Swept into Love by Melissa Foster Blog Tour

It’s been years since Sally Tuft’s husband died and she was left to raise her teenage son alone. And almost as long since she told the only other man she’d ever wanted that they should be just friends. Now her son has left for college and Sally has no distractions to keep her from thinking about her best friend and coworker, Gage Ryder, and what could have been.

Gage always believed that one day Sally would move past the death of her husband and they would finally explore the passion that’s simmered between them since the day they met. Tasked with opening a new youth center in Oak Falls, Virginia, Gage hopes the trip away is just what they need to finally come together.

Before Gage and Sally ever reach Oak Falls, one night at a conference changes everything, putting their friendship—and their love—on the line, and the two must decide if getting swept up in love is the beginning of forever, or the end of their friendship as they know it.

The Ryders are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.

Book 5
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Sally Tuft awoke to a freight train running through her head and the worst cotton mouth she’d ever experienced. She lay on her back, eyes closed, trying to remember what happened last night after the conference she’d attended. Thank God what happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas, because she didn’t need her boss finding out she got rip-roaring drunk. She rolled onto her side, coming face-to-face with hot whiskey breath. Her eyes flew open and she bolted upright, clutching the sheet to her chest. Her heart pounded wildly as she took in the gorgeous sandy-haired man lying next to her. Oh shit! Shit, shit, shit!

No. This can’t be happening.

She slammed her eyes shut, trying to calm her mounting panic by breathing deeply, but that made her head hurt even worse.

Her eyes opened slowly, roving over Gage Ryder’s scruffy jaw and the full lips she’d fantasized about so many times she should be arrested. This was bad. Very bad. Gage had been her best friend and co-worker since her husband was killed in a skiing accident several years ago. And worse, he was her son’s confidant. The man whom Rusty went to with problems his father was no longer there to help him with.

Her gaze trailed over his broad shoulders and muscular chest as realization set in. She bit her lower lip, holding her breath as she lifted the sheet. Please let me have something on. At least underwear. The pit of her stomach twisted at the sight of her closer-to-forty-than-thirty, less-than-perky bare breasts, and stomach that had never quite regained its elasticity after having her now twenty-year-old son. Oh God!

Gage rolled onto his back, and her eyes were drawn to the formidable bulge lifting the sheets. Look away. Look away.

She couldn’t look away. He’d made his feelings for her clear without ever actually spelling them out. Would he mind if she looked? Oh God! I should mind! She needed to force those desires back into Ignore mode. Closing her eyes and gritting her teeth, she tried to do just that. But the urge to look was too strong, and they popped open again, drinking in every hard inch of him.

His left arm stretched over his head, coming to rest on the pillow. The other reached beneath the sheet and adjusted himself. Her nipples prickled to tight points. Now was not the time to get turned on, but she couldn’t stop staring as he sleepily pushed the sheet down his chest, revealing solid abs she’d seen a million times—but never once in bed. They were sexier than when he was playing basketball or chopping wood to heat his home. Oh God, she loved to watch him chop wood.

Her eyes moved to the other wood in sight. She heard a whimpering sound and realized it came from her. She snapped her mouth shut. She had to get out of there before he woke up and realized what they’d done.

What if he remembered what happened—or didn’t—last night? She was never going to drink again. Not in this lifetime, and definitely not with Gage Ryder.

She clutched the sheet and slid to the edge of the bed, struggling to dredge up memories of last night from the muddled recesses of her mind, but her head was spinning. At least her hangover had taken a backseat to the reality of having slept with Gage. He rolled toward her as she stepped quietly from the bed. The sheet caught beneath him and pulled from around her. She gasped, her hands darting to cover all her private parts as Gage’s amused blue eyes opened and followed her frantic hands. A slow smile crept across his gorgeous face. She needed more hands! She yanked the sheet from the bed and turned around.

“Don’t look!” she yelled as she tried to wrap it around her. “Oh my God. Gage!”

“Sally…?”

“Don’t say a word. Wait. Please tell me we didn’t have sex. Just…” She shook her head and spun around, bringing Gage and all his naked glory into full view. For a second she was struck mute, her jaw hanging open. His thick arousal lay nestled between powerful thighs, on a manicured tuft of dirty-blond hair.

“See something you want?” Gage said with a chuckle, snapping her brain into gear.

“You’re naked!” She spun around again, breathing so hard she feared she might pass out.

“You whipped the sheet off me,” he said far too casually.

“I’m naked!”

“I see that, and I prefer you without the sheet.”

“Gage!” She huffed. “Put a pillow over yourself! Cover that thing up.”

He sighed loudly and she heard the rustling of the pillow.

