Member Reviews

4.5 stars

I loved reading Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster.
From the first page I was drawn in, I fell in love with Talia and Derek. I loved their attraction and the chemistry between them was off the charts.
They made me smile, they made me swoon, I shed a tear or two and I totally understood how these two felt like neither was enough for the other.
I was one happy girl they were able to open their hearts and trust each other unconditionally.

Love Like Ours is a lovely, heartfelt addition to the Sugar Lake series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all!

*A big thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

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Beautifully charming, deliciously sweet, and romantic. A fantastic book that will keep you intrigued, turning the pages and wishing for a HEA ending. Well find out today for yourself, get this wonderful book all for yourself to enjoy. Loving this series and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and other books by author.

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Talia and Derek!! These two I enjoyed reading so much. You could tell that Talia just had a passion inside of her that just needed the right man to bring it out. Did she think that would be the male dancer? No. But Derek is all about doing whatever he can to take care of his father. Besides fate sometimes knows better than we do.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

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Wow I just found my new book boyfriend!! Still swooning over the very sexy, artist/ male dancer Derek Grant!! When Talia Dalton almost runs Derek over in the university parking lot, Talia is surprised by the chemistry she has for this man!! On paper they both seem so different but in time they realize they need each other to flourish!! These two have amazing smoking hot sex and when Talia goes to watch him dance!! Wow I definitely could feel the heat in the room rising!! With Derek also taking care of his father because he has alzheimer..this is definitely a story that hits home for a lot of families! This is, for sure, my favourite book of Melissa Foster's to date!! Don't hesitate to one click this book!!

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I was moved by this beautifully written book about a gorgeous, talented man who changes his dreams after his equally talented father is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Exchanging his accounting job for bartending and strip tease dancing at the same bar, where he can make much more money, so he can take care of his father. With friends that he meet at a support group, Derek now dreams about opening a daycare center dementia patients at the family home. He has no time for women and also fears that he might have inherited the gene. That is until he is literally hit in the university parking lot by Professor Talia Dalton, distracted by a phone call with her family, urging her to step out of her comfort zone. And that is exactly what Derek manages to do for her.

I received a free, advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review

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4.5 Stars from Renee!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
The Real Thing (Sugar Lake #1)
Only for You (Sugar Lake #2)

This is Talia and Derek’s story. Talia does not like taking chances with her heart. She has had a broken heart before and does not want another one. When she almost runs over a sexy man one morning that just might change. Derek has goals he wants to achieve and does not mind working hard to do that. When he meets Talia he is smitten but will her hurts of the past keep him from breaking down her walls around her heart? He wants her and is willing to prove it but is it going to be enough? Or will all the pushing away finally push him away for good?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

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QueenZany 4 Star Review
Love Like Ours
Melissa Foster



Love Like Ours is what you call, fun, sexy and over the top funny!
I just enjoyed the storyline front the get-go. Well especially after that dance. Oh, you will have to read about it to learn what I’m talking about!! So, if your looking for a little piece of heaven look no further!! Just dive in and in love!

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As usual when I pick up a book written by Melissa Foster, I know I will get a sweet, steamy and emotional story. Love Like Ours was no different. I have been following the Sugar Lake series from the start and each the Dalton siblings intrigued me. Their personalities varied from wild to conservative and I was curious to discover whom they would be paired with romantically.

Talia Dalton, a college professor is conservative and staid by nature. She avoids relationships, as she believes men cannot be trusted based on experience. She would rethink her position when she almost ran over sexy male dancer Derek Grant with her car.

Derek Grant is a college student, bartender and a male dancer. Certainly not the kind of guy that a staid and conservative professor would date much less to call in love with. However, when love comes knocking, it does not care who it strikes as Talia will discover.

Love Like Ours tells the story of two people who found love by accident and was determined to make their relationship work despite the odds. You are probably wondering if this was a case of a teacher falling for her student; well let me put you at ease it is not. Derek was never one of Talia’s students.

I admired Derek for his selflessness. He danced as it provided him with much-needed funds to take care of his dad who was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s. Never once did he resent taking care of his dad, even when things got tough he maintained a positive attitude.

Talia is an understanding girlfriend. She never made him feel that he had to choose between her and his dad. She was there for him every step of the way, offering him comfort and encouragement. I enjoyed watching how her family embraced Derek and their willingness to assist in the care of his dad.

