Claimed by Love

The Ryders #2

by Melissa Foster

The RYDERS are the newest addition to the Love in Bloom romance series. Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

CLAIMED BY LOVE is a USA Today Bestseller!

IN CLAIMED BY LOVE...
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?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Family

300 pages, Unknown Binding

First published March 23, 2016

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. 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, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claimed by Love is Melissa Foster doing what she does best, and readers will not be disappointed. This is classic romance with little to no angst or drama--just two people who meet and fall for each other right from the start, and the development of their mostly turmoil-free relationship. With the clear, smooth flowing writing you'd expect from this author, the story sails along quickly while still getting the reader thoroughly invested in the characters.

Duke is pretty much the perfect man. Thoughtful, kind, loyal, sexy while still dominating and spectacular in the bedroom. Gabriella is a very strong female lead, passionate about the things she cares for and deeply entrenched in family. The phrase "perfect match" could never be overused to describe the two of them together.

As far as relationship roadblocks, there's really only the slowdowns that the both try to enforce so they can concentrate on the reason Duke comes to Elpitha in the first place--as an investor--and to keep emotions and feelings for each other out of the business equation. Easier said then done when the chemistry between them explodes from the moment they meet.

Claimed by Love was a 4-star read for me, mostly due to the lack of drama. It has plenty of heat to rile up even the most staid readers, and that along with some adult language means this one is for the 18+ crowd. If you're already a fan of Melissa Foster, Claimed by Love is a must-add to your library...and if you're not, this story will turn you into a fan in short order.

[Bharti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Foster writes utterly delectable and passionate love stories. She mixes lust and love in such a delicate balance it makes your skin feel hot and heart full. Claimed in Love is Duke and Gabriella's story on a serene, happy island off the South Carolina coast. Times a changing the island residents brace themselves for the inevitable wave of change that's about to hit them.
Gabriella who loves the island grudgingly steps in to soften the blow of change and salvage some personal heart loss. She is passionate about the island and when a Hot & totally unexpected Investor sets foot on her beloved home, she knows her home and heart both are at risk. For the first time in his life and career, Duke comes close to risking the latter for a woman. While they fight their feelings for the sake of professionalism their Love for the Island and Family brings them closer. Gabriella is from a big, spunky Greek family and Duke is a family man, having come from a big, happy family. With not so subtle nudges from the family they come together to make their dreams true and fulfil their promises to each other.

Their chemistry is through the roof hot and their Love and passion for everything around them shines through. An adorable yet hot story, perfect read for anytime of the day.
The ladies will swoon hard for Duke and totally envy Gabriella. It didn't help much with the brief appearances of Duke's equally hot and swoon worthy brothers. A series which will be easy to pick up and line your shelves with Hot, sweet book boyfriend's.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

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

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

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

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

[Devika Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be my new favourite book by Melissa Foster. Duke is a perfect book boyfriend, such an irresistible mix of alpha male and caring, intelligent, utterly charming, sincere dream catch. I loved the exotic island setting and the emotional up-and-down too.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I listened to this audiobook, I came to realize that there was very little conflict in it, even though it seems like the conflict should have been substantial. Duke is wanting to develop the island that Gabriella's family owns and lives on. She really doesn't want that to happen. Seems big, right? Not really, because Duke rolls over right away and tells her he won't do anything (in bed and as far as the island is concerned), that she doesn't want to do. Conflict pretty much over.
This is the usual Melissa Foster book. All about attraction and then heading for the proposal. Her books are sweet, which B.J. Harrison's voice adds to, but they are also super hot. If not for the sex scenes, I would say her books are sweet, innocent romances...but then there IS the really hot sex. It's kind of a quandry. She also throws lots of family into her books, whether blood related or people who are just always there for each other.
I have listened to many of her books and really enjoy them, especially when I'm not in the mood for anything heavy or complicated. It's a good light, but let the hormones flow read!

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished listening to Claimed By Love by Melissa Foster. It is the first book of hers that I’ve read even though I’ve had lots of her books on my TBR forever! I think I looked at the covers and thought they would be cute and sweet romance... Well, it was cute and sweet, but also emotional and HOT! Great listen!

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claimed by Love by Melissa Foster is part of the Love in Bloom series. This is the second book that follows the Ryders. This is the first book of Melissa Foster’s that I have read, but I will be reading more of her work. I really want to see where these stories begin as each book brings characters from previous books into its fold. Anyway…Claimed by Love follows Duke Ryder and Gabriella Liakos and their journey to love.

Duke arrives on Elpitha Island all suit and tie and nice shoes. Gabriella Liakos is a native of Elpitha and is in love with her home. Duke is there to invest in the property. Gabriella is there to dissuade him—or to make sure he doesn’t ruin the island she calls home.

Duke is instantly attracted to Gabriella. She is smart and headstrong. She is beautiful and feisty. She makes Duke think twice about his future. Gabriella finds Duke attractive. Her meddling family is constantly trying to push them together. She has to put the island first, but she is also wanting to explore this attraction. The attraction is instant. The chemistry is on fire. They can’t resist one another.

