Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest!

Title: Love Redesigned

Author: Lauren Asher

Pages: 518

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Piatkus

Year published: 2023

ISBN: 978-0-349-43798-9

Related title(s): Love Unwritten

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Infertility

Blurb:

JULIAN

If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Munoz would fan the flames with a smile. So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer. At least until my meddling mother exploits my saviour complex. The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town. But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue. What happens if I want her to stay?

DAHLIA

People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one. Julian Lopez - my childhood rival and family frenemy. I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer. Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits. Our temporary truce becomes comprised as we face years' worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions. Giving into our desire is inevitable... but falling in love? That isn't part of the plan. 

Love Redesigned is a childhood rival, small-town and slow-burn romance that had me up in the flames. First off, I really enjoyed all of these tropes so it's a win from the start. After a broken engagement, Dahlia Munoz returned to her small town, Lake Wisteria and immediately was hit by her frenemies from childhood, Julian. From then on, their banters started and no one could stop them.

I love the slow burn sizzling between them, especially when Dahlia started working with Julian. The book is simply a page turner and I swear, it took an extra effort to put the book down. The author did an amazing job portraying Dahlia's sadness which resulted in depression. Her growth was heartwarming for me.

Julian is the best man. Other book boyfriends had nothing on him. How can this person be sooooo goood and attentive and damn... the patience he had (chef kiss). May I know where do I have to order him? BEST. RIVAL. EVER. Man is so sweet to Dahlia, helps her to get through the hard times, acknowledges his mistake, ughhh he is perfect in every way possible.

Some people complained about the length of the book but I love every scene. Admittedly the love between Julian and Dahlia took longer time but for me it was a perfect slow burn. I devoured this book in one day, lol. Plus, the side characters were easy to love and the banters between Dahlia and Julian filled up those long time. And it was great to see Cal and Declan again, hello strangers!

-thes