Susan's Review of Our Sweet Destiny - Bradens #2 by Addison Cole

Discover the magic of the Bradens, and fall in love with Addison Cole's rich and romantic storytelling.

Our Sweet Destiny is a Sweet with Heat novel and conveys all of the passion you'd expect to find between two people in love without any graphic scenes or harsh language. If you're looking for a spicier romance, pick up the steamy edition, Destined for Love, written by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Addison Cole is Melissa's sweet-romance pen name.

In Our Sweet Destiny... After ditching a troubled 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 the son of the man her father has been feuding with for more than forty years comes to her rescue. She’s spent forever trying to deny her attraction to headstrong, too-handsome-for-his-own-good cowboy Rex Braden. The last thing she needs is that particular man complicating her life.

Fiercely loyal Rex Braden has never put anyone or anything before his family. Despite the irate family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, unleashing fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love—causing the rebel in each of them to rear its powerful head.

Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained as Rex and Jade find out if true love really can conquer all.

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Rancher Rex Braden has been fighting his attraction for veterinarian Jade Johnson for 15 years. The Braden and Johnson families have been feuding for years—and Rex is extremely loyal to his family. He feels strongly that he can’t act on his attraction to Jade. Now that Jade is back in town can he stay away from her?

In the first chapter of the novel, Rex helps Jade get her injured horse out of a steep ravine. I loved that Jade was sassy and spoke right up to Rex. The sexual undercurrent between the couple is sizzling hot and sets the tone for this opposites attract romance. I adored their first kiss scene—it wasn’t what I was expecting—it was so very hot until Rex remembered about family loyalty. And Jade’s reaction? If Rex wouldn’t stand up for her—she’d find someone who would! The conversations between Rex and Jade were so much fun to read and gave so much insight into the characters.

The romance that developed between gentleman Rex and sassy Jade is perfectly written. Rex and Jade decide to go to dinner –they pick a place a few towns away. I knew Rex had fallen hard for Jade during their first date when he told her he looked forward to many firsts with her. Addison Cole does a fabulous job weaving the feud between the Braden and Johnson families, the Johnson’s financial difficulties and Hal’s concern for Hope with the couple’s romance. Loved Rex and Hal’s relationship with Hope and how she brought the feud to an end. I could feel Adriana’s presence in the jewelry store and in the barn –and the words on the charm brought tears to my eyes.

The storyline in Our Sweet Destiny is complex and well -paced. Addison Cole’s characters are engaging and relatable. The banter between Rex and Jade worked for me—it was honest, emotional and loving. Loved that the entire Braden clan was featured in the story—the strong Braden family connection is the foundation in this series. The last few chapters are emotional for both families.

I have been a member of Melissa Foster’s fan club for about a year. I have heard so much about Rex and Jade— Rex has a huge following! Now I know why!!! He’s sexy, loyal and romantic—the kind of man every woman would like to share her HEA with!

If you enjoy books by Samantha Chase, Emily March or Marie Force—pick up Our Sweet Destiny!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Author

Rex watched Jade stomp away, and he let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. When she’d bent over the table to sign her name, her shorts had ridden up just enough to expose the tender skin where her thighs ended and her rear end began, and he’d just about lost it. He’d been with plenty of beautiful women, but there was something about Jade that made his heart soar. He’d first noticed it when she was a carefree teenager, vibrant and eager in everything she did, with a ready smile. Even then she had a body that wouldn’t quit, and now she was harder, louder, and her body had matured in ways that set his blood on fire. That strange combination touched him in all the right places.

Why’d she have to come back to town? He’d done so well not thinking about her when she was away at school. And now, every time he saw her, his body reacted with a visceral, carnal need. As she stomped away, he wondered why the one woman who lit his veins on fire had to be the daughter of his father’s only enemy.

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Susan's Review of Lovers at Heart Reimagined by Melissa Foster

In LOVERS AT HEART, REIMAGINED…

Treat Braden wasn’t looking for love when Max Armstrong walked into his Nassau resort, but he saw right through the efficient and capable facade she wore like a shield to the sweet, sensual woman beneath. One magnificent evening together sparked an intense connection, and for the first time in his life Treat wanted more than a casual affair. But something caused Max to turn away, and now, after weeks of unanswered phone calls and longing for the one woman he cannot have, Treat is going back to his family’s ranch to try to finally move on.
A chance encounter brings Treat and Max together again, and it turns into a night of intense passion and honesty. When Max reveals her secret, painful past, Treat vows to do everything within his power to win Max’s heart forever—including helping her finally face her demons head-on.

A Note From Melissa Foster:
Treat Braden and Max Armstrong’s love story is the beginning of my beloved Braden series and introduces you to some of my favorite characters, and to a family that has become so real to me, they’re always by my side. If you haven’t yet met the Bradens, dive in and fall in love with the couple that started the sensation! If you are already a fan of the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection, you may have read Treat and Max’s original story, Lovers at Heart. For the past several years, I have had the nagging feeling that there was more to Treat and Max’s story than I had originally thought. I wanted to give Treat and Max a more mature story without losing the essence of who they are. This is Treat and Max’s story, reimagined, and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

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Lovers at Heart Reimagined is Treat Braden and Max Armstrong’s story. The sizzling chemistry between Treat and Max drew me into the story. The emotion, passion and pure romance of their romance kept me turning the pages.

I liked that Treat and Max got to know each other as they planned a double wedding in Nassau. The couple talked for several months over the phone as they planned a wedding and the chemistry between them sizzled. Loved that they both had romantic fantasies about each other. They meet in Nassau and share a romantic evening. Treat sees Max the next morning wearing the same outfit as the night before, misreads the situation and heads home to Colorado to spend time with his family.

