Designed (The Intoxicated Books, Book 3)

Alicia Renee Kline

 
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Synopsis:

Blake Snyder is an expert at bringing visions to life. Owner of a successful interior design business, she prides herself on creating things that are picture perfect. If only her talent extended to her personal life.

Chris Taylor is her brother’s best friend, but more importantly, her ex. After a messy breakup years ago, they’ve been careful to avoid each other.

But out of sight isn’t necessarily out of mind. Chris holds a special place for her in his heart – and a never presented engagement ring. Blake can’t stop thinking about him – despite her frequent attempts to replace him.

When a series of events in the present lead Blake to confront the truth in her past, she knows that it’s time to come clean about what really drove them apart. What she reveals is something that brings him to his knees yet again.

Can Chris forgive her for a decade of secrets and omissions? Will their love for one another be strong enough to withstand the repercussions of a decision made long before? Or will the bombshell spell their ultimate demise?

Review

This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. I found after reading the first two stories and learning all about Matthew and Lauren, I was really looking forward to learning more about his sister Blake.  She had been Lauren’s roommate at the beginning, and the chemistry between her and Chris hinted towards some really interesting history.

As I read deeper and deeper into this segment of the trilogy the answers to my questions came to light. I began to understand what had happened between them so many years ago and how one single act could change theirs lives for so long. Chris and Blake had been buddies and then lovers for it seemed to be forever. They started seriously dating when she was only fourteen and it seemed to be destiny that they would end up together forever. Then Matthew got into trouble with the law and things changed. Blake found her estranged from her parents and her relationship with Chris reached a crises point. It went in a direction that neither one of them could foresee and for the last nine years they have been avoiding each other. She tries to loose herself in other men but it never works, she can’t forget the love of her life and stop yearning for the life that they were meant to have.

It will take a lot of bravery on her part to open up apart what has kept her away from him for so long. It will take a lot of love and patience on his part if he is to listen to her and help her heal. I know that they still love each other, but am not sure if that is strong enough to bear it all.

Once again Alicia Renee Kline has written a tear jerker of a novel. Blake was so very young when she had to make so many adult decisions and learn to live her life alone. Quickly she looses everyone that is dear to her, her family, her brother and then Chris. It is not wonder that she harbors guilt for so many years. I am rooting for some love for her. I am hoping that she and Chris are able to make amends and continue on as they are meant to be- together.

I would give this story a 5/5. I would also highly recommend that you read them all in order. It is truly worth it. I loved them all.