis
Natasha is barely making ends meet, juggling three jobs while still pursuing her dream of becoming a furniture designer. When she clashes with Trent, a man with his own share of drama, sparks fly, but not in the way either of them expects.
Trent’s grandmother, whom he adores, happens to own a one-of-a-kind furniture piece designed by Natasha. Eager to get more pieces for her, Trent commissions the designer without realizing she’s the same barista he got fired that very morning. When Natasha shows up on his doorstep as the artist he hired, their fiery dynamic gets even more complicated.
Review
With plenty of tension, unexpected laughs, and heartwarming moments, this story is a perfect blend of humor, passion, and personal growth.
Designed for Disaster is a fast-paced, fun romance that keeps you hooked from the start.
Tasha and Trent are unapologetically rude in the best way, and their banter is sharp and hilarious. Their chemistry is off the charts, and Trent’s dirty mouth adds an extra edge to their fiery dynamic. The dialogue is so natural and engaging that it feels like listening to real people. The characters are smart, and their conversations are clever and authentic, making every interaction feel real and meaningful.
As someone with a background in interior design, I loved how furniture design was woven into the story. It’s so different from what you usually see in romance books! The mention of sustainable design and its importance made the story feel modern and relevant without being overbearing.
The pacing is perfect—there’s no time to get bored. The conflict, which often feels forced in other books, is handled well here. It feels real and uncomfortable in a way that sticks with you. The story also has an emotional side, focusing on holding onto hope while learning to let go of toxic things in your life, which isn’t easy but is beautifully explored.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

this was such a fun sunshine/black cat trope and i fell in love with the characters as they fell in love! very well written and paced

I picked up Designed for Disaster for a cozy, contemporary, enemies to lovers and this book was exactly that. The story runs full speed ahead, going through story beats very quickly in succession, but does delivery on the slow burn of the romance. The spicy scenes are good, but I found issue with the male lead and his angry outburst. The level of anger and yelling unsettled me and I had a hard time accepting that this behavior could 'change' by simply deciding to and not without some outside help. I thought the talk through was good, but I was still unsettled by the end.

I learned the hard way: trust no one. That’s why I’m stuck serving lattes in the first place. Then Trent Saunders, aka Satan, waltzes in. Mr. Hot Shot is too busy barking into his phone to stop and read. Is it my fault he missed the big DO NOT USE sign on the table? Ok, maybe I shouldn’t have laughed when he spilled coffee all over himself. But he deserved it.

And for that the Table Tyrant got me fired! At least I got the last word. Or so I thought… Because it turns out, this gorgeous grump is the answer to my professional prayers. He wants me to design high-end furniture for his grandmother. A sweet old woman who mistakes me for his girlfriend. And does this genius bosshole correct her? No! He asks me to play along! Which means I’m stuck fake dating a man I loathe. What’s even more annoying? He might not be a total villain. He’s actually kind of sweet. Sometimes. But I’m not about to fall for his whole “nice guy’ routine.

This book is the epitome of the grumpy/sunshine trope hitting perfectly. I loved getting to know Natasha, and Trent was so much fun. Great characters, fun plot, and lots of laughs. Can't beat that for a quick read! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.