Sweet story about 2 people who are just existing in a life of routine and loneliness until one day Talia almost runs over Derek as he distractedly crosses the street. There are many obstacles in their lives that should keep them apart. Is attraction and love enough to overcome the hurdles in their lives? A good book you will enjoy...

Another fantastic book from Melissa Foster. I loved reading about Talia and Derek. The shy sweet always proper Talia finally meets someone who can push her out of her comfort zone. She comes to realize who she really is. Derek is The most unselfish man I have ever read about. All that he does for his dad is the true meaning of a son's love. These two together make the perfect couple. This book has so much love in it, the love of a family and the love of friendship. I love catching up on the other Dalton's as well. Hoping for Piper's book soon. I can't wait to read about the sister who doesn't think she is marriage material.

I have read the previous books in this series but really you don't have to.

I enjoyed Love Like Ours. I did struggle a bit at first to get into the story but I think that is because I was in a reading slump.

I liked the characters and the writing of this story was pretty good.

Love Like Ours isn't one of my favourite books by Melissa Foster but it still kept me reading and I do want to continue reading whatever comes next in this series.

I am giving this a 3 1/2 out of 5.

Talia has her life the way she wants it even though her mom keeps putting love potions around her. When she almost runs over some hot guy her life is about to change. When Derek sees Talis he knows there is no way she is going to let her get away.
Watching him get under her skin and into her heart is beautiful. They have spark and a long road ahead of them.


** I Received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I received Love Like Ours written by Melissa Foster from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the third book in Sugar Lake series but can be read as a stand alone. This is the first book I have read by Melissa Foster.
Talia lives by the rules. With a successful career, she is calm, cool, and collected. Until she almost runs over a man and, not just any man, but the sexist man she has ever seen. Derek is a student, dancer, and caretaker of his father. Derek is open, honest, and lives within schedules because he has too. But, even though he isn't looking to fall in love, he is open to it. Now, he just has to convince Talia it's her HEA as well.
From the description, this sounds like a wonderful book. Opposites attract and the hero falling first. However, the characters and their relationship fell flat and the dialog was kinda boring. Perfect town and each was so understanding of the other. Even the embarrassment Talia felt due to Derek being a dancer was not all that extreme. I was happy to see how Foster worked in the struggles of being a caregiver to anyone. Having to ask for help and living by a schedule. #LoveLiekOurs #NetGalley

This starts out with a bang...of a pairs of big hands on the hood of the Parking Lot Plower's car. This cute meet of the sexy professor and the hunky older student is just the beginning of a sweet romance with some sexy heat. A mature relationship that goes beyond the libido and ventures into real life issues of family, friends and devastating illness. These beautifully crafted characters are so lovely and realistic in their struggle to build and maintain a relationship while dealing with personal concerns. The sexy Derek is so unlike anyone Talia thought she would go for but he's too good to pass up even with all he has going on. Two jobs, school, ill father, and a new business venture. He's a swoon-worthy hero! Derek is smitten from the beginning and is determined to take Talia out of her comfort zone and see him as more than a hot body. These two make a fabulous couple with genuine feelings and steamy passion. I love the secondary characters especially Mom, the sibs and their antics. This author's writing is fabulous and heartfelt and takes us on a wonderful journey of love, life and family. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

From the very start it’s a charming tale of opposites attracting found amongst the pages of this contemporary romance that deals with heavy issues while balancing feel good interactions. Readers will find this a simple story, almost too simple at times, of boy meets girl with compelling layers making it more relatable and that has it leaving a lasting impact after the turn of the final page.

Talia Dalton is the proverbial good girl, one who’s always done the expected when it comes to her work and her personal life. With her recent relationship ending with her being cheated on though, she’s starting to realize that being good isn’t bringing her any closer to HEA. Seeing her siblings finding their own HEAs has her wanting that for herself and determined to start living life more fully and going outside of her comfort zone. The first step in that process comes in the form of sexy bartender/dancer Derek and before long he has her doing things she never thought she’d do. Being with Derek brings Talia outside of her safety bubble as she starts standing up for what she wants and embraces loving Derek wholeheartedly. As the story progressed she became more comfortable in her skin, but there was still the occasional issue with her self-esteem when his dancing was discussed that made me frustrated. She held certain assumptions about his dancing, feelings that had her keeping his job a secret from her family that could’ve caused a big roadblock. Ms. Foster never took the obvious route though in this tale and despite that one small foible, Talia’s a very likable heroine. She’s kind-hearted, loyal, and places great importance on family and the supportive interactions of these eclectic characters put a smile on my face.

