AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: Taken By Love by Melissa Foster

 

Author: Melissa Foster

Narrator: B.J. Harrison

Length: 8 hours 28 minutes

Series: The Bradens at Trusty, Book 1

Publisher: Melissa Foster

Released: Dec. 01, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Daisy Honey fled Trusty, Colorado, after years of battling rumors sparked by her gorgeous looks and lust-inducing name. Now a physician on the brink of a promising career, she reluctantly returns home when her father is injured in a farming accident. Daisy expects the small-town girls who hurt her in the past to take cheap shots again - but she's completely unprepared for a run-in with tall, dark, and wickedly sexy Luke Braden, the only man who has ever stood up for her - and the man she's never forgotten.

Luke Braden is handsome, wealthy, and the best damn gypsy horse breeder in the Midwest. After a restless youth, he's finally ready to settle down - only connecting with women is nothing like connecting with horses, and he's never met a woman worth the energy. After an arrest in a neighboring town, Luke's past comes back to haunt him, and he realizes that his inability to find love runs deeper than he ever imagined.

A chance encounter sweeps Luke and Daisy into a world of passion. For the first time ever, Luke feels a connection, but Daisy's life in Trusty is anything but permanent, and Luke can't manage a future until he puts his past to rest.

Taken by Love is part of the Love in Bloom series. While it can be heard as a stand-alone novel, for even more enjoyment, you may want to listen to the entire Love in Bloom series in order. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary 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 and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

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Cultivated. Quirky. Captivating. Considerate. Nuanced. 7 years, 700 five-star ratings/reviews. My audiobook podcast, The Classic Tales Podcast, now in its seventh year, has had over 10 million downloads and is still consistently among the top 10 literature podcasts at the iTunes Music Store. My reading of Poe's The Tell-tale Heart was the #3 bestselling audiobook in 2008 at the iTunes Music Store. Currently, my recording of The P.G. Wodehouse Collection is the top-selling Wodehouse title at Audible. It contains dozens of British accent variations. I'm an American.

"In the world of audiobooks, BJ Harrison is one of the best... if not the best." Joe Renzetti - Academy-Award-winning Film Composer
"BJ Harrison is a master at his craft, with smooth narration skills that reflect every nuance of emotion and bring stories to life with every breath. He's professional, efficient, and I highly recommend his services." New York Times Bestselling author Melissa Foster
Just finished listening to "She". In a word.... "Stunning". I am encouraging friends, colleagues, strangers to listen to your readings. Excellent work. Daj Oberg, Classic Tales Listener

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I haven’t read and/or listened to the other books in this series. However, that didn’t affect my feelings on this book. I have read a few other books my Melissa Foster and something you can always expect from Mrs. Foster is a sweet book that’s full of family and passion. I love seeing all the love in these families. Luke was just plain southern boy perfection. You lookin for a cowboy? Melissa Foster gives us the most swoon-worthy male that I’ve read in a while… I just love a good southern’ boy though. 

I really liked Daisy. Really though, how much more southern can you get than a Daisy Honey? I mean, that in itself made me giggle profusely! So Ms. Honey had a rough go of in school. Kids are mean, girls are meaner. She’s been struggling to rid herself of this loose reputation for years. 

BJ Harrison was amazing! His sweet southern drawl pulled me right me and kept me captivated! He has this amazingly soothing voice that just makes your heart either speed right up or slow right down. It makes you want to grab a beer and sit on the porch while Mr. Harrison reads me a soft and sweet story. We get to see some of the other families, I’m sure they were in the other books. I liked them, they were fun to hear about and I’m sure if I had heard/read the book I would have loved catching up with them!

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Melissa Foster. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Taken By Love Giveaway: The Bradens Reusable Grocery Bag

Apr. 15th:

Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm

Up 'Til Dawn Book Blog

Apr. 16th:

Lilly's Book World

Happily Ever BookWorm

Apr. 17th:

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Apr. 19th:

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NEW RELEASE: Rescued by Love by Melissa Foster

NEW RELEASE….

The Ryders are a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy passionate contemporary romance and women's fiction.



In RESCUED BY LOVE...