Duke is the sweetest man I think I’ve ever encountered in a book. He’s also a dirty talking, gorgeous piece of man. And. He. Is. Passionate. “I want to have you beneath me, to sink into you so deep that you feel me the next day. I want to see you shivering with need, then exploding with passion….” He’s amazing. And Gabriella is a goner no matter how hard she tries to fight it. Even with the negotiations over the future of Elpitha, Duke is persistent in his pursuit of Gabriella. Apparently unwavering confidence had a name, and it was Duke Ryder. And she’d never seen anything so hot.
They come together. They are explosive. They are everything I want in a relationship. Duke is everything I need. “I want this to last. My first taste of you, the first time you trusted me, the first time your hands played over my flesh…” “Open your eyes, baby. I want to see you as we come together for the first time.” “Trying to gain control. I want to last and, baby, if I sink into you now it’s goin got be rough, and fast, and …f**k…I’m sorry.”

But as hot and rough and dirty as this man is, he is also sweet and caring and supportive. “It takes a special man not to feel threatened by a smart, headstrong girl like you. And it takes a generous, loving heart to want to nurture that strength, to push you outside your comfort zone, instead of tamping it down or trying to control it.”

The love is semi-instant, but it is beautiful. Just read it. This is one of those rare books that aren’t full of angst and the “problem” isn’t a complete deal-breaker. I can’t wait to see where Melissa Foster takes the rest of the Ryders! And if all of her books are as much fun as this one, I will forever be a loyal reader!

“I promise to always hit your *-spot and never, ever to make you swallow.”

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review. Another Ryder brother has stolen my heart and I think Duke may just keep it. Duke Ryder is the older brother that thinks he will never get married and always be the ladies man. He doesn't see any woman stealing his heart. Until he sees Gabriella, even though it is from a distance, he knows there is something different about her and he wants to leave everything about her. While Gabriella is back on the island she loves at he grandfather's request, she doesn't know why he didn't get his lawyers to handle the possible sale of the island. Because the island is something she loves and doesn't want to see it turned into another playground for tourist. When Duke and Gabriella finally meet, the sparks fly and neither of them know what to do because they have never felt this way before. She doesn't want to fall for him and then hate him for what might be with the sale of the island. While Duke realizes he will do anything for Gabriella, including changing the plans for the island just to prove is true feelings for her. Can they keep the island and potential sale from the budding relationship? Will Gabriella let he worry push him away and she lose the love of the only man she will ever want? Or will the island bring them together in the end? I
I found Melissa Foster in this review group and have loved all of the stories I have read and have bought every story I come across (yes they are on sale because she has a ton). Each story has a very sexy, possessive alpha male and a woman who knows how to handle them. I love how the series are tied together and I can't wait for more of this series, looks like Trish Ryder will be next. The only sister in the Ryder family.

[Kay Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elpitha is a fictional island off the coast of South Carolina and it holds a special place in the heart of Gabriella. It is her home and she loves the beaches, the woods, the small town vibe… but the island is in financial ruin. Her grandfather is negotiating to sell the island and Duke Ryder is a real estate investor who is interested in buying the island to develop it into a resort.

As Gabriella’s family is known to do, matchmaking begins the minute Duke steps onto the island. He is quite taken by her and her grandfather makes certain that she is the one to take Duke on his first tour of the island. She wants to hate him since she sees him as the enemy who has come to destroy her beautiful island…but when she sees him interact with the residents and when he shows an interest in what she wants for the island, she does not know what to think.

Gabriella is a successful attorney and the legalistic side of her wants to tell him off and scare him away from the island but the feminine romantic side of her is drawn in by his looks and his charm. Duke understands her dilemma and does his best to woo her and to convince her that he will do his best to preserve the charm of the island. Duke and Gabriella have connection that is hot and sexy… and he looks great in his “undercrackers!” Their chemistry makes it even more difficult for Gabriella to separate her love for the island from her feelings for Duke.

She struggles to let down her guard and to sever that “invisible umbilical cord” that ties her to the island. She wants what is best for her family but wants her happily ever after as well. Can she have both???

This is another great book from Melissa. I hope you enjoy your visit to Elpitha Island... I did!

[Sterna Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How did I get lucky enough to meet you?”

From the moment Duke and Gabriella lay eyes on each other, sparks fly! But underestimating the man who is about to save or destroy the one thing Gabriella loves more than anything, could cost her dearly.

It was supposed to be business as usual for investor Duke … but nothing about the beautiful granddaughter of the man who should have been his sole focus, was usual.

There is a lot more than a broken heart at risk as the attraction between Gabriella and Duke sizzle and explode, but staying away seems impossible, and S.P.A.C.E is the last thing bossy Gabriella might actually need … good thing Mr. Ryder is no push over.

I love the sensual relationship between them, HOTness jumping off the page, but with so much heart that you can’t help but love them and root for them form the start. And the beautiful Elpitha island's Greek and Southern Charm almost had me selling my Seaside cottage for it's dusty roads and wildness.

Duke … mmm … I’d give him my house, tavern, golf cart … the whole damn island for that matter! A deliciously naughty man who wears his heart on his sleeve – What’s not to love!

“I promise to fulfill your every wish. Always and forever, baby. I’ll never let you down.” – Those words might have sounded too good to be true for divorce attorney, Gabriella, but as Elpitha cast its spell again, it was everything Gabrielaki could wish for and more.

Ten out of ten again Mrs. Foster! You just rock the socks (and every other piece of clothing) off’ romance ;P


“If missing each other is crazy, then someone better get a straitjacket made for two.”