Derek Grant’s a charming man who’s the quintessential hero in many ways. He’s sexy, doesn’t shirk from his responsibilities, and will sacrifice much for his father who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s. He’s a hard worker and has a plan for his life that’s left little room for love. The moment he’s almost hit by a car is the moment everything changes for him though. Previously, his life revolved all around his father, but seeing Talia leaves him captivated. He soon finds himself putting his heart on the line trying to claim her, figuring out how to juggle his father’s needs with what brings him happiness. And being with Talia definitely makes him happy as there’s a sense of freedom when they’re together. It’s them against the outside world and I enjoyed their quiet, introspective interludes that gave great insight into the changes they went through once they stopped making assumptions. Derek’s a loving son who wears his heart on his sleeve. He easily expresses his feelings for Talia, is quick to claim her in front of everyone, and the romanticism surrounding him warmed my heart. In subtle words and deeds he makes sure that Talia knows she’s loved in a relationship full of heart and soul.

There was a beautiful balance in this story as it dealt with the heavy issue of Derek’s father’s illness alongside a sweet and sexy relationship between two very different people who are perfect for each other. Jonah’s Alzheimer’s was dealt with in vivid detail, the personal pain to those deciding what’s best as well as the loss experienced by those suffering with the illness, and it broke my heart. It’s a timely discussion that Ms. Foster brought to life, one that I became fully invested in and that really has no easy answers. Derek’s dancing was an issue for Talia too, it battered her self-esteem and could’ve caused a crack in their relationship. Ms. Foster didn’t take the expected route though and for that I wanted to cheer. These two individuals clearly loved each other and nothing was more important than that love. Alongside this strong-willed main couple was a large cast of secondary characters, a cast of characters readers have seen before and who are strong supports to the main couple. They’re a caring group of people, snarky and playful at times in their familial roles, and their immediate acceptance of Derek and his father was endearing. From start to finish I had a smile on my face courtesy of the warmth and humor this story engendered in me. The romance was heartwarming too with its sweet and sensual interludes, moments on the stage and off. Readers looking to be charmed will get all that and more in this delightful tale of opposites attracting.

As always, Foster delivers with her powerful writing and gut wrenching story. A masterful storyteller, Foster brings to life a love story that hits close to home and is so very real, it’s hard not to feel it personally. Between her dynamics characters and complex storyline wrought with passion, growth, and love, Love Like Ours is a an emotional investment one must prepare themself for.

It’s hard not to gush about this story. Foster has proven herself time and again that she can not only write an entertaining story but a multidimensional one as well. Her characters like real people rather than creations and her stories are so engaging that, even those who come for the romance, stay for story.

The only downside is the heroine’s “once bitten twice shy attitude.” Even with Foster’s lovable hero, great characters, and diverting storyline, this overused trope yet again rears its ugly head. While it is true that this is a very real thing, it is tedious at this point.

MY REVIEW:

​Let me just say, I love the Dalton's. They are hilariously lovable. I wish I liked my kids well enough to want to make love potions for them. (Yes, here is where you laugh) Right now, I just want them and the grandkids out of the house. Maybe then I'd sprinkle love potions in my daughter's car and baby making ones in the other daughter's car.

Melissa knows how to develop these magical relationships with the hunky hero and the nerdy heroine, who has no clue she is beautiful. She can foster a burgeoning romance with her eyes closed. After all, don't we all want a handsome, caring man who can strip dance for us in private and break our hearts with how wonderful he is to take care of his ailing father. Talia and Derek are an unlikely couple which is why they are perfect, but it has to be done their way and in their time. A love like theirs is unlike any others and transcends time.

The steam practically rises off the pages, or in my case, melts the kindle. There are few contemporary authors that I must have. Must read. Melissa Foster is definitely on the list. In fact, I'd say she is at the top.

I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

4 1/2 Stars

Talia is a professor and the oldest, serious one in her family. But when she meets Derek at the bar where he bar-tends and dances, her world changes. Derek has so much more to offer besides his looks. While caring for his father who has Alzheimers, he goes to school and works to pay the bills and save for his and his father's future. He knows his future is to help people that can no longer help themselves and he wants to start a group home to help them.

This is a heart-wrenching story that shows the effects that this debilitating disease can have on not only the person who has it, but on their family and friends. You have to fall in love with Derek because of his character ... he puts his father first in his life and even though he has every opportunity, he doesn't sleep around. Talia is just this quiet person just waiting for someone to help her break out of her shell ... and Derek is that person. They fall head over heels in love with each other.

I received an ARC courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was a really well-written story about going out of our comfort zones and what we may find. Talia has been in a place that she felt safe. Missing out on life because she had been betrayed by an old boyfriend. When she almost runs over Derek literally her life changes. She is pulled out of her comfort zone and now has to take a leap of faith. Derek has a father with Alzheimer and is doing what he has to pay the bills. This is a sensual moving story about what true love means.

