Tag Archives: Melissa Foster

Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster – a Review

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Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster – a Review

 

Catching Cassidy

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo



Description:
Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents.  Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

Review:

Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster is the first book in her new Harbourside Nights series. I have always felt that Melissa Foster always gives us wonderful romance stories, with fabulous couples, great secondary characters and steamy sex. Catching Cassidy continues the trend that we have all come to expect from Melissa.

Wyatt Armstrong is our hero, and the story begins with him celebrating his college graduation, with his friends, and his twin sister, Delilah. He is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his best friend since childhood, Cassidy. When her boyfriend fails to show up to take her to the party, it is Wyatt with Dee (Delilah) who go to pick her up, and they end up having to console Cassidy when they find her boyfriend having sex with another girl. Of course, Wyatt loses it and punches out Cassidy’s boyfriend. 

A short time later a tragedy will force changes in their lives, forcing them to grow up, learn to deal with their grief, their future, and discovering their true feelings. The three of them head to the family home in Harborside, Massachusetts, where Wyatt and Dee must deal with taking over the family owned bar on the seaside. Cassidy, who has been both of their friends for 17 years, also has to deal with a move to New York to take an accounting job, and to leave her lifelong friends. The focus of the story is Wyatt and Cassidy, who suddenly find themselves having feelings for each other beyond friendship. They both try to avoid those feelings, fearing to lose their friendship. Cassidy has watched her gorgeous hunk of a friend constantly becoming involved with girls, and secretly hid her feelings, not totally understanding why Wyatt doesn’t look at her other than as a friend.

While learning what is needed to keep up the bar, growing up and becoming independent, and spending the summer with friends, their friendship starts to suffer, with their feelings taking a different turn. Wyatt is afraid to take the next step, despite Cassidy’s willingness. He cannot lose her as a friend. But one night his jealousy causes him to lose control again, and he finally gives in to those feelings. We finally cheered when they succumbed to their lust. Just when things heat up and believe me they do get steamy, Cassidy is being pressured by her parents to take the job. Will Wyatt and Cassidy be able to keep this relationship if she moves to New York?

Dee is also trying to cope with the loss of her parents, just when she had told them the truth about her sexuality. Now she feels she has to face this secret alone, though Wyatt knows and tries to support her. As much as I loved Wyatt (his refusal to act on his feelings at first made me want to smack him), and Cassidy, I also thought Dee was a wonderful character, and I can’t wait to read her story in the next book of this series.

What follows is a wonderful story of love, friendship, family, and a fabulous cast of characters, who are their friends. There were so many emotional moments for each of them, as we felt thier turmoil, and it is always great to have those friends help them. Cassidy has her own issues with her family, who have always been distant, thereby her growing up much of the time with the Armstrong family. She always wanted to live in New York, but with her love for Wyatt, and discovering how much she enjoys her hobby of taking pictures, and possibly working with friends in a business that she would love, Cassidy is caught in the middle of a major decision. Will she fall to the pressure of her parents and leave Harbourside?

Melissa Foster has written a wonderful emotional and touching story, about friends to lovers, family and friendship that will pull on our heartstrings. If you love romance, great stories, wonderful characters, family, and steamy sex; Melissa Foster is one of the best. You will never go wrong reading anything by Melissa.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

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Cape Cod Kisses by Bella Andre & Melissa Foster – Review & Giveaway

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Cape Cod Kisses by Bella Andre & Melissa Foster – Review & Giveaway

Cape Cod Kisses Banner

 

Cape Cod Kisses

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Fall in love on Rockwell Island…Sink your toes into the sandy beaches at the heart of Cape Cod Bay, where family comes first, good friends are around every corner, and true love is waiting beneath the stars.

> When Quinn Rockwell left Rockwell Island a decade ago to build a shipping empire, he never thought he’d return to live on Cape Cod Bay—that is, until his grandfather summons Quinn and his four siblings to take over the prestigious Rockwell Resort. Quinn is already working fifteen-hour days, and the last thing he has time for is his grandfather’s demands. But on his first night back, when Quinn finds a gorgeous and carefree woman skinny-dipping in his favorite cove, he’s tempted to ignore his work for a while…and focus on her instead.

As a free spirit who follows her heart and her dreams, Shelley Walters is not the kind of girl to wait around for Mr. Right, so she heads to Rockwell Island for the honeymoon of her dreams—a solo honeymoon. Ready for a week of sun and fun, she never expected to meet a man like Quinn Rockwell.

Wealthy and intensely driven, Quinn is everything Shelley swore she didn’t want. Refreshingly spontaneous and a true romantic, Shelley is everything Quinn never knew he needed. Drawn together despite their differences, during a week of sizzling-hot passion and deep conversations, they fall head over heels for each other. But when their perfect week on the island is over, will their love survive in the real world?