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriella Liakos loves the family island of Elpitha. Her grandfather insisted that all of the children leave the island to go to school. Unfortunately, the younger generation decided to stay on the mainland, rather than return to the island after getting their education. This has become problematic for the island because it is slowly dying off and becoming a ghost town.
Gabriella, now a lawyer, is given the task by her grandfather to broker the deal to sell the island to developer named Duke Ryder whose initial plans are to make the island another tourist attraction similar to Las Vegas. She is dead set against the idea. She wants the island to remain the quaint little piece of heaven off the coast of South Carolina..
From the start, she and Duke have this tremendous attraction towards each other. Her fears that he'll turn her beloved island into a circus attraction thereby spoiling its appeal is a huge barrier for her to for her to get around. In her head, getting involved with him and brokering this deal feels traitorous to not only herself, but to all the other island residents also.. However, not doing so is bad for everyone as well. Will he be able to get her to change her mind, or will her unwillingness to move beyond the small island lifestyle get be ruinous for them all?
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[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Loved Duke... meh on Gabriella


I love Melissa Foster's books. She manages to capture love and the importance of family in every single one. This time the spotlight is on Gabriella, who comes from a large and close knit Greek family who resides on a small island. There family is pretty much the only residents of the island and their income is dwindling because of the lack of tourism.

Duke Ryder, who also hails from a tight knit family, is in real estate. He has visions for what he can do with the island and how to make it better. Too bad his visions aren't really what Gabriella wants for her family's legacy.

The two have an instant and intense attraction. There is no denying it. They try to fight it to keep their focus on the business aspect and family. No matter how hard they fight it, they are like a match to a flame.

I liked the story. I loved Duke..... I was not a huge fan of Gabriella. To me, she was kind of immature and annoying for her age and occupation. She was the only family member who did not ant to embrace any change, but also the one who wasn't really living on the island. She was only called back because they need a lawyer.

Just because this one wasn't a homer for me, doesn't mean I won't continue reading this series. I am a huge Melissa Foster fan!! I love this Remington's!!

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

4.5 steamy hot stars ****.*

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

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

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

[Ishabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.

I am a proud fan of Melissa Foster. Even so, I won't tell you that all her books are perfeect, because I have to admit that there are some books that I liked but did not love, However, I can definitely say that while I did not love every book, I certainly enjoyed all of them. Ms. Foster writes some of the most relatable characters. In all of the books I read from her, I always loved the way it was easy for me, as a reader, to connect to her characters. That's because she writes about ordinary people who can easily be me, you, or people we all know.

This book, Claimed by Love, was something that excited me since I got an ARC for it. I loved the blurb. I was looking forward to reaing about the island and just why the heroine loved it, other than the fact that's it's part of her family history. I was also excited to see how the romance between the main characters would develop, given that they had a conflict of interest. I can say that if there was an author who could make a sweet story like this such a hit, it would be Ms. Foster. I definitely loved this book. I even think the Ryders may even be my favorite bunch in this long runing series.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's an author out there that can write a love/romance story where the passion between the leads and within the leads just jumps off the pages, then Melissa Foster is it! Every book I have ever read has been fueled by passion, and Claimed by Love is no exception. It was ridiculously sexy! :)

Another very impressive part of this story was the insta-lust you don't actually feel. And what I mean is that our leads fall for each other almost instantly, but it doesn't feel short-changed. It feels right. And you know why? ... the passion of course! LOL I just can't say it enough, this story was alive with it. Not only in the setting of the beautiful island, but within our leads. Writing this review makes me want to go back and read it all over again!

Best of all .... there is little to zero angst in this story. It is just about love ! #fabulous

Copy provided for blog tour review

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Foster is a definite go to author for me. Each and every book envelopes you in the lives of amazing people whom you live a little piece of your heart with after every read. Oh to live in the mind of Melissa and all of these fabulous stories!!

Gabriella is called back home to help negotiate a sale of the family island with an investor. Gabriella has always loved the island but after living in New York City, it's hard to look at the island for what it really is verses the memories of her childhood.

Duke Ryder has instant connection with Gabriella once he meets her. He has vision for the island - but convincing Gabriella that he only has the best of interests in helping to revitalize the island and not give up on the obvious chemistry between the two of them is the biggest hurdle.

Get ready for another swoon worthy man in your life! Duke will steal your heart.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

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

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

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[Ellysetta_Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriella und Duke – Wohlfühlgeschichte mit Inselfeeling

4,5 Sterne

Meinung:
Das ist der 2. Teil der „Die Ryders“-Reihe. Die Bücher der Autorin können problemlos unabhängig voneinander bzw. in beliebiger Reihenfolge gelesen werden, da das jeweilige Pärchen im Mittelpunkt steht und die wichtigsten Informationen genannt werden.
Der bildhafte Schreibstil liest sich locker-leicht und flüssig, die Seiten fliegen nur so dahin. Das Buch ist aus der dritten Erzähl-Perspektive von Gabriella und Duke geschrieben, so dass man ihre Gedanken und Gefühle hautnah miterleben kann.
Die authentischen und sympathischen Charaktere sind mit ihren Stärken und Schwächen sowie Gefühlen sehr gut dargestellt und beschrieben worden, so dass ich nicht anders konnte, als mit ihnen mitzufühlen und mitzufiebern. Die Nebencharaktere sind gut bis sehr gut dargestellt worden, vor allem die Familien der beiden.

