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Indiana Summers #3
The Love Shack
They’ve been trying to avoid each other.
But this town has other ideas…
When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But sometimes she feels the sting of the scandal from her youth, especially when she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor. So, she keeps her head down and pours all her love into caring for animals.
Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the grinding 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. He knows she’s got major baggage of her own. They're better off just avoiding each other.
But that’s downright impossible in a town full of matchmaking busybodies. Then there’s the hard-to-ignore attraction they feel every time they see each other. When the universe is conspiring to bring them together, will Berkley and Lawson let past hurts go and embrace the love they deserve?
But this town has other ideas…
When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But sometimes she feels the sting of the scandal from her youth, especially when she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor. So, she keeps her head down and pours all her love into caring for animals.
Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the grinding 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. He knows she’s got major baggage of her own. They're better off just avoiding each other.
But that’s downright impossible in a town full of matchmaking busybodies. Then there’s the hard-to-ignore attraction they feel every time they see each other. When the universe is conspiring to bring them together, will Berkley and Lawson let past hurts go and embrace the love they deserve?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
173 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince 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/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
May 22, 2024
3.5 Stars- small-town clean romance
~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have some mixed feelings about this book. Normally I’m a big Foster fan because she writes sweet, clean romance stories full of heart. While this one was a fun, delightful, Chick Lit type romance, I really didn’t feel a connection between the people.
That’s not to say Foster did not include a lot of interest in characters. Oh, she certainly did. And I think that’s where some of my issue lies. I think there are too many people.
She wrote the story including so much about the townspeople and I really wanted a more in-depth connection between the two main characters. They had a history and that history was binding them together. That was the great part!
There’s also a tiny bit of suspense scattered through for a heightened level of security. But there was a deeper level of spark that was missing for me.
I’ve always loved Foster's writing as her stories are always unique and entertaining. The Love Shack is no different. I was just looking for a little bit more fire and passion and less small town in your business story. This is of no fault to the author. I’m kind of about that right now.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-love-sha...
~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have some mixed feelings about this book. Normally I’m a big Foster fan because she writes sweet, clean romance stories full of heart. While this one was a fun, delightful, Chick Lit type romance, I really didn’t feel a connection between the people.
That’s not to say Foster did not include a lot of interest in characters. Oh, she certainly did. And I think that’s where some of my issue lies. I think there are too many people.
She wrote the story including so much about the townspeople and I really wanted a more in-depth connection between the two main characters. They had a history and that history was binding them together. That was the great part!
There’s also a tiny bit of suspense scattered through for a heightened level of security. But there was a deeper level of spark that was missing for me.
I’ve always loved Foster's writing as her stories are always unique and entertaining. The Love Shack is no different. I was just looking for a little bit more fire and passion and less small town in your business story. This is of no fault to the author. I’m kind of about that right now.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-love-sha...
April 17, 2024
4 people move to the same town for a new beginning for different reasons. They all become major parts of each other’s lives. There are 2 love stories in this book. Stories about new friendship, past trauma, and the family you make.
I found this story to be very cute. The FMC runs an animal shelter, so there are so many cute situations with animals going on. She also lost her mom at a young age & one of the older ladies in the town becomes a mother figure to her and their relationship was beautiful.
Part of this town’s traditions is that they have a mannequin that they move all over town into random positions, clothing, etc. That plays an interesting and funny role in the story.
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. A very lighthearted read. Would be a great beach book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I found this story to be very cute. The FMC runs an animal shelter, so there are so many cute situations with animals going on. She also lost her mom at a young age & one of the older ladies in the town becomes a mother figure to her and their relationship was beautiful.
Part of this town’s traditions is that they have a mannequin that they move all over town into random positions, clothing, etc. That plays an interesting and funny role in the story.
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. A very lighthearted read. Would be a great beach book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2024
The Love Shack by Lori Foster
Indiana Summer series #3. Contemporary romance.
Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven in Cemetery, Indiana. She’s known for a long time she wanted to save hurt, abused, or lost animals to a forever perfect match and she’s doing that now with the Love Shack. Sure, she may be hiding a bit from a past scandal but she’s also receiving as much love from the animals she’s caring for as she’s giving so feels good about her life now.