 

Review:

Cape Cod Kisses by Bella Andre & Melissa Foster is the 1st book in their new series, Love on Rockwell Island. I was so excited to have found out that Bella and Melissa were going to collaborate on a romance series together. Both of them are the best at wonderful sweet family oriented romances, and with them working together, this had to be something awesome. I am thrilled to say I was right, Cape Cod Kisses was a wonderful sweet, sexy, and fun read, with a great couple and secondary characters.

We meet our heroine, Shelley Walters almost immediately, as she arrives on Rockwell Island for a much needed vacation. Shelley runs a coffee café in Maryland, and comes from a wealthy but distant family. After listening to many of her customers talk about their honeymoons, she decides to go on her own “solo honeymoon” to Rockwell Resort. Shelley is not interested in looking for a man, and just wants to have a 7 day sun and fun, and maybe letting herself go doing what she normally does not do. Late at night on the beach, she decides to skinny dip in the ocean, thinking no one will see her.

Quinn Rockwell has been forced home with his siblings to attend a meeting called by their grandfather. Quinn is a workaholic, having successfully built a shipping company, which keeps him busy, and away from Rockwell Island.  Going for a run on the beach to clear his head, he sees a beautiful girl swimming naked in the water. As she stumbles, he runs to her rescue.

This is how it starts….a couple that will win your heart immediately. I absolutely loved Quinn and Shelley together, and adored how their relationship quickly built to a hot and steamy romance.  Both are wealthy, independent and in jobs they love; yet they come from different backgrounds. Quinn has a big family; they are close and care about each other. Shelley is an only child, and comes from a family that is snobbish and not affectionate at all; causing her to not be around her parents, and to avoid relationships with wealthy families. But Shelley will see a different type of family with the Rockwells, something she has always wanted all her life.

Quinn is immediately entranced by the lovely free spirited Shelley, and finds himself rediscovering life on Rockwell Island, his family and his heart. What follows is a beautiful romance that brings together two different people, who we know are truly destined to be together.

Shelley is only on Rockwell Island for 7 days, but she is falling in love with the island and Quinn. Will she stay?   Quinn has a major deal in the works that requires him to go back fast. Will he be able to offer Shelley something more than a long distance relationship?   Why did the grandfather call them all home, and how will it affect them all? You need to read this book to find out all the answers.

Cape Cod Kisses is a delightful, enjoyable and fun story that will have you not only fall in love with Quinn and Shelley, but also with the entire Rockwell family. I enjoyed this book so much I finished it in one day; which should not be a surprise, as it is written by two fantastic authors, who know how to give us heartwarming love stories. Love on Rockwell Island promises to be a fabulous series, and I am anxiously awaiting more stories on the fabulous Rockwell family. I suggest you start with the first book, Cape Cod Kisses.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Authors

 

Giveaway Black and Deep Rose

Bella & Melissa are graciously offering a $20 Gift Card (Amazon or B&N) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Bella Andre on Facebook.for an additional entry

8. Follow Melissa Foster on Facebook for an additional entry

9. Giveaway is open Internationally

10. Giveaway runs from May 7 to 11, 2015

 

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Melissa Foster Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Melissa Foster Prize Package

Anniversary Giveaway Banner

Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package has been generously donated by the amazing Melissa Foster. Melissa is offering an ecopy of SISTERS IN BLOOM and SISTERS IN LOVE (Books 1-2 Snow Sisters) and an ecopy of LOVERS AT HEART and DESTINED FOR LOVE (Books 1-2 The Bradens). One (1) winner will receive books 1 and 2 from the Snow Sisters Series and one (1) winner will receive books 1 and 2 from The Bradens Series.

There will be two (2) winners.

Click HERE for a link to Melissa’s website.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook / Twitter
Melissa Foster Prize Package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. If you have a preference to which prize package, please let us know-e.g. Snow Sisters Series or The Bradens Series

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

8. Giveaway runs from February 16 to February 28, 2014

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Sea of Love-Bursting with Love by Melissa Foster – Reviews

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Sea of Love- Bursting with Love by Melissa Foster – Reviews

Description of Love in Bloom series:
Love in Bloom is a contemporary romance series following several families. Characters from each series cross over to the next series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone novel or for more reading enjoyment, read the Love in Bloom books in series order.

If you have been following my reviews on this series, you will know the families that make up the series: The Snow Sisters, The Bradens, and soon The Remingtons.  Below are two more reviews of this fabulous series.  Melissa is also participating in our Anniversary Celebration, giving you a chance to win the first two copies of The Snow Sisters and The Bradens.  Don’t miss this wonderful giveaway.

 

Sea of Love
The Bradens – Book #4
Love in Bloom series – Book # 7
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: December, 2013

Sea of Love

Links to order Sea of Love: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo/ The Book Depository



Review:
Sea of Love by Melissa Foster is the 7th book in her Love in Bloom series, and the 4th for The Bradens.  This series is so much fun, and very steamy, with a fantastic family to enjoy.  I love starting a new book in this series, wondering if Melissa can keep it up, and continue to get us hooked into another Braden brother.  I am happy to say Melissa has created another wonderful romance that sizzles from the start.

