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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Loved this book! It was refreshing to not have a convenient miscommunication/issue pop up to separate the H/h couple and add unnecessary angst. Loved Jock and Daph and even Hadley. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
What a great start to The Steeles of Silver Island series. Jock and Daphne’s story put me in emotional overload. Jock was the perfect moody alpha that his heart melted when he was around Daphne’s daughter. And Daphne might have been broken down but she was stronger then she thought and powered back to life with Jock.
“Love is patient and when the right one comes around it will take your breath away.”
I have to add this book to my “Best of 2020” list. Melissa just added a new level to how amazing her writing is. I say this every time but its always true, I love Mellissa’s books anything and everything she writes.
“Love is patient and when the right one comes around it will take your breath away.”
I have to add this book to my “Best of 2020” list. Melissa just added a new level to how amazing her writing is. I say this every time but its always true, I love Mellissa’s books anything and everything she writes.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars
This book is so amazingly sweet and sexy and heartwarming and beautiful. It’s really all the good adjectives. If you’ve been reading the Love in Bloom stories, you already know both Jock and Daphne. And, although these books are written so they can be read as standalone stories, I feel like you’d get so much more out of the story if you, at the very least, read Bayside Fantasies for a bit more insight into Jock and his situation.
I love the relationship Daphne and Jock build once Jock makes up his mind to work on his issues. But I even loved them both before that. The horror Jock felt at possibly hurting Daphne or her daughter Hadley squeezed my heart. And that mama bear inside of Daphne was so true and real.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was getting to know Jock’s family better. I can’t wait to see where things go for his siblings, especially Archer. I’m excited about the citizens of Silver Island and where this locale can be blended into so many future Love in Bloom stories.
Of course, I love all of Daphne’s friends, but they would sometimes upset me when they didn’t see how much she was being held back. I understood their reasons for not wanting to expand. They have found their HEAs and want time with their families, not more time working. But nobody seemed to realize what it meant to her and offer to help her come up with some other ideas to stretch her mental muscles and find fulfillment. It was a joy to see Daphne find the courage to go for what she wants, in many different ways. As the story progressed, she found more and more confidence and learned to speak up. Part of that was unlearning things that she learned in her first marriage to a man who never helped to build her up. I was cheering for her throughout and so happy to watch her growth.
Another winner from Melissa Foster.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
This book is so amazingly sweet and sexy and heartwarming and beautiful. It’s really all the good adjectives. If you’ve been reading the Love in Bloom stories, you already know both Jock and Daphne. And, although these books are written so they can be read as standalone stories, I feel like you’d get so much more out of the story if you, at the very least, read Bayside Fantasies for a bit more insight into Jock and his situation.
I love the relationship Daphne and Jock build once Jock makes up his mind to work on his issues. But I even loved them both before that. The horror Jock felt at possibly hurting Daphne or her daughter Hadley squeezed my heart. And that mama bear inside of Daphne was so true and real.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was getting to know Jock’s family better. I can’t wait to see where things go for his siblings, especially Archer. I’m excited about the citizens of Silver Island and where this locale can be blended into so many future Love in Bloom stories.
Of course, I love all of Daphne’s friends, but they would sometimes upset me when they didn’t see how much she was being held back. I understood their reasons for not wanting to expand. They have found their HEAs and want time with their families, not more time working. But nobody seemed to realize what it meant to her and offer to help her come up with some other ideas to stretch her mental muscles and find fulfillment. It was a joy to see Daphne find the courage to go for what she wants, in many different ways. As the story progressed, she found more and more confidence and learned to speak up. Part of that was unlearning things that she learned in her first marriage to a man who never helped to build her up. I was cheering for her throughout and so happy to watch her growth.
Another winner from Melissa Foster.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
What I just read might be one of the most emotionally driven romances I have ever read. By the second chapter you are completely invested in this story. You are walking this journey with Jock and Daphne, you are hoping they are getting right but so worried about all of them including the sweet little girl.
Jock – A reclusive writer. He has experienced so much loss in his adult life. He is so caught up in his hurt of the past he has a hard time focusing on the future and moving his life forward.
Daphne – Pushing through life as a single mom. Trying to find her happiness. She has good friends but sometimes doesn’t feel a 100% she is in the right place.