As the daughter of a world-renowned fashion designer, Addison Dahl enjoyed a privileged life attending the most sought after parties, traveling around the world, and having anything she wanted. Until she broke free and went against her father's wishes, needing to prove to herself--and to him--that she could make it on her own. Now she's ready to take her adventures in a new direction and sets her sights on roughing it in the wilderness.



Jake Ryder followed in his father's footsteps as a top search and rescue professional. He 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. Just the way he likes it.




When Jake's sister-in-law calls, concerned because she's been unable to reach her best friend, it's up to Jake to find her and bring her home. But Addison isn't lost, and she sure as hell isn't going to be told what to do by an ornery mountain man with whom she'd spent one torrid weekend after her best friend's wedding. Jake has never left anyone behind--will Addison be his first failed rescue?



**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from...... 

Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com    Barnes and Noble    KOBO    iBooks   GPlay

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
.



"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

Also available in The Ryders

Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

Seized by Love, Book #1 The Ryders

YOU FELL IN love with Blue Ryder and Lizzie Barber in Seaside Summers, now follow their journey to find true love in SEIZED BY LOVE, the first book in the Ryder series.

Lizzie Barber runs a successful flower shop by day and secretly hosts the Naked Baker webcast at night to help pay for her younger sister’s education. To keep friends and family from finding out about her sexy secret, she’s put her social life on hold until her sister’s education is paid off and she can stop filming the webcast.

Blue Ryder fell hard for Lizzie Barber when he met her a year ago, and he hasn’t been able to get her off his mind since. Everything about the feisty little brunette, from her tight bod to her seductive smile, cuts straight to his heart. Though Lizzie has turned down every invitation he’s extended—Blue is not about to give up trying. 

Renovating Lizzie’s kitchen brings Blue further into Lizzie’s life, and the oven is not the only thing heating up. One night and one powerful kiss changes everything. But when Lizzie’s secret is revealed and the safe bubble she’s hidden in shatters, true love may not be enough to put the pieces back together.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    KOBO    iBooks

Claimed by Love, Book #2 The Ryders

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?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    KOBO   iBooks

Chased by Love, Love in Bloom: The Ryders #3



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?



***


THE RYDERS are the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. This 5-book hot contemporary romance series features 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. While each book may be read as a standalone, you might enjoy reading the entire Love in Bloom series (The Snow Sisters, The Bradens, The Remingtons, & Seaside Summers)



**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    KOBO   iBooks

About the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction 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. 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. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.



Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.



Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook
or her personal website.

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Find Melissa on the following sites....

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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MY REVIEW

Melissa Foster is just a fantastic writer! I don’t think she has written a story that I haven’t loved yet. Rescued by Love (Book 4 in The Ryders series).  Foster writes in a way that even though these books are a part of a series, they can be read as a standalone, without any confusion. 

It seemed as if there was more self discovery in this book than others. And I just loved that. I enjoyed watching their “Aha moments” and seeing them reflect upon their lives/relationship more. I loved reading about Jake, the playboy of the family. There was so much sexual tension and banter. It really seemed like the wedding weekend was a long time in the making. 

I just adore Foster’s writing. She creates these wonderfully intense and compassionate heroes and heroines. You can feel how deeply and passionately these characters feel for each other… no matter how hard they fight it. The characters are all people you can relate to and understand. Foster sure knows romance!!!

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

RELEASE BLITZ: Tru Blue by Melissa Foster

Title: Tru Blue

Author: Melissa Foster

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 9, 2016

Blurb

Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer...



TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.



He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover... 



There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

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Trailer

Excerpt

TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.

Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.

He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.

“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.

“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.

Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.

Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”

Author Bio

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, 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.

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MY REVIEW

I have found with the last few books of Melissa Fosters that she is an author to be on the lookout for. This book, Tru Blue, was amazingly… real!! I I completely fell for Tru when he took his baby brother and sister without even a thought on why he shouldn’t. He is the type of man, men should strive to be.

This book goes through so many real world problems...like drug abuse, addiction, death, struggling to do the right things, love, secrets, there’s just so much in this book. I would LOVE to read a book on Quincy down the road and I MUST have a follow up on Crystal but it looks like we’ll be getting updates on them all soon enough.

This book was heart-warming but so amazingly sad. No babies should have to go through what Kennedy and Lincoln did and I totally wanted to scoop them up myself. Foster has some amazing writing… this book gives you all the feels. I laughed, I cried and there was lots of anger!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.