Love Like Ours

Sugar Lake #3

by Melissa Foster

One wrong move, and she meets a guy with all the right ones…

Talia Dalton lives her life on cruise control. Despite her successful career as a professor, she prefers protecting her broken heart to taking chances. She’s calm, cool, collected, and steady. Until the morning she takes her eyes off that familiar road and almost runs over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. It may not be the best way to start the day, but it might be the type of shake-up she needs.

Male dancer Derek Grant has goals, and nothing is going to get in the way of achieving them. As a graduate student and the sole caretaker of his ailing father, he hasn’t much time for relationships. Then Talia crashes into his life. Sweet, pretty — and so buttoned-up that he can’t wait to help her cut loose.

For Derek, falling in love was a beautiful accident waiting to happen. And it might be exactly what Talia needs — if she’s willing to let go of the past and embrace every surprise Derek has to offer.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Family, Adult Fiction, Adult

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2018

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

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Like Ours was amazingly simplistic and yet it managed to attack me right in the feels! Trust Melissa Foster to find a way to create a story that is low on angst and dramatics and high in romance and emotions. The perfect mix!

Talia Dalton lives in a box of her own creation. She has a comfort zone and despite the best efforts of her friends and family, she doesn't veer from it. That is until a near accident tilts her world on its axis, upsetting the delicate balance she's strived for her whole life. Because the most beautiful man she's ever seen, although he's so far out of her box as she can get, may just be the one to giver the love of a lifetime.

Derek Grant is a man on a mission. He's managing a juggling act in order to achieve his goals and he's got no time for a relationship. But when he's almost hit by a car, he realizes his life has room for more. Talia is everything he could ever want in a woman and just maybe his life can include some much needed love.

Whenever I'm looking for some sweet romance, I know I'll find just that with a story by Melissa Foster. She creates such wholesome characters with enviable ideas about love, life, family and expectations. Her heroes are always swoon-worthy and Derek was enough to make any woman sweat and faint. She also gives us spunky heroines that more than deserve the happy ending in store for them. Talia was intelligent, openhearted, giving, and family-oriented. Her ideals served as the perfect complement to those of Derek. They were such a perfect match and I'm so glad their story wasn't full of unnecessary pain or turmoil. It was so easy to visualize the man on the cover of this book as Derek. The description was so accurate and made me want to run my hands through his hair too!

If you're a fan of stories that are full of humor, family, friends, romance, heat, good times and feel goods - Love Like Ours is worthy of that one-click!

☆.｡.:* ARC provided for an honest review .｡.:*☆

Release: 09.11.2018 | Genre:Contemporary Romance | Dual POV - 3rd person | Heat: 3 | Standalone - Sugar Lake #3 (character crossover)

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[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Tally girl stars!!

Love Like Ours is the 3rd book in the Sugar Lake series that revolves around the Dalton family, and probably my favorite of the series, so far. Yes, it’s sugary sweet, with very little angst, but sometimes you just need a story that will put a smile on your face.

Professor Talia Dalton has only one focus, her career. After a disastrous college relationship, she has sworn off men. That is until she accidentally hits Derek Grant with her car. Neither Talia nor Derek can deny their immediate attraction. They go their separate ways, until the pull is undeniable.

I absolutely adored these two together. Derek has a full plate, but always made time for Talia. Honestly, he is the perfect boyfriend. Talia is nervous about everything, but eventually she grows confidence in herself, and their relationship. I loved watching Talia come out of her shell knowing Derek would always be there.

If you are looking for a super sweet read, this is the perfect book. Even though it is book 3 in the series, you can read this as a standalone.

I actually won this book in a GR giveaway. A big thank you to GR and the author, Melissa Foster.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Finding Your Unexpected Person Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Assumptions... we all do them. It is so easy to assume someone is a type or behaves a certain way just by appearance or job. There is a reason for the saying "Assuming makes an Ass of U and Me!"

Melissa Foster takes this idea and couples it with two people who will have to break from their own self imposed ways. Both had reasons for living the lives they had...but it took a distracted professor looking for a parking spot to almost hitting a man who was every woman's fantasy.

From their first contact, the ripple effect of interest, thinking, and then action was set in motion. What was different then most of these types of stories was the depth of the responsibilities for our guy. From the start, we could see he was so much more than his outside appearance and occupation. He was dealing with a situation that is currently happening for many of the population today.

