Susan's Review of Tempted by Love--Melissa Foster-Steeles of Silver Island Book 1

Years ago, bestselling author Jack “Jock” Steele lost his girlfriend and baby in a horrific accident that drove a wedge between Jock and his family, keeping him from sharing a devastating secret. An aging philanthropist saved him from the brink of despair, and for a decade Jock cared for his ailing friend who became his family. Now his friend has passed away and left him a fortune—on the condition that he publishes another book. Jock is floundering, unsure how to rebuild the life he’d walked away from, much less find his muse, have another relationship with a woman, or even think about having a family of his own. But he can’t get his sweet, sexy new friend, single-mother Daphne Zablonski out of his head, and her adorable toddler must know something he doesn’t, because she wraps her tiny fingers around his heart and won’t let go.

Daphne has been through the wringer with her ex-husband and doesn’t believe true love is in the cards for her. Friends she can handle, but letting a man see her mom bod naked? Especially someone as strikingly handsome and unbelievably sexy as Jock? No, thank you. Besides, she has a toddler to chase after and enough fictional boyfriends to fill her lonely nights. If only her book boyfriends could make her body tingle the way one look from her mysterious neighbor does.

As Jock and Daphne’s friendship turns to something too tempting to deny, their lives take an unexpected turn. Can a man who has lost everything find redemption with a woman who has everything to lose? And then there’s that secret…

Melissa Foster pairs single mom Daphne Zablonski and enigmatic author Jock Steele in Tempted by Love.

There is so much to love about Daphne and Jock— their off the charts chemistry, conversations filled with laughter, emotion and honesty and the unconditional love of a small child. I love that Jock “gets” Daphne—he adores her sweet personality and sense of humor, and appreciates her curves. Most of all, he understands that Daphne is devoted to her daughter Hadley. Jock knows they are a package deal and he needs to step up his game to win them over.

Daphne is an intelligent, compassionate woman who is trying her best to focus on her child, career and friends. Daphne’s happily ever after was shattered when her ex-husband decided that children weren’t part of his plan. I loved that Daphne was a strong, centered character who put her event planning career on hold to move home to be with her family after Hadley was born.

Jock and Daphne’s story is heartbreaking at times. They have a lot of challenges and both characters needed each other’s strengths to move forward. Loved that Hadley stole so many scenes and that she loved Jock with her whole heart as this added humor and compassion to the storyline.

Melissa Foster perfectly blends emotion, angst and passion in this engaging novel of second chances.

I highly recommend Tempted by Love and look forward to the next Silver Island novel.



Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

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.

Susan's Review of Searching for Love-Melissa Foster

Zev Braden and Carly Dylan were co-explorers, best friends, and first loves. Their close-knit families were sure they were destined to marry—until a devastating tragedy struck, breaking the two lovers apart.
Over the next decade Zev, a nomadic treasure hunter, rarely returned to his hometown, and Carly became a chocolatier and built a whole new life across the country.
When a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s lives, can they find the true love that once existed, or will shattered dreams and broken hearts prevail?
Find out in Searching for Love, a deliciously sexy, funny, and emotional second-chance romance.

Can you ever forget your first love?

Zev Braden is back---Is Carly Dylan over him??

Searching for Love is the perfect second chance at love story. It’s brimming with emotions; heartache, fear, compassion and most of all love. Melissa Foster balances the couple’s sweet memories of their childhood friendship and romance with their present day love affair. Their One-Day list and love for adventure drew me into the story.

Carly and Zev’s story is deeply moving; the tragic death of a friend devastated the couple. Zev was unable to deal with the loss. He broke up with Carly and left town. Carly and Zev get their second chance when they run into each other at Zev’s brother’s wedding. Zev realizes that Carly has changed. He notices that Carly is no longer the confident, adventurous girl he remembered and wonders what happened to her dreams and sense of adventure.

For the past ten years, Zev has been searching for treasure, adventure and challenges. Loved the honest, candid discussion between Zev and his father; it is an important turning point in the novel. His father reminds Zev to forgive himself and then ask for Carly’s understanding. Zev is determined to find out if Carly has feelings for him. He turns on the Braden charm on full speed and send her gifts, leaves her messages taped to her car and takes her on a very, very romantic date. He has another surprise for Carly. Zev had discovered the wreck of the Pride near Silver Island in Massachusetts before he came to Colorado. Zev and Carly dreamed about the Pride and its treasure when they were younger.

Zev took Carly to Noah’s lab to work on the concretions because she became an important part of the discovery. I wanted Carly to take a leap of faith and trust Zev—trust in their love. With a little help from Birdie, Zev was able to surprise Carly and take her on a whirlwind trip to his boat in Massachusetts. The secondary characters of Birdie, Quinn, Cutter and Cowboy added to the storyline—I adored Birdie and her shopping sprees for Carly!

Loved that Melissa Foster made the couple dig deep and fight for their love story. Events have changed both characters. Zev has spent ten years searching for treasures beneath the sea while Carly has built a life filled with friends and a business she loves. Is the couple’s chemistry enough to overcome the obstacles that face them?

