Book Review: The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster

The Somerset Girls
By: Lori Foster
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Publisher: HQN Books
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

No one knows you quite like a sister… 

When they’re running the animal-rescue farm they inherited from their grandparents, Autumn and Ember Somerset are perfectly in sync. At all other times, not so much. Dependable Autumn would rather curl up with a good book than paint the town red with Ember. After the disaster that was Autumn’s last relationship, it’s pure self-protection. But when her high school crush comes back to town with his adorable young daughter, igniting memories best left forgotten, there’s only one person Autumn can turn to… 

Beneath Ember’s free-spirited facade is a layer of deep hurt. She’ll gladly nudge Autumn toward a second chance. But risk her own heart? Not likely. The closer Autumn gets to her own happily-ever-after, the more Ember wonders what she might be missing—and if it isn’t her time to be bold, too. 

Summer in Sunset, Kentucky, means long, hot days—and sometimes surprising new beginnings. Through it all, the ties of sisterhood will be there, guiding Autumn and Ember to the lives, and loves, they need…'

My Thoughts:

The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster was a charming second chance romance.  It was the story of two very different, but extremely close and loyal sisters. We get two delightful romances in this book, as well as such a touching story with family as a focus, and extra emphasis on sisterhood.

Thirty-two year old Autumn Somerset was jilted at the alter three years ago.  Since then, she's sworn off men, and instead indulges in books and ice cream.  Younger sister, Ember Somerset is known for being fun loving, feisty, and free-spirited, but she too has suffered loss.  Together, these two sisters run a business where Autumn designs, and Ember builds.  On top of their business, they live on and run an enchanting rescue farm, where they built themselves a duplex, as well as a home for their parents.  After their father suffered a severe stroke, Autumn and Ember decided to take turns helping out with their parents.

When Autumn's high school crush Tash Ducker moves back to town with his seven year old daughter, Sadie, Ember decides to play matchmaker.  She sets up an appointment for Tash with Autumn, because he wants to design and build Sadie's dream bedroom and play area.  As things start to heat up between Autumn and Tash, Ember's feelings grow towards, Mike, their farmhand.  Will Autumn and Ember get the happily ever after that they both desire?

The Somerset Girls was a breath of fresh air.  It was low-angst, sweet, and my type of feel good romance.  I had a smile on my face the whole time I took this story in.  I loved that I got two wonderful romances, as well as getting to know Autumn and Ember's eccentric parents, and Tash's adorable daughter Sadie.  I loved the strong bond that Autumn and Ember shared, and these two women reminded me of myself and my sister.  Tash and Mike were two sexy, kind, and charming leading men, and both love stories were great!  If you are in the mood for a small town second chance romance, with close knit sisters, kind hearted leading men, smiles, laughs, and the perfect romantic ending, look no further!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Google 

About the Author:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN. 

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home. 

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Book Review: Fighting Dirty (Ultimate #4) by Lori Foster

Fighting Dirty
Ultimate #4

By:
Lori Foster

Release Date:
February 23, 2016

Publisher:
HQN Books

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

He's the hottest MMA fighter in the game, but one woman is ready to try out a few steamy moves of her own in an unforgettable new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster... With the life he's led and the muscles he's gained, Armie Jacobson isn't afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter's effect on him. It's not just that she's his best friend's little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that's all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life. Good girl meets bad boy. It's a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they're both about to learn what's truly worth fighting for….

Ultimate Series:

My Review on Hard Knocks Here

My Review on No Limits Here

My Review on Holding Strong Here

My Review on Tough Love Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

Out of the entire Ultimate Series, Armie and Rissy's story is the one that I've been dying to read.  I love the whole cast in this series, but there is something so exciting about the fact that these two character's finally decide to take a chance on one another.  Ms. Foster saved the best story for last!  Yet, we get to have a significant amount of page time with the couples from the previous books in the series.

Armie Jacobson is known for his wild sexcapades.  He overindulges, and is known for being willing to try anything at least once.  Armie's had feelings for his best friend, Cannon's, younger sister, Merissa, since she was a teenager.  However, he knows that she deserves the best, and he doesn't consider himself a catch.

Merissa "Rissy" Colter, has only ever wanted Armie.  Yet, he treats her like a sister.  When the bank that Rissy manages, get's robbed, Armie is there to save the day.  Rissy is shaken up, and ends up staying at Armie's for comfort.  She begins to realize that he is fighting the attraction he feels for her.  Now that Rissy know's that Armie feels the same way about her that she feels about him, she has decided that nothing is going to stop her from claiming him!

Fighting Dirty was such a great read!  I loved Rissy's determination and assertiveness, when it came to taking what she wanted.  She's such a sweet, nurturing, and caring person.  Yet, I loved seeing a tougher and more aggressive side to her as well.  Armie was abandoned by him mom at a young age, had a horrible father, and was use to women wanting him soley for his bedroom skills.  I enjoyed seeing a more vulnerable and emotional side to him, as he saw how good it felt to be wanted for who he was as an individual.  As he fell in love with Rissy, she gave him something he had never been given before and desperately needed; love.