“Okay, Salbird. I’m covered, but given that we’re both naked, I’m pretty sure you got more than an eyeful last night.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
If you have never read a Melissa Foster book before, then I can only ask you why? She is an author at the top of her craft – and this story is no exception. As you will probably know, there are many, many books which all interlink, and yet this would be very rich as a standalone too. That said, why would you not want to immerse yourself in the goodness that comes from reading a Foster novel?

If only I had a Gage in my life – probably a sentiment echoed by every reader of this super sexy, romantic, and wonderfully rich novel. Sally is one lucky lady – and after all the years that they have been friends, a mad moment gives them both the chance to indulge in something they have both wanted forever, and been too cautious to grab. There are plenty of grabby hands once the barriers are down, and it is such fun watching their new reality emerge.

Be ready for some delicious heat, some sparkling wit, and some hilarious 'can't wait another moment' embarrassments... fortunately they are far too involved in each other to really care! We get to spend a good length of time with them and the rest of the family, which brings us to a perfect finale, which really proves just how perfect Gage is.

Be warned, you will not want to put this down once you have started, so unless you want an all-nighter, or a burned dinner, please plan sensibly! That said, it is worth the tired morning after, as you can replay it in your mind and smile along with the rest of the Ryder clan.

Also Available in the Love In Bloom: The Ryders Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Seized by Love Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Claimed by Love Blog Tour.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Chased by Love Blog Tour.

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Rescued by Love Blog Tour.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Connect with Melissa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Follow the Swept into Love Blog Tour HERE.


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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Swept into Love (The Ryders #5) by Melissa Foster to read and review for this tour.

Rescued by Love by Melissa Foster Blog Tour

Addison Dahl is excited to return to Elpitha Island for her best friend Gabriella’s wedding. A weekend of sun and fun is just what she needs before setting out on her newest adventure—roughing it in the wilderness. Addison is tough, she’s independent, and she doesn’t “do” feelings toward men. But lately her friend—and Gabriella’s brother-in-law—sinfully sexy and ornery-as-hell Jake Ryder has been the star of her late-night fantasies, and she can’t get him out of her mind. It doesn’t help that the chemistry between them is scorching hot. With any luck, a few days in the wilderness will snap that craziness out of her head.

As a top search and rescue professional, Jake Ryder spends his days saving those in need and his nights in the arms of willing women who offer nothing more than a few hours of sexual enjoyment. But there’s only one woman he wants, and he’s spent the last several months trying to get beautiful, smart, and sassy Addison to give him one sinful night. He’s sure one night will lead to more.

The night of the wedding the heat between Jake and Addy ignites, and they’re powerless to resist their explosive passion. Wild kisses, sensual touches, and heartfelt conversations brings them closer together, and when the weekend ends, Jake is determined to keep Addy close and make her his. But Addy has other plans...

Book 4
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

The spicy scent of Jake’s cologne overrode the aroma of grilled meats and casseroles Gabriella’s relatives had spent all day preparing. Jake rested his elbow on the bar beside her, brushing his muscular forearm against hers and sending ripples of awareness to her core.

Who was she kidding? There was no distracting herself from the biggest distraction of them all.

“I think there are still a few guys you haven’t danced with yet.”

Of course Jake would go straight to pushing her buttons.

“I’ll have to take care of that, won’t I? Gab’s brother, Niko, is looking awfully hot tonight.” Niko was the epitome of a Greek heartthrob. Tall, dark, handsome, and as touchy-feely as the rest of Gabriella’s warm and loving family. He was also a shameless flirt.

Jake ground his teeth together, nearly paralyzing her with a blistering stare.

“I haven’t seen you dance all night. What’s the matter? Not into sexy island girls? Because I’m pretty sure that guy over there by the tree bats for the other team.” She enjoyed taunting the lion, even if she didn’t want to get too close. Her pulse beat wildly, and her fingers ached to grab him by the collar of his dress shirt and yank him down for what she knew would be an incredibly hot kiss. She tried to keep from dropping her eyes lower, but she was no match for the enticing ever-present bulge beneath his zipper. The one that became even more prominent when they were near. And damn, she liked knowing she had that effect on him.

He leaned in close, his warm breath coasting over her cheek. “I’m not into dancing, but if you keep looking at me like that you might find yourself getting up close and personal with more than you can handle.”