Now I know that Melissa’s stories are free of conflict and angst. I must confess that based on the topic the author explored I was expecting some amount of conflict. Well, it did not materialise. The characters had their issues, but they addressed them without any unnecessary drama.

I loved how their relationship developed. It started out fast but then it slowed building up to that moment when they realised they were in love with each other.

The author provided tidbits of information regarding the characters from the previous installment. She brought readers up to date on what is happening in their lives since they found their happily ever after.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of sweet and drama free romance will enjoy this latest offering from Ms. Foster.

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This is the first book I have read by Melissa Foster and I’m thrilled that she has a huge catalog of books that I can sink my teeth into because I really enjoyed this book! One of my favorite things about her characters is that they’re mature adults approaching their 30’s which really appeals to me because I feel that I have more in common with characters in this age range. I loved the romance between Derek and Talia because he’s an intelligent man with a free spirit and he’s exactly the kind of man Talia needs in her life. The fact that he’s got a very big secret makes him even more exhilarating and that cover model is scorchingly HOT!! Kudos to the art department! On a serious note I want to say that I really admire the author for writing a realistic storyline about Alzheimer’s disease from the caregivers point of view. I’ve been in a similar situation and having other people who can step in to give the caregiver a break is a real gift of love for the family. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

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5 stars

Never judge a book by its cover or in this case by its profession. Talía is all of us. One bad relationship can make us scorned for life and instead of doubting others we doubt ourselves. Derek’s main focus is his dad and in understanding that he could possibly burden someone he meets Talía. Or she runs over him #semantics they show us that all family structures are important and that the puzzle doesn’t have to be shiny and new and that the reality is much better than the drawings.

Laura - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

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I feel like I am always repeating myself when it comes to a Ms. Foster book. They always leave me with a heartwarming feeling. I keep expecting that at some point one will not live up to all the others but they always do and I can't say I'm disappointed about that. I think Talia and Derek's story is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. I think every person has that one friend, or lover, that brings the best out in them. Talia and Derek found that in each other, and when not even looking. I love the worlds that Ms. Foster creates. You get to meet whole families and groups of friends and follow them all through their journey of life and love. I have enjoyed this Sugar Lake journey and can't wait for more.

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Wow. Just wow. I’m still recovering from all the “feels” from Derek and Tallie’s story in Love Like Ours. It’s a story of love, hope, faith, and family. And one that will stick with me for a long time.

I absolutely adored both Derek and Tallie. Derek for his positivity in such a difficult situation—taking care of his ailing father, working as much as possible to ensure that their financial needs were met and going to school to finish his degree. With all this pressure, he still managed to find joy and happiness in life. And then love when he met Tallie.

And Tallie. Wow, she sure broke out of her comfort zone once she embraced the love that Derek offered. I loved how free and self-confident she became as she realized that love and trust were attainable and true. And that’s just what the romance between Derek and Tallie is: true.

Love Like Ours is an amazing addition to the fantastic Sugar Lake series and I can’t wait for more!

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Never talk to your family on your smartphone while you are in a hurry trying to find a parking spot! They were ganging up on Talia, trying to get her to date and step out of her shell, when she almost ran over a man with the most gorgeous blue eyes she had ever seen.

Sometimes, first impressions can be deceiving. Blue Eyes was gorgeous, but when she looked further, this man dressed in ripped jeans, scruff all over his face, tattoos, and long hair that looked not only unruly but unkept. Definitely not someone she would take home! Little did she realize there was more to this man than his exterior.

This is a love story for the ages. Love is not only the lust you feel for each other. It is the meeting of two minds, two souls, in the most intimate manner. It is also the degree of sacrifice and loyalty you are willing to give those you love when they need you the most. This is a tender, deeply emotional love story that befits this bestselling author.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the publisher for sharing a copy with me.

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4.5 Stars

Love Like Ours is the third addition to the Sugar Lake series. I’m quickly coming to love the not only the town of Sugar Lake but its inhabitants as well. This title is very close to my heart, and I’m sure it will touch anyone who has had a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s. It’s not only an emotional, sweet and heart-warming romance but very relatable.

Talia Dalton is a college professor stuck firmly in her comfort zone. This intelligent, organised, reserved professor likes things to be planned and prepared. She’s the quiet and shy one in an outgoing and loving family who do their best to make her take charge and be a bit more out there.

Derek is devoted, compassionate, caring and loving and at times it’s like he has the world weighing down on his shoulders. He’s also incredibly driven, and intelligent and when he wants something he’s incredibly perseverant.