Ms. Foster always adds a good dose of suspense, plot twists, and danger in her stories.  I love how she does it in a way that does not take away from fleshed out characterization, great romance, and perfect amount of detail needed for a well-rounded story.

My Rating:

I give, Fighting Dirty, by Lori Foster, 4 Sexy Bad Boy, Dangerous Enemies, Sweet and Swoon Filled Stars!  Read the Ultimate Series for great stories focused on sexy alpha MMA Fighters, on the edge of your seat suspense, and wickedly hot romance! 

Preorder At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

BookDepository | IndieBound | Books-a-Million

About Lori Foster:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN. Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home. Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

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Blog Tour: Tough Love (Ultimate #3) by Lori Foster

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for Lori Foster's TOUGH LOVE! TOUGH LOVE is  the next novel in her Ultimate Series  published by Harlequin HQN. This amazing book releases on August 25^th! If you haven't before, make sure you grab the other books in this fantastic series today!

Tough Love
Ultimate, #3
by Lori Foster

Release Date:
August 25th, 2015

Publisher: 
Harlequin HQN

Source:
Publisher via NetGalley

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Synopsis:

She's playing hard to get… to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster… 

Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows. 

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?

Praise for TOUGH LOVE: “Foster brings her signature blend of heat and sweet to her addictive third Ultimate martial arts contemporary. Foster ably tosses out red herrings and also seamlessly lays the foundation for the next book in this series. This luscious tale will appeal to Foster’s legion of fans and attract new ones—even those who aren’t fans of professional fighting.”- Publishers Weekly  

My Review of Hard Knocks Here
My Review of No Limits Here
My Review of Holding Strong Here

Ultimate Series on Goodreads:

Hard Knocks

No Limits

Holding Strong

Tough Love

Fighting Dirty

My Thoughts:

The Ultimate Series by Lori Foster is highly addicting, thrilling, sexy, and suspenseful.  If you enjoy reading about gorgeous MMA fighters, then this series is a must read!  What I love about Ms. Foster's books is the fact that you can tell she is a talented and seasoned writer.  As seen with her Ultimate Series, Ms. Foster knows how to hook her readers with dynamic multi-layered characters, seamless and cohesive plot lines, steamy romance, and high octane suspense.

In Tough Love, we get Stack Hannigan and Vanity Baker's story.  Stack doesn't do commitment.  He's been intrigued by the beautiful Vanity, but refuses to make a move.  Vanity knows what she wants, and what she wants is Stack.  So, she devises a plan to reel him in, and hopefully get her happily ever after with her dream guy.  Vanity propositions Stack.  If he will be her date for their good friends, Cannon and Yvette's wedding, she promises him a happy ending to follow.  Vanity hopes that once they spend a passionate night in each other's arms, Stack will see how good they are together, and want more.

Tough Love had all of the elements of a great story.  Stack and Vanity's connection with one another was strong.  They had friendship, passion, and respect for one another.  As the main characters, we get to know both Stack and Vanity on a deep level.  We learn about their families, memories from their pasts, as well as their talents, hobbies, and the essence of who they are.  Stack was a talented fighter, loyal friend, son, sibling, and all around great guy.  He oozed sea appeal and passion.  

Vanity was lonely, but she finally found a home by making friends with the fighters from the recreational center, and their significant others.  She was amazingly talented, but what really shone through was her beautiful heart.  Vanity was extremely giving and selfless.  She would give you the shoes off of her feet if you needed them.  She was also a no nonsense, straight-forward type of person, but always gave people the benefit of the doubt.

As you can tell, I loved the main characters.  However, the secondary characters were just as amazing, which is typical of a Lori Foster book.  This close and cohesive group of fighters, and the girls they love, all have unique and likable personalties.  I feel like I know each of these characters on an individual level.  I love how loyal and protective they are of one another, and how they are like one giant family.

There is also an element of suspense in this novel.  I don't want to give any spoilers, but will say that it upped the entertainment factor in the book, and was another brilliant aspect of the story.  I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series, and have been waiting on pins and needles to read, Armie and Merissa's story, Fighting Dirty.  I love how Ms. Foster gives us little teasers of each upcoming story in the current story.  She knows how to wet a reader's appetite for more!  Another thing I'd like to mention is that this series doesn't need to be read in order.  However, all of the books are so good, that once you read one, you will surely want to read them all.

My Rating:

I give, Tough Love, by Lori Foster, 4 Wickedly Hot, Explosively Passionate, Entertainingly Suspenseful Filled Stars!  We have another excellent and compelling addition to the Ultimate Series that is sure to satisfy romance readers!

Book Teaser:

Book Trailer:

Book Excerpt:

Oblivious, Tabby said, “Mom, did you know Stack brought a woman with him?” 

That got both of his mother’s eyes open. She even lifted to one elbow. “What? Who?” She looked around. 

“Where is she?” 

“In the waiting room with Phil. You should see her. She’s beautiful, built and really nice, too.” 

“Stack,” his mother said, getting her first good look at him. “Are you in a tux?” 