Hadley – sweet beautiful girl, daughter to Daphne. She has attached herself to Jock the first time she saw him even though he was not completely comfortable with her.
This is a story of over coming loss and finding love. It is about healing the wounds of the past and confronting those you hurt in the process. I really liked Daphne’s character in this book. She is strong and stoic. Even thought she is attracted to Jock she is not afraid to walk away from him if he can’t move past his discomfort around Hadley. Daphne’s strength is her ability to be thoughtful and caring with out allowing emotions to override her cautious nature. Daphne was not the typical single mom character. She was very practical and not looking for someone to come in and make her and Hadley’s life easier. She was happy with her life as a single mom. Her biggest issues are she wasn’t working a job she was completely fulfilled by. But all it took was some encouragement from the right people and she wasn’t afraid to start searching for her dream job.
Jock is a little bit harder to get to know and love. He has so much baggage and has closed him self off from others that it is hard to see his light. As we move through the story you see this slow rebirth of Jock to the land of the living. He slowly sheds 10 years of grief and sadness and as he does this you see a very loving and caring man. His heart belonged to Daphne and Hadley. Jock is challenged to continue to live in the present and not allow the past to seep in and control his happiness.
Everyone says Melissa Foster is the “Queen of Big Family Romance”, I had previously not read anything by Ms. Foster and love a big family romance. There are a lot of players introduced in this story. I am excited for each of their stories but at times it was a little overwhelming trying to keep everyone straight. But all the family members did not in anyway take away from Daphne and Jock’s love story, they only enhanced it.
This was as 5/5 read for me. I enjoyed every minute of Daphne, Jock and Hadley. Hadley’s sweet and caring heart bring so much love and acceptance to this story. Ms Foster has reeled me in and I cannot wait for Jules story next.
Jock – A reclusive writer. He has experienced so much loss in his adult life. He is so caught up in his hurt of the past he has a hard time focusing on the future and moving his life forward.
Daphne – Pushing through life as a single mom. Trying to find her happiness. She has good friends but sometimes doesn’t feel a 100% she is in the right place.
Hadley – sweet beautiful girl, daughter to Daphne. She has attached herself to Jock the first time she saw him even though he was not completely comfortable with her.
This is a story of over coming loss and finding love. It is about healing the wounds of the past and confronting those you hurt in the process. I really liked Daphne’s character in this book. She is strong and stoic. Even thought she is attracted to Jock she is not afraid to walk away from him if he can’t move past his discomfort around Hadley. Daphne’s strength is her ability to be thoughtful and caring with out allowing emotions to override her cautious nature. Daphne was not the typical single mom character. She was very practical and not looking for someone to come in and make her and Hadley’s life easier. She was happy with her life as a single mom. Her biggest issues are she wasn’t working a job she was completely fulfilled by. But all it took was some encouragement from the right people and she wasn’t afraid to start searching for her dream job.
Jock is a little bit harder to get to know and love. He has so much baggage and has closed him self off from others that it is hard to see his light. As we move through the story you see this slow rebirth of Jock to the land of the living. He slowly sheds 10 years of grief and sadness and as he does this you see a very loving and caring man. His heart belonged to Daphne and Hadley. Jock is challenged to continue to live in the present and not allow the past to seep in and control his happiness.
Everyone says Melissa Foster is the “Queen of Big Family Romance”, I had previously not read anything by Ms. Foster and love a big family romance. There are a lot of players introduced in this story. I am excited for each of their stories but at times it was a little overwhelming trying to keep everyone straight. But all the family members did not in anyway take away from Daphne and Jock’s love story, they only enhanced it.
This was as 5/5 read for me. I enjoyed every minute of Daphne, Jock and Hadley. Hadley’s sweet and caring heart bring so much love and acceptance to this story. Ms Foster has reeled me in and I cannot wait for Jules story next.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The author has written a note to her readers to let them know that this is an emotional story. After I read that, I figured keeping tissues close at hand was warranted.
Daphne has a cutie pie that some day may be a heartbreaker but for right now she’s just a scene stealer – and hilarious without really trying. Jock may seem angry at the world but it could be something deeper than that. It was nice to see a relationship blossom as this couple gets to know each other. The author does a great job in having Daphne feel uncomfortable which she has a cute way of displaying. All the sexual innuendos that seem to pop up may have you laughing out loud. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Parts of the story were sweet, parts were romantic, parts were sad, and some may have even been bittersweet. It’s a story that will quickly grab your attention as well as a certain someone. This is one of those books that I wanted to read at the beach so bad. I was just not comfortable with what’s happening in the country right now. Our author though makes it very easy to imagine things as if I were there and I can ask Alexa to play “ocean” in order to hear waves crashing on the beach.