Sweet romance, that gave me all the feels. At first glance Derek seemed like an unlikely lover. Talia. was determined to fight the attraction she felt to hims. But ultimately his loving and caring ways won her over. Not to mention he was sex on a stick. Together they burned up the pages on my kindle. .

Have to say I love the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster and boy Derek hot, sexy addition to this series. I felt for Derek for what he is going through yet what he does is not what defines him. Now Talia is not your typical strong woman but she sees what she can be like in his eyes. This is more than just a romance it is about seeing more than meets the eye and love that Melissa Foster shows us to never judge a person on the outside but what they really are in the inside.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and at least as good as the other two, possibly better. One can pretty much guarantee that Melissa Foster will deliver a sexy, smart, fun, and family-focused story, with tears and smiles pretty evenly distributed. There is always cuteness, but never an overload, and drama, but not of the over-the-top variety. Basically, a really good read!

In this installment, the sensible, guarded professor, Talia finds out that maybe she has to accept that her mother's love potions do work... in a roundabout way. We get a real feel for the kind of person that Talia is, thanks to meeting her friend Fletch, his dog Molly, and her revealing how she generally dealt with her big loud family by reading off to the side. She also has to overcome the damage done by a heartless boyfriend who put her down and ruined her confidence of being a desirable woman. Luckily Derek has nothing but praise and admiration for the sexy professor who nearly runs him over and is determined to pursue her. It is fun watching her break down her barriers because she recognises that her trust will not be misplaced this time.

Jonah's story is heart-rending and beautifully written. The scenes with Louie are just perfect and will require a tissue or two. Foster has done an amazing job of writing about the pleasure, the guilt, and the time demands of having such a parent, as well as the possibility of inheriting the disease, yet never in a preachy or sentimental way. It forms a key part of the book, but certainly does not overshadow the pleasure that Derek and Talia experience together, nor the talent that both Derek and his father have in drawing cartoons. The very descriptions of them brought them to life, which was again thanks to the skill of this talented author.

Thank you for another lovely, fun, sad, and ultimately uplifting book of life and love.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the Sugar Lake series and all about Talia, the oldest of the Dalton siblings. She is a college professor and thinks her life is fine just as it is. But her sisters will not settle for fine. They want to see Talia happy and in a relationship that might lead to love. Or maybe for her to let her hair down a little. But Talia has to keep control and guard her heart. She will not let any man hurt her again. While on the way to school one day and talking to her sisters and being distracted from driving, she almost runs over a man. A very gorgeous and sexy man with bedroom blue eyes and he seems to have stirred something inside of her.

Derek Grant can't believe that a woman almost ran him over, she wasn't even paying attention. When she got out of the car, he did notice she was very sexy, even in her rattled state. As he hurried to his class, he can't stop thinking about her. After his class and on the way out of the building, he hears a familiar voice, the woman who almost ran him over and she is a professor. So he sits down and listens to her for the rest of the class. Funny how he attends a class that he isn't even enrolled in just to be near her.

Talia and Derek hit it off because they are two peas in a pod. They are made for each other and their story is a perfect mix of funny, sweet, sexy, loving, heartbreaking, and forever. And don't forget that Talia still has to put up with her crazy family and their meddling and her mom and her love potions.

I love this series and I think this is my favorite couple so far. If you are looking for the perfect mix of emotional reading, then you need to read this series or better yet, any series by Melissa Foster. She will have you glued to every page until the end and leave you smiling. I never read the synopsis of any of Foster's book, I know I will want to read them when they come up in the review group. So get something to drink and enjoy the ride with Talia and Derek, I loved it and I hope you do too.

Talia Dalton is a professor at the local university and thanks to the meddling and distracting of her family on the phone one morning, she almost runs over the very sexy Derek Grant. Derek is a grad student, bartender, occasional male dancer, and most importantly – the caretaker for his father Jonah who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. After their initial, almost run-in, they luckily keep crossing paths until Talia is struggling to keep her feelings at bay for the amazing Derek. Between her being a professor, him being a male dancer, and the demands of caring for Jonah, Talia and Dalton have to face potential obstacles head on as their attractions and feelings grow.

First of all, I challenge anyone that reads this novel to not fall in love with Derek. I assure you that it’s not possible. Sexy, smart, caring, loving, talented, and so on… He’s just incredible. Don’t get me wrong, Talia is great, but between the two of them, I feel that he is the stronger character. After meeting and finally acknowledging their attraction to one another, they have several issues to deal with, especially the fact that Derek lives and takes care of his father that is struggling in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Talia also has ongoing issues with Derek filling in at the bar as one of their male dancers, despite his explaining to her how much the money helps in saving for his dream of opening an adult day care center for others suffering from Alzheimer’s. I mean really, Talia, could he have a bigger heart or be more swoon-worthy?