Die Anziehung zwischen Gabriella und Duke ist vom ersten Moment an spürbar, die erotischen Szenen sind heiß und ansprechend geschrieben. Neben den Gefühlen kommt auch der Humor nicht zu kurz, auch dank der humorvollen Dialoge und Kabbeleien unter den Familienmitgliedern sowie deren sehr auffälligen Kuppelversuchen. Die bildhafte Beschreibung der Umgebung sowie die herzliche Gemeinschaft von Gabriella und ihrer Familie sorgen zusätzlich für Urlaubsfeeling und Wohlfühlstimmung, so dass ich am liebsten die Koffer packen und der (leider fiktiven) Insel einen Besuch abstatten möchte. Vom Handlungszeitraum ging es mir etwas zu schnell voran, aber das ist insgesamt Meckern auf hohem Niveau. Die Nebencharaktere runden die Geschichte sehr schön ab und machen neugierig auf ihre Geschichten. Genug Potential ist dank der zahlreichen Familienmitglieder von Gabriella ja zum Glück vorhanden.

Wer gefühlvolle Liebesromane zum Wohlfühlen und mit Gemeinschaft von Familie und Freund:innen sucht, ist hier definitiv an der richtigen Adresse. Man beendet das Buch mit einem glücklichen Seufzen und freut sich schon sehr aufs Wiedersehen mit den liebgewonnen Charakteren. So gibt es für wunderschöne und emotionale Lesestunden aufgrund des oben genannten, kleinen Kritikpunkts wunderbare 4,5 von 5 Sternen (bei Portalen ohne halbe Sterne aufgerundet) und eine Leseempfehlung für alle die Bücher im Stil von Marie Force, Nora Roberts und Co. lieben.

Fazit:
Eine wunderschöne, gefühlvolle Liebesgeschichte und eine Gemeinschaft zum Wohlfühlen. Eine klare Leseempfehlung für Fans von Marie Force, Nora Roberts, Sarah Morgan und Co., die eine schöne Lektüre zum Wohlfühlen suchen. Ich habe die Lesestunden wieder sehr genossen und freue mich jetzt schon sehr auf das Wiedersehen mit den liebgewonnenen Charakteren.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Stars

Claimed By Love (Love in Bloom Book #40) by Melissa Foster.
The Love in Bloom series proved to be a heartwarming journey through love, family, and personal growth. Spanning multiple interconnected series/stories, it offers a wonderful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth that kept me reading the whole way through.
Ms. Foster crafted fully developed, relatable, and multidimensional characters who added an extra element of emotion and interest to my overall reading experience. The heroes are fiercely loyal and endearing, while the heroines are smart, empowered, and refreshingly ‘real’. Each character feels like someone you could know in real life, making their struggles and triumphs, high and lows, all the more impactful.
The stories have a perfect balance of steamy romance mixed with heartfelt moments. But that doesn’t mean that Ms. Foster shies away from exploring deeper themes like forgiveness, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships – adding dynamic layers to the storyline/s. But, despite the emotional depth, the series still maintains more of a lighthearted charm, sprinkled with humor and tender family connections.
While each novel can be read as a standalone, there is an interconnectedness with the recurring characters and overlapping storylines - which help create a sense of community that feels warm and inviting. It’s like being welcomed into a big, loving family where everyone has a worthwhile story to tell.
‘Within the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection you'll find fiercely loyal heroes and smart, empowered women on their search for true love. They're flawed, funny, and easy to relate to. Characters from each series appear in future Love in Bloom books…’
If you are a fan of contemporary romance or simply looking for a feel-good series to escape into, this series is a worthwhile binge read…
Love in Bloom is made up of the following series:
- Snow Sisters
- The Bradens (Weston, CO)
- The Remingtons
- The Bradens (Trusty, CO)
- The Bradens Novellas Collection
- The Bradens (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
- Seaside Summers
- Bayside Summers
- The Ryders
- The Steeles at Silver Island
- The Silvers at Silver Island
- Wild Boys After Dark
- Bad Boys After Dark
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
- The Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls
- The Bradens at Ridgeport
- The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
- Romantic Comedy Series Collection
- Sugar Lake
- Harmony Pointe
- Harborside Nights
- Nice Girls After Dark
- The Steeles
- The Stones
- Blazing Summer
- The Brays

Happy Reading…

[Buch Versum · Rating 5 out of 5]

… EINHEIZEND, VERSCHLINGEND & VOLLER BEEINDRUCKENDER PERSÖNLICHKEITEN…

Wie die Liebe auf den ersten Blick, so scheint es zwischen Gab und Duke. Er will eine neue Investition ansehen. Sie versucht ihre Insel zu retten, sodass der Tourismus wieder kommt, aber die Insel nicht ihren Charme verliert.

Wie genau Duke und Gab zueinander finden? Wie schaffen sie es ihre Faszination gegen die beruflichen Auflagen voneinander zu trennen?

Lest selbst, überzeugt euch von der zuckersüßen Entwicklungen, dem Verliebtsein und der großen Liebe, aber auch den äußerst romantisch und bewegenden Taten von Duke. Er schafft es einen direkt nahe zu kommen und beeindruckend von sich einzunehmen.
Besonders im Hinblick auf seinen Eifer sich nicht gegen die Anziehung und Chemie, sowie das Gefühl endlich seinen Gegenpart gefunden zu haben zu wehren.