Sea of Love belongs to Dane Braden and Lacy Snow, whom we met in Sisters in White.  15 months have passed since Danica and Kaylie’s weddings, and when Lacy became attracted to Dane.  They have not seen each other in this period, but they texted each other every day. 

Finally at Treat and Max’s wedding, Dane and Lacy finally come face to face and what follows is hot hot, steamy affair, making up for their lost 15 months.  Both know pretty quickly that they have strong feelings for each other, but Dane has always been a womanizer and Lacy is working hard to get a big promotion on her job.  Needless to say this and other issues keep this relationship on the brink, even though they are so great together.  A major stumbling block is Lacy’s fear of sharks, since as a child she was hurt and bears a scar.  Of course, Dane is a Shark tagger, which is his life blood, as he runs the Brave Foundation that works to save sharks, and he is always traveling.

Despite these things, they are very much in love, and just when you think they will finally get past their issues, something else happens to put another kink in their relationship.

What I loved about this book was that we got to spend a lot of time with Danica and Kaylie Snow again, and it was fun to see the three sisters together helping one another.  We know the Bradens are always there for each other, so it was nice to see more of the Snow sisters.  Do Dane and Lacy get past their issues and cement their relationship?  You need to read this book to find out.  Melissa Foster once again has given us another wonderful steamy contemporary romance at its best, with a fabulous couple. I am though, very very excited that Savannah Braden will have her story next in Bursting with Love.

 Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author


 

 Bursting With Love
The Bradens – Book #5
Love in Bloom series – Book # 8
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: January, 2014Bursting-with-Love

Links to order Bursting With Love:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Review:
Bursting With Love by Melissa Foster is the 5th book of her fabulous Bradens; and the 8th book of her Love in Bloom series,(The Snow Sisters and The Bradens). The next family for this series will be the Remingtons. 

Bursting with Love belongs to Samantha Braden, whom I have been waiting to read her story.  The Braden brothers are all hot, and the women in their lives are also beautiful and hot.  Samantha is the lone female in the Braden family, and she is gorgeous, tough, smart. loyal; as well as being very much loved by her family and friends.  But Samantha has been unlucky in love; while she sees her brothers all find the loves of their lives.  The story starts when Samantha having just broken up with her cheating boyfriend; she decides to leave everything behind to go away on a survival retreat in the mountains, getting away from everyone. 

Here we meet our hero, Jack Remington; our first introduction to the upcoming Remington family. Jack is the guide who takes people to the mountains and teaches them how to survive in the wilderness; he is good at what he does, but very tough, moody and distant.  Samantha finds herself thinking of him as an a**, since he comes across as angry most of the time, especially to her. 

It doesn’t take long for Samantha to find out that Jack suffered a tragedy two years ago, losing his wife, and has been hiding as a recluse in the mountains since.  She begins to see a softer side of Jack, when he gently teaches a young boy, who is on this trip with his family.  Jack finds himself attracted to the hot Samantha, and despite his desperate attempt to avoid her, but their attraction to each other is too volatile to stop.  What follows is a wonderful emotional story of finding ones self, forgiveness, and opening your heart to love again.

It was so beautiful to watch both of them fall in love, but mostly watching Jack’s broken heart mending slowly, and the dark man we met at the start becomes such a great and wonderful hero. Jack Remington was perfect for Samantha, and she for him.  Their relationship turned hot and steamy, as well as a sweet and beautiful romance. 

Samantha, who always has the support of her family, helps Jack open himself to her love, and begin his redemption of blaming himself for his wife’s death, and rejoining his family that he abandoned two year before.  I loved this story, as it was totally different in many ways (not the hot factor), then the other books.  This was the first that had no issues for the couple, just a man with a broken heart who needed the love of woman to heal him, and bring him back home.

It was such a beautiful and emotional story, as we watch Jack visit his family, as well as his wife’s family.  His love of his family, and the ensuing forgiveness was very emotional.   Jack Remington was such a great hero, and once he allowed himself to open his heart, he fell hard for Samantha, and what a hero he turned out to be.  His love for her was awesome, and it was so great when he meets her family.  I loved every moment.

The Bradens have one more book to go, as Hugh is next.  Then come the Remingtons.  I loved seeing all the Bradens & the Snow Sisters in this story, as it feels like I am part of this wonderful family.