Searching for Love is fabulous summer read! Grab a glass of wine and some truffles and settle in for a fantastic read—you will enjoy every page of this book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

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.

Susan's Review of A Little Bit Wicked by Melissa Foster

At first, I wasn’t sure how an opposites attract romance for Chloe Mallery and Justin Wicked would work. Chloe is the epitome of the perfectly dressed, perfectly organized, perfectly polished professional while Justin is a tattooed sculptor who rides a motorcycle. Melissa Foster’s voice shines in this novel which captivated me from the very first page.
A Little Bit Wicked is a character driven novel. Although Chloe is attracted to Justin and they are friends-she has decided he’s not her type. She’s looking for a clean cut, button down shirt, khaki wearing guy—the total opposite from Justin. I loved it when Justin observed Chloe and her date and took an opportunity to end it. He knew he wanted more than friendship and gave Chloe the space and time to get to know him.

Family is at the center of this novel .Chloe and her sister had a tough childhood; there mother was more interested in herself than her daughters. Chloe stepped up and help to raise her sister and made sure to celebrate every milestone with her. Chloe and Serena are very close—loved the honest sister conversations. Justin was raised by the Reba and Preacher Wicked who taught Justin the values of respect, honesty and love and importance of family.

Melissa Foster writes an amazing story for Chloe and Justin. It truly has all the feels. It’s emotional, heartfelt, sexy and romantic. Loved it when Justin visited Chloe late one night to finish their dance. It was perfectly written and so very romantic. I really wanted Chloe to see past Justin’s bad boy image and see him for herself. She needed to stop thinking and follow her heart. Loved that Chloe understood the importance of Justin’s art – his creative side was a huge piece of his character. Loved that the author included an important office politics thread and the themes of family and friendship throughout the novel.

Can Justin convince Chloe that he’s her happily ever after? Pick up a copy of A Little Bit Wicked and find out.


Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author.

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.

Susan's Review of She Loves Me by Melissa Foster -Harmony Point series.

Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother.

Bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper has owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her.

As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.

Are you looking for an amazing story to read this week during #StayatHome?
Read my review of She Loves Me.....#FeelGoodRead

She Loves Me is an enjoyable friends to lovers story which features two unique characters. At first, Piper and Harley may seem like an unlikely couple—she’s a tough cookie with a NO commitment rule while Harley is a strong, determined man who loves his family. The couple’s off the charts chemistry and hilarious back and forth banter are spot on and make for a fun read!

Harley is taking care of his two nieces when he trips and severely injures his ankle. Piper rushes to the hospital to bring an injured Harley home and within minutes finds herself taking care of Harley, his two nieces and Jiggs, the family dog. …and maybe just maybe falling for Harley!

Although, She Loves Me is a sensuous contemporary, I feel that describing it that way doesn’t do it justice. Melissa Foster is known for writing smart, sexy protagonists. The multi-faceted Harley demonstrates the author’s ability to create characters who capture your heart from the first page of the book. Harley Dutch is an intelligent, confident, patient man who puts his family first. He’s been in love with Piper for ages. She sees him as a friend. I loved it that Harley used his ankle injury to win Piper’s over. He’s has been given an opportunity to win her heart and he uses it to his advantage!

Loved that Harley addressed Piper’s relationship issues—Piper’s confession resonated with me and gave so much insight into this complex heroine. Piper realizes that she sees Harley differently; she cares about him. Piper isn’t the tough characters that she appears to be—she’s got a soft spot in her heart for her sisters, her brother and their children. My favorite Piper scene? Piper and Jiggs (the dog) crashing into a sweet filled bakery…it was fabulous!

The conclusion to this novel is fast paced and well written. Harley has a compassionate heart to heart with a family member who reminds him to put himself first and not to waste a minute with Piper. Melissa Foster has a talent for writing the perfect HEA for her couples but, Piper believes in love, not marriage. Will that be enough for Harley? The books loveable characters and friends to lovers romance blend perfectly together in this feel good read.

If you are looking for a romance with a swoony hero and a sassy heroine-then She Loves Me is perfect for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

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.

This book is published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE Kindle ereader app to read it.

Click HERE to read the first chapter of She Loves Me!

Click HERE for the Goodreads Harmony Pointe series List.

Susan's Review of Bayside Fantasies by Melissa Foster

Tegan Fine has never had a plan—life, business, or otherwise. But she’s always had goals—to laugh daily and to pay it forward as often as she is able, just like her favorite uncle always did. After inheriting her great-uncle’s amphitheater, Tegan makes a risky move to a charming small town on Cape Cod to carry on her uncle’s legacy and hopefully expand the business with her new friend, Harper. If only she could stop bumping into a certain arrogant, witty, and excruciatingly hot businessman who tweaks her nerves and invades her every thought. Including her late-night fantasies.