Es entstehen eine köstlich entzückende Geschichte, die vom ersten Moment so perfekt scheint. Jede weitere Entwicklung versüßt einen noch mehr, sodass man sich mit Gab in Duke verliert. Er überrascht und erstaunt immer wieder.

Ich war in dem Werk vertieft, habe mich von Gab, ihrem wundervollen Gemüt, ihrer unglaublichen Elan und Stärke beflügeln lassen. Eine wunderbare Persönlichkeit, die immer für ihre Familie da ist, sich für sie aufopfert und doch nach ihrer Heimat sehnt.

Auf der anderen Seite Duke, der ihr vom ersten Moment an verfallen ist. Er, mit seinen romantischen Momenten, dieser scheint nicht nur äußerlich anziehend zu sein, sondern steckt voller unglaublicher Taten, der Unterstützung, Fürsorge und einen herrlichen Beschützerinstinkt präsentiert.
Ich habe mich mit ihr in Dukes Art und den romantischen Momenten verloren. Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen, es war entzückend und herzallerliebst verfallen, wie die beiden zueinander finden.

Ein Buch, was einen zum Entzücken bringt und sich genauso einen Mann wie Duke an seiner Seite wünscht. Man versteht, warum sich Gab so schnell in die Intensität der Liebe begibt, ihre Zeit mit ihm genießt, verletzlich ist und jeden Tag mehr ihrer Sorgen abschüttelt.

Ich bleibe daher gut unterhalten, ergriffen, erstaunt, beeindruckt von der Chemie und Dynamik, entzückt und vom Ausgang begeistert zurück.

Als Bonus bekommt man übrigens den griechischen Flair und eine unglaubliche Familiendynamik auf einer wunderschönen Insel geboten, die einen die Sehnsucht nach Sonne und Meer schüren lässt.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

W pierwszym tomie miłosnych przygód rodzeństwa Ryderów scenerią był atrakcyjny widokowo i turystycznie półwysep Cape Cod, należący do stanu Massachussets. Trochę bohaterowie z podziwem o nim opowiadali, ale jego rola była znacznie mniejsza niż maleńkiej fikcyjnej wysepki Elpitha Island, leżącej u wybrzeży Południowej Karoliny, której przyszłość napędza akcję, przede wszystkim decyduje o losie romansu bohaterów drugiego tomu serii. Lokowanie przygód miłosnych na amerykańskiej prowincji jest sympatyczną cechą wielu tzw. romansów dla dorosłych. Tym bardziej, źe każdorazowo są to miejsca z unikalnym charakterem. Tak jest też w „Claimed by Love”.

Elpitha Island została zasiedlona parę pokoleń temu przez Greków. Obecnie powoli się wyludnia, jej uboga infrastruktura nie ma szans na przyciąganie turystów, ale swojego niepowtarzalnego uroku i ciekawego stylu życia mieszkańców nie utraciła. Przekonuje się o tym najstarszy z rodzeństwa, Duke Ryder, który pojawia się na wyspie w charakterze potencjalnie zainteresowanego nią inwestora, pragnącego stworzyć tu turystyczne eldorado, z nowoczesnymi hotelami, polami golfowymi i kasynem. Oprowadza go po wyspie seksowna Gabriella Liakos, wzięta prawniczka, która ma pomóc dziadkowi, właścicielowi dużej części wyspy, w wynegocjowaniu korzystnych warunków jej sprzedaży, choć sama perspektywą zaprzepaszczenia dziedzictwa Liakosów jest przerażona.

Konflikt między modernizacją, jaka ma zapewnić inwestorom zysk, a przywiązaniem do tradycji, której częścią jest ochrona naturalnego środowiska, często stanowi otoczkę historii miłosnych. Nietrudno przewidzieć, że jakieś rozwiązanie w przypadku romansu Duke’a i Gabrelli musi się znaleźć. I rzeczywiście, propozycja inwestycyjna Duke’a, wynegocjowana przez niego z biznesowymi partnerami, jest dość interesująca. A po drodze jest dużo namiętnego seksu, bo to przecież zawsze jest dominującym wątkiem erotycznych romansów.

Niestety, opisy emocji i zachowań kochanków to obezwładniająca słodycz, od której przy lekturze robi się lekko niedobrze. Nie ratuje ich stylu nawet szczypta pieprzu, którą Gabriella wprowadza, aby jeszcze zwiększyć intensywność seksualnych doznań, czyli wcielanie technik podpatrzonych na pornograficznych filmikach. Dlatego niewiele wyżej oceniam ten tom cyklu od poprzedniego. Może na jakieś pół gwiazdki więcej.

[Tina Slotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Von der Liebe erobert : Duke Ryder ( Die Ryders 2 )" von Melissa Foster

Meine Meinung:
Wieder einmal hat Melissa Foster es geschafft, mich auf eine Reise zu schicken.
Dieses Mal nach Elpitha Island. Zusammen mit Gabby, Duke und der zauberhaften Familie von Gabriela.

Gabriella ist ein zauberhafter Charakter, der für ihre Familie alles tun würde, aus diesem Grund erklärt sie sich auch bereit einem möglichen Investor ihre Heimatinsel zu zeigen, obwohl sie den Gedanken daran die Insel zu verlieren nicht ertragen kann.