These characters are so easy to fall in love with. You want to be able to watch people walk by and wonder if that was so and so or not. Maybe these people might be Daphne and her family. Picture who might be Jock in your mind. With so little on TV that I really want to watch, why not watch this story play out in my mind. Can you picture yourself fitting in with their group? Having time together on the beach at night? There was one last thing I loved about this book and that was how open ended the last chapter was. I thought it would get me ready for the next book but that is several months away. Not a hardship to read something else of this author’s while waiting for that day to happen.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The author has written a note to her readers to let them know that this is an emotional story. After I read that, I figured keeping tissues close at hand was warranted.
Daphne has a cutie pie that some day may be a heartbreaker but for right now she’s just a scene stealer – and hilarious without really trying. Jock may seem angry at the world but it could be something deeper than that. It was nice to see a relationship blossom as this couple gets to know each other. The author does a great job in having Daphne feel uncomfortable which she has a cute way of displaying. All the sexual innuendos that seem to pop up may have you laughing out loud. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Parts of the story were sweet, parts were romantic, parts were sad, and some may have even been bittersweet. It’s a story that will quickly grab your attention as well as a certain someone. This is one of those books that I wanted to read at the beach so bad. I was just not comfortable with what’s happening in the country right now. Our author though makes it very easy to imagine things as if I were there and I can ask Alexa to play “ocean” in order to hear waves crashing on the beach.
These characters are so easy to fall in love with. You want to be able to watch people walk by and wonder if that was so and so or not. Maybe these people might be Daphne and her family. Picture who might be Jock in your mind. With so little on TV that I really want to watch, why not watch this story play out in my mind. Can you picture yourself fitting in with their group? Having time together on the beach at night? There was one last thing I loved about this book and that was how open ended the last chapter was. I thought it would get me ready for the next book but that is several months away. Not a hardship to read something else of this author’s while waiting for that day to happen.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is a fantastic book. It's the 1st in the Silver Island Series, and I instantly fell in love with Jock, Daphne and adorable Hadley. It was a heartwarming, emotional read. You get all the angst and those hot steamy parts. Hadley just steals your heart from the first moment you meet her. I was fully invested from start to finish, the story-line just flows seamlessly. This is for sure a book you want to pick up and get lost in.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had a wonderful time with this book from start to finish. Despite the few moments where the story dragged, I had a blast spending getting to know the main characters.
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Melissa Foster is the queen of large family romance stories. It seems like all the families in all of her series are interconnected and show up everywhere. If you haven't read any other Melissa Foster books it doesn't matter because you will come to love the characters wherever you find them.
This book is the story of two damaged people. Daphne is suffering from low self-esteem brough on by a jerk of an ex-husband who didn't want her or their darling daughter. Jock is suffering from memories of a horrifying accident in which his girlfriend and just born baby died - and he has continued to blame himself. After his son dies in his arms, he hasn't been able to touch or respond to younger children.
The third character that makes the story is Daphne's 3 year old daughter Hadley For some reason she has Jock radar - she can spot him wherever his is and always wants to hug him but he can't stand to be around her. To be with her mother he must work through his issues with the daughter.
The love in this trio is heart warming and you can only cheer when they get their happily ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This book is the story of two damaged people. Daphne is suffering from low self-esteem brough on by a jerk of an ex-husband who didn't want her or their darling daughter. Jock is suffering from memories of a horrifying accident in which his girlfriend and just born baby died - and he has continued to blame himself. After his son dies in his arms, he hasn't been able to touch or respond to younger children.
The third character that makes the story is Daphne's 3 year old daughter Hadley For some reason she has Jock radar - she can spot him wherever his is and always wants to hug him but he can't stand to be around her. To be with her mother he must work through his issues with the daughter.
The love in this trio is heart warming and you can only cheer when they get their happily ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had a wonderful time with this book from start to finish. Despite the few moments where the story dragged, I had a blast spending getting to know the main characters.
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading