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booknerd_lifestyle's reviews
57 reviews
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Each time I pick up a Melissa Foster book, I'm blown away. Her characters are intense, real, charismatic, and I adore them!
TEMPTED BY LOVE is the first this mini-series (part of the larger Love in Bloom series) about the Steele family. It ticks off so many of my favorites right from the start - small town, alpha male with a tragic past, main character who loves books or writes, single mom, and big family. I adore the Steeles! I initially picked up MY TRUE LOVE - Jules' love story - but decided to start this one instead about her brother Jock's happily ever after.
The single reason this book took me a week to read is because it's a beast of a book and I had my heart set on reading it in paperback format. Not the easiest to carry around :)
I loved Daphne and her daughter Hadley from the first page! Daphne's a single mom, divorced, and working at a resort on Cape Cod. Right from the start, I loved how her friends were a big part in her life, and it's fun seeing Emery and Dean - from BAYSIDE PASSIONS - after their own happily ever after. One thing that made me sad was how Daphne struggles with her "mom bod" and doesn't think she's attractive to Jock. As a mom, I know the struggles, and I loved watching Jock help her through that.
And oh my gosh, talk about a tortured past for a hero! My heart broke for Jock the minute his tragedy was revealed and I wanted to help him through it almost as much as Daphne did. And then you find out he's an author and I fell in love with him even more.
Jock's family - I love big families! They're the best part of Melissa's books. All those interconnected stories and people popping up again and again. And twins!! I think there's like 3 sets of twins between these two families. Twins are my JAM! I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see Archer (Jock's twin brother)'s love story! And I love the rest of his family - his mom and dad with their winery and his pushy, super-happy sister Jules! They were definitely my favorites.
This book definitely has a couple GASP moments and I was on the edge of my seat, anxious to see how it all played out. Melissa is a master at crafting stories that squeeze your heart and give you all the feels. While I recommend starting at the beginning of the Love in Bloom series so you're more familiar with all these amazing characters, you'll fall in love with Jock, Daphne, and Hadley just as easily if they're your first introduction to Melissa's books.
TEMPTED BY LOVE is the first this mini-series (part of the larger Love in Bloom series) about the Steele family. It ticks off so many of my favorites right from the start - small town, alpha male with a tragic past, main character who loves books or writes, single mom, and big family. I adore the Steeles! I initially picked up MY TRUE LOVE - Jules' love story - but decided to start this one instead about her brother Jock's happily ever after.
The single reason this book took me a week to read is because it's a beast of a book and I had my heart set on reading it in paperback format. Not the easiest to carry around :)
I loved Daphne and her daughter Hadley from the first page! Daphne's a single mom, divorced, and working at a resort on Cape Cod. Right from the start, I loved how her friends were a big part in her life, and it's fun seeing Emery and Dean - from BAYSIDE PASSIONS - after their own happily ever after. One thing that made me sad was how Daphne struggles with her "mom bod" and doesn't think she's attractive to Jock. As a mom, I know the struggles, and I loved watching Jock help her through that.
And oh my gosh, talk about a tortured past for a hero! My heart broke for Jock the minute his tragedy was revealed and I wanted to help him through it almost as much as Daphne did. And then you find out he's an author and I fell in love with him even more.
Jock's family - I love big families! They're the best part of Melissa's books. All those interconnected stories and people popping up again and again. And twins!! I think there's like 3 sets of twins between these two families. Twins are my JAM! I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see Archer (Jock's twin brother)'s love story! And I love the rest of his family - his mom and dad with their winery and his pushy, super-happy sister Jules! They were definitely my favorites.
This book definitely has a couple GASP moments and I was on the edge of my seat, anxious to see how it all played out. Melissa is a master at crafting stories that squeeze your heart and give you all the feels. While I recommend starting at the beginning of the Love in Bloom series so you're more familiar with all these amazing characters, you'll fall in love with Jock, Daphne, and Hadley just as easily if they're your first introduction to Melissa's books.
Maybe We Will by Melissa Foster
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I adored this book! I originally picked it up because I missed Silver Island but then I fell in love with Abby, her sisters, and Aiden.
Abby is a chef who comes home to Silver Island to get her late mother's affairs in order. When she gets there, she and her sister find out they have a half-sister. I really liked how well the three girls fit together and how Abby and Dierdre embraced Cait as their family. One of the first days back on the island, Abby also meets Aiden, who's on a forced vacation.