Melissa Foster has a sensational series, which if you have not started, you are missing a gem.   Melissa has become the go to for me, when I want to read something to enjoy and relax; when you perhaps need a break from a paranormal or dark story.  Thank you, Melissa Foster for this fabulous series

Love in Bloom series order:

SNOW SISTERS
Sisters in Love (Danica & Blake)
Sisters in Bloom (Kaylie & Chaz)
Sisters in White ( Double Wedding and meet Lacy)

THE BRADENS
Lovers at Heart (Treat & Max)
Destined for Love (Rex & Jade)
Friendship on Fire (Josh & Riley)
Sea of Love (Dane & Lacy)
Bursting with Love (Savannah & Jack Remington)
Hearts at Play (Hugh & Bree) 

THE REMINGTONS (coming soon)
Game of Love (Dex)
Stroke of Love (Sage)
Flames of Love (Siena)
Slope of Love (Rush)
Read, Write, Love (Kurt)

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Destined for Love – Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster – Reviews

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Destined for Love – Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster – Reviews

Because I can’t stop reading Melissa Foster’s Love in Bloom series, and she keeps coming out with a new book every month, today I am posting a two book review.  Enjoy!

Friendship on Fire
Love in Bloom series – Book #6
The Bradens – Book #3
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: January 5. 2014

Friendship on Fire

Links to order Friendship on Fire: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
FRIENDSHIP ON FIRE is a steamy contemporary romance with alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable for readers who enjoy adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction.

Small-town overachiever Riley Banks has finally scored her big break—working in Manhattan as a fashion design assistant for her childhood crush, Josh Braden. She enters her new job hoping to make a name for herself and—just maybe—explore the romance that slipped through her fingers way back when.

Josh Braden has models at his beck and call, a staff that never says never, and an elegant clothing line for the holiday season. When he hires Riley Banks he expects her to learn the business from the ground up. But the girl next door turns out to be much more than he remembered.

Josh and Riley’s friendship heats up. Every steamy kiss, and every erotic caress stirs a love they cannot deny. But when Riley designs a wedding gown that would cause even the most jaded fashion editors to swoon, Riley’s mentor accuses her of stealing the design.

Facing indisputable proof and the mistrust of her lover, Riley is not sure she can take the heat of life in the fast lane of the fashion industry—and Josh is forced to choose between the woman he loves and the career he adores

 

Review:

Friendship on Fire is the 6th book of Melissa Foster’s wonderful Love in Bloom series, and the 3rd book of The Bradens.  Each book in this series keeps getting better and better, but after Destined for Love, I wasn’t sure anything can be better then Jade and Rex’s story. Friendship on Fire belongs to Riley and Josh, as our heroes; where it may not be better, it matches equally as a great book.  Melissa Foster continues to astonish me that she can do just about a book a month, and still keep us loving each book.  Every Braden brother is hot, and even their sister is awesome.  The Snow Sisters were nice, but the Bradens are off the wall. 

Josh is the famous fashion designer brother, whom Riley has had a crush on since she was a teenager.  Riley also designs for the local Macy’s, and jumps at a chance to work for Josh in N.Y.  What follows is a wonderful sexy scorching romance between two people who have so much in common, besides their love of designing and their hometown; they have both eyed each other for years.   It doesn’t take very long for them to act on their feelings when Riley arrives in New York.  They embark on an affair, which they agree to keep private, as Riley is worried if people find out, she will be accused of “sleeping her way to the top”.  But Josh knows Riley’s designs are different, and beautiful. He has no doubt that she will be a star.  But again, nothing is easy.  New York is competition, and in Josh’s company, JBD, we meet Claudia, who wants Josh for herself, as well as to rise in his company.  Claudia is a cutthroat, as she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.  It is her vengeful cheating and lies that threaten Riley & Josh’s relationship. 

The story becomes tense, as Riley is concerned that this will hurt Josh’s career, besides her own.  Josh knows Riley is innocent, but he still has slight fears of his career, if he can’t prove her innocence.  Both are faced with decisions that could break up a beautiful romance.  Will they survive? Will the truth be revealed?  Will Claudia succeed in wrecking havoc? Will the Bradens stick together?  The last question is a no brainer. Lol

I cannot get enough of this series, as I am loving every moment.  Such wonderful couples, sexy steamy romances, super family atmosphere, great friendships,  and a terrific storyline in each book.  I am thrilled that there are more Bradens to come.  When you want a great sexy romance to relax and enjoy, look no further then Melissa Foster and her Love in Bloom series.

Destined for Love
Love in Bloom series – Book #5
The Bradens – Book #2
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: January 5. 2014

Destined for LoveLinks to order Destined for Love: 
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town. 

After ditching a horrific relationship–and her veterinary practice in the process–Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is…until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life. 

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny–and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.

 

Review:

Destined for Love by Melissa Foster is the 5th book in her Love in Bloom series.  When I started this series with the Snow Sisters, I thought this was going to be a good series. I was wrong, it is a GREAT series, as each book keeps getting better and better. I had just finished reading a few paranormal or historical books, and wanted something light and fast to enjoy.  WOW…I read Destined for Love in one sitting. 