She lifted her eyes to his, which had gone coal black, and she swallowed hard against the lust threatening to pour out her mouth. Addy was used to controlling every interaction and reveled in holding her own and taking what she wanted where men were concerned. Or at least she always had, until the King of Hotness standing next to her came into the picture. Jake definitely threw her off her game. Lately, when they were together, she caught herself wondering if what she was experiencing were actual emotions rather than impulses. That was one thing that had kept her from taking their flirting to the next level. His relationship to her best friend was the other. But boy did she want to cross that line. It had been way too long since she had been with a man, thanks to Jake. Every time she came close to satisfying the urge to feel the weight of a man pressing down on her and get lost in the throes of passion, goddamn Jake swam into her mind, stealing her focus and killing the moment. Her fantasy had become her own personal cockblocker.

In an effort to reclaim the upper hand and prove he did not rattle her, she dragged her eyes over his chest again and said, “I have yet to meet a man who comes close to being what I can handle, much less more.”

The edge of his lips twitched as if they might quirk up, but he clenched his jaw, making the muscles beneath his dark scruff jump. He shifted his eyes away just as Niko headed toward them with a warm and inviting smile, making those jaw muscles work double time.

Niko nodded at Jake and offered his hand to Addy. “What kind of brother would I be if I didn’t dance with my sister’s beautiful best friend? Care to join me?”

“I’d love to.” Addy reached for his hand, taking pleasure in the tension rolling off of the man who had yet to ask her for a single dance but had no trouble inviting her into his bed.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sexy fun romance.

This is the fourth in this particular series – although there are characters that cross over from most of Ms. Foster's wonderful stories. Do read the Ryder books in order, as they keep us up to date with previous romances, weddings et al.

The Ryder children have all been falling in love and giving us wonderful stories each time – but Jake has been very resistant to any such thing. He felt he had found a twin soul in Gaby's friend, Addy, as she too has a reputation as a player, not wanting to settle down. In her case, it is in order to rebel from a very controlling father, who is also rich and famous. As she has experienced her mother always towing his line, she has a very strong dislike of anyone telling her what to do. But even though Addy and Jake have avoided testing the idea that they could have a fling, in fact, both of them are somewhat obsessed with each other.

Finally at Gaby and Duke's wedding Jake makes his move – he cannot bear other men dancing with her, and finally gives in to those feelings of jealousy that can no longer be ignored. Addy has also been thinking too much about him to resist, and everyone (as they had all read their interactions correctly) is very relaxed about the possibility of them being a couple. I loved how it was so beautifully done, the understated way that it is accepted, and some lovely teasing from the men and the women. However, Addy still feels the importance of not being weakened by letting Jake make decisions for her, so she proceeds to take a solo camping trip – where finally she may learn the difference between her father's behaviour and what a true partner will do. This was done very cleverly, and I loved the whole camping trip for the laughs that it provided – Ms. Foster is so versatile with her writing; the comedic timing was perfection.

So this story gives us another lovely chance to spend time with the Ryder family, their loves and lives. Here we learn quite a lot about why Jake does what he does, and that he has some rather desirable geek tendencies. And get some hints as to who will be next, and how much fun the family will have in helping it happen. Cannot wait!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Jake Ryder has always been the playboy. With his cocky attitude and panty melting smile, he can have any woman he wants. That is, until he meets Addison Dahl. She isn't interested in his playboy ways. But after he meets her, he can't stop thinking about her and he wants to get to know her better. He also thinks that sleeping with her just might get her out of his system.

Addison "Addy" Dahl works with Gabby and is at Gabby and Duke's wedding. Where she sees Jake again. Being that Duke and Jake are brothers, she knew he would be there. She is fighting the pull between them, but she is not giving in. She will not give her independence up just to spend one night with Jake. Addy is trying to live her life as she sees fit, not as her parents want her too or anyone else for that matter.

When Addy and Jake finally give in to the passion, it changes things for them both. Can they handle it, or will Addy's eagerness for independence push Jake away? Will Jake see that he can't pull Addy in a direction she is not ready to go without pushing her away?

This is another great addition to the Ryder series and I can't wait for Cage and Sally's story. If you are looking for a new author, give Melissa Foster a try, you will not be disappointed in anything of hers that you choose to read.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
Jake has been the Ryder family playboy, but with his siblings getting married and having babies he might almost be grown up enough for a relationship of his own. When an ongoing flirtation with Addy becomes more intense than he anticipated, he doesn’t know what to do. And while Addy loves sex and enjoys hook-ups, she might be even more afraid of relationships than Jake is.

I appreciated a romance where the heroine is unabashedly sexual and happily non-monogamous without judgement, and I liked the balance between these two characters. Abby’s need for independence was refreshing, but I did find her stubbornness annoying after a while. Jake felt a little bit underdeveloped here. We know he is hot, cheeky, and a bit of a player but there isn’t much else terribly memorable about him. There is some great banter between Addy and Jake and some sweet family moments.