This was an extra bonus for me because I really enjoyed Aiden's sister - Remi Divine - in The Real Thing. Where she was the gorgeous actress in that one, she's more of a sweet and caring sister who just wants her workaholic brother to relax.
Abby and Aiden are perfect for each other! He is so supportive of her as she's going about restoring her parents' restaurant and I think he's part of the reason she's able to connect with Cait so well, too. Their romance is fast, intense, and I absolutely loved it!
Maybe We Will is the perfect start to a beautiful new series and I'm eager to continue with Cait's love story.
Abby is a chef who comes home to Silver Island to get her late mother's affairs in order. When she gets there, she and her sister find out they have a half-sister. I really liked how well the three girls fit together and how Abby and Dierdre embraced Cait as their family. One of the first days back on the island, Abby also meets Aiden, who's on a forced vacation.
This was an extra bonus for me because I really enjoyed Aiden's sister - Remi Divine - in The Real Thing. Where she was the gorgeous actress in that one, she's more of a sweet and caring sister who just wants her workaholic brother to relax.
Abby and Aiden are perfect for each other! He is so supportive of her as she's going about restoring her parents' restaurant and I think he's part of the reason she's able to connect with Cait so well, too. Their romance is fast, intense, and I absolutely loved it!
Maybe We Will is the perfect start to a beautiful new series and I'm eager to continue with Cait's love story.
The Real Thing by Melissa Foster
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book has all my favorites - a bakery, a fake engagement, and the sweetest romance ever! Oh my gosh I loved Willow and Zane!!
Zane needs an engagement to make the focus group and his fans think he's cleaning up his act. Of course, he chooses Willow - his best friend's little sister - to help with this crazy scheme.
This book starts as a scheme to convince his fans that this action star can do romance. But it turns into a sweet love story that's been in the making for a decade.
Willow is a great heroine. She's strong, in control of her life, and runs a successful bakery. I love how, even though she can't deny her feelings for Zane, she won't give everything up for him. And he never asks her to.
They're perfect for each other!
Zane needs an engagement to make the focus group and his fans think he's cleaning up his act. Of course, he chooses Willow - his best friend's little sister - to help with this crazy scheme.
This book starts as a scheme to convince his fans that this action star can do romance. But it turns into a sweet love story that's been in the making for a decade.
Willow is a great heroine. She's strong, in control of her life, and runs a successful bakery. I love how, even though she can't deny her feelings for Zane, she won't give everything up for him. And he never asks her to.
They're perfect for each other!
Only for You by Melissa Foster
5.0
I love single parent romances!!
Melissa Foster writes yet another strong and sexy hero who is also kind, generous, and the best part ... he's got a dog he adores! Bodhi is the perfect alpha for this story, and for Bridgette and Louie.
This is one of those books where the characters go into their romance knowing it can't last. Bodhi is leaving and his job makes it impossible for him to promise he'll be back. The romance between them was sweet and to be honest ... perfect. But there's an undercurrent of sadness through the majority of it because you know it won't last.
There was so much I loved about this book! The intense attraction between Bridgette and Bodhi, Louie, Dahlia (the sweet and crazy dog), being dropped back into the Dalton family and seeing Willow and Zane after they get engaged, the small town atmosphere ... pretty much everything! I'd say I love Sugar Lake almost as much as Silver Island!!
Melissa Foster writes yet another strong and sexy hero who is also kind, generous, and the best part ... he's got a dog he adores! Bodhi is the perfect alpha for this story, and for Bridgette and Louie.
This is one of those books where the characters go into their romance knowing it can't last. Bodhi is leaving and his job makes it impossible for him to promise he'll be back. The romance between them was sweet and to be honest ... perfect. But there's an undercurrent of sadness through the majority of it because you know it won't last.
There was so much I loved about this book! The intense attraction between Bridgette and Bodhi, Louie, Dahlia (the sweet and crazy dog), being dropped back into the Dalton family and seeing Willow and Zane after they get engaged, the small town atmosphere ... pretty much everything! I'd say I love Sugar Lake almost as much as Silver Island!!
Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
5.0
This beautiful book tied so much together for me! At the beginning of the series, I felt so sorry for the sisters because of the horrible childhood their mother had put them through. Dierdre was a closed-off workaholic and Jagger was just a hippie.