Duke, der mögliche Investor hat sich sprichwörtlich auf den ersten Blick in Gabriella verliebt.
Und versucht nun alles, ihr Zuversicht, Halt und Stärke zu vermitteln.

Ich konnte Gabby und ihr emotionales Chaos nur zu gut verstehen und fand das Handeln von Duke einfach zauberhaft.

Eine wunderschöne Auszeit vom Alltag, inklusive Meeresrauschen und jeder Menge Liebe ob nun die von Gabby und Duke oder auch die Liebe ihrer Familien!

Lesenswert!

Zum Inhalt:
Gabriella Liakos, Anwältin für Familienrecht, hat eine große Liebe, und das ist Elpitha Island, die Insel, auf der sie aufgewachsen ist und auf die sie irgendwann zurückkehren will. Doch die Insel steckt in ernsten finanziellen Schwierigkeiten, und Gabriella ist bereit, mit allen Mitteln zu kämpfen, um ihre Heimat davor zu bewahren, in die falschen Hände zu fallen.

Der findige Immobilieninvestor Duke Ryder hat sich in den Kopf gesetzt, Elpitha Island in ein exklusives Luxusresort zu verwandeln. Er lässt sich auch nicht davon abschrecken, Land zu erwerben, in dem eine Familie so tiefe Wurzeln geschlagen hat, dass sie wahrscheinlich bis auf den Meeresgrund reichen. Jedenfalls bis er seiner wunderschönen, sturköpfigen Gastgeberin begegnet, Tochter der Familie, die den Großteil der Insel besitzt.

Gabriella setzt alles daran, Duke vom Kauf der Insel abzubringen, doch der hat andere Pläne. Er will die Insel und Gabriella. Seine Verführungskünste verfehlen ihre Wirkung auf Gabriella nicht – aber können ein gerissener Immobilieninvestor, der Glanz und Glamour gewohnt ist, und eine Frau, die die ursprüngliche Kultur ihrer Heimat erhalten will, wirklich ein Happy End finden?

[Tkmla · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Von der Liebe erobert“ aus der Feder von Melissa Foster ist der zweite Teil ihrer romantischen Serie Die Ryders, die diesmal auf eine wunderschöne und sonnige Insel führt.
Die Familienanwältin Gabriella Liakos sieht trotz ihrer erfolgreichen Karriere in New York in Elpitha Island ihre einzig wahre Heimat. Die kleine Insel ist seit Jahrzehnten im Besitz ihrer Familie, aber die finanziellen Schwierigkeiten werden immer größer. Ihr Großvater bittet Gabriella, sich um den interessierten Immobilieninvestor zu kümmern, wobei ihr eigentlicher Plan ist, ihn schnell zu vergraulen. Duke Ryder hat große Pläne für Elpitha Island und rechnet durchaus mit Widerstand. Doch dass er auf der Insel sein Herz verlieren würde, das hatte er absolut nicht auf dem Schirm.

Man kann jederzeit in die Buchwelt von Melissa Foster einsteigen, aber man muss damit rechnen, dass man süchtig wird und auch die anderen Geschichten der weit verzweigten Familien lesen will. In dieser Reihe geht es um die Geschwister der Familie Ryder, von denen bereits zwei Brüder ihr Happy End gefunden haben und nun der älteste Bruder ganz unerwartet sein passendes Gegenstück findet.
Gabriellas Leidenschaft für ihrer geliebte Heimat ist in jeder Zeile spürbar und durch den bildhaften Schreibstil wird Elpitha Island lebendig. Doch auch das idyllischste Fleckchen Erde kann sich der Zeit nicht entgegenstellen und muss sich leider der Realität stellen. Der innere Zwiespalt von Gabriella ist absolut nachvollziehbar, vor allem weil die heißen Funken von Anfang an nur so sprühen.
Duke ist für meinen Geschmack fast schon zu perfekt dargestellt, wobei das Jammern auf hohem Niveau ist. Auch er steckt im Zwiespalt zwischen seiner lukrativen Investition und seinen Verpflichtungen seinen Partnern gegenüber und den starken Gefühlen für Gabriella.
Melissa Foster schießt in dieser Story die Romantikkanone mit voller Kraft ab und man darf die griechische Lebensfreude gepaart mit Südstaatenflair genießen. Böse Dramen sucht man hier vergebens, was aber auch mal eine schöne Abwechslung ist.

Mein Fazit:
Von mir gibt es sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!