When I read the last book, Lovers at Heart, I thought it was wonderful, not to mention very steamy with a fabulous couple.  In that book, I was not crazy about Rex Braden, our hero in this book, since he seemed cold, and sullen. At the start of Destined for Love, he didn’t change my mind, since he was still the same. 

Right from the start, I loved our heroine Jade Johnson. She comes across as a strong, independent, spunky, and fun loving young lady. The key to this story is the feud between the Bradens and the Johnsons that has been going on for 15 years.  The feud is really between the patriarchs of the families, with the children avoiding each other out of loyalty to their fathers.  But we see immediately that both Rex and Jade have felt a deep and frustrating attraction to each other all those years, and every time they see each other, the pull is very strong.  But they continue to hide their feelings because of this feud.

Jade is now a veterinarian, working mostly with horses, and her reputation keeps growing with her special ways with the horses.  They both find themselves coming face to face a few times, and each knows they cannot act on their feelings.  Jade in her dreams, wants Rex, but Rex continues to scowl and be somewhat of an A**.  He desperately hides his feelings and then one day, nothing can hold them back from their lustful feelings. What follows is a wonderful, not to mention a steamy affair they try to hide from others.  Once Jade got her hands on Rex, or was it the other way around;  he totally changed as far as I was concerned. I fell in love with Rex then, as he and Jade were so perfect for each other.

When Rex finally decides he can’t hide his feelings anymore, he blows their relationship open for all to see.  It was so beautiful to see his brothers and sister stand behind him.  What a family, and they are all hot too.  J   It is Jade who must help Hope, the Braden’s sick horse, whom used to belong to their deceased mother.  This is where Hal Braden & Jade’s father angrily come face to face, as all the Bradens watch.  Will Jade and Rex be able to stay together?  Will this feud ever end?  Please please read this wonderful book to find out.

I love the Bradens, and I am thrilled there are many more of them to come. Destined for Love has everything you want in a book, romance, wonderful couple, steamy sex, fabulous family, and a terrific storyline of a relationship that is forbidden by a long time family feud. Melissa, just keep on cranking them out, as I am totally in love. 

Reviews by Barb

Copy provided by author

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Lovers at Heart by Melissa Foster – a Review

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Lovers at Heart by Melissa Foster – a Review

 

Lovers at Heart
Love in Bloom series – Book #4
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: October 26, 2013
Lovers at Heart
Links to order Lovers at Heart: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Lovers at Heart is a steamy contemporary romance with alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable for readers who enjoy adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction. Enjoy Lovers at Heart as a stand-alone novel or for more enjoyment, read the entire Love and Bloom series (nine full-length novels featuring the Snow Sisters and the Bradens).

Handsome, wealthy resort owner Treat Braden is used to getting what he wants. When Max Armstrong walked into his life six months earlier, he saw right through the efficient and capable façade she wore like a shield, to the sweet, sensual woman who lay beneath. She sparked an unfamiliar desire in him for more than a one-night stand, leaving his heart reeling and his blood boiling. But one mistake caused her to turn away, and now, after six months of longing for the one woman he cannot have, he’s going home to try to forget her all together.

Max Armstrong has a successful career, a comfortable lifestyle, and she’s never needed a man to help her find her way–until Treat Braden caught her attention at a wedding in Nassau, causing a surge of emotions too reminiscent of the painful past she’d spent years trying to forget. Max will do anything to avoid reliving that pain–including forgoing her toe-curling, heart-pounding desire for Treat.

When a chance encounter turns into a night of intense passion, Treat realizes that the mistake he made six months earlier may cause him to lose Max completely. He will do everything within his power to win her heart forever–and Max is forced to face her hurtful past head on for the man she cannot help but love.

 

Review:

Lovers at Heart is the 4th book in Melissa Foster’s Love in Bloom series.  This is however the 1st book for the Braden’s, and after finishing this book, I cannot wait to read more of the rest of this family.  When we last left off in Sisters in White, we had met Treat Braden, whom we knew from that book that Max Armstrong would be the woman who would change his life. 

Treat is a wealthy owner of various resorts, dedicated to his work, and his family.   He met Max at the wedding in Sisters in White, and now 6 months later, he cannot get her out of his head.  He knows he made a mistake back then, when he jumped to the wrong conclusion, and hurt Max, but he wants to find her and make amends.  Max, who works for Chaz, our hero in book 2, is a strong independent woman in the work world, but very sensitive in private.  As destined, the two accidentally run into each other at a film festival in Colorado, where both happen to live. 

The sexual chemistry between them is so hot and intense;  with both unable to resist each other.  Treat knows right away that Max is the woman he has been waiting for all his life, though he is afraid of commitment; especially seeing how his father fell apart at the death of his wife, Treat’s mother.  Max herself has her own secret issues of her past that make her also afraid to trust any relationship.  What follows is a beautiful, passionate, tense, and very steamy story of two people who fall very much in love with each other.  Though throughout the story, there were a number times their issues would separate them again, with Max constantly afraid of total commitment, though she knew she loved Treat.  We learn that years before, Max has a terrible experience with a relationship that left her scarred and frightened to do it again.  She finally tells Treat the truth, and he is so wonderful and careful with her.