Self-professed workaholic Jett Masters never slows down. He lives life with no attachments—except to his clients, to whom he gives his all. A reluctant trip to his hometown has him itching to shake the ghosts of his past and get back to spinning deals and adding to his investments. But when he comes face-to-face with a gorgeous, handsy woman who is quite possibly the snarkiest and most disorganized person he’s ever met, sparks fly, and his sharp mind stumbles. He doesn’t even know her name, but he can’t get her out of his mind.

A chance encounter turns into a wild, sexy night, and their chemistry is off the charts—even if their ideals, and their lives, are worlds apart. Neither Jett nor Tegan is looking for more. But when they are trapped together in torrential weather, they work side by side in the aftermath, and every passionate kiss deepens their connection. Secrets are shared, trust is built, and no promises dare be made. As their lives move on, lines begin to blur, hearts get hurt, and their true selves come into focus. Tegan and Jett are left wondering if they make the perfect storm, or if they’ve reached the end of their bayside fantasy.

Melissa Foster is known for creating sensuous stories filled with friends, family and humor. In Bayside Fantasies, the characters drew me into the story. As a northeaster heads towards Cape Cod, Tegan Fine and Jett Masters meet. Their opposites attract romance develops as the rain and winds pound the Cape.

Loved that Tegan Fine had a heart of gold. A bit of a free spirit, Tegan moves to Cape Cod to run her late uncle’s outdoor theater. Tegan is familiar with the programs and realizes she needs to step up her organizational skills to develop a marketing strategy, create a website and handle all of the administrative details. I loved that Tegan was determined to succeed even though her organizational skills were a bit unusual-her business plan was written on sticky notes not on a word document or spreadsheet.

Jett Masters is a workaholic. He grew up on the Cape but never has the time to visit his parents or brother for more than a day at a time. A skilled negotiator, his life is talking on his cell phone, working on his next acquisition and making more money than he can spend. I wondered what drove Jett—why was he so business focused? Jett and Tegan meet at a small restaurant and there was a definite connection between feisty Tegan and buttoned up Jett.

The hurricane brings Tegan and Jett together when they meet at a bachelorette party. Loved that Jett was so attracted to Tegan. Loved the scenes when they were dancing…slow, seductive and oh so sexy. Tegan and Jett spend the night together and decide that they want to try a friends with benefits relationship.

Jett’s relationship with his father is key to understanding was drives him. Melissa Foster’s choice to write Jett as a truly flawed protagonist captivated me. There were a few times I thought Tegan was going to get her heart broken but then Jett surprised me. Loved how Tegan and Jett’s relationship developed; they texted and used Facetime to connect when Jett was out of town. Jett supported Tegan’s desire to continue her uncles business while Tegan understood Jett’s need to connect with his family and respected his desire, his need to excel in his work.

Bayside Fantasies is a sensuous romance between two people who weren’t looking for love. An unexpected northeaster brought the couple together which provides them with a chance of building a relationship. Loved the parallels between Jett and Tegan’s love story and Jett’s decision to rebuild his relationship with his father.

If you are looking for a perfect storm romance where the stars magically align for a couple-then Bayside Fantasies is for you! Tegan is a force of nature—kind, caring and down to earth. When she meets Jett lightning strikes and the result is another fabulous Melissa Foster novel.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

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.

Read the first chaper HERE!

Susan's Review of Bayside Romance by Melissa Foster

After spending a year working in California, screenwriter Harper Garner has returned to Cape Cod. Harper needs to get back on track; emotionally, romantically and professionally. Her self-confidence is at a low point-her dating radar wasn’t working in LA , her cable series was cancelled and she can’t bring herself to tell her family that her cross country move was a HUGE mistake.

Harper meets her friends at a bonfire and comes face to face with Gavin Wheeler; her best friend’s business partner. Harper and Gavin had an intense one night stand at a music festival before she left for California.

Melissa Foster write a fabulous love story for this couple. I loved that Harper and Gavin had a connection-their past could have been awkward but the author chose to focus on the positives. As Harper was telling her friends about her life in LA, Gavin felt that something was not quite right with Harper. I liked that he acknowledged their connection first, reached out to her and listened to her story without judgement.

I adored Gavin – he’s sweet, kind and is willing to put Harper’s needs first. He’s an interior designer who excels at creating beautiful homes for his clients- but he’s forgotten to make his house his home. I loved that he was neat and organized and was so surprised to discover that when Harper was writing--her cottage was littered with paper. Harper thrived in chaos—Gavin needs organization. Loved that Gavin gave Harper space and that he understood that she needed to regain her self-confidence.

Melissa Foster serves up a fun, flirty, sexy twist second chance romance in Bayside Romance. Loved the sexual chemistry between Harper and Gavin—it’s intense, emotional and very real. The couple learned to listen, trust and love each other during the novel. Gavin and Harper’s relationship is tested when a secret is accidentally revealed towards the end of the novel. Melissa Foster doesn’t make it easy for this couple—their story is comprised of several life lessons—as they figure out how to move forward together.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author

Read the first chapter of Bayside Romance-CLICK HERE!!

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.