Tag Archives: Lori Foster

The Lake House (Firefly Summer 2) by Lori Foster -review

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The Lake House (Firefly Summer 2) by Lori Foster -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26, 2026

When Pixie Nolan first came to Bramble, Kentucky, the abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope, healing, and a fresh start. With the loving support of her best friends—Marlow Heddings and her handsome Marine husband, Cort—Pixie is now happily raising her toddler son in a cozy cottage, managing Marlow’s thriving boutique, and designing firefly logo t-shirts that are selling like hotcakes. The past is behind her, and life is good.

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

A rugged warrior with scars both seen and unseen, Brogan Rafferty arrives with an adorable baby girl in tow and settles into the lake house next door. And while he’s a stunning addition to the gorgeous scenery, it’s his caring devotion that captures Pixie’s heart—the way he gently snuggles away the precious infant’s cries, or swoops Pixie’s delighted little boy high in the air with his tattooed, muscular arms.

But it’s no coincidence that Brogan has found Pixie, and his startling revelations make it clear she’s the key to healing old regrets and building new dreams. And when a hostile stranger turns up with shocking accusations against Bramble’s new hometown hero, Pixie must put her own fears and heartbreak away for good—and learn what it truly means to trust.

••••••

REVIEW: THE LAKE HOUSE is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult FIREFLY SUMMER romance series focusing on the people of Bramble, Kentucky. This is former US Navy SEAL and single father Brogan Rafferty, and twenty-one year old, single mother and boutique manager Joanna ‘ Pixie’ Nolan’s story line. THE LAKE HOUSE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one THE GUEST COTTAGE for back story and cohesion. Pixie was first introduced in book one.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Pixie and Brogan) THE LAKE HOUSE follows in the wake of the arrival of Brogan Rafferty to Bramble Kentucky. After his last mission went all to h*ll, Brogan never expected to discover he was about to become a father in the aftermath of even more devastating news. Moving to Bramble, Kentucky Brogan found solace and help in the guise of his neighbor Pixie Nolan, the woman with whom Brogan will fall in love but Brogan is keeping secrets, and those secrets will change the direction of Pixie’s life.

The world building reveals the heart breaking backstories for our story line couple but none more so than for Brogan Rafferty. Believing he left his past behind, Brogan begins to settle with the help of our story line heroine, help he may lose when he reveals the truth.

The relationship between Brogan and Pixie is one of immediate attraction. Neighbors to friends to lovers in the wake of mutual circumstances, and even closer ties is about to become entangled when the past returns, threatening any chance for a happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied and fades to black.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and animated. We are introduced to attorney Erin, as well as the return of Cort Easton and Marlowe Heddings (The Guest Cottage), and several townsfolk.

THE LAKE HOUSE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and greed, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is inviting and sensitive; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Guest Cottage (Firefly Summer 1) by Lori Foster-review

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The Guest Cottage (Firefly Summer 1) by Lori Foster-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters/Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2025

In this uplifting series debut, forgiveness and unlikely friendship blossom in the haven of a quiet lakeside town when two very different women bond over one man’s betrayals.

Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

•••••

REVIEW: THE GUEST COTTAGE is the first instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult FIREFLY SUMMER romance series. This is former US Marine Cort Easton, and thrity-five year old, widow Marlow Heddings’ story line.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cort and Marlow THE GUEST COTTAGE follows in the wake of the death of Marlow Heddings’ husband. Months earlier, Marlow discovered her husband’s affair, and filed for divorce but fate had different plans, leaving Marlow a widow with a new direction in life, and in the ensuing time found herself moving to Bramble Kentucky where she will meet her future in the guise of former US Marine Cort Easton. Settling into a new life, Marlow will once again face another heartbreak with the arrival of her late husband’s other woman, a woman with some secrets of her own.

The world building is emotional as Marlow must come to terms with the past, the present, and eventually her future. The small town of Bramble protects their own but Marlow will discover there is only so much room in Bramble for outsiders, of which she is one. A twist to Marlow’s life is about to turn everything on its’ proverbial head, when a young woman announces she has no where else to go. We learn a little bit about Cort’s past, his time in the Marine’s and the dysfunctional family dynamics that forced Cort’s move to Bramble Kentucky.