Typical of Melissa Foster’s novels, Love Like Ours is romantic, sexy, has the perfect amount of conflict, and plenty of laughs that make this a wonderful read. However, I feel that the best part of this novel is the family aspect. Talia’s incredible family just automatically includes Derek, Jonah, and the wonderful stand-in mom/caretaker that helps with Jonah. Her Dad and brother jump in ready to help with possible renovations and business ideas for Derek’s adult day care center. Talia’s sweet 5-year-old nephew jumps right in spending time with Jonah like they’ve been family forever, and everyone just accepts the situation with Jonah and all spend time together so beautifully that I cannot begin to count the number of times I reached for a Kleenex. And just wait for when Derek gives Talia’s mom the birthday gift that he made for her. I’m embarrassed to say that I wasn’t just teary-eyed, I was crying so much that my hubby came into the room to make sure everything was o.k. But they were happy tears!

I have no idea how Melissa Foster continues to create such incredible characters and stories that are so touching and unforgettable, but what a gift she is! Her novels make you want that amazing romance, make you want to be more loving and caring towards others, and just make you want to strive to have the happiest life possible. Once again, I am in awe of her talent, creativity, and passion that result in novel after novel that touches my heart. Love Like Ours represents and embodies everything that I love about her writing and exceeds all expectations of a contemporary romance novel.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I want to go to Sugar Lake. The characters that live there are sweet, sexy, thrilling, amazing, and just wonderful in every way. Talia Dalton feels she is not sexy and not woman enough for any man after a disastrous college relationship. Then she meets Derek Grant, well she doesn’t exactly meet hi but almost run him over while distracted by her family. One look into those gorgeous blue eyes and she is gone.

I love how professional Talia is. She works, she covers classes for her friend and co-worker while he is unable due to a sickness, and she takes care of said co-worker in her spare time. Derek is a dancer and a caregiver. He takes care of his father who has Alzheimer’s. He won me over instantly when he was honest about the time he must spend taking care of him and how he isn’t willing to let it go. With Talia’s protected heart and his loving heart their relationship can handle anything.


I did want Talia to be a little stronger, not to dwell on her past relationship, not to worry about what her family would think, and definitely not to worry what her co-worker would think. She seemed a little meek to start with but grew stronger as the story went on and she learned to open her heart, trust Derek, and most importantly trust herself.

4.5☆
Loved it
I enjoyed revisiting the Dalton family

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Sugar Lake
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author and the other books in this series.

Another Dalton goes down. Talia and Derek did not have it easy. She a professor. He a dancer. He a caretaker. He has a dream. He has major responsibilities. Watching these two become more and more familiar with each other and the lives each one lived was page turning. See how each one dealt with the hand given them was more. This one was emotional. It may not have started that way but as you progressed further in to the story you find yourself choking up a bit here and there. Some of the subject matter was heartbreaking. Especially if this has hit close to home. And for me it has hit close to home on more than one occasion.

Beneath the exterior of Derek there was a man that had real hopes, dreams, and talent. He was so much more than I could have guessed he would be. I love his drawings (at least the descriptions). I look forward to December when the companion book is available. Talia and Derek were the couple for me in this series. The rise and fall the ins and outs. It all made me feel on a deeper level. These two balanced each other. She the stayed professor. Him the open, lively dancer. But for them to be defined only by this was doing them an injustice.

Melissa Foster has written a story that makes you fall in love with her writing all over again or for the first time. It all depends on which category you fall into.

So I starting reading Love Like Ours, stopped at 7%, read The Real Thing and Only for You - then returned to Love Like Ours. This could have been a standalone read but, I wanted to experience the books in the order they were written...and without spoilers.

Derek and Talia family lives are very different, despite those differences, their attraction is instantaneous. This story has a lot of heart... It appealed to this reader due to the very real portrayal of the difficulties Derek faced caring for Jonah and Talia's insecurities -- without overshadowing their relationship as a couple. I enjoyed every stolen moment these two shared...AND can't wait to see the art work in Finding My Girl / Loving Talia.

Heartwarming, sexy, fun and emotional romantic journey that gives two sweetly charming charters a chance at true love that they were not planning on..... could not put it down.

Talia Dalton is a smart, charming and determined to live her life with out a man after her last relationship went down hill.... Derek Grant is a sexy, sweet and deeply caring guy with a huge heart. They are perfect for each other and I was highly entertained from beginning to end.