Loved the scene when Treat sees Max at a party in Colorado—I could feel the attraction between the couple—it sizzled! Both Treat and Max have trust issues. While the couple dances, Treat apologizes and explains why he left her in Nassau. Max shares a bad experience that she had with her college boyfriend. Treat Braden is one of my favorite Melissa Foster heroes. He realizes that he has misjudged Max and owns his mistake. This was his second chance and he was not going to let it slip by. Treat has family issues to resolve and the author does a fabulous job introducing the Braden clan. He’s got trust issues and a family rivalry to work through; these issues show he’s not perfect. Loved the dialogue between the Braden brothers and the bigger than life character of Hal Braden.

Max Armstrong is a successful event planner who thrives on multi-tasking. I loved that she wanted to put her past behind her by confronting her college boyfriend. Max’s feelings for Treat overwhelmed her at times. But, she knew that she needed to put the past in its place. These scenes were very painful and emotional—and perfectly written.

The romance between the couple unfolds with each chapter. They share romantic dinners, bond over chocolate cake and visit Cape Cod. Treat listens to Max-he hears her—and they begin a relationship built on trust—this part of the storyline worked for me. I liked that the couple worked together—their communication wasn’t always perfect—but they learned to believe in each other and their love. The last few chapters of the book were very intense; with brotherly rivalry, business decisions and family and romantic pressures all coming into play. The ending was fabulous and full of Hope!

Lovers At Heart Reimagined has it all- characters who will steal your heart, beautiful settings, an emotional story filled with joy, passion, forgiveness, love and a bit of magic. I loved every word—and hope you will too!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster

Fate brings Ty and Aiyla together, but will tragedy tear them apart?

THRILL OF LOVE

The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #6

Melissa Foster

Releasing Oct 4, 2017

World Literary Press

Do you believe in fate?

World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his—and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

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Melissa Foster writes emotional, sexy contemporary novels with all the feels. In my opinion, Thrill of Love stands apart from the rest of the Braden series because the couple’s love is tested throughout the novel.

Ty Braden and Aiyla Bell met each other in Switzerland and spent a week together. They share a passion for competitive sports, photography, the outdoors and family. The couple decides not to exchange phone numbers or emails; leaving their relationship to fate. Aiyla and Ty reunite in Colorado at a five -day wilderness event for charity. One of my favorite scenes occurs when Ty notices that Aiyla hasn’t crossed the finish line on the second day of the competition. Thinking that she is injured, dehydrated or lost, Ty races back to find Aiyla. This scene showed the depth of Ty’s feelings for Aiyla and gave the reader a glimpse for Aiyla’s inner strength and determination.

Ty and Aiyla’s romance is sweet and sensuous and their love for each other is solid. Ty invites Aiyla to his sister’s wedding in Maryland. Aiyla is welcomed into the Braden family with open arms. Aiyla schedules an appointment to have her leg examined before the wedding. The couple faces an unexpected medical crisis. The author does a wonderful job balancing the couple’s fears, journey to acceptance and treatment options. Ms. Foster’s descriptive voice shines during these chapters and the dialogue between the characters is honest, loving and poignant. The warmth, caring and understanding of the Braden family play an important part in this piece of the novel.

Melissa Foster has written a fabulous story for Ty Braden. Thrill of Love is a not a typical romance novel, it’s so much more. I enjoyed reading how love challenged Ty and made him a better man. Love came first, not an adventure, game or photo assignment. He believes in fate, destiny and, most of all, love.

Ty to Aiyla: ‘I do know. I had no idea what love meant before you. But now I know it means that someone else is always there. You are in my every thought, in everything I do, everything I hope for. Our stars have collided babe and the universe awaits our exploration”

Trill of Love is a fabulous read. Aiyla and Ty’s story will captivate you and their journey will make you cry tears of sympathy, happiness and joy.
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by Tasty Tours

He leaned in close, and she held her breath, readying for a kiss she wasn’t sure she should accept—but she wanted nonetheless. She closed her eyes and his lips touched her cheek.

“Good luck out there, baby cakes,” he said just above a whisper, and walked away.

The air rushed from her lungs. Baby cakes. That’s what he’d called her last time they were together, though she’d never known why. Did he call everyone baby cakes? And if so, did those other women feel as special as she did when he said it?

She watched him walk away and noticed several other girls also enjoying the view of his fine ass in those tight cycling shorts. Life would be a whole lot easier if she were more like her much-older sister, Cherise, who had raised her from the time Aiyla was fifteen, when they’d lost their mother. Cherise lived a careful, meticulously orchestrated life, void of any risks, including those that pertained to her heart. She’d married a safe, reliable accountant with no sense of adventure. They had a comfortable home with a white picket fence and two adorable little boys. Just the idea of living such a mundane life made Aiyla’s stomach turn. Hadn’t their mother’s death taught her sister that fate played its hand no matter how many walls one erected? Living a safe, boring life in fear of it all being taken away wasn’t living at all.

Aiyla had accepted long ago that she’d never be a white-picket-fence type of girl. She loved adventures, thrived on capturing in photographs that would live on forever the faces of people who had lived full, even if torturous, lives. And she felt rejuvenated when surrounded by untamed wilderness. As she forced her gaze away from Ty, her fingers absently brushing over the cheek he’d kissed, she had to admit, she also enjoyed the sheer energy of a man marking his territory.

Now, if only she could focus on the race instead of the man who’d set her heart on fire.