The relationship between Cort and Marlow begins as landlord and tenant as Marlow is renting a small cottage on the lake. Cort is immediately enamored with our story line heroine, a woman who is determined to make it on her own. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of interesting and quirky secondary and supporting characters most of whom live and work in Bramble Kentucky.

THE GUEST COTTAGE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break,family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is inspiring; the characters are animated and charismatic; the romance is tender and subtle.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Love Shack (Indiana Summers 3) by Lori Foster-review

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The Love Shack (Indiana Summers 3) by Lori Foster-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2024

They’ve been trying to avoid each other.
But this town has other ideas…

When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But sometimes she feels the sting of the scandal from her youth, especially when she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor. So, she keeps her head down and pours all her love into caring for animals.

Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the grinding poverty of his childhood. He barely knew Berkley from their old neighborhood, but every time he sees her, the shame and pain come crashing back. He knows she’s got major baggage of her own. They’re better off just avoiding each other.

But that’s downright impossible in a town full of matchmaking busybodies. Then there’s the hard-to-ignore attraction they feel every time they see each other. When the universe is conspiring to bring them together, will Berkley and Lawson let past hurts go and embrace the love they deserve?

••••••

REVIEW:THE LOVE SHACK is the third instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult INDIANA SUMMERS romance series focusing on the people of Cemetery Indiana. This is animal shelter owner Berkley Carr, and tradesman Lawson Salder’s storyline, as well as the building relationship between business owner Oliver Roth, and hair stylist Lark Penny. THE LOVE SHACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives THE LOVE SHACK follows two building romance relationships. Berkley Carr escaped her past, and settled in Cemetery Indiana, where no body knew about what happened years before but Berkley never expected to come face to face with Lawson Salder, the man with whom Berkley would fall in love but a man who knew what happened back home. Lawson Salder’s escape to Cemetery came with demons from his past, and together he and Berkley would begin a new life, that is, until Berkley’s past returns demanding a second chance.

Meanwhile business owner Oliver Roth is considering settling in Cemetery Indiana, having walked away from the questionable actions of his immediate family. Tired of the destructive nature of his brother, Oliver set up shop in a town that protected their own, a town where he would meet his future in the guise of Lark Penny, a woman with secrets of her own.

The world building follows several paths, two new relationships, new business ownerships, a mannequin whose ability to appear is just creepy enough to scare newcomers to town, and town matriarch Betty Cemetery who is feisty as a rabid dog when someone takes aim at the people she loves.

THE LOVE SHACK is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love with small town energy; the protective nature of a close knit family, and a little bit of romance to spice up the lonely nights. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate but mostly implied -there are no $ex scenes; the characters are dynamic and energetic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP (Indiana Summers 2) by Lori Foster-review

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THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP (Indiana Summers 2) by Lori Foster-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2023

How did her love life become a community affair?

Since her divorce, Emily Lucretia—affectionately known as the flower lady to the people of Cemetery, Indiana—has been focused on her flower shop and taking care of her aging aunt and uncle. Her love life is hardly the centerpiece of her busy days.

Saul Culver, the town’s favorite bachelor and owner of the local barbecue joint, has been interested in Emily for a while. But as much as Emily knows about flowers, she can be a little oblivious to her own appeal. Saul is determined to show her just how special she is.

Saul isn’t the only one trying to get Emily out of her shell. Well-meaning locals have started tagging photos of Emily with #theflowerlady on social media—and now the entire town is involved in finding her Mr. Right. Saul won’t give up easily. He’s finally caught her attention, and he’s determined to convince Emily—and the town—that this is the real deal and not just some passing trend.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult INDIANA SUMMERS romance series focusing on the people of Cemetery Indiana. This is thirty-nine year old, restaurant owner Saul Culver, and forty-one year old, divorcee and florist Emily Lucretia’s story line. THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person perspective THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-nine year old, The Pit Stop restaurant owner Saul Culver, and forty-one year old, divorcee and florist Emily Lucretia. Saul Culver is Cemetery Indiana’s most eligible bachelor but Saul has his sights set on florist Emily Lucretia. A slow seduction of Emily begins to involve a number of locals, and someone is posting Emily’s picture of the town’s social media account but Emily is batting between head and heart as her beloved uncle is injured in a fall, and her heart is lost to our story line hero.

