I loved this book written by Melissa Foster. A story that hits home is sometimes hard to read, as you can picture this happening to you and your loved ones. Derek is a strong and confident young man that has put his life on hold to care for his sick father. Enter Talia who, literally, almost runs over Derek while on her work one frustrating morning. Derek is taken by Talia and Talia can't stop thinking about this mysterious man with the magnificent blue eyes. Another chance encounter has Talia agreeing to meet Derek for the beginning of what is truly a love that was meant to be.

This book wrecked me. Completely, totally, utterly wrecked. And it wasn’t only the love story, which was phenomenally beautiful and sure to inspire romance in any heart. It was the gentle, careful handling of Derek's father, Jonah, with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and the way Talia and every member of her family opened their arms and hearts and made Derek and Jonah a treasured part of their family. This book is everything home and family and hope should be.

Talia is a college professor and she’s admittedly distracted by her family's group phone call while driving. Distracted enough that she nearly plows into the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen. It’s one thing when he shows up in her class, but when he asks her out, she’s conflicted. Derek is undeniably hot, and the first guy who has stirred anything in her in years, but there are a few problems. He’s off limits as a student, his work as a dancer is troubling, and he's way out of her careful, controlled comfort zone.

Foster definitely pulls out the stops and pours on the feels in the early copy I read of this book! We have a heroine who got hurt badly and doesn’t trust men, choosing to focus on her family and responsibilities as a college professor. Then there’s Derek, an admirable guy with a really great heart who will do anything short of illegal, unethical or immoral to take care of his ailing father, including bartending and dancing, while trying to finish his master’s degree. Then the boisterous and meddling but loving Dalton family and Derek's father, Jonah, add an entirely different layer of emotion.

The way the Daltons care for each other and unconditionally welcome Derek and Jonah into their lives is nothing short of amazing. One beautifully tender moment occurs when five-year-old Louie is talking with Jonah, who thinks Louie is a young Derek. Without missing a beat, Louie speaks to Jonah as if he’s Derek, then whispers to Derek, “He’s confused, so I’m pretending.” I swear, I thought my heart would burst free from my chest! Another thing that takes this story over the top and sets it apart is the unique and unexpected use of the drawing journals of Jonah and Derek, with important family memories memorialized in their cartoon drawings, rather than photographs. They provided for some tender, poignant, and truly special threads that knit the story together in a fresh, significant way.

I loved everything about this book. Foster created my favorite kind of characters who are mature, strong, intelligent and determined and don’t wallow in self-doubt or create juvenile angst as the source of conflict. Instead, Talia and Derek are secure in their relationship and band together to support each other through every challenge. This book sucked me in and captivated my heart, and I wasn’t anywhere near ready to let go of these characters, so this is one I'll return to again. If you’re looking for something that warms your heart, stirs your soul, prompts a tear or two and still brings the heat then leaves you with a happy sigh, you'll adore Talia and Derek. You definitely won’t regret 1-clicking this one!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

"Just knowing I can turn you on with words turns me on."

Confession, it was the cover that got my attention. And once I read the synopsis I couldn't resist finally reading my first Melissa Foster book. Of course, now that I have, I'm asking myself what took me so long? I loved Love Like Ours.

As mentioned above, since this is my first title by this author, in spite of it being book three in the Sugar Lake series, I read it as a standalone. And let me tell you, I've been missing out. I especially love Talia's family and need to go back and read the first two books about her sisters. I'm guessing there will be more focused on her remaining siblings and those will be awesome as well.

While I really enjoyed the sibling squabbles and found their witty banter highly entertaining, it was Derek that stole the show for me. Not only is he gorgeous and talented, making the most out of "—six inches of strategically placed material," he's got a huge heart.

Talia's been burned by love and has closed off her heart. She has no interest in a relationship. She didn't go looking for him, but she did almost run over him. And once she got a glimpse of his piercing blue eyes she couldn't unsee him, even in her fantasies. Seeing him in her classroom was almost as surprising and unwelcome. That made him off-limits.