Just when you thought they would finally commit, Max does another silly thing that made us want to smack her, and Treat steps back to give her freedom.  It is the wonderful Braden family who are so great, that help Treat realize he has to fight for Max.  On the other side, I loved the friendship between Max and Kaylie, our awesome Snow sister from the earlier books.  Just watching Kaylie teach Max how to turn on any man was so much fun. 

Melissa Foster does it again, with another wonderful book in this series, and this one is even steamier then the last one.  But of course, when you have a hot couple like Max and Treat, you expect nothing more.  If you want a beautiful romance, with hot steamy sex scenes, a sexy couple; and a family oriented background; look no further then Lovers at Heart.  I am loving this series by Melissa Foster.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

LOVE IN BLOOM series order:
.
SNOW SISTERS
Sisters in Love
Sisters in Bloom
Sisters in White

THE BRADENS
Lovers at Heart
Destined for Love
Friendship on Fire
Sea of Love
Bursting with Love
Hearts at Play

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Melissa Foster – Sisters In Bloom/Sisters In White – Reviews

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Melissa Foster – Sisters In Bloom/Sisters In White – Reviews

Melissa Foster’s wonderful contemporary romance series, Love in Bloom continues to keep us entertained, with fast releases.  I really enjoyed the first book, and read the next two, Sisters in Bloom & Sisters in White.    Below is a double review of book 2 and 3 of this series.  Click this link to read the review of the first book, Sisters in Love.

Sisters in Bloom
Love in Bloom series – book 2
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: September 9, 2013

Sisters in Bloom

Links to order Sisters in Bloom:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Kaylie Snow has always been the fun, flirty, pretty sister. Now, her burgeoning baby bump, hormone infused emotions, and faltering singing career are sending her into an unexpected identity crisis. Watching her older sister Danica glide through a major career change and a new relationship with the grace of a ballerina, Kaylie’s insecurities rise to the forefront—and her relationship, with fiancé Chaz Crew, is caught in the crossfire.

Chaz Crew has everything he’s ever wanted: a lovely fiancé, a baby on the way, and soon, the film festival he owns will host its biggest event ever. When he’s called away to woo the festival’s largest sponsor—and the lover he’s never admitted to having—secrets from his past turn his new life upside down.

With her baby shower around the corner, and her fiancé’s big event looming, the pressure is on for Kaylie to pull herself together—and for Chaz to right his wrongs. In a few short weeks, the couple who had it all figured out will learn things about life and love that may change their minds—and their hearts.

SISTERS IN BLOOM is a testament to the bond of sisters, the strength of women, and the pains and delights that accompany motherhood. A book for every mother, sister, and daughter, SISTERS IN BLOOM will resonate with readers who love to explore family dramas.

 

Review:

Sisters in Bloom by Melissa Foster is the 2nd book in her wonderful contemporary romance, Love in Bloom series.  Sisters in Bloom picks up not to long after Sisters in Love.  This book centers mostly on Kaylie, who is very pregnant, and Chaz, her boyfriend, though Danica and Blake, our couple from the first book, have major parts in this story.  What I love about this series is that Foster keeps everything flowing smoothly, with both couples, and we become part of this family.

Kaylie is a bit insecure, especially with her hormones acting up, and she is also getting a number of rejections for her singing career.  Kaylie, who has always been carefree & promiscuous, is also worried about the weight she has put on during her pregnancy.  Chaz is perfect for Kaylie, always assuring her, being such a sweetheart.  But an old flame from his past comes back to cause problems in his relationship with Kaylie.  Chaz loves Kaylie, but her insecurity during these days creates some miscommunications, with Kaylie falling apart. 

It is Danica, who helps Kaylie see that Chaz truly loves only her, and the other was a vengeful person trying to destroy their relationship.  I also loved seeing Danica herself opening up to her love of Blake more and more.  I totally love them together. 

This is a very nice and at times steamy romance, with two wonderful couples.  Foster has created a great group of secondary characters, and this is a such a nice and sweet story of love, friendship, family and finding happiness.  But through it all, this is a wonderful romance that will find a happy ending for both couples.  I really enjoyed reading about Danica and Kaylie, their closeness, their inner emotional turmoil, and the fun of their friends surrounding them.  This is a wonderful  and enjoyable series, and I cannot wait to read Sisters in White. 

Sisters in White
Love in Bloom series – book 3
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: October 9. 2013
Sisters in WhiteLinks to order Sisters in White:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

 Description:
Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.