Meanwhile, Emily’s employee Gentry McAdams is working above and beyond at Emily’s shop but Emily suspects someone has captured Gentry’s heart, a young woman who is currently working for the man Emily loves. Mila Nash is trying everything to grab Gentry’s attention but Gentry struggles with demons from the past.

The relationship between Emily and Saul is a friends to lovers; a slow building romance between two people who live and work in Cemetery Indiana, a small town of friendly residents who love and support their local citizens. Saul has lusted after Emily from afar but is determined to seduce the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emily’s Aunt Mabel and Uncle Sullivan; Gentry and Mila; Pit Stop waiter Wheeler; Saul’s Godson Beck t-shirt shop owner Lawson Salder; town busybody Betty Cemetery, and Kathleen, who appears everywhere and anywhere.

THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP is a sweet story of family and friendships, love and happily ever afters. The premise is heartwarming -there is little to no conflict; the romance is tender; the characters are impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Dangerous One (Osborn Brothers 1) by Lori Foster-a review

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THE DANGEROUS ONE (Osborn Brothers 1) by Lori Foster-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 21, 2023

Being alone is what he wanted… All he needed was her.
Hunter Osborn left his family, his friends and his job as a park ranger after uncovering a disturbing crime scene. Haunted by nightmares and harrowing memories, Hunter relocated to an isolated property near Triple Creek, Colorado, where he lives alone and keeps his interactions with people to a minimum.

Still, Hunter can spot trouble from a mile away, and when he encounters Jodi Bentley, he knows she’s trouble of the most tempting kind—even more tempting when she moves into the run-down cabin next door. Jodi is tough as nails, sexy as hell—and clearly struggles with her own traumatic past. Hunter tries to keep his distance, but when Jodi’s life is threatened, he can’t help being drawn out of his own darkness and into hers.

•••••

REVIEW:THE DANGEROUS ONE is the first instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult OSBORN BROTHERS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s MACKENZIES OF RIDGE TRAIL series. This is former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn, and landscaper Jodi Bentley’s story line. Jodi Bentley was first introduced in the aforementioned series.

Told from third person perspective THE DANGEROUS ONE follows the building relationship between is former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn, and landscaper Jodi Bentley. Jodi Bentley has purchased the property and rundown house next door to former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn. Hunter needs his privacy; the quiet of living in the country, as he continues to struggle with a devastating search and rescue, months before. Jodi Bentley’s move to Ridge Trail is predicated on her ability to protect and defend. Jodi knows that her own protection is a matter of security and the well place surveillance of family and friends but Jodi never expected to be targeted for taking possession of an abandoned cabin. With the help of Hunter Osborn, Jodi reluctantly accepts the direction of her new life going forward until a message warns Jodi that all is not well, and her life may be forfeit with a secret discovery. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jodi and Hunters, and the potential fall-out as Jodi finds herself hunted by a powerful man.

Jodi Bentley is a strong-willed, aggressive and determined heroine whose past life is dark, and has created the woman with whom Hunter will fall in love. Jodi had hoped for the peace and quiet of country living but from the outset Jodi discovers her ‘abrasive’ attitude has made a few enemies throughout the town. Hunter Osborn lives in seclusion, struggling in the wake of a heart breaking event. Meeting Jodi Bentley gives Hunter purpose, purpose that will pull together family and friends in an effort to save our heroine’s life.

The relationship between Hunter and Jodi begins as neighbors but Jodi’s first encounters with the locals finds our heroine battling with the misogynistic attitudes of the people in charge. Hunter is disheartened to discover someone has bought the place next door but is pulled into the aura that is Jodi Bentley. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous and colorful. We are introduced to Hunter’s brother Memphis; businessmen Worth Linlow, and Russ King, Danny Giggs, and Remmy Gardner, as well as the cameo (via phone) of Reyes McKenzie and Kennedy Brooks (Stronger Than you Know), and Reyes’ father Parrish McKenzie. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE DANGEROUS ONE is a story of secrets and lies, power, control and manipulation, security, protection, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and enthralling; the characters are energetic and determined; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW by Lori Foster- review

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STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW (McKenzies of Ridge Trail 2) by Lori Foster-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2021

Their secrets run deep, but desire runs deeper…

Kennedy Brooks has spent years learning how to protect herself, and empowering other women to do the same. Still, there are some hazards that can’t be predicted. That includes Reyes McKenzie, who owns her local gym. Strong, capable, and watchful, he seems like the one man who might understand her past. For once, Kennedy is tempted to let her guard down—something she’s vowed never to do.