Derek woke up something that had been dormant in her life for a long time and he brought a lot of baggage with him. She knows it's not a good idea, but tell that to her body that's been awakened. He's so far outside of her comfort zone but he makes her want to stretch it. Her sister accused her, "That's not living, Tal. That's hiding." Is she ready to shake off her fears and take a chance on #TeamGrant?

This story touched my emotions in a big way, touching on a subject that I'd not been exposed to before. It was handled beautifully and made me feel more than I was prepared for. I'm looking forward to spending more time with this family in future installments. The line forms here...

Talia Dalton lives a pretty by the numbers life, college professor, no real social life,doesn't date, looks after her best friends dog, picks up his class while recuperates from surgery, and breaks the mold when it comes to her three sisters and her brother. They persistently bust her chops about how tightly wound she is and man is she ever. While driving to school, running late, on a three way convo with her sisters, she almost hits a man in the school parking lot. He slams his hands on the hood of her car and glares at her and all she can see is his striking blue eyes. A little yelling ensues and still late to class, coffee spilled on her blouse she carries on, as usual. The stranger she almost hit is walking by her classroom and hearing her, sneaks in to listen. She sees him, gives him a glare for being late and he approaches her after class. Seeing her once again when she's walking Molly her friends dog, these two keep crossing paths and finally gets to talk with her. Then he invites her to come by where he bartends in the evenings. That night happens to be a night when the male dancer for the evening calls in and Derek fills in. He does it because the money is good. He needs that money. He's a full time caretaker of his amazing father Jonah who has Alzheimers, with the help of their neighbor Maria who has been there for them since his mother died years earlier. Derek has a plan, to turn their large family home into a day care for Alzheimers patients. For people like him who are full time care givers and not ready to place them in a facility. I loved Derek and his father. Their talents were amazing and watching those and Jonah's lucid moments were stunning. I applaud Melissa for tackling this topic with the grace and dignity it deserves while giving those caring for loved ones who are often in the shadows a voice. That voice was Derek. Talia was the perfect match for Derek, he pulled her out of her comfort zone, I'd call it a fear zone. To be locked that tight for 10 years? Good grief. Talia came out of her literal bubble, thanks to Derek. She meshed seamlessly with his friends and Jonah.
Where Talia failed was telling her family that Derek was a dancer and while they met and loved him, they found out by accident, which I was surprised didn't happen earlier in the book, however she had a lot of explaining to do, but I had to hand it to her. She told them she didn't need their approval.
Her sister Piper was obnoxious as ferk and I really liked it when Piper got a frigging clue how freaking inappropriate she was when it came to some things, especially with Talia. Talia didn't tell her for a good reason and when the light comes on for Piper, it was a great moment. All that said, this wasn't my favorite book by Melissa. The dialogue while at times was much needed, the rest was lagniappe.
Derek and Tallie certainly had the chemistry which keeps this story flowing. Still not my favorite from Melissa. The Daltons are one heck of a family.

arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review

I really enjoyed reading this book. So much, that I want to go back and read the other books in this series. Well written with great characters and a wonderful story line.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an independent review.
Another wonderful book by Melissa Foster in this series but an individual story.
Written so well with very likeable characters. Derek is the perfect hero - handsome, sexy, intelligent and caring for his father who has Alzheimer’s.
A sweet but sexy story which was hard to put down!
Already cannot wait for the next book from one of my favourite writers of this genre!

Wow. This book is steamy. I was excited to read Talia’s book because she is the most “buttoned up” sister in the Dalton family and I couldn’t wait to see what guy she fell for. Derek’s description isn’t usually my type but like Talia his mind and heart made my lady parts tingle. This book also has some heavy parts with Derek’s dad and his dancing. Totally worth the read. Can’t wait to see if Ben or Piper is next.

Love Like Ours is the third book of the Sugar Lake series, which follows the Dalton siblings as they find romance.