Lawson Salder has always been embarrassed by his childhood poverty. Living and owning a popular store in Cemetery proves he has risen above old issues but with Berkeley just past his back yard from Berkeley is bringing back memories. A dog that falls in love with Lawson, and a cat that keeps stealing clothing items from his house has Lawson forgetting his past and appreciating Berkeley for several things including her joy in her work. When the town busybodies start pushing them together, Lawson isn’t exactly upset.
Full cast of unique town characters including a mannequin that the town dresses and moves around to different places. And several pets that add a lot of antics and love into the Indiana small town. Add in a second couple flirting and it’s a story with friendships, support, love and found family.
Indiana Summer series #3. Contemporary romance.
Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven in Cemetery, Indiana. She’s known for a long time she wanted to save hurt, abused, or lost animals to a forever perfect match and she’s doing that now with the Love Shack. Sure, she may be hiding a bit from a past scandal but she’s also receiving as much love from the animals she’s caring for as she’s giving so feels good about her life now.
Lawson Salder has always been embarrassed by his childhood poverty. Living and owning a popular store in Cemetery proves he has risen above old issues but with Berkeley just past his back yard from Berkeley is bringing back memories. A dog that falls in love with Lawson, and a cat that keeps stealing clothing items from his house has Lawson forgetting his past and appreciating Berkeley for several things including her joy in her work. When the town busybodies start pushing them together, Lawson isn’t exactly upset.
Full cast of unique town characters including a mannequin that the town dresses and moves around to different places. And several pets that add a lot of antics and love into the Indiana small town. Add in a second couple flirting and it’s a story with friendships, support, love and found family.
July 11, 2024
The Love Shack is the third book in Lori Foster's "Indiana Summers" series.
Cemetery, Indiana it's the place you want to be!
It's so much fun to re-visit characters from the previous two books and to meet new characters who have come to this wonderful town.
Berkley moves to town to start a new life and run the "Love Shack Animal Shelter" when she bumps into Lawson (it's the cat's fault) who is trying to forget his past and start anew. They are part of each other's past so escaping it just isn't going to happen. What remains is a wonderful, heart-warming story!
The animals are a hoot and if you haven't met Kathleen she makes a few exciting appearances too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Cemetery, Indiana it's the place you want to be!
It's so much fun to re-visit characters from the previous two books and to meet new characters who have come to this wonderful town.
Berkley moves to town to start a new life and run the "Love Shack Animal Shelter" when she bumps into Lawson (it's the cat's fault) who is trying to forget his past and start anew. They are part of each other's past so escaping it just isn't going to happen. What remains is a wonderful, heart-warming story!
The animals are a hoot and if you haven't met Kathleen she makes a few exciting appearances too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 9, 2024
Ok- a cover with the beach & a cute pup - I was sold with just that! The Love Shack by Lori Foster is just as you would expect - super fun romantic beach read. This is a small town romance and the main characters, Berkeley & Lawson, are impossible not to love. I devoured this one- while sitting on the beach of course. I will definitely check out more of Foster’s titles.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Canary Street Press for the ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Canary Street Press for the ARC copy of this book.
April 22, 2025
Berkley is the main character who runs an animal shelter. She has escaped an unhappy childhood and a relationship with an older married man. She blossoms in the small town of Cemetery. Add some new friends, a love interest, and of course some wonderful animals and you have a very enjoyable book.
March 9, 2024
Berkley Carr has done her best to put her unfortunate past behind her. She grew up under difficult circumstances, and left with a scandal behind her as well. She is now living in the town of Cemetery, Indiana and is running The Love Shack Animal Haven and would rather that no one ever know of her past. It must really be a small world because Lawson Salder grew up in the same neighborhood as Berkley and he is now living in Cemetery as well. Both Berkley and Lawson have done their best to leave their poverty stricken lives in their rear view.
Berkley in no way wants to be reminded of her past life. However, Cemetery is a small town and not only are their business is close proximity to each other's, but they are rather close neighbors as well. Avoiding Lawson will be next to impossible for Berkley, and she cannot help but to realize how drawn to she is to the handsome man.
With Cemetery being as small as it is, everyone knows everyone else's business. Once the residents, most notably Betty Cemetery, the spry octogenarian, realizes that Berkley and Lawson would be perfect for one another, it seems that a bit of matchmaking will be at play.