The moment petite, fiercely determined Kennedy walked into his gym, Reyes knew that she carried secrets. What he didn’t expect was that she could tell the same about him. When trouble tracks her down, she turns to Reyes, unleashing a maelstrom of protective instinct and mutual desire. But will her need for him end when the danger does, or will they take the ultimate risk—on each other?

•••••••

REVIEW: STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult MCKENZIES OF RIDGE TRAIL erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the McKenzie family. This is motivational speaker Kennedy Brooks, and gym owner Reyes McKenzie’s story line. STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading book one NO HOLDING BACK for back story and cohesion

WARNING: Due to the nature of the storyline premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kennedy and Reyes, STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW follows in the wake of Kennedy coming home from her latest weekend speaking engagement to discover her apartment building on fire, and two men dressed in black looking for our story line heroine. A panicked call to Reyes McKenzie, finds Kennedy holed up with our story line hero, as he and his family begin an investigation into the who, how and why. When Kennedy reveals the truth about her past, and her friend in a similar situation, the McKenzie family take control, in an effort to protect the woman with whom Reyes is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Reyes and Kennedy, and the potential fall-out as Kennedy’s past is determined to take back what doesn’t belong.

Reyes McKenzie has lusted after Kennedy since the first time they met but Reyes suspected that Kennedy was hiding a secret, a secret that when exposed would draw in the McKenzie clan, like no one else. The McKenzie family is a force unto themselves working behind the scenes, sometimes skirting the edge of the law, in an effort to save the young and vulnerable. Kennedy Brooks continues to struggle with demons from the past but uses her speaking engagements to warn others about the potential dangers that lurk around every corner.

The relationship between Kennedy and Reyes is one of immediate attraction but Reyes knows that Kennedy is in no position to engage in a sexual arrangement. Living together while the McKenzies work outside of the law, means up close and personal for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are passionate, intense and seductive.

We are introduced to the wonderful and impassioned McKenzie clan: father Parrish McKenzie, and his friend/assistant Bernard; Reyes’ brother Cade and his wife Sterling (No Holding Back 1); their sister Madison, police officer Crosby Albertson,and Kennedy’s friend Jodi Bentley. The requisite evil has many faces. Crosby and Madison’s story is next in WATCHING OVER YOU.

STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of power and obsession, betrayal and vengeance. The character driven premise is strong and twisted; the romance is captivating and provocative; the characters are inspiring and spirited.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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All Fired Up (Road To Love #3) by Lori Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

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All Fired Up (Road To Love #3) by Lori Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

ALL FIRED UP
Road To Love #3
by Lori Foster
Release Date: November 19, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon | Amazon.ca |Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Google | Chapters/Indigo |

He’s tantalizing trouble she can’t resist…

Charlotte Parrish has always wanted a certain kind of man: someone responsible, settled, boring. Bad boys need not apply. But when her car leaves her stranded and a mysterious stranger with brooding eyes and a protective streak comes to her rescue, she can’t deny how drawn she is to him. In town searching for family he’s never met, Mitch is everything she never thought she wanted—and suddenly everything she craves.

Finding his half brothers after all these years is more than Mitch Crews has allowed himself to wish for. Finding love never even crossed his mind…until he meets Charlotte. She’s sweet, warmhearted, sexier than she knows—and too damn good for an ex-con like him. But when his past comes back to haunt him, putting Charlotte—and the family he’s come to care for—in danger, Mitch isn’t playing by the rules. He’s already surrendered his heart, but now he’ll risk his life.

•••••••••

REVIEW:ALL FIRED UP is the third instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult ROAD TO LOVE erotic, romance series. This is twenty-nine year old Mitch Crews, and twenty-five year old Charlotte Parrish’s story line. ALL FIRED UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Charlotte and Mitch ALL FIRED UP follows the building romance between is twenty-nine year old Mitch Crews, and twenty-five year old Charlotte Parrish. Mitch Crews is an ex-con whose been searching for the half-brothers Brodie and Jack, but a woman in trouble gave Mitch the opportunity to save a lady in distress bringing him face to face with the brothers he has never met. Enter Charlotte Parrish, Brodie and Jack’s foster sibling, and the woman with whom Mitch will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Mitch and Charlotte, and the potential fall-out when Mitch’s past comes seeking revenge.