While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all

 

Review:
Sisters in White is the 3rd book in Melissa Foster’s Love in Bloom series.   Sisters in White brings us the third Snow Sister, Lacy, who is a half sister to Danica and Kaylie.  Wheras, the first two books were devoted to Danica (book 1) and Kaylie (book 2), this book is devoted to both happy couples who are heading to their double wedding.  Lacy, who has never met her half sisters, comes to the wedding at a tropical resort, with their father, and Lacy’s mother.  Through out the story, there is much early tension between Danica, Kaylie, their mother, when they meet their father, his wife, and Lacy. 

This was really a fun and very steamy book.  I loved spending time with Danica, Kaylie, Blake and Chaz, not to mention all their cool friends.  The added element was facing their father whom they haven’t seen in many years, and coming face to face with the sister they have never met.  I really loved Lacy, and she makes a great addition to the family. Danica welcomed Lacy with open arms, but Kaylie was distant early on.  Kaylie resented Lacy, especially seeing how much her father adored Lacy.  But in time, Kaylie begins to open up to Lacy, who totally loved being around her sisters. 

There was so much to enjoy in this story.  The wedding preparation, and anything that could go wrong does. The sexual chemistry between Blake and Danica is hot hot hot.  Chaz and Kaylie too, but we got to see more of Blake and Danica.   There also some pretty hilarious scenes throughout the book.  Foster has written some wonderful secondary characters that we get to see more of, and the introduction of the Bradens, who will continue the Love in Bloom series. 

I really enjoy this series, and could not put the book down until I finished it. Foster did a magnificent job in this book bringing the pieces together for the Snow Sisters.  At the same time, we got to see a few very nice peeks at the Braden men (there is one sister).  I would love to see Lacy actually get her own happy ending at some point in this series.  If you enjoy contemporary romance, family atmosphere, some Steamy sex scenes (more in this book), then you need to read this series. Melissa Foster is on my must buy list.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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An Interview with Melissa Foster

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An Interview with Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster
The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Melissa Foster as our guest today.

Melissa is here today to discuss her first book in her new Love in Bloom series, Sisters In Love, which was released last week.

Let’s meet Melissa.

 

 

 

TRC: Hi, Melissa.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.  We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book, and it is a pleasure to welcome you to The Reading Cafe.

Will you please tell us about yourself?

Melissa:  **Waves** If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you probably know that I’m addicted to optimism. I love to help others see the positive side of life, and I feel like the luckiest person on earth because I get to do what I love on a daily basis. Writing feeds my passion for creativity, and for giving something to others. I’m also a mom to six great kids and I’m married to an incredibly supportive (and really hot) hubby who puts up with me falling in love with fictitious characters.

TRC: When and how did you become interested in writing?  Have you always liked to write?

Melissa:  I have always been interested in writing on one level or another, but about 25 years ago I really got the “bug” and then I waited until all of my kids were in school full time to begin writing as a career.

TRC: How did you come up with the idea of your new The Snow Sisters series?  Can you please tell our readers the premise of this series?

Melissa:  I’m still wondering that, myself! Danica and Blake came to me when I was thinking about writing a happy, light-hearted women’s fiction/romance. I was thinking about the people I would want to write about and knew that Danica’s character had to be a deep thinker, and then Blake appeared, giving her all sorts of wonderful—and different—things to think about. They found me, I didn’t find them.

SISTERS IN LOVE is the story of two sisters; Danica, a practical, even if a bit boring, therapist, who has always been there to bail out her promiscuous, larger than life sister, Kaylie. Both sisters are ready for a change, but they don’t realize it at the onset of the story. Blake Carter is a player—always has been, and thinks he always will be—until he bonks Danica in the nose, and for the first time he’s blown off by a woman he’s attracted to. Then his best friend dies and he begins to reevaluate his life.   When Blake seeks a therapist’s help and unknowingly walks into Danica’s office, sparks fly…

Sisters in LoveTRC:  Sisters in Love is the 1st book in your Snow Sisters.  Can you give us a brief description of the book?

Melissa:  Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister.   As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.

Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best.

When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn’t the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free.

Links to order Sisters in Love: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

TRC:  Do you have a schedule of when we can anticipate book 2 & 3 of this series?

Melissa:  Yes! There are three books in the Snow Sisters series, and at the end of book three, you meet the Bradens, a family of six hot, wealthy, and lovable characters. Both the SNOW SISTERS and THE BRADENS are in one series umbrella, LOVE IN BLOOM. The publishing schedule is as follows:

LOVE IN BLOOM SERIES:

Sisters in Love, (Snow Sisters) September 9, 2013
Sisters in Bloom, (Snow Sisters) October 10, 2013
Sisters in White, (Snow Sisters) November 9, 2013
Lovers at Heart, (The Bradens), December 9, 2013
Destined to Love, (The Bradens), January 9, 2014
Friendship on Fire, (The Bradens), February 9, 2014
Sea of Love, (The Bradens), March 9, 2014
Bursting with Love, (The Bradens), April 9, 2014
Hearts at Play, (The Bradens), May 9, 2014

TRC:  We see that you have another series upcoming, The Bradens, some of whom we get to meet in the Snow Sisters series.  What can you tell us about this series?

