Claimed by Love
Love in Bloom: The Ryders #2
By: Melissa Foster
Releasing March 23, 2016
World Literary Press
Blurb
Family law attorney Gabriella Liakos has one true love, Elpitha Island, where she grew up and hopes someday to return. But Elpitha is in financial ruins, and Gabriella will do anything to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
Duke Ryder is a savvy real estate investor set on making Elpitha into an exclusive resort. Unlike other investors, he’s not scared of purchasing a property where one family has roots so deep they practically reach the ocean floor…until he meets his beautiful, stubborn, and enticing tour host―the daughter of the owner of most of the island.
Gabriella sets out to dissuade Duke from purchasing Elpitha, but Duke has other ideas. He wants Gabriella and the island. Duke’s powerful seduction draws Gabriella in, but can a savvy investor who’s used to glamour and glitz, and a woman interested in preserving the culture she adores find a happily ever after together?
Review:
An impassioned, heart-tugger with one of the sexiest heroes I’ve ever read about!
Duke is a masterpiece! Plain and simple. He was too-good-to-be-true and I didn’t care. I absolutely love him. Quite often I found myself rereading his dialogue. All I can say is Kudos! Kudos! and more Kudos!
Gabriella is fiery and fun, and although she had a moment of unsureness (which no one could blame her for), she hung in there and got her man. Not that she had to try hard. Duke was there, and he refused to let her go. He’s calm and patient, and … I can’t even explain it. READ.THE.BOOK.
I liked the way the characters were introduced – as they toured the island. It was all about bumping into others, having to stop by and take care of something, etc. It all flowed so naturally. There were times (meeting the respective families) that the meetings were planned, but for the most part, introductions came with good old-fashioned island living.
I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of real turmoil. Usually, there’s always something that threatens the relationship – and true enough there was an obstacle to overcome, but the fact that Foster chose to keep things laid-back was just plain good.
Gabby’s friend and assistant Addy is spunky, and she has a mouth that’ll embarrass a sailor. I love her. I’m excited about Trish’s (Duke’s sister) story, and I want to read more!
Rating system: The less the better.
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
LOVE your rating system! Glad you didn’t need any caffeine to keep you up reading Claimed by Love. Thank you for a wonderful review–so happy! XOXO
LOL. Thank you, and the review is much deserved! I love Claimed by Love. I was crushing so hard on Duke. You did a wonderful job. I’m ready to read about Addy and Jake. 🙂
Thank you so much for the great review post today!
You’re welcome! I really enjoyed this book. I’m excited about reading the next one!