Mitch Crews grew up in poverty with an drug addicted mother, whose boyfriend all but destroyed Mitch’s life that landed our hero in prison in an effort to protect the woman who should have protected Mitch Crews. Release from prison gave Mitch the opportunity to find the family he never knew including the woman that called to his heart. Charlotte Parrish was a member of the Crews family, not by blood, but by heart and soul. Working as Jack and Brodie’s office manager, Charlotte finds herself loved and protected by everyone including the brother they never knew.

The relationship between Charlotte and Mitch is one of immediate attraction but Mitch’s past is determined to destroy the people he loves. The death of his mother, and subsequent demolition of their house places Mitch in the crosshairs of a man who believes Mitch owes him his life. Determined to protect Charlotte, Mitch reluctantly allows his brothers to help with what has to be done. Charlotte knows Mitch is the man with whom she wants to spend the rest of her life but first the must take down and stop Mitch’s past from destroying them all. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Mitch’s half-brothers: Brodie and his wife Mary (Driven to Distraction), Jack and his wife Ronnie (Slow Ride); their mother Rosalyn, their father Elliott, and police officer Grant Colvin. The requisite evil has many faces.

ALL FIRED UP is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and revenge; a story of second chances for our story line hero, and a happily ever after for Charlotte and Mitch. The premise is engaging, suspenseful and entertaining; the characters are strong, energetic and protective; the romance is seductive and captivating. ALL FIRED UP is a wonderful and exciting addition to Foster’s ROAD TO LOVE series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Driven to Distraction
Slow Ride
All Fired Up

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About Lori Foster:

Lori Foster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author with books from a variety of publishers, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin and Silhouette. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her Web site at www.lorifoster.com.

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Sisters of Summer’s End (Summer Resort #2) by Lori Foster-a review

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SISTERS OF SUMMER’S END (Summer Resort #2) by Lori Foster-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2019

As the summer ends, friendship begins…When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorce who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son. A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and cafe, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing. Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together.

And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SISTERS OF SUMMER’S END is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult SUMMER RESORT romance series focusing on the men and women who live and work at the lakeside resort Cooper’s Charm in Woodbine, Ohio. This is thirty year old, single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk’s story line. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is also a secondary romance developing between camp store owner Maris Kennedy, and handyman Daron Hardy.

Told from several third person perspectives including Royce and Joy SISTERS OF SUMMERS END follows the building relationship between single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk, Six years earlier Joy Lee found herself pregnant and alone but hoping to make a new life she settled into Cooper’s Charm lakeside resort where she would become the recreational director and find a new family with the people for whom she worked and loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Joy will come face to face with the drive-in’s new owner Royce Nakirk that has her reconsidering her self-imposed life as a single mother. What ensues is the building friendship and relationship between Royce and Joy, and the potential fall-out as Joy’s past offers her a second chance- for a price.

Meanwhile camp store owner Maris Kennedy is oblivious to the attention of handyman Daron Hardy. Always serving the customers and the people with whom she lives and works, Maris is blind to Daron’s attention including the subtle flirtatious jibs and jibes.
The relationship between Joy and Royce is one of immediate attention but Joy tends to keep to herself as she is a single mother trying to make it on her own. Having been tossed aside by the father of her child, then her own parents, Joy struggles with opening her heart to another possible failed relationship. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

The secondary and colorful supporting characters include Cooper Cochran and his wife Phoenix Rose, as well as Phoenix’ sister Ridley (Cooper’s Charm #1), as well as Joy’s son Jack, and her parents Cara and Wallace Reed. The friendships and camaraderie between the employees at Cooper’s Charm is sweet, loving and protective.

SISTERS OF SUMMER’S END is a story of family, friendships, romance and love The premise is entertaining and endearing; the romance is tender; the characters are energetic and spirited. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is the perfect beach read for a lazy summer afternoon.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one -COOPER’S CHARM

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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