This is the beach read for the summer of 2024. This story takes up back to Cemetery, IN for a couple of love stories, plenty of dogs and cats, a look at more side of the town matriarch Betty Cemetary, and a funny subplot with Kathleen, the mannequin. This story will take you through a whole range of emotions, you will shed some tears and laugh out loud a lot. I love the small town that this series is set in and how the whole town comes together to protect the citizens - no questions asked. If only I could move there.

Everybody needs a hero. A cute rescue dog that not only helps everyone he sees but also 4 friends find friendship and love in this small town romance story.

When I say I love Lori Foster, I love Lori Foster. She is a guaranteed hit & this did not fall short in the least. I mean, the dog in the story is enough to get a 5 star, but it’s a cute little beach read. Pick this one up next.

THE LOVE SHACK – Lori Foster
Indiana Summers, Book 3
Canary Street Press
ISBN: 978-1-335-51714-2
June 11, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Cemetery, Indiana – Present Day

Berkely Carr thought she’d escaped the past when she settled down in Cemetery and opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, a pet rescue center, so she was shocked to see a man from her past. Turns out that Lawson Salder left the same town as Berkley for similar reasons to hers: to escape the painful memories. She had hoped he would not recognize her, but he did. To her surprise, Lawson is aware of her scandalous past and sympathetic. While Berkley tries to keep her distance from Lawson, it won’t be easy when she discovers that he lives only a short distance away from her.

Berkley and Lawson soon develop a friendship and help each other out. The town of Cemetery has proven to be welcoming to both and they make friends. Oliver, also new to town, is intrigued by Lark, a beauty stylist who hasn’t met anyone she doesn’t like. Berkley’s animal rescue operation brings the four together and a friendship develops. Meanwhile, the town’s namesake, Betty Cemetery is making sure everything is going smoothly as she hangs around. Is she doing a little matchmaking too? But just when Berkley thought she could relax and enjoy herself, the past comes back to haunt her.

THE LOVE SHACK is an unusual name for a pet rescue business, but it is all about giving love to abandoned animals and finding them new homes. Cemetery has been ruled with an iron fist for decades by Betty Cemetery, but she recently has opened her heart to the people of the town. Bringing in new businesses is important and that is where Berkley and Lawson come into play. After Berkley’s mother died and people drove her out of town over her affair with a man she didn’t know was married, she was ready for a new start. Lawson had some awful parents and he left town the day he graduated from high school. It’s just a coincidence that both end up in the same town. Lawson turns out to be protective of Berkley, as well as supportive. He loves animals as she does. Right now she owns a dog and a cat, but the various assortment of pets will play into the interactions between characters.

The romance between Berkley and Lawson starts out sweet in THE LOVE SHACK, though one can understand why with her backstory. She thought she had found love, but he ended up being a married jerk, and his wife turned her anger on Berkley. Right now her focus is on her animals and getting her business up and running. She doesn’t have time for a romance—but Lawson is making a case for turning a friendship into love. In the end, he is there when she needs him the most. Along with the secondary romance between Oliver and Lark, there is a lot of falling in love in this tale. Add in the small-town atmosphere and the quirkiness of some of the other characters, this means readers are in for a fun read. While part of a series, THE LOVE SHACK is a standalone read.

If you love a book where good rules over evil and people unexpectedly fall in love, then you are in for a treat. Add in the cute and lovable pets, then THE LOVE SHACK becomes a book I highly recommend.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This book has everything you’d expect from a Lori Foster book, cute animals, interesting characters, and a whole lot of heart. Berkeley is fairly new to Cemetery, and was brought on to run the pet shelter started by town matriarch Betty Cemetery. She is excited to start over in this quaint small town and to try to rebuild her life. But she gets the shock of her life when in this small town far from where she grew up, she runs into someone from her youth that knows all the awful things about her she has been desperately trying to escape. Lawson is a business owner who has opened a t-shirt printing company and slowly remodeling his home to create a haven for himself. He is equally shocked to run into someone from his past, a time in his life he desperately wants to forget too. They try to avoid each other and confronting their past, but Berkeley’s pet cheese keeps brining them together in amusing ways. As they keep interacting, sparks start to fly, and they have to decide if they are willing to let the past define them and their lives, or if they can find a way to make peace and move forward. Sprinkled into this story was a mystery, adorable animals, a quirky town, and so many wonderful side characters. Another winner from Lori Foster. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

I really loved the premise of this book but for me the execution left a lot to be desired. While it started outside cute it quickly became all over the place. It had multiple POV but sadly the characters didn’t get a lot of development which made some chapters hard to figure out whose perspective I was reading. If this story would have been developed better I think it would have been a great book.
Had this not been an advance reader copy of the book I would not have finished it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Cemetery, Indiana is the sort of small town that defies its name- it's filled with residents who want to best for one another, even if that sometimes seems like meddling. Both Berkeley and Lawson moved to town to start fresh. They're both dealing with trauma from childhood poverty (but there isn't any triggering event). She's running an animal sanctuary with a pack of fun animals - animals who want her to have an adult relationship with Lawson, as do others in town. The characters are believable and the storytelling fine. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is good clean fun.