[Nina Sollorz-Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In " Von der Liebe erobert : Duke Ryder (Die Ryders 2) " ist die Anwältin Gabriella tief mit ihrer Heimat, der Insel Elpitha Island verbunden und es fällt ihr schwer diese an einen Investor zu verkaufen.
Doch Elpitha Island ist in finanzieller Schieflage geraten und braucht einen neuen Aufschwung, damit ihre Familie sowie die dortigen Bewohner weiterhin auf der Insel leben können.
Duke ist als erfolgreicher Imobilieninvestor an Elpitha Island interessiert und möchte dort ein Resort für die Reichen und Schönen errichten.
Aber Duke hat nicht mit Gabriella, der Enkelin des Eigentümers gerechnet und den Gefühlen, die diese bei ihm weckt.
Allerdings kann sich Gabriella nicht mit der Vision über Elpitha Island von Duke arrangieren, denn für sie ist das Eiland etwas besonderes mit seiner Mischung aus Südstaaten und mediterranen Flair, dazu kommen ihre nostalgischen Gefühlen für ihre Heimat.
Daher versucht Gabriella sich gegen die Anziehung zu Duke zu wehren und es ihm nicht einfach zu machen Elpitha Island übernehmen.
Auch Duke erkennt das besondere an der Insel und ihm ist ebenso bewusst, dass wenn er Gabriella für sich gewinnen möchte, müssen seine ursprünglichen Pläne für Elpitha Island mit Gabriellas Zuknftsvorstellungen übereinstimmen.
Aber ist Duke bereit, für die Liebe seine Investition abzuändern und gibt es für beide eine gemeinsame Zukunft?
Die Story hat mich von der ersten Seite an in ihren Bann gebracht, dabei bleibt sie spannungsgeladen sowie abwechslungsreich. Man darf mit Gabriella und Duke mitfiebern und die verschiedesten Emotionen erleben. Es gibt einiges zum schmunzeln bis herzhaft zu lachen, so manche mitfühlende Momente und das ein oder andere Tränchen zu vergießen.
Ich musste das Buch in einem Rutsch durchlesen, da ich wissen wollte, ob es für beide ein Happy End gab.
Das Buch bekommt von mir eine Lese / Kaufempfehlung und 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sterne.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claimed by Love is Foster’s 2nd book in her Ryders series. Unlike the first book Seized by Love I had no trouble assigning a rating to this one. Five stars all day long! I literally could not put this book down from start to finish! I loved Gabriella the female lead character. She was smart, loyal, beautiful, sensitive and sexy. As much as I wanted to hate the male lead Duke Ryder for being so perfect and setting an impossible standard for the rest of us men, I really couldn’t. How could I dislike a male lead in a romance novel who wasn’t emotionally closed off, didn’t have a ton of baggage and didn’t have to act macho to prove how manly he was? Duke met family law attorney Gabriella within minutes of landing on Elpitha Island which her family owned most of off the coast of South Carolina and within 24 hours he’d fallen in love and spent the rest of the book proving to the skittish Gabriella that he was for real. The story had tons of romance mostly in the form of Duke telling Gabriella how perfect she was and how much he loved her and doing everything he could to make her happy. There were plenty of big family happy feels from both characters families. There was plenty of hot sex first when Gabriella couldn’t resist her overwhelming attraction to Duke and even more when she admitted she loved him and began to explore sides of her sexuality she didn’t realize she had. And there was just enough angst as Gabriella struggled with her fears of what Duke and his partner Pierce Braden might do to her idyllic island childhood home if they were to buy it and start transforming it to attract more tourism. How could she give her heart to the man who held the fate of her beloved home in his hands, not knowing what he intended to do with it? I could probably ramble on about how much I loved this book for another 500 words or so but why bother. You get the picture.

[Steffissource (Steffi) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Süß und leidenschaftlich

Dieses Buch enthält eine tolle Story mit kulturellen, tiefgründigen und vor allem super süßen Aspekten.
Ganz am Anfang fand ich ging alles sehr schnell -vielleicht sogar fast etwas zu schnell für meinen Geschmack - und zum Teil ist die Handlung in dem Buch vielleicht auch etwas zu perfekt um realistisch zu sein, aber je weiter man liest, desto tiefer kann man in die Geschichte eintauchen und beginnen sich mit den Charakteren und auf der Insel einfach so unfassbar wohl zu fühlen, dass man sich (auch durch die hautnahe, realistische Erzählweise) einfach wünscht direkt in das Buch eintauchen zu können.
Die Geschichte rund um die Insel, das Kennenlernen und das Leben der Charaktere ist absolut fesselnd.
Dabei sind die Beschreibungen so toll und auch das etwas „Unrealistische“ war für mich nicht schlimm, da das Buch so dann einfach zu einer perfekten Romanze wird.
Hierbei handelt es sich natürlich um die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten, die mich aufgrund der knisternden Energie, tiefen Verbundenheit, Leidenschaft und dem Vertrauen einfach begeistert haben. Die Gefühle finde ich super toll beschrieben, und auch der Weg, wie man den Widerspruch der Gefühle zwischen Anziehung und Zweifel hautnah miterlebt hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Die Protagonisten sind dabei einfach großartig: für sich genommen, aber auch zusammen in ihrer entstehenden Liebe, ihrer Leidenschaft, aber vor allem auch ihren tiefen und ernsten Gespräche. Denn immerhin sind sie ja eigentlich „Gegner“ was die Zukunft von Gabriellas heiß geliebter Insel angeht… eine tolle Umsetzung und „Charakterisierung“ des Konflikts.
Wenn man also Bücher mit starken und gefühlvollen Protagonisten liebt, ist man hier auf jeden Fall richtig.
Und das alles gestützt von einem Schreibstil, der einen direkt in das Buch hineinzieht und einem in Herz und Seele fährt.

[Nicole Aufderheide · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Von der Liebe erobert: Duke Ryder" ist der zweite Teil der "Die Ryders" Reihe. Jeder Teil kann unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, jedes Buch ist abgeschlossen. Wie es bei Geschwistern aber so ist, es gibt immer ein Wiedersehen.