Didi and Jagger are 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 and each page I turned had me eagerly waiting to see if it would work out for them. Their romance was a seriously emotional rollercoaster that had me in tears more than once throughout the book.
𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘞𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘯'𝘵 is the perfect conclusion to this series. I loved the insight Didi gained about her mother as she tried to work through the hurt and resentment she carried around with her. For something that starts out as just a fling, Jagger was the perfect fit for Didi to help her heal.
As always, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 were one of my favorite parts of the book! They're entertaining, supportive, and a wonderful addition to Silver Island. And then there's Jagger's sweet and lovable pup, Dolly 💕🐕. I adored her so much and she's just as much a thief as my own furbaby!
Didi and Jagger are 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 and each page I turned had me eagerly waiting to see if it would work out for them. Their romance was a seriously emotional rollercoaster that had me in tears more than once throughout the book.
𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘞𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘯'𝘵 is the perfect conclusion to this series. I loved the insight Didi gained about her mother as she tried to work through the hurt and resentment she carried around with her. For something that starts out as just a fling, Jagger was the perfect fit for Didi to help her heal.
As always, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 were one of my favorite parts of the book! They're entertaining, supportive, and a wonderful addition to Silver Island. And then there's Jagger's sweet and lovable pup, Dolly 💕🐕. I adored her so much and she's just as much a thief as my own furbaby!
Driving Whiskey Wild by Melissa Foster
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
As I say with all of Melissa’s books, I loved Finlay and Bullet. In this book, we see two people who each think they are broken beyond the ability to love anyone else. Finlay has lost people dear to her and Bullet has seen too much in his military career. But then they find each other and, little by little, break through the walls that have been built up around their hearts.
I am going to start right away with the narration. I haven’t read too many books that were narrated by men but Paul Woodson did an incredible job. He gave Bullet the perfect effect, but was still able to make Finlay sound just as natural (without putting too much girly tone into her).
Melissa’s books make it hard to focus on much other than the characters. One of the biggest pluses for me with this book was how Tinkerbell, Bullet’s dog, was such a big part of the story. Finlay starts out with a fear of dogs, because of an event in her past, so I didn’t expect Tinkerbell to be such a big part of it, even though she is very important to Bullet. But the way everything worked out as the story progressed, I loved Tink just as much as Bullet – and later Finlay – did.
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters in this book. Red – Bullet’s mom – and Dixie – his sister – were two of my favorites. Pretty much the entire Whiskey family. I loved how they all took Finlay into their family like it was the most natural thing in the world. Oh, and Bullet’s brother, Bones. So many characters and I loved them all!
I noticed one thing with this book that hasn’t really come up in the other books I have read of Melissa’s . . . So. Many. Characters. I realized with this book that I am going to have to re-read books as I go, just to absorb everything that Melissa puts into them. These characters have not only their worlds, but they drop into others. The magnitude of it really hit me this time and I can’t wait to dive back into Ty’s world and reconnect with the Bradens ❤
The Whiskey books are advertised as stand-alones, so this book wrapped up really well. Of course, I was left wanting more of these characters, but that’s nothing new. My collection of Melissa’s books continues to grow each time I pick one of them up, get addicted to a new family, and secretly buy three or four new books (shhh – I haven’t told the hubby yet lol).
To sum the book up – just because you think you’re broken, doesn’t always mean you are. And some times the sweetest things are exactly what you need ❤ Finlay and Bullet, I adore you!
I am going to start right away with the narration. I haven’t read too many books that were narrated by men but Paul Woodson did an incredible job. He gave Bullet the perfect effect, but was still able to make Finlay sound just as natural (without putting too much girly tone into her).
Melissa’s books make it hard to focus on much other than the characters. One of the biggest pluses for me with this book was how Tinkerbell, Bullet’s dog, was such a big part of the story. Finlay starts out with a fear of dogs, because of an event in her past, so I didn’t expect Tinkerbell to be such a big part of it, even though she is very important to Bullet. But the way everything worked out as the story progressed, I loved Tink just as much as Bullet – and later Finlay – did.
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters in this book. Red – Bullet’s mom – and Dixie – his sister – were two of my favorites. Pretty much the entire Whiskey family. I loved how they all took Finlay into their family like it was the most natural thing in the world. Oh, and Bullet’s brother, Bones. So many characters and I loved them all!