Betty is a great character, as are Berkley and Lawson, and as always in this Indiana Summer series there is also the unique character of Katherine. I love the special role that she plays in these endearing stories. But the hero of this story is Hero, and I simply could not think of any other way to say this. Hero is Berkley's brindle pit-bull boxer and the emotional connection he has to Berkley and then Lawson truly made my heart sing.
The first two books in this series are The Honeymoon Cottage and The Little Flower Shop. Each story is wonderful and this third book is equally so. I really hope that this series continues with new couples finding love, and that we always have Betty and Katherine along for the ride.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Berkley in no way wants to be reminded of her past life. However, Cemetery is a small town and not only are their business is close proximity to each other's, but they are rather close neighbors as well. Avoiding Lawson will be next to impossible for Berkley, and she cannot help but to realize how drawn to she is to the handsome man.
With Cemetery being as small as it is, everyone knows everyone else's business. Once the residents, most notably Betty Cemetery, the spry octogenarian, realizes that Berkley and Lawson would be perfect for one another, it seems that a bit of matchmaking will be at play.
Betty is a great character, as are Berkley and Lawson, and as always in this Indiana Summer series there is also the unique character of Katherine. I love the special role that she plays in these endearing stories. But the hero of this story is Hero, and I simply could not think of any other way to say this. Hero is Berkley's brindle pit-bull boxer and the emotional connection he has to Berkley and then Lawson truly made my heart sing.
The first two books in this series are The Honeymoon Cottage and The Little Flower Shop. Each story is wonderful and this third book is equally so. I really hope that this series continues with new couples finding love, and that we always have Betty and Katherine along for the ride.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 12, 2024
You know that feeling when you have all the right ingredients, perfectly follow the recipe, and still somehow end up with a mediocre tasting meal? Yep. That was this book for me. In theory, it has great ingredients. A beach town, animal sanctuary with endearing dogs and cats, romance… but it simply fell short. I’ll admit, I am a pretty busy person but reading is a welcome escape. So, when I do have time to read, I’m usually excited to pick up a book and get lost in it. That was just not the case here. I had to encourage myself to pick it up after a long day and sometimes only read 3-6 pages before deciding sleep was more desirable. I wish I could have enjoyed it as much as some others have. Like an adequate (but not extraordinary) meal, I finished it but I’m not inclined to read other books by this author any time soon.
August 1, 2024
I loved returning to Cemetery, Indiana and seeing familiar characters and meeting new ones. Each of the books in the Indiana Summers series work as standalone, but you’ll want to go back and read them all!
Berkley Carr made some mistakes and lost her mother. The one thing that saved her was taking care of her mom’s dog and from there she found her mission. With a little help, she opened the Love Shack Animal Haven on the outskirts of Cemetery, Indiana. Here she has a home and shelter for animals in need. She’s not keen on meeting folks, but her pesky cat won’t stop stealing from her neighbor. I felt for Berkley and the events that occurred in her past. You can’t help but admire her passion and fierce need to protect the animals she aids.
Lawson Salder’s knew Berkley way back then and carries guilt that he didn’t do more to help her. Maybe it’s best if he keeps his distance. However, townsfolk and a cat have other ideas. I liked Lawson and his need to protect Berkley.
The story that unfolds had all the elements I love in small-town romances. Busybodies, matchmakers, social events, community and all the little things that make Cemetery unique. We meet some new characters and get hints at the next romance as well as check-ins on previous couples. It was bliss. The story has a suspenseful element that forced the couple to interact and kept me flipping the pages.
The Love Shack was the perfect beach read and one I recommend for fans of romance, small-towns, animals and shenanigans. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Berkley Carr made some mistakes and lost her mother. The one thing that saved her was taking care of her mom’s dog and from there she found her mission. With a little help, she opened the Love Shack Animal Haven on the outskirts of Cemetery, Indiana. Here she has a home and shelter for animals in need. She’s not keen on meeting folks, but her pesky cat won’t stop stealing from her neighbor. I felt for Berkley and the events that occurred in her past. You can’t help but admire her passion and fierce need to protect the animals she aids.
Lawson Salder’s knew Berkley way back then and carries guilt that he didn’t do more to help her. Maybe it’s best if he keeps his distance. However, townsfolk and a cat have other ideas. I liked Lawson and his need to protect Berkley.