With neither main character rich or famous, this story has a different feel to it than earlier books in the series and I think I preferred the more normal characters in this story.

There is something about the sex in this series that really doesn’t work for me. In this one, there is lots of talk about how kinky and extreme both Addy and Jake like their sex but the scenes that follow are quite vanilla. The sexual description is at times more giggle inducing than sensual. Jake’s “very hungry python” had me in fits.

I’ve been ambivalent about this series from the start. The series concept of a family of brothers married off one by one has been done way too many times before. Nora Roberts has done it sweeter, Nicole Edwards’ version was sexier and JR Ward added paranormal adventure to her series. This series borrows the concept without offering a new angle.

This story has its moments, but I’m not sure I’ll remember reading it a month from now.


Lee'Anne – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this super steamy fourth book in The Ryders series.

Jake Ryder has had a thing for Addison Dahl since the moment he laid eyes on her, but his brother is about to marry her best friend and he can’t have a one-night stand with someone he’ll have to see at family functions. The two can’t help but flirt mercilessly whenever they’re together until the attraction is too much to resist. Addy grew up with a father that controlled every aspect of her life and she’s scared to get into a relationship with a man like Jake Ryder, controlling. The two wind up sleeping together but Addy is planning to leave on a secluded extended camping trip and hopes that when she returns, Jake will have forgotten about her, only when no one hears from Addy for a few days, it’s Jake Ryder to the rescue.

I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 because I found the storyline slowed down a bit about ¼ of the way in. Other than that, it’s fairly fast-paced and I enjoyed the originality of the plotline. I really liked the glimpses of past characters we get as well! As always, Melissa Foster has done a fantastic job and left me wanting more. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Also Available in the Love In Bloom: The Ryders Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Seized by Love Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Claimed by Love Blog Tour.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Chased by Love Blog Tour.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.

Connect with Melissa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Rescued by Love Blog Tour HERE.


Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rescued by Love (The Ryders #4) by Melissa Foster to read and review for this tour.

Chased by Love by Melissa Foster Blog Tour

Actress Trish Ryder takes her job seriously and has no time for those who don’t. When she’s awarded a major role in a new movie featuring America’s hottest rock star, Boone Stryker, she’s beyond excited. The six-two, tattooed hunk of burning desire is known for his dedication to his craft—but when he ditches their first meeting, she begins to wonder if he’s just another rocker with a great PR team.

Sex, booze, women, and music pretty much sum up Boone Stryker’s private world. He’s coasted through life playing by his own rules with plenty of people willing to cover his tracks, and he’s not likely to change—until he meets a woman who refuses to give him the time of day, much less anything more.

Sparks fly from the first moment Trish and Boone meet—Tensions run hot and desire runs hotter when they’re trapped together on a remote location with no place to hide. Will sparks ignite, or will a hurricane douse the flames?

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Once again Ms. Foster has written a totally adorable story. I haven't met a bad one yet, and don't expect to, ever! Do make sure that you give yourself a good long run at this, as it is very difficult to stop turning the pages.

There is the potential for angst, and all manner of uncomfortable truths given the background of these leads, but instead we get the delicious romance that Ms. Foster is so good at writing. Take into account the lovely setting of the story, which is a great feature of these series; small town and plenty of characters. And of course family play an important part in ensuring that the reader is drawn into the book and is able to identify with at least one person and become part of the clan. I love the detail, the authenticity of the emotions, and the romance. I liked that it bucked the trend of needing a big drama to make the story, and how even the biggest stars have normal needs and desires.

A lovely romantic read.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This was an excellent story and I didn’t want it to end!

Trish Ryder is an actress who takes her roles very seriously, always practicing and putting her all into her role. Her newest movie “love interest” is the rock star she’s had a crush on for years, Boone Stryker. Trish is so excited to work with Boone, but once production begins and Boone is less than helpful with the movie, Trish starts to worry that Boone isn’t the man she’d dreamt him as. Then the director demands that Trish and Boone spend 10 days locked together doing nothing but working on their roles, and things heat up between the two. Trish quickly realizes that there is a lot more to Boone than she’d been thinking and he’s taking the movie role a lot more serious than she’d thought.

I really love that this is such an original plotline, we’ve started to get a lot of the same old thing lately with authors and I feel like this was definitely a fresh new romance. It didn’t have many supporting characters, which I think took away from the story a bit and is why I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars. As always with Melissa Foster’s stories, I was left wanting more once the story ended and I can’t wait for her next release!


Sarah – ☆☆☆
Hollywood glitz and bad boy rockers are two of my guilty pleasures, so I expected to enjoy this story more than I did. For me, the movie star aspect of this story didn’t really ring true and the bad boy rocker felt more than a little bit whiny. I enjoyed the small town that Boone and Trish film in and I enjoyed some of the movie making details.

Trish was a little bit too perfect for me. Too nice, too pretty, too easy going, too talented. The result is bland perfection which just isn’t very interesting. And once Boone’s bad boy image is destroyed a few chapters into the story, he is also a little bit too perfect. With the love connection established very early in the book, I really didn’t find much to keep my interest.

There are more interesting characters on the periphery of this story, but there are also problems with these characters. At one point Boone’s mother is getting older and only wants a comfortable chair by the fire to read in. Shortly after, we learn that she is only in her forties and needs to be dating again.

Overall, this was an underwhelming read. Boone and Trish’s relationship didn’t excite me and I found myself struggling to finish the story, hoping for some genuine conflict to liven it up.

Also Available in the Love In Bloom: The Ryders Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Seized by Love Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Claimed by Love Blog Tour.

Melissa Foster is New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.

Connect with Melissa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Chased by Love Blog Tour HERE.


Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Chased by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders #3) by Melissa Foster to read and review for this tour.

Claimed by Love by Melissa Foster Blog Tour

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?

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Another Ryder brother has stolen my heart and I think Duke may just keep it. Duke Ryder is the older brother that thinks he will never get married and will always be the ladies’ man. He doesn't see any woman stealing his heart. Until he sees Gabriella, even though it is from a distance, he knows there is something different about her and he wants to learn everything about her. While Gabriella is back on the island she loves at her grandfather's request, she doesn't know why he didn't get his lawyers to handle the possible sale of the island. Because the island is something she loves and doesn't want to see it turned into another playground for tourists. When Duke and Gabriella finally meet, the sparks fly and neither of them know what to do because they have never felt this way before. She doesn't want to fall for him and then hate him for what might be with the sale of the island. While Duke realizes he will do anything for Gabriella, including changing the plans for the island just to prove his true feelings for her. Can they keep the island and potential sale from damaging their budding relationship? Will Gabriella let her worry push him away and lose the love of the only man she will ever want? Or will the island bring them together in the end?

I found Melissa Foster in the blog’s review group and have loved all of the stories I have read and have bought every story I come across (yes, they are on sale because she has a ton). Each story has a very sexy, possessive alpha male and a woman who knows how to handle them. I love how the series are tied together and I can't wait for more of this series, looks like Trish Ryder will be next. The only sister in the Ryder family.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
Duke comes to Elpitha Island with the intention of buying it from Gabriella's grandfather and redeveloping it. Gabriella is his guide for this first day on the island and they spend the day with each other. Elpitha Island is stunning. This beautiful island with its Greek and Southern US heritage was warm and charming and the place anyone would love to live. I could see why Gabriella loves it so much.

The timeline for this romance isn't very long, but the strength of Duke and Gabriella's attraction and feeling meant it didn't matter. There is plenty of heat between this couple and separating business and pleasure soon becomes an issue.

This story lacked conflict and, as a result, at times it was very slow moving, particularly around the middle, but it picks up towards the end with a lovely finish.

Overall this is a sweet romantic story with very little drama and a beautiful ending.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
The instant attraction between the two threatens Gabriella in a way she hasn't felt before. She feels hemmed in on all sides due to her grandfather selling the island she grew up on and now this investor making her feel things that she doesn't want to feel. She wants a simple life, home and family and now Duke is threatening her way of life.

A solid read with memorable characters and a positive storyline. The angst about renovating the island didn't really play a huge part in the storyline except to cause a few – I mean very few – riffs between Duke and Gabriella.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 steamy hot stars

Oh, why did I never get to meet my Duke? He is the absolutely perfect embodiment of a modern romantic hero, and Gabriella is definitely worthy of his affection. I love Ms. Foster's books – and this one is at least as good as all the others that I have read!

We are transported to a beautiful, though run down, island inhabited mainly by generations of Greek settlers. The descriptions are so vivid, that even I felt the loss when we had to return to New York, with all its noise, bustle and smells. The romance is delicious – the voyage of sexual discovery as exciting as their exploration of their emerging feelings. And as there are many other siblings, the Ryders are going to be heating up the pages for a long while yet – and I for one cannot wait.

What are you waiting for? Go turn off the heating, pour yourself a glass of something chilly and enjoy warming up from the inside out!

Also Available in the Love In Bloom: The Ryders Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Seized by Love Blog Tour.

Melissa Foster is 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.

Connect with Melissa

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Claimed by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders #2) by Melissa Foster to read and review for this tour.