Melissa:  As mentioned above, The Bradens are a family of six hot, wealthy, and lovable characters. Their series is a bit different, as each character has their own book/romance. The Snow sisters appear in many of the Braden books. The two families grew up in neighboring towns, so readers will recognize locations in both books. **PLEASE NOTE** These series are not my typical type of writing. They include sexual content, and The Bradens are a very sexy crew, so be ready!

The Bradens are adult characters that have already established their careers. Their mother passed away when they were young, and their father, a Colorado Rancher, raised them. Each of these sexy character’s stories are about finding their forever love.

TRC:  When you were writing the Snow Sisters, did you come up wit h the idea of The Bradens, or was this already in your planning process before you started either series?

Melissa:  The Bradens was going to be a separate series, but when I was writing the second book in the Snow Sisters I realized that Kaylie Snow had already met Treat Braden, and it became clear that the characters who grew up in neighboring towns had more too much in common to be separated.

TRC:  How many books are you planning for The Bradens?  When can we anticipate the first book being released?

Melissa:  The Bradens will include six books, and the schedule is noted above 🙂

TRC: What are you working on now?

Melissa:  I’m completing the last books in The Bradens series over the next few weeks, and when those are complete, I’m moving onto my next series (working title) Starfish Girls.

TRC:  In your spare time, you are very active in helping others.  You are involved in multiple sites.

* The Women’s Nest is your brainchild for helping women better themselves.  Can you tell us more about this community for woman, and how you became involved in this?

Melissa:  Women who stay home with their children, women who work, women who work from home, disabled women…we all experience the same types of ups and downs in life. Our issues may very with regard to specifics, but the impact on our emotions and lives are very similar. I opened The Women’s Nest as a place where all women can come together, feel like they fit in, and support other women by sharing advice, motivating each other, and celebrating the highs of life, while helping each other through the lows.

* The World Literary Café and Fostering Success are sites to help authors publish and promote their books.  Would you like to tell us more about this?

Melissa:  The World Literary Café (#WLC) is an online community that bridges the gap between readers and authors, with the mission of paying-it-forward in the literary field, promoting great literature, and bringing together the literary community. The WLC offers helpful promotions to authors, reviewers, bloggers, and editors by creating avenues to bring them together under one umbrella in an easily navigable venue.

TRC:  Being a prolific writer, with many books, how do you have time to be able to participate on these other sites?

Melissa:  I’m one of those weird people who does best under pressure. I divide my time between writing, running the sites, and my family. There are never enough hours in the day, and I have an awesome staff at WLC—without them, WLC could not function. Staff: http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/content/meet-staff-wlc

TRC: What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or time? Do you like to outline your stories or just go with the flow?

Melissa:  I’m a real lover of rituals. I write daily from 8:45 until 4pm and then if I haven’t hit my word count, I write into the evening. I adore my office, which has large windows and a view of a field (not very romantic, but it’s better than looking at concrete). My office is filled with colors and textures, and my own quirky decorations of motivational sayings, a writer’s clock, and an enormous painting of a Zebra. My cat is my writing buddy.

I am a terrible outliner. I think I am the definition of “panzer” – and when I try to outline it’s painful and my story takes off in a different direction than what I had plannedJ  I am usually forced to go with the flow. My characters seriously have a mind of their own and I’m only along for the ride.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Melissa:  I really want to say thank you to my readers and the friends, family, and authors who find time and energy to support me. I’m inspired daily by Facebook posts, Tweets, and other ways that people reach out. I’m honored to write for each of them.

LIGHTNINIG ROUND

Favorite Food: Hands down, mint chocolate chip ice cream from Baskin and Robbins

Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu

Favorite Movie: That’s a tough one. Mama Mia and Dirty Dancing (a tie)

Favorite TV Show: I only watch TV out of duress (would rather be writing)

Milk or Dark Chocolate: MILK!!!

Favorite character (male & female) not written by you: I have so many, but tonight I feel like it’s Susie Salmon from The Lovely Bones. I read it years ago and she’s still with me.

TRC: Thank you, Melissa for answering our questions. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with you again in the future.

Melissa:  Thank you for sharing your virtual space with me! I look forward to chatting with your readers and here’s to a long friendship xox

Giveaway

Melissa has graciously offered to give two members of The Reading Café an e-copy of her recent release, Come Back to Me.

TRC Note: For those of you who are not picked as winners, you still have a wonderful opportunity to buy Come Back to Me at a special price of $.99 from September 9 – 14

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open US only.

4.  Contests runs from august September 9 to September 12, 2013

 

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