Talia and Derek’s story is well paced and told in a dual point of view. I loved not only the chemistry this pair share but their banter that is fun, flirtatious, and playful, but at times they also have deep intellectual conversations. They bring out the best in each other.

Strong themes of family flow throughout this title and I adored the interactions between the Dalton siblings, their banter is witty, and they argue and squabble with each other in a way that anyone with siblings can relate to.

I will be eagerly awaiting more of Sugar Lake and the Dalton family!

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I just keep falling in love with these books. Every single one has been a hit and I can't get enough. Melissa Foster has put herself on my one-click list.

Love Like Ours brings the sweet, the sexy, the fun, and the feels. All the feels. If you haven't read Melissa Foster, what are you waiting for?!

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Whenever I read a Melissa foster romance I know I'm in for a good time. Her writing is crisp and her characters relatable.

Derek our hero, kept conjuring images of Aquaman for this reader. Wait, does that guy have blue or green eyes? Have you seen him? I don't even think his eye color matters. The whole picturing Aquaman thing really worked for this romance and Avenger loving reader.

The main characters, Talia and Derek, are pretty much perfect. Which you'd think would make for a pretty boring read, but you'd be wrong. They have dimension and depth and a wonderful host of family and friends to add humor, clarity and awareness to their lives and all the inherent peaks and valleys. It feels real and more importantly heartfelt.

Dig in, lap up every crumb, and enjoy.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review

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Love Like Ours is a fairly sweet read. There's little conflict to the story. If you are in a need of a sweet love story like this, look no further with a Love Like Ours. You crash into Talia and Derek's relationship quickly. At first there's a little conflict, because Talia thinks she's crushing on a student. Fortunately, Derek puts Talia at easy a little. Talia has to overcome some of her insecurities, but Derek is willing to be patient with her.

Love Like Ours could've had a little more conflict to develop that would have made the story move along a little faster. However, there is a slow buildup to this relationship that is sweet. There is a little conflict that kind of arises, but fizzles out before it even gets started. Overall, a sweet loving story. They seem to manage to overcome Derek's father's health issues with ease, which could have another point of contentions. Talia is extremely understanding in this part, but that's part of her character. Need something with little drama, you found the story with Love Like Ours.

Copy provided by Montlake via NetGalley

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Tahlia Dalton is a professor and she likes her life the way it is going right now, simple for her and no guy. Her sisters and mother of course think that is totally the wrong attitude to take and they are having this conversation while she is driving in the parking lot at her college. When she almost runs over a guy she ends the call and apologizes. Dereck Grant at first is shaken by the car but shakes it off when he sees Tahlia getting out of the car and talking to him. Now that it is settled she goes to class and while giving her lecture in walks Dereck, and this throws her off just a little. Tahlia likes her life the way it is and she has everything planed and falling for a guy is not in her plan. She finds herself running into him a few more times especially when she goes to a bar and he is the bartender, she later finds out that he also dances and when he finishes for some reason she is embarrassed and leaves. Dereck continues to show up in class and as he ask her out on a date she declines because she is his teacher. It is then you find out that he has just been sitting in the class because he likes to hear her voice. After agreeing to out they begin to spend more time together and this is really were the story takes off. The author keeps the story real with Dereck dealing with a father with Alzheimer’s and her nosy sisters trying to find out what she is up to. Together he helps her to come out of her shell and she shows him that it is okay to allow someone in to love him. Overall this is a very good book with wonderful characters.

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What a wonderful book this is! It is so much more than just a remance book. Talia is a professor, and a rules follower. It is a story of her coming out of her careful comfort zone. She has a large family that are really close, and brings a lot of laughter to the book. There is also Derek. He is taking care of his father that has Alzheimers, as well as earning his master's degree. In order to be able to do that, he is a bartender and dancer. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but it is also a story of family and love. Melissa Foster did a great job showing the difficult life of being a caregiver of someone with this horrible disease. I know that because my mother has Alzheimers, and she is spot on showing what it is like. Through all this, there is the love between Derek snd Talia, but there is also, the love and compassion of family. I very highly recommend this book.

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You can not go wrong with this story! It is the third book in the Sugar Lake series. Talia and Derek are great characters. They have such great chemistry and are made for each other. Opposites truly do attract in this book. This book is also about family and how important they are. Melissa Foster writes another wonderful story. Received an arc from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

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