Love Like Ours brings us Talia's story, and even though this was the first I've read in this series, I was not lost at all. In fact, it just made me want to go back and read the other two books as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed Talia and Derek. You've got the serious, studious professor who is reluctant to leave her comfort zones. Then you've got the student/bartender/entrepreneur determined to help Talia embrace life. Derek and Talia are such multi-faceted characters, and the dialogue and repartee between them is both entertaining and heart-warming.

Also, I LOVED the way Derek's drawings depicted their journey. Absolutely beautiful.

I look forward to returning to Sugar Lake for the other siblings' stories.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy provided by the author via NetGalley.***

The stage was set. The clues obvious. So why are these two fighting it tooth and nail? Foster shakes up the heart with sunshine, rain and the whole shebang. Love Like Ours is meant to be funny. The professor and the male dancer learn to look beyond the stereotype and follow their hearts. Each has more to offer than they present to the world. They just need a little help finding the courage to be vulnerable. Derek is a dreamer working his way through his reality. Talia is a realist, too afraid to dream. When sweet and naughty collide it's sin city. Derek and Talia leave hearts with a warm, crazy feeling that looks alot like love.

Another amazing book from Melissa and the hero id definitely one of my favourite book boyfriend's. Derek is perfect especially for Talia and its great for her to get her HEA. Would recommend to all romance readers.

Another amazing book by a fantastic author. Every time I read one of her stories I’m continually impressed by her. Would highly recommend this and any other of her novels.

Another great book by Melissa Foster. Talia is helping out a sick friend by teaching one of his college classes. She's talking to her nosy sister when she almost hits a guy with her car. Guess who is in her class that day? There is a definite attraction between Derek and Talia. After leaving class, he sees her and asks her to meet him at a club for a drink. When she gets there, she sees that Derek is the bartender. Before she leaves, she sees a lot more of him than she wants to as he is also an exotic dancer. She tries not to judge but It's hard. After he explains that he is working and going to school so he can take care of his father who has Alzheimer's disease. He wants to open an adult day-care center for families who need help. Fortunately Talia's family is close knit and they want to help in every way. This is more than a love story. It has heart and soul. Having a family member who has a serious illness is hard and it takes love to keep from being overwhelmed. Loved this book. I received this book from Net Galley and Montlake Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.





It's hard

Love Like Ours is the third book in the Sugar Lake Series. It can be read as a standalone.

I felt a lot for Derek. He's a student, on top of juggling two jobs and being a caretaker of a father with early onset Alzheimer's. Having watched my own grandmother suffer from the disease for well over ten years before she succumbed to it, I understand how hard it is to watch a loved one deal with it. I admired his determination and desire to keep his father at home for as long as he can. I also liked his plan to open a facility for people suffering from the disease.

While I liked Derek and Talia together, Talia frustrated me at times over her inability to see past one of Derek's jobs. I get she was worried about how her family would view it, but she should have trusted them. Speaking of Talia's family, it was nice to see all her siblings and catch up with them again. While Talia feels like she's an outsider to her siblings, it's clear they don't view her that way. I loved how easily they welcomed Derek and his father into their fold and provided him support as well.

While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, I enjoyed it. I thought Melissa Foster did a wonderful job covering Alzheimer's and how difficult is for the caregivers of people living with it and the sacrifices they have to make. I'm looking forward to reading more about the Dalton family.

Well done Melissa! This was one of the better books I have read this year. Like all of her books this one was beautifully written, rich with love, chemistry and lovely family. I loved both MCs and their connection and love story was just what i needed at the time after reading a bit of a more darker books before.

I don't think Melissa Foster ever writes a story that isn't great. I love the characters in all of her books and in this one they are just as special. I like the values that the author brings into the story of family coming first and that she isn't afraid to tackle having a character with dementia and the challenges that are faced in dealing with it. Talia and Derek are very real with human emotions and their story is romantic, sexy,heartwarming, funny, and touching. I do not re-tell the story in my reviews as it is irritates me that so many reviewers do that and spoil the story for others. Another wonderful hit by Melissa Foster so don't miss this one!

LOVE LIKE OURS is the third book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. This book is all about opposites attracting each other. The heroine is pretty prim and proper while the hero is a little more out there. So not only is this story about falling in love, but it’s also about letting things go a little bit and just enjoying yourself.

Now while I usually enjoy the light nature of Foster’s books I think this series definitely has a different feel to her normal writing style. It’s my least favorite of all her series and I think it might have to do with the fact that this one involves a publisher. The writing just seems a little less slowing and engaging and a lot of the dialogue seems a bit more forced in this series compared with her others. I just feeling like something isn’t clicking with this series and I had a really hard time connecting with the characters for some reason.

I almost didn’t finish it but I managed to push through. However, I’m not sure that I will go on and read the other books in this series. I already skipped book two and have no plans on returning to catch up.

Emotionally Invested in this journey💚💙
I was so excited to be able to read this journey of Talia and Derek. Very family oriented while still being very hot, along with funny bits that I just love.
Writing about a debilitating disease from which there is no cure, in such a way to make it paletable for a romance genre takes guts, but I think it worked beautifully.
Loved Derek right from the start and his layers just kept peeling away to more deliciousness, both physically and emotionally. He was the perfect guy to break into Talia's heart, open it wide and find that which she had locked away years ago. She most certainly had some interesting layers herself. They were on an emotional plain all their own and it was heart melting. .
A read that pulls all your own emotions front and center until the end, and even still as I'm sure and hope we'll read more about this journey when the series continues with more of the family.
I received an ARC thru Netgalley, and
I am giving my honest opinion on a
Love Like Ours.
PS: I do love the cover but I couldn't help picturing Brock O'Hurn as Derek😘

I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy story! It has so much heart and made me feel so many different emotions. Derek is positively yummy and honestly one of the sweetest down to earth men. He is amazing, caring for his father who has alzheimer's and trying to get his Masters degree at the same time. He works very hard as a bartender/dancer at a club to save up enough money to follow through on some big plans he has. I love his plans! He doesn't really have time for anything else in his life. Talia is also very sweet but very closed off as far as relationships because of a past relationship that left her with a broken heart. She prefers to just work, she is a college professor, and spend time with her family. I love her family!! What a fun group of people!!
Neither saw the other one coming! I adore the way they meet! And I love the way he makes sure it is not the last time he sees her. So cute! Their story is wonderful and watching Derek get Talia to step outside of her comfort zone and learn to live and love through him is such an amazing journey. The sweet things this man does for her will absolutely make you swoon. The way Talia fits in so nicely with his group of friends and with his father will make you smile. Her sisters and mother are awesome and meddlesome as usual but with her best interests at heart of course.
Talia and Derek are just so good for each other! This is another great installment in the Sugar Lake series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley.

This was my first Melissa Foster book and I really enjoyed and plan on starting the series from the beginning. This story really touched my heart. I have first hand experience with this awful disease as I had a close family member that suffered from it. I loved Derek from the beginning and this book had my attention from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. Derek and Talia were so much to read and I highly recommend this book.

This third installment of the Sugar Lake series was a good addition. Talia and Derek's story was a bit different than other teacher/student stories in that Derek was not her student so it was not made into a cliche storyline. The storyline for the couple was different in that Derek was a care giver for a family member and that is relatable to many readers since his being a care giver is a major part of this book. I felt that both characters were well written in that Talia is rather an introvert and does not step outside of her comfort zone but she does come out more and Derek is more outgoing especially since he is an exotic dancer as well as a bar tender as a means to make money to fullfill his life dreams and goals. I continue to enjoy that in all of Ms. Foster's books, family plays a large roll and has a large importance for its characters. The plot moved along rather quickly and their relationship had an insta-love type feel in that their story moved quickly but it worked for the pair. I would recommend this book to others and I look forward to seeing where this series goes next.