I noticed one thing with this book that hasn’t really come up in the other books I have read of Melissa’s . . . So. Many. Characters. I realized with this book that I am going to have to re-read books as I go, just to absorb everything that Melissa puts into them. These characters have not only their worlds, but they drop into others. The magnitude of it really hit me this time and I can’t wait to dive back into Ty’s world and reconnect with the Bradens ❤
The Whiskey books are advertised as stand-alones, so this book wrapped up really well. Of course, I was left wanting more of these characters, but that’s nothing new. My collection of Melissa’s books continues to grow each time I pick one of them up, get addicted to a new family, and secretly buy three or four new books (shhh – I haven’t told the hubby yet lol).
To sum the book up – just because you think you’re broken, doesn’t always mean you are. And some times the sweetest things are exactly what you need ❤ Finlay and Bullet, I adore you!
Bayside Desires by Melissa Foster
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I can't think of a better way to end my reading year than with Rick and Desiree.
Rick and Desiree meet at the beginning of the summer when Desiree's mom, Lizza, tells a couple lies to get her daughters to come to the Cape and watch over her gallery. Desiree is a preschool teacher and Rick's an architect. Even though their romance starts with the clear deadline of when Rick goes back to his home in DC, sparks fly and they fall in love.
I met Desiree and Rick in the last book of Melissa's I read - Tempted by Love - and it was so much fun going back to the beginning and seeing how their love started. It was also fun seeing Desiree, the best friend Emery misses so much in book 2 of this series (yes, I've skipped ahead).
This book has all the bests - intense passion, a sweet and thoughtful alpha hero, and a heroine who definitely holds her own. Desiree may not swear or do much to get her in trouble, but when she and Rick are together, the passion definitely speaks for itself.
As always, I enjoyed Melissa's characters and world-building. Desiree and her half-sister Violet got a new chance to know each other, and Rick's family and friends were a fantastic addition to the story. Everyone melds together so well, creating the perfect summer atmosphere.
A must-read for all Foster fans!
Rick and Desiree meet at the beginning of the summer when Desiree's mom, Lizza, tells a couple lies to get her daughters to come to the Cape and watch over her gallery. Desiree is a preschool teacher and Rick's an architect. Even though their romance starts with the clear deadline of when Rick goes back to his home in DC, sparks fly and they fall in love.
I met Desiree and Rick in the last book of Melissa's I read - Tempted by Love - and it was so much fun going back to the beginning and seeing how their love started. It was also fun seeing Desiree, the best friend Emery misses so much in book 2 of this series (yes, I've skipped ahead).
This book has all the bests - intense passion, a sweet and thoughtful alpha hero, and a heroine who definitely holds her own. Desiree may not swear or do much to get her in trouble, but when she and Rick are together, the passion definitely speaks for itself.
As always, I enjoyed Melissa's characters and world-building. Desiree and her half-sister Violet got a new chance to know each other, and Rick's family and friends were a fantastic addition to the story. Everyone melds together so well, creating the perfect summer atmosphere.
A must-read for all Foster fans!
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Mason and Remi are incredible. This book is sexy, forbidden romance that turns into such a romantic and tender love story. Mason steps in as actress Remi Divine's newest bodyguard - or hottieguard. There's instant attraction between the two of them and, even though they shouldn't be crossing the professional boundaries, they do and what results is one of the best romances I've read by Melissa Foster.
I think what took me so long to get through this book was that each time one of the other characters - Aiden or Willow - came into the story, I wanted to jump back into their worlds. Aiden has his own happily ever after coming and Willow gets hers before this one (that's actually where I fell in love with Remi's character).
As is usual, Melissa's world-building is amazing. This one bordered on a bit of romantic suspense, with the stalker and all, and I'll be the first to admit I didn't see that revelation twist coming. Oh my gosh, can this woman write or what!
I think what took me so long to get through this book was that each time one of the other characters - Aiden or Willow - came into the story, I wanted to jump back into their worlds. Aiden has his own happily ever after coming and Willow gets hers before this one (that's actually where I fell in love with Remi's character).
As is usual, Melissa's world-building is amazing. This one bordered on a bit of romantic suspense, with the stalker and all, and I'll be the first to admit I didn't see that revelation twist coming. Oh my gosh, can this woman write or what!