“Be right back.” 

“I want to meet her!” 

Stack didn’t reply. For a woman who only moments before had been incapacitated with a headache, his mother still knew how to issue orders. Urgency made his stride long and hurried as he went down the hall, past friendly nurses and a few worried visitors, all the way to the waiting room. 

Vanity had her nose in a magazine. 

And Phil, fucking Phil, was seated too close beside her, talking nonstop, fake laughing, schmoozing, doing his utmost to get her attention. 

Vanity ignored him—just as she sometimes ignored Stack. But this time, as she felt his stare and looked up, she immediately put the magazine aside. Smiling, she came to him, walking right into his arms. “Hey.” She squeezed him with comforting concern. “How’s your mom?” 

In that moment, Stack felt a lot of things. Too many things, damn it. At either side of her head he threaded his fingers into her long hair, anchoring her for his kiss. 

Out of deference for the hospital atmosphere, he kept it brief. “She’s okay. How are you holding up?” 

“Me?” She laughed, looking not just gorgeous, but precious, too. Her hand rubbed his biceps. “I’m not the one who was hurt.” 

That earned her another kiss before he lifted her arm and feathered his fingertips over the soft skin above the bandage. “It’s been one hell of a day. You haven’t had any sleep.” “Neither have you.” That sweet, teasing smile twitched into place. In the barest of whispers, she said, “But at least I had two orgasms, so all in all, for me, it’s been a pretty good twenty-four hours.” 

Urges rushed through Stack. The urge to hold her. To laugh with her. To use her to chase away the endless frustration he worked so hard to hide. To maybe confide in her about how badly he wanted to demolish Phil—and why. 

To somehow claim her…for more than a quick taste. 

In that moment it all became clear to him. Vanity tried to control things. But he needed that control, and once he had it he’d sway her to his way of thinking.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | BAM | B&N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN. Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home. Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

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Blog Tour: Holding Strong (Ultimate #2) by Lori Foster

Holding Strong
Ultimate #1

By: 
Lori Foster

Published: 
March 31, 2015

Publisher:
HQN Books

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

Add to Goodreads

GR's Summary:

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster's irresistible new novel 

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn't share. That's why he's been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry's about to need more than she knows… 

Denver's combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she's been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can't hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who'll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she'll trust him enough to let him… 

Ultimate Series:

My Review of Hard Knocks Here

My Review of No Limits Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

I always enjoy Lori Foster's stories immensely.  They are fast-paced, action-packed, chock full of suspense, and gripping romance!  Her secondary characters are just as amazing as her main characters, and we get to revisit them in all of the books of a series.

I've noticed that MMA romances have become quite popular lately.  Who doesn't love a story about a sexy alpha-male athlete?!!!  When I heard that Cannon Colter (one of my favorite secondary character's from the Love Undercover Series,) would be a huge part of this series, and that it was focused on a group of up and coming MMA fighters, I had to read it!  Every book in this series has been addictive, and an amazing read!

In Holding Strong, we get Denver Lewis and Cherry Peyton's story.  These two have been dancing around each other for a long time, so I was really excited to see them finally get together!  Cherry has actively been pursuing Denver.  However, he has been avoiding her, because he doesn't like that she is a huge flirt, and how she has the ability to drive him crazy.  This is something that no other woman before her has been able to accomplish.  

Finally, Denver gives in to temptation with Cherry, and they have a night to remember!  Once he's had a taste, he wants her more than ever.  Simultaneously, Cherry's in danger because her sick and twisted ex-foster brother's are after her.  She is going to have to open up to Denver and trust him, if she wants a meaningful and lasting relationship with the man of her dreams.

Holding Strong was full of action, suspense, twists, and turns!  The passion between Cherry and Denver was sizzling and well-worth all of the anticipation from these two finally getting together.  Cherry was a fun, flirty and independent woman!  I admired her resiliency, and would have never guessed how much she had gone through.  Denver was so sweet, tender, attentive, and adoring!  I loved how he treated Cherry.  

We also get more of a taste of what's to come in the series with Vanity and Stack, as well as Armie and Merissa!  I can't wait to read about both of these couples.  We of course get Cannon and Yvette, and even Rowdy, Reese, and Logan from the Love Undercover Series!  I love all of these characters, and how they are like one huge surrogate family!  They tease each other, have a good time together, and train with one another.  Yet, they aren't just there for each other during the fun times.  They show their love loyalty, caring, and support for one another during the toughest of times!

My Rating:

I give, Holding Strong, by Lori Foster, 4 Riveting, Crazy Twists and Turns, and Sexy Times Filled Stars!  Holding Strong was another great addition to the Ultimate Series!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo  IndieBound | Book Depository | Google Play 

About Lori Foster:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Berkley, Silhouette and Samhain. She is currently with Harlequin. 

Lori believes it’s important to give back to the community as much as possible, and for that reason she ran special contests in conjunction with a publisher, facilitating many first sales for new authors. She routinely organizes events among authors and readers to gather donations for various organizations. 

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

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Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway