BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY -To the Studs (Bound by Design #1) by Roxanne Smith

Duke has always made it clear she’s not his type. 
Yet the simmering tension between them says otherwise….

TO THE STUDS

Bound by Design #1

Roxanne Smith

Releasing Feb 21, 2017

Lyrical Shine

No one says no to fiery but talented home designer Neve Harper—which is how she convinces her elusive neighbor, Duke Kennicot, to help out with her latest renovation job. Not only is Duke a design aficionado, he’s got the inside scoop on the cabin’s owner. And since Neve’s ulterior motive is a romance with the boss, Duke is her ideal wingman. Except from the moment they’re alone in the remote Ozark mountain location, Neve discovers Duke is just as headstrong—and a whole lot sexier—than she ever realized. Duke has always made it clear she’s not his type. Yet the simmering tension between them says otherwise….

Duke had been warned to steer clear of hot-tempered Neve, but his resolve is lessening with every heated exchange—and every smoldering touch. By the time Neve unearths a dangerous, age-old mystery buried on the property, Duke is ready to do just about anything to keep the brazen beauty safe…. 

I was excited to read this book as I'm discovering ways to DIY around our house. And like Neve, I'm a bit on vertically challenged size; I don't say I'm short, I prefer to call myself fun-sized! 

But....I found it really hard to like Neve. I get having to prove yourself in a typically male-dominated field, and I hate that I even have to say this because it feels like there are way too many double standards for women already, but there's being assertive and then there's Neve. Even her love interest Duke thought she was shrew-like. Sorry, but that does nothing to endear a character to me if even the love interest is commenting on a lack of pleasantness. I thought Duke was great as the male lead, I just wish Neve had been written in a much less negative way.

A Florida native, Roxanne Smith has called everywhere from Houston to Cheyenne home. Currently residing in Roswell, New Mexico, she’s an avid reader of every genre, a cat lover, pit bull advocate, and semi-geek. She loves video games, Doctor Who, and her dashing husband. Her two kids are the light of her life and provide ample material for her writing.

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