Ich habe von der Autorin jetzt schon so einige Bücher gelesen und einfach jedes geliebt. Jede Familie die ich bisher kennenlernen durfte, ist einfach so unglaublich, so auch die Ryders. Duke durfte ich ja in der "Seaside Summers" Reihe schon ein wenig kennengelernt. Ab da habe ich sehnsüchtig darauf gewartet endlich seine Geschichte zu lesen und ihn noch besser kennenlernen zu dürfen. Das warten hat sich auf jeden Fall gelohnt.



Ich habe mit dem Buch an meinem freien Tag, gleich morgens, noch im Bett angefangen zu lesen und war, anders hatte ich es allerdings auch nicht erwartet, sofort im Buch angekommen. Als ich dann doch endlich einmal aufgestanden bin, hatte ich schon 1/3 geschafft. Das war wieder mal ein Buch von dem ich gar nicht genug bekommen konnte und es sehr gerne doppelt so lang hätte sein dürfen. Das Setting das die Autorin hier erschaffen hat ist einfach ein Traum. Wie gerne würde ich Elpitha Island einmal persönlich kennenlernen. Dort würde ich mich bestimmt wahnsinnig wohl fühlen.



Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist wieder wie ich ihn kenne und so sehr liebe, einfach wundervoll. Er ist flüssig, mitreißend und so bildgewaltig, das ich einfach alles direkt vor mir gesehen habe. Dankeschön das ich es lesen durfte.



Duke Ryder möchte Elpitha Island kaufen und in ein Luxus Resort verwandeln. Als er auf der Insel ankommt, wird er von Gabriella, der Enkeltochter des Besitzers, herumgeführt. Vom ersten Moment an knistert es zwischen den Beiden...

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become the biggest BJ Harrison and Melissa Foster Audiobook fan. There is nothing better than listening to BJ Harrison read me Melissa’s amazing story. The voice brings the story to life. I can hear the emotions that the characters are going through. Their stories come to live for me.

I listen while working out, cleaning the house, driving around, or pretty much anytime I can sneak more than 5 minutes for myself. It makes the time doing things I may not enjoy as much so much better.

Panty melting smile…. How can you not love a book that uses that to describe the hunky, sexy, and wonderful main character? I couldn’t pass up on reading Duke’s story when that is how Gabriella describes him. Who am I kidding? I couldn’t pass up reading Claimed by Love because it is written by the amazing Melissa Foster and is part of the Love in Bloom series.

In true Love in Bloom style, Duke and Gabriella have a true and real love. Their attraction is instantaneous but they have to work for it. It would have been easy to just fall in to bed and hope for the best but Duke is just too good of a guy for a quick lay with Gabriella. Gabriella is also a wonderful character. She calls out Duke on his intentions with the island, she holds tight to her beliefs and wants, and make Duke work to win her over for good. Together these two are absolutely on fire.

I also loved that other Love in Bloom characters make appearances in Claimed by Love. Pierce Braden (sigh), Emily, and of course those wonderful Ryder siblings all made appearances. This book can be read as part of the series, which I recommend, or it can be read as a standalone.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Duke and Gabriella's story. It was intense, hot, honest, and relationship goals.

Duke is a well to do investor and is looking for some new property to buy to grow and build a new resort type environment. However that all changes when he meets the feisty, spunky, passionate Gabriella.

Gabriella is a successful family lawyer, but is really wanted to change her path. She wants to deal with just adoptions, surrogacy, and the kid aspect of family law, now the divorces. She also grew up on a small island just off the coast of the Carolina's. She loves the island and doesn't want change, but has to come to terms with it, when Duke shows up for a tour and to talk to her Grandfather about purchasing it.

Duke and Gabriella have an instant attraction and don't take long to act on it. However Gabriella has a bit of an issue with him wanting to buy her beloved island and home.

Duke is an honest man and tells Gabriella that he won't lie and will make it what she wants. His plans change from what he originally wanted to do with the island, to what he hopes that she envisions for her family and the small piece of land she loves so much.

These two are hot. There is a bit of apprehension on Gabriella's side, but it has a lot to do with the island and the change and what she does for a living, when all she sees is divorce and the greed and hurt that happens. Loved this emotional roller coaster and the love these two have.

[Keelin Dawe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5.
Kinda bland. Narrators voice was good Would be good for GI.
Gabrielle is divorce surrogate adoption family attorney in NYC sent to school by her grandfather to get her off the island Elspitha. Off of SC???she always longed for staying on the close knit Greek island with a southern twang all the cousins. And siblings and families making the small island vibrant. But they need need new investments. To keep island aliv e. Like Venice all the 18-39 are moving out and not coming back.

Duke head o f new investment group originally going to bring in high rise resorts etc.

But of course as Gabrielle tours him around her beloved island and how much she understands the need for new money she doesn’t want it over run by gloats and casinos.

Very very little conflict. Only conflict was could she have her Duke and eat him too. Ie. Have her law office and assistant in NYC and practice the same law on the island. Since Duke Ryder has houses everywhere he gives her the world and approval on any and all new Development properties etc on the island.

Incredibly sappy. No conflict in end either to separate them. Just testing waters to see if it will work

All real world No fantasy. Sex scenes were meant to be steamy but all written from way female views and all very lovely and accurate and good. But I didn’t feel the longing or the steam but it was all written sigh.

All very nice characters but didn’t care.