The story that unfolds had all the elements I love in small-town romances. Busybodies, matchmakers, social events, community and all the little things that make Cemetery unique. We meet some new characters and get hints at the next romance as well as check-ins on previous couples. It was bliss. The story has a suspenseful element that forced the couple to interact and kept me flipping the pages.
The Love Shack was the perfect beach read and one I recommend for fans of romance, small-towns, animals and shenanigans. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 11, 2024
*I received a free copy of The Love Shack from Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
What's better than a small town romance, you wonder? A small town romance that is also a second chance, of course. Especially because the two main characters, Berkley and Lawson, had fled from the place where they grew up.
As always, this series got to me. I love how the different people who live there are always present when needed - and when Berkley needed help, they were all there for her. Starting with the matriarch.
This is one of those feel-good romances that will leave you feeling fulfilled when you finish reading, and also with the satisfaction of a story well-told.
What's better than a small town romance, you wonder? A small town romance that is also a second chance, of course. Especially because the two main characters, Berkley and Lawson, had fled from the place where they grew up.
As always, this series got to me. I love how the different people who live there are always present when needed - and when Berkley needed help, they were all there for her. Starting with the matriarch.
This is one of those feel-good romances that will leave you feeling fulfilled when you finish reading, and also with the satisfaction of a story well-told.
June 11, 2024
The Love Shack by Lori Foster, book three in the Indiana Summers series, is a sweet story about overcoming one’s past, filled with quirky characters, supporting friendships, and a mannequin named Kathleen. The population of Cemetery, Indiana is growing, as four people move to town, needing to restart their lives; leaving troubled pasts behind. Berkeley and Lawton, and Lark and Oliver, are all hoping to move beyond those troubled pasts, and each is looking to find a place to truly feel at home. In Cemetery, they find that and so much more.
Berkley has found a purpose in life, running The Love Shack Animal Haven. Lawson grew up in the same troubled neighborhood as Berkley, traveled the world, only to move to Cemetery to open a t-shirt/printing store near her. Stylist Lark left home after a relationship gone bad. Oliver decided he needed a change of pace from the demands of PT practice and his family by opening a gym. The chemistry between Lawson and Berkley is evident to all who witness them together. Berkley’s pets are special: Hero an overly protective dog and Cheese, the klepto-cat who kept stealing things from Lawson, causing him to visit Berkley to retrieve them. Despite Oliver being ten years older, Lark is drawn to him; needing his maturity and love. Lark brings a breath of sunshine to the town, with all her fun ideas and just by being her. Between Betty, town matriarch who rules the roost, Kathleen, a mannequin who ends up all over town, and a shelter full of adorable dogs and cats, there are plenty of laughs, lots of emotion, and heart-warming entertainment. I enjoyed how the relationships grew, strengthened, and built between the two couples.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade
Berkley has found a purpose in life, running The Love Shack Animal Haven. Lawson grew up in the same troubled neighborhood as Berkley, traveled the world, only to move to Cemetery to open a t-shirt/printing store near her. Stylist Lark left home after a relationship gone bad. Oliver decided he needed a change of pace from the demands of PT practice and his family by opening a gym. The chemistry between Lawson and Berkley is evident to all who witness them together. Berkley’s pets are special: Hero an overly protective dog and Cheese, the klepto-cat who kept stealing things from Lawson, causing him to visit Berkley to retrieve them. Despite Oliver being ten years older, Lark is drawn to him; needing his maturity and love. Lark brings a breath of sunshine to the town, with all her fun ideas and just by being her. Between Betty, town matriarch who rules the roost, Kathleen, a mannequin who ends up all over town, and a shelter full of adorable dogs and cats, there are plenty of laughs, lots of emotion, and heart-warming entertainment. I enjoyed how the relationships grew, strengthened, and built between the two couples.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade
January 8, 2025
4.5 stars
A story of friendships and new beginnings, the power of animals and their love for their humans, of learning to trust again. Great book and continuation of this series!
A story of friendships and new beginnings, the power of animals and their love for their humans, of learning to trust again. Great book and continuation of this series!
July 10, 2024
Reading Lori never gets old. Every book she takes me on a journey. Her books are for me like strolling through your favorite town with all your favorite people! Another fab read!
March 5, 2024
e-ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing!
This was a 1.75 stars for me. It has potential to be a solid book but there are many questions that I had as I was reading this.
The story revolves around two main characters, Berkley and Lawson in Cemetery, Indiana. Both characters obviously having been through traumatic experiences bond over their childhood back when they lived in another town. So they move to this small town in Indiana to escape this. I loved how this is set in a small town, where everyone knows each other and their business. There's a town mannequin that is basically their inside joke and it makes for a funny story.
Where I struggled with is how our main characters dealt with their trauma. It's been years of repression and convincing themselves that they are fine but really not and they still haven't spoken to a professional about this? Which is fine, maybe it's inaccessible to them but then Berkley in particular lets this trauma define her whole personality. So is she really 'fine' like she says? Some things are just a little unbelievable that it takes away from the story. Not to mention, there was a lot of filler. it did not add to the story and it dragged on and on for at least a couple of pages. It would have been good to have alternating timelines. This could have helped fill the space and really explain the trauma both characters went through.
This is my first Lori Foster book but I see that she is a best seller. I am still interested in her other works to see what she's all about. I like her writing, it just wasn't utilized the best way in this book, sadly.
This was a 1.75 stars for me. It has potential to be a solid book but there are many questions that I had as I was reading this.
The story revolves around two main characters, Berkley and Lawson in Cemetery, Indiana. Both characters obviously having been through traumatic experiences bond over their childhood back when they lived in another town. So they move to this small town in Indiana to escape this. I loved how this is set in a small town, where everyone knows each other and their business. There's a town mannequin that is basically their inside joke and it makes for a funny story.
Where I struggled with is how our main characters dealt with their trauma. It's been years of repression and convincing themselves that they are fine but really not and they still haven't spoken to a professional about this? Which is fine, maybe it's inaccessible to them but then Berkley in particular lets this trauma define her whole personality. So is she really 'fine' like she says? Some things are just a little unbelievable that it takes away from the story. Not to mention, there was a lot of filler. it did not add to the story and it dragged on and on for at least a couple of pages. It would have been good to have alternating timelines. This could have helped fill the space and really explain the trauma both characters went through.
This is my first Lori Foster book but I see that she is a best seller. I am still interested in her other works to see what she's all about. I like her writing, it just wasn't utilized the best way in this book, sadly.
March 29, 2024
The Love Shack
By Lori Foster
Release date June 11, 2024
Another five star by Lori Foster !
Berkley Carr needs a new start. She was in a relationship that did not end well! She was lied to ridiculed and embarrassed. She comes to Cemetery Indiana to open The Love Shack a haven for animals. She just wants to leave the past behind!
Lawson Salder also settled in Cemetery. He has traveled the world trying to leave his poverty stricken life behind.
When he and Berkley run into each other, they are both quite surprised to find out that they are now neighbors. They were both from the same hometown. They both know about each other’s past.
Berkley’s cat Cheese is bound and determined to keep Lawson and Berkeley running into each other. You see Cheese just so happens to be a thief. He steals Lawson stuff, and Lawson comes to Berkley’s to retrieve it.
Then we have Hero , Berkley’s dog. He is her protector, and he is loyal to a fault.
You know, you have read a great book when you love the animal characters as much as you do the human characters. Lori definitely has a way of making you fall in love with ALL her characters. In the town of Cemetery we also have Kathleen. She is a mannequin and you will fall in love with her too.
Thank you, Lori Foster for this very entertaining book!
I was given this book by Lori via NetGalley in return for my honest review.
By Lori Foster
Release date June 11, 2024
Another five star by Lori Foster !
Berkley Carr needs a new start. She was in a relationship that did not end well! She was lied to ridiculed and embarrassed. She comes to Cemetery Indiana to open The Love Shack a haven for animals. She just wants to leave the past behind!
Lawson Salder also settled in Cemetery. He has traveled the world trying to leave his poverty stricken life behind.
When he and Berkley run into each other, they are both quite surprised to find out that they are now neighbors. They were both from the same hometown. They both know about each other’s past.
Berkley’s cat Cheese is bound and determined to keep Lawson and Berkeley running into each other. You see Cheese just so happens to be a thief. He steals Lawson stuff, and Lawson comes to Berkley’s to retrieve it.
Then we have Hero , Berkley’s dog. He is her protector, and he is loyal to a fault.
You know, you have read a great book when you love the animal characters as much as you do the human characters. Lori definitely has a way of making you fall in love with ALL her characters. In the town of Cemetery we also have Kathleen. She is a mannequin and you will fall in love with her too.
Thank you, Lori Foster for this very entertaining book!
I was given this book by Lori via NetGalley in return for my honest review.
June 19, 2024
Feel good Read
The Love Shack, Cemetery Indiana's new Animal Shelter goes from the perfect place for Berkeley Carr to hide from attention and her scandalous past to becoming a large part of the town's heart through her natural caring personality.
A small town, feel good, read of new beginnings, healing past scars, building family, friendships, and finding a home a place to belong.
Lori does a wonderful job telling us the stories within these pages through heart-felt connections, matchmaking shenanigans from the town matriarch, fur family, and the town mannequin. All have a part in love stories where individuals and couples find trust acceptance and happily ever afters.
The Love Shack, Cemetery Indiana's new Animal Shelter goes from the perfect place for Berkeley Carr to hide from attention and her scandalous past to becoming a large part of the town's heart through her natural caring personality.
A small town, feel good, read of new beginnings, healing past scars, building family, friendships, and finding a home a place to belong.
Lori does a wonderful job telling us the stories within these pages through heart-felt connections, matchmaking shenanigans from the town matriarch, fur family, and the town mannequin. All have a part in love stories where individuals and couples find trust acceptance and happily ever afters.
June 8, 2024
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.
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.
June 20, 2024
This was cute.
October 27, 2024
The Love Shack by Lori Foster
Indiana Summers #3
306-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Praise, Author's Bibliography, Fictional Small-Town Near Albany, Indiana; Mannequin, Pets, Animal Shelter, Business Owners, Escaping Old Neighborhood Scandal Trope, New Start Trope, Newcomers, Kentucky, Crazy Pet Names, Hair Salon, Multiple POVs, Dual Storylines, Bad Exes, Drama, Sex, Suspense
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🐈🐕💇♀️
My thoughts: 📘 10-24-2024 - Don't you just love it when you're all set to read a new book and you add it to Goodreads and discover it's book 3 in a series? I'll be back in a day or two.
📘 10/26-2024 - I'm ready for this book but I'm now worried about sappiness. I'm glad I decided to read the other 2 as this one seems to be cumulative of the end of the series, I'm expecting cameos and updates from everyone.
🔖Page 137 of 306 [Chapter] 8 - Betty was 91 in Book 1 but now she's 87. 🙄 So far I'm not a fan of either of these new couples. Berkley was a minor character in Book 2 but I was hoping Wheeler would get a shot and baby updates from the Book 1 couples. This is pretty dull and many of the characters are just variations of each other, like Mortal Kombat villains. I'm going to catch up on The Summit and hope it rejuvenates me enough to finish.
It was okay. The plot was far-fetched and the dialogue cheesy but it had its moments of humor. I'm glad I read the other two books as they were both better than this one.
Recommend to others: I'm not sure, the first book was good, but the series was just okay.
Indiana Summers
1. The Honeymoon Cottage (2022)
2. The Little Flower Shop (2023)
3. The Love Shack (2024)
Indiana Summers #3
306-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Praise, Author's Bibliography, Fictional Small-Town Near Albany, Indiana; Mannequin, Pets, Animal Shelter, Business Owners, Escaping Old Neighborhood Scandal Trope, New Start Trope, Newcomers, Kentucky, Crazy Pet Names, Hair Salon, Multiple POVs, Dual Storylines, Bad Exes, Drama, Sex, Suspense
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🐈🐕💇♀️
My thoughts: 📘 10-24-2024 - Don't you just love it when you're all set to read a new book and you add it to Goodreads and discover it's book 3 in a series? I'll be back in a day or two.
📘 10/26-2024 - I'm ready for this book but I'm now worried about sappiness. I'm glad I decided to read the other 2 as this one seems to be cumulative of the end of the series, I'm expecting cameos and updates from everyone.
🔖Page 137 of 306 [Chapter] 8 - Betty was 91 in Book 1 but now she's 87. 🙄 So far I'm not a fan of either of these new couples. Berkley was a minor character in Book 2 but I was hoping Wheeler would get a shot and baby updates from the Book 1 couples. This is pretty dull and many of the characters are just variations of each other, like Mortal Kombat villains. I'm going to catch up on The Summit and hope it rejuvenates me enough to finish.