Cemetery, Indiana is not a dead end town. It’s a vibrant caring community with lots of cute animals and sprightly Betty Cemetery at its helm.
This newest installment is sweet and tender.
I loved all the animals, especially Cheese, the cat burglar. The animals add so much to the scenes and round out the character development for the rest of the cast in the book.
I loved the dual romance of Lawson/Berkeley and Oliver/Lark. Eventually Foster reveals the backstories of the four to add depth to the story.
I loved how protective both Lawson and Oliver were. Their physical descriptions were mouth watering. Heck, I’ll move just for the men in Cemetery!
Make sure to add this book to your summer reading list.

The Love Shack is the third novel in Lori Foster's Cemetery, Indiana series, and having read and enjoyed the first two novels, this one is my least favorite thus far for a number of reasons, and it gets 3 stars from this reader.

First, what I enjoyed about this book: It is, for the most part, a lighthearted rom-com with few, if any, laugh-out-loud moments. The romance aspect is clean, and I prefer some more steam with my romances. It features two couples, the main one between Lawson and Berkley, who knew each other by sight, years before in their original, unnamed home town, a rather unsavory and dangerous one. They have secrets in their pasts, and both decided to make new lives for themselves in Cemetery, Indiana--but the how and why of choosing this small town in the middle of nowhere out of everywhere else in the U.S. is never explained. Berkley, odd name for a child, loves animals and decides to open an animal shelter--something I'm totally in tune with, and she does so via donations. Lawson, has done construction work all over the world, and he's the first one to admit to recognizing Berkley. He lives on the other side of woods between the shelter, called The Love Shack and Berkley's small house next to the shelter. Personally, The Love Shack sounds more like a shop that sells adult toys, rather than one that rescues abandoned and injured animals. Lawson and Berkley share a love of animals, are attracted to one another and soon develop feelings for one another. While Lawson's childhood issues relate to his parents' lifestyles, Berkley left town after unknowingly having an affair with a married man.

I also liked meeting up with Betty Cemetery again, the town matriarch, whose family founded the town. She was in tough cookie in the previous novels, but Ms. Foster lightened her up considerably in this novel, becoming a friend of Berkley's and falling in love with a dog in the animal shelter. The second couple Oliver, a shopkeeper, and Lark, a hairdresser and cockeyed optimist are the secondary couple in this novel, but we don't learn nearly enough about Oliver as we do about Lark.

And then there's Kathleen, the town mascot, a mannequin that people dress up and move from place to place at will, making a game of her outfits and the little signs she carries.

My main issue with the novel is that aside from relationships forming, not a lot happens in this novel until we learn that Chad, the man with whom Berkley had the affair, has been nosing around Cemetery, trying to find her. For this reader, what happens when he does find her was just too little, too late. And Berkley fleeing her home town in shame because this man lied to her about his marital status, and his newscaster wife made her seem like a slut, was his fault not hers. Why do women always get the blame when it's the man who lies? That scenario always ticks me off.

If you're looking for a slow-paced, sweet summer beach read, with lots of lovable critters, mostly likeable characters, but without much character development or conflict, my guess is that you'll enjoy this novel more than I did.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

Another fun book in the Cemetery, Indiana series! Berkley and Lawson have each come from pasts they'd like to forget and are suprised to find each other in their 'do over' town of Cemetery. But they slowly open up to each other- both about the past and the present- and the connection is magnetic.

Berkley didn't think she'd let anyone past her walls again, but since Lawson grew up in her neighborhood and already knows her horrible past, she finds it easier to let him in. Between Lawson, the powerhouse Betty Cemetery, and an animal shelter of dogs and cats to love, Berkley finds herself becoming a part of the town in ways she hadn't expected, and letting Lawson into her life as well. I enjoyed watching her slowly letting down her guard with him, and watching Lawson work out how best to move forward to have a chance with her- while not being quite sure what he was doing!

Lark and Oliver were the other couple in the book and I enjoyed them a bit too much for them to be the side couple. They could have been a book all on their own. Both had complicated back stories we only glimpsed and hard pasts that could have easily been a stand alone book of another couple coming to Cemetery to start over and finding love along with their new start.

As with all Lori Foster's book, there is heart and humor here, and a good read.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. Publish date: June 11, 2024.
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This story follows Berkeley Carr and Lawson Salder as they operate as business owners in a small town of Cemetery, Indiana. Berkeley runs an animal shelter which is how we get the name, “The Love Shack”. Both characters grew up on the same street in a different city that was full of crime, drugs and scandal. They leave their town in hopes of starting fresh and hope to leave their old lives behind. Berkeley and Lawson are both surprised to see each other in this new small town; they have intentions of staying far away from each other, and they end up becoming close. Berkeley starts to feel like she can start over in Cemetery when her old life’s scandal comes around again.