Crazy, Wicked Love by Melissa Foster
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
** review contains spoilers to previous book **
Oh my, these Wickeds do me in! This has got to be one of my favorite fictional families of all time!
Gunner and Sidney start out as best friends - one of my favorite tropes - become roommates when they both leave the military, and run an animal rescue/shelter together. There is so much about that I absolutely love.
First - your burly, sexy biker has a soft spot for animals. He may be a player, but he has a heart of gold when it comes to dogs, his family, and of course, Sidney. He even becomes her wingman when she decides she's going to trick him into realizing his feelings for her by telling him she's crushing on someone else. In an unexpected twist, she names his cousin Zander as her crush. That just amps up the entertainment!
If you've already read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘩, you already know the Wickeds have been through some seriously deep stuff. I bawled like a baby with the additions of Gunner's late sister, Ashley, and Tank and Leah's wedding was the absolute best! I cried a few times throughout this book so you know it's a good on.
Melissa Foster has a way of writing emotionally compelling characters who take you by surprise, wrap your heart in their hands and never let go. This book has happy tears, sad tears, wonderful memories, and the best friends-to-lovers romance ever!
Oh my, these Wickeds do me in! This has got to be one of my favorite fictional families of all time!
Gunner and Sidney start out as best friends - one of my favorite tropes - become roommates when they both leave the military, and run an animal rescue/shelter together. There is so much about that I absolutely love.
First - your burly, sexy biker has a soft spot for animals. He may be a player, but he has a heart of gold when it comes to dogs, his family, and of course, Sidney. He even becomes her wingman when she decides she's going to trick him into realizing his feelings for her by telling him she's crushing on someone else. In an unexpected twist, she names his cousin Zander as her crush. That just amps up the entertainment!
If you've already read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘩, you already know the Wickeds have been through some seriously deep stuff. I bawled like a baby with the additions of Gunner's late sister, Ashley, and Tank and Leah's wedding was the absolute best! I cried a few times throughout this book so you know it's a good on.
Melissa Foster has a way of writing emotionally compelling characters who take you by surprise, wrap your heart in their hands and never let go. This book has happy tears, sad tears, wonderful memories, and the best friends-to-lovers romance ever!
Sweet, Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I love Dash and Amber! She’s not this silly girl, fawning over the football star and he’s not this famous sports-playing jerk. And a main character who owns a bookstore … definite plus! I love Nana and all the “dirty grandmas” who semi-swoon over Dash, as well. This is definitely an entertaining book!
In the beginning of Sweet, Sexy Heart you think Dash is going to be this macho-jock. Very early on in the book, however, it becomes clear just how much Amber is affecting him. Even though Amber is the quiet bookworm, she can’t deny the attraction between her and Dash. I absolutely loved the sparks and the way their feelings couldn’t be hidden. A true love story!
To be frankly honest, this is the first book I’ve read with a main character who had epilepsy. Not only was it an entirely different point of view for me, but I loved how Dash went out of his way to learn about Amber’s medical condition and do his best to help her. Melissa Foster also shows that Amber is able to be a fairly “normal” adult, even though she has epilepsy. I got to learn about it, through Dash, and it gave Amber a depth that she may not have otherwise had. She wasn’t your classic damsel in distress.
On the line of damsels in distress, Amber is a character who embraces her femininity without having to be a damsel. She’s a business owner and a very strong individual. But never the damsel.
In the beginning of Sweet, Sexy Heart you think Dash is going to be this macho-jock. Very early on in the book, however, it becomes clear just how much Amber is affecting him. Even though Amber is the quiet bookworm, she can’t deny the attraction between her and Dash. I absolutely loved the sparks and the way their feelings couldn’t be hidden. A true love story!
To be frankly honest, this is the first book I’ve read with a main character who had epilepsy. Not only was it an entirely different point of view for me, but I loved how Dash went out of his way to learn about Amber’s medical condition and do his best to help her. Melissa Foster also shows that Amber is able to be a fairly “normal” adult, even though she has epilepsy. I got to learn about it, through Dash, and it gave Amber a depth that she may not have otherwise had. She wasn’t your classic damsel in distress.
On the line of damsels in distress, Amber is a character who embraces her femininity without having to be a damsel. She’s a business owner and a very strong individual. But never the damsel.