It was okay. The plot was far-fetched and the dialogue cheesy but it had its moments of humor. I'm glad I read the other two books as they were both better than this one.
Recommend to others: I'm not sure, the first book was good, but the series was just okay.
Indiana Summers
1. The Honeymoon Cottage (2022)
2. The Little Flower Shop (2023)
3. The Love Shack (2024)
June 6, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. Publish date: June 11, 2024.
————————————————————————————————
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.
————————————————————————————————
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.
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June 17, 2024
I stayed up way too late reading this, because I just had to get to that Happy Ever After.
Lori Foster delivers another spectacular small-town romance set in Cemetery. And you really get the bang for your buck, because you get double the love story in this one - like many of her most recent releases. It's clear Lawson and Berkley are the main love story, but you also get Oliver and Lark. I will say, I do wish there was more of Oliver and Lark's story. I think they both deserved just as much "air time" as Berkley and Lawson, because their stories were just as compelling.
Lori almost always includes an animal in her stories, and this book has that in abundance, considering Berkley runs The Love Shack, Cemetery's animal shelter. But be prepared to hear some sad stories about animals. I might have gotten a little weepy a time or two, hearing about the rough life some animals had. But since this is Lori Foster, and she never fails to deliver - don't worry, there will be a happy ending. Be sure to check out Lori's newest book - and if you love it, go back through and read the rest of her Cemetery series. They all work as stand-alones, but you'll fall in love with the town as much as you do the love interests.
Lori Foster delivers another spectacular small-town romance set in Cemetery. And you really get the bang for your buck, because you get double the love story in this one - like many of her most recent releases. It's clear Lawson and Berkley are the main love story, but you also get Oliver and Lark. I will say, I do wish there was more of Oliver and Lark's story. I think they both deserved just as much "air time" as Berkley and Lawson, because their stories were just as compelling.
Lori almost always includes an animal in her stories, and this book has that in abundance, considering Berkley runs The Love Shack, Cemetery's animal shelter. But be prepared to hear some sad stories about animals. I might have gotten a little weepy a time or two, hearing about the rough life some animals had. But since this is Lori Foster, and she never fails to deliver - don't worry, there will be a happy ending. Be sure to check out Lori's newest book - and if you love it, go back through and read the rest of her Cemetery series. They all work as stand-alones, but you'll fall in love with the town as much as you do the love interests.
June 14, 2024
The Love Shack is the third and, I believe, the final book in the Indiana Summers trilogy. Once again, we are back in the small town of Cemetery, Indiana. This book focuses on Berkley and Lawson. Both are relatively new to the town, but they also have a history together. Having grown up in the same town in another state, each is surprised they both ended up in Cemetery.
I loved this installment. I was sad when it ended because I have really come to love this town and its residents. Even Kathleen has grown on me. But at the heart of the book are Berkeley and Lawson. Two people who want to put the past behind them and find a place to belong. Their story was sweet and so fun. The relationship between Berkley and Betty was also really adorable. Betty has shown so much growth over the series. We also are treated to another romance in the book as well. As with the first two books in the series, I highly recommend this one.
I loved this installment. I was sad when it ended because I have really come to love this town and its residents. Even Kathleen has grown on me. But at the heart of the book are Berkeley and Lawson. Two people who want to put the past behind them and find a place to belong. Their story was sweet and so fun. The relationship between Berkley and Betty was also really adorable. Betty has shown so much growth over the series. We also are treated to another romance in the book as well. As with the first two books in the series, I highly recommend this one.
May 19, 2024
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 1
✨ small town
✨ found family
✨ self discovery
✨ animal lovers
The Love Shack is a charming, contemporary romance that follows two different couples who have troubled pasts and find themselves seeking a new start in the adorable small town of Cemetary, Indiana, and of course unexpectedly falling in love.
This story was sweet and had all of the feel-good, beach read vibes. The characters were lovable and the side characters (and animals!) were just as delightful. If you are looking for a heartwarming, easy read - this is it!
🌶️ = closed door
📚Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Lori Foster for the ARC of The Love Shack.
🌶️: 1
✨ small town
✨ found family
✨ self discovery
✨ animal lovers
The Love Shack is a charming, contemporary romance that follows two different couples who have troubled pasts and find themselves seeking a new start in the adorable small town of Cemetary, Indiana, and of course unexpectedly falling in love.