This story has multiple POV lines, which I usually like, but here it kind of felt like a lot of filler. It was extremely predictable, not in a typical romance novel way either. The characters didn’t get a ton of development and if I’m being honest, I would have DNF this book if it wasn’t an ARC.

Sometimes the format of this e-book made it a little tough to differentiate who was saying what, typos and repeat sentences.

Closed door romance which I like. All the other story line relationships in this book just felt forced.

It is good to go back to Cemetery, Indiana where everyone is so nice. Berkley has found refuge in Cemetery. So did Lawson. They knew each other when they were younger, but Berkley didn't want to be noticed then and Lawson just wanted to get out of their hometown. Now Berkley is running The Love Shack, a shelter for animals, and is happy with her life. Lawson has been all over the world and has seen so many good and bad things. He wanted to live is a small town with good people and Cemetery fits the bill. He didn't expect to find Berkley and he didn't expect to find love. Betty sure has changed through this series, and she has become a good friend to Berkley. Berkely has closed herself off to others for years and is now thinking that she just might get involved in a few other things. When her past comes calling again, Berkley doesn't want to leave the wonderful town that has welcomed her, but she can't go through another scandal. What to do? She sure doesn't want to leave Lawson.

The Love Shack
Are you looking for a cute, clean romance? Well, The Love Shack is just that. This story centers around and animal shelter and a budding romance but, it is more complicated than that….enter past trauma on both sides. With a quaint small town setting will Berkley and Lawson make it work?
This title is expected to be released on June 11, 2024.
Thank you, Net Galley, Lori Foster and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the opportunity to preview this title and the opinions shared are my own.

It has been a while since I read Lori Foster, This was a cute sweet little story. When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor and he brings up bad memories of her past.

Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the 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. They both have pasts that they want to forget and should avoid each other,

But that’s hard to do when you feel such a strong attraction to each other.

This is the perfect summer read! I loved the small town romance and especially loved all of the animals! The author does a great job of reeling you in and making you feel you’re a part of the town.

This was a cute story.
I think I would have liked a prologue to hear a little about Berkley’s troubles before coming to Cemetery.
I liked that there was a side story between Lark and Oliver. Kathleen and Betty were a riot, also.
I feel like this could have been a shorter read. I lost focus a time or two.
But it’s a solid 4 stars.

Lori Foster can always be counted on to deliver emotion, humor and heartfelt entertainment! Hunky heroes, tenacious heroines and adorable rescue animals are always at the forefront of a visit to quirky, smalltown Cemetery, Indiana and I always leave with a warmed heart and a satisfied smile. I was quickly engrossed in getting to know newcomers Berkley, Lawson, Lark and Oliver and watching them pair off into friendships and romances quickly. Seeing more of Betty and getting to know a softer side yet again of her was really enjoyable. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of spice that is filled to the brim with humor, heart and happily ever afters!

This is such a fun beach read. I just loved the characters and the wonderful little beach town they live in. Berkley Carr moved to Cemetery to put her past behind her. Berkley had a relationship with a man that she didn't know was married, he told her he was single. Berkley was made to feel like she was a piranha. Berkley just wanted to get away from it all. When she moved there she never expected to run into someone from her old neighborhood. Lawson Salder moved away to get away from his mother and his family. Berkley became the head of the Love Shack, an animal shelter. Lori Foster has a way to grab your attention with the first few sentences. She keeps you interested and you just can't put it down until you finish it. Thank you for the ARC. It is a wonderful enjoyable read and can't wait to tell everyone about it.

Lori Foster never fails. This book pulled me in right from the beginning. The characters were amazing. I definitely suggest reading this book

A charming small town romance that features plenty of sweet animals, a mannequin the entire town is obsessed with, and a creepy ex coming for one of the characters. If that appeals to you, then this is a series you will want to read!

Berkley opened The Love Shack, an animal rescue shelter, in the town of Cemetery in an attempt to escape her past. She was essentially driven out of her last town because of decisions she made, and she is determined not to let that happen again. As she rebuilds her life and finds new friends, and even a potential new love interest, her trusty dog and cat are at her side through it all.

But when her ex reaches out wanting to reconnect, everything Berkley has wanted to get away from threatens to come back with a vengeance.

My biggest complaint is that I thought I was getting a beach read based on the cover and that's not really what this was! It was definitely a cute small town story, but I can't say anything necessarily stuck out to me as incredible. I enjoyed it and had fun with the characters, but I am not dying to read the other books in the series based on this one.

I also have noticed that sometimes in these small town romances the dialogue feels weird - the people talk like they're in a book, not real people, if that makes sense? And sometimes that makes it hard to truly enjoy the book for me!