Grumpy Meets Sunshine: A Sizzling Small-Town Romance in Built by Design by Jenna Lockwood

Get ready to swoon and sigh with Built by Design – the second book in the Beechwood Falls series by Jenna Lockwood. If you’re all about small-town romances with a dash of spice, emotional depth, and the kind of chemistry that practically sizzles off the page, buckle up! Rhett and Tori’s story is about to steal your heart.

So, here’s the gist: Rhett Michaels is the ultimate southern grump – tattooed, brooding, and off-limits. Work is life, and rule number one? Don’t date employees. Easy enough... until she walks back into his life. Tori Lawson, the one-night stand he can’t stop thinking about, is now working and living with him. What could go wrong, right? Spoiler alert: everything and nothing, because these two are MADE for each other.

Rhett’s hard-as-stone exterior and Tori’s sunshine spirit make for a dynamic duo. She’s all about breaking free from a stifling trust fund contract and reclaiming her life, while Rhett’s got this whole “I’m too busy for love” vibe going on. But as the pages turn, Rhett slowly starts to melt – and OMG, watching him fall for Tori is just... chef’s kiss. From their tension-filled build-up to the inevitable emotional explosion (hello, “hammer scene” 👀), this book is packed with moments that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels.

What worked for me? The characters. Tori is a total queen, standing up to her overbearing parents and fighting for her freedom. And Rhett? The man is pure golden retriever energy under that grumpy, rough-around-the-edges exterior. His devotion to his family, especially his father, is heartwarming and gives his character so much depth. Plus, the side characters in Beechwood Falls? They deserve their spin-offs!

But let’s talk about the real star here: the first-person dual POV. It adds that extra layer of intimacy, giving us a front-row seat to both Rhett and Tori’s thoughts. And while I loved diving into their minds, there were moments where the back-and-forth could feel a bit choppy, pulling me out of the story. Still, the emotional beats and sizzling romance made up for it.

If you’re craving a cozy, cute, small-town romance with a touch of angst, spicy scenes, and characters you won’t want to say goodbye to, Built by Design is your next must-read. Rhett and Tori’s love story is proof that sometimes the best things in life come when you least expect them – even if they break all your rules.

Be ready to fall head over heels with Beechwood Falls. This town, these characters – they’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page. And Jenna Lockwood? You’ve got a fan for life.