This story was sweet and had all of the feel-good, beach read vibes. The characters were lovable and the side characters (and animals!) were just as delightful. If you are looking for a heartwarming, easy read - this is it!
🌶️ = closed door
📚Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Lori Foster for the ARC of The Love Shack.
August 7, 2025
OSU summer reading bingo challenge
4 adults move to Cemetery Indiania , which is a lake community Berkley Carr is running the towns animal shelter and Lawson Salder is running his own T shirt shop. They both come from a crime ridden neighborhood on KY They went to the same high school Sparks are flying between them but they are both running from their pasts ,
Then there is Oliver who opened his own gym and Karl the hair stylist. Sparks are flying there
Then there are the animals , Hero , Cheese , Handsone , Gladys etc. and Betty the town s head busybody and the mannequin that moves from business to business
It is a quick easy romance. Many many characters Just thought the romance was a bit contrived — the humor was top notch
4 adults move to Cemetery Indiania , which is a lake community Berkley Carr is running the towns animal shelter and Lawson Salder is running his own T shirt shop. They both come from a crime ridden neighborhood on KY They went to the same high school Sparks are flying between them but they are both running from their pasts ,
Then there is Oliver who opened his own gym and Karl the hair stylist. Sparks are flying there
Then there are the animals , Hero , Cheese , Handsone , Gladys etc. and Betty the town s head busybody and the mannequin that moves from business to business
It is a quick easy romance. Many many characters Just thought the romance was a bit contrived — the humor was top notch
June 11, 2024
The Love Shack is #3 in the Indiana Summer Series. In this book, we meet Berkley, the owner of the local animal shelter Lawson, who owns a tee shirt print shop, along with Lark the hair salon owner, and Oliver the fitness spa owner. Each of them has a past that haunts them and by moving into this town and meeting up with each, they help work out and move on with their lives.
There are plenty of antics between Berkley's cat Cheese who cannot stop stealing her protective dog Hero. and of course, there is Kathleen who is always fun. We also revisit some wonderful townspeople we met in the first two books. I will miss this place but the ride was great.
I received an advanced copy of this book, which is my honest opinion.
There are plenty of antics between Berkley's cat Cheese who cannot stop stealing her protective dog Hero. and of course, there is Kathleen who is always fun. We also revisit some wonderful townspeople we met in the first two books. I will miss this place but the ride was great.
I received an advanced copy of this book, which is my honest opinion.
March 22, 2024
Berkley Carr thinks she has finally put her past to rest when she opens The Love Shack Animal Haven in the town of Cemetary. When she crosses paths with Lawson Salder her past comes back to haunt her. They came from the same neighborhood and both are trying to escape the past. But in Cemetary everyone is trying to matchmake and they are feeling an attraction to each other. Can they forget their past and embrace the love they deserve?
Thanks to Lori Foster and Harlequin Trade Publishing
Thanks to Lori Foster and Harlequin Trade Publishing
June 20, 2024
Wonderful read
Awesome addition to the series. I am sad to say goodbye to Betty and the test of the citizens of Cemetery, Indiana. They are truly a unique place, and I will miss them. I'm glad Kathleen found herself a guy of her own. This is the perfect book with it being set in an animal shelter. I hope cat yoga becomes a thing. I would recommend this story to any reader that love quirky towns and very strange, in a good way, people.
Awesome addition to the series. I am sad to say goodbye to Betty and the test of the citizens of Cemetery, Indiana. They are truly a unique place, and I will miss them. I'm glad Kathleen found herself a guy of her own. This is the perfect book with it being set in an animal shelter. I hope cat yoga becomes a thing. I would recommend this story to any reader that love quirky towns and very strange, in a good way, people.
March 24, 2024
I always enjoy books. by this author! Good hearted, beachy read that I really enjoyed reading- I couldn't put it down..The characters were likeable and very relatable. I truly enjoyed this book by Lori Foster the most! I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a beachy read with a strong development of characters and an eye opening plot.
June 19, 2024
At the end of the day I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would. It’s probably more me than the novel since I jumped in the third one of this series. I kept thinking that there is probably a back story that I was missing? I would recommend readers to read the series if you’re looking for a clean romance.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 1, 2024
Loved Kathleen
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