Our gal was the type who felt all of her other siblings were more attractive than her. She had some insecurities from a cheating ex and so decided career over relationships was the way to go.

But assumptions aside, these two develop an actual understanding of how wrong their first ideas of each were...and from that recognition, we are given a very sweet romance.

Melissa Foster is a pro...she takes a very serious situation and through a romance novel educates many about it. She did it with heart and care.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - "Team Grant all the way!" Stars!

Another absolutely outstanding read from Melissa Foster. Love Like Ours is book three in the Sugar Lake series, and can absolutely be read as a standalone.

"You’re hard to forget."

The buttoned up professor, letting life pass her by, and the male dancer with the weight of the world on his shoulders certainly produced a ‘read-it in one sitting’ story.

"The best thing that’s ever happened to me was nearly getting run over…"

I absolutely loved Derek and Talia together. Both of them have depths that you gradually see more of as they get to know each other. Derek encourages Tallie to step out of her comfort zone, and to try new things, while his attraction to Tallie encourages Derek to make more of an effort at having his own life and relationships alongside caring for his father rather, than putting everything on hold, something he has done albeit understandably without complaint for too long already.

He’d been living on deep breaths for the past few years… and he wondered if he’d ever get used to it…

Once again Melissa has written a couple and given them a story that was just such a joy to read, and I loved the Dalton family in general, and getting to know them more, while the relationship between Derek and Tallie blossomed, so much so I bought the first two books as soon as I had finished reading.

This was so right… she belonged in his arms…

As you would expect the weight of Derek’s responsibility in the care of his father has an impact in the way he can conduct his relationship with Tallie, and there is also the initial teacher/student situation which luckily doesn’t take up much of the story in relation to its resolution, but Tallie is a smitten-kitten once she has gotten over the mortification of nearly running him over, and everything from there on out moves at an organic and steady pace, Derek doesn’t want Tallie to have any regrets, as he is in it with her for the long haul.

"You are everything… Everything good, everything sweet, everything I want."

But, although for admirable reasons, it’s the Magic Mike part of Derek’s work that Tallie struggles with and eventually causes the confrontation between them, and not in a judgemental way per se, more in the fact of dealing with other women looking at her man, and how her family will react to it when she finally tells them…

If you have read this author before, you know that you are in for a really enjoyable reading experience, if you haven’t this (or to be honest from my experience, any other of her books) would be a great place to start your Melissa Foster reading marathon.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Inês Sagres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collected Professor Talia is not to be taken out of her comfort zone. She likes her life to be safe, planned and preferably without a man in it. One cheater was all she could take. Until she has the sexiest bluest eyes she’s ever seen right in front of her, ready to take her on a walk out of her comfort zone.

Bartender slash dancer Derek has one big goal in his life and that is to keep his father who’s an Alzheimer’s victim alive and happy for as long as he can. Besides that, he also has his job and college, which doesn’t leave him with a lot of time for other things, like relationships.

Full review available at Under the Pages.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Reviewer’s note: It’s been a while since I read a book by Melissa Foster, but the synopsis of this book captured me and so I jumped on it. I didn’t know that the hero’s dad had Alzheimer’s or that the day I chose to read the ARC would be the three week anniversary of my dad’s death from that disease. As soon as I realized what was going on in the book, I wasn’t sure I could continue it, I wanted to make sure my life experience wasn’t tainting my feelings for this book, but I decided to keep on and also decided that if for some reason I felt I couldn’t be impartial I would ask one of our other reviewers to step in and read and review it. I can honestly say I’m glad I kept going and was happy at the way this story played out. Fact is in real life things like being a parent’s caretaker or dealing with social stigma from one’s job happen and it only makes sense that these be addressed in romance novels. It is everyday life for many people and to pretend otherwise is discounting what people do day in and day out to pay for care, put a roof over their heads, to put food on the table, and to simply exist. I want to thank Ms. Foster for the compassionate way she handled this horrible disease and for giving readers a glimpse into those who love someone with it. I also want to tell readers that this was a small part of the book, but it did affect everything in the hero’s life; however despite that he found a woman who understood, supported him, and loved both him and his father.

Out of whack and being berated by her loving sisters and mom, Talia Dalton almost runs over a long haired man with piercing blue eyes in the parking lot at the university where she teaches. Little does she know that this man who is the opposite of everything she thinks she wants in a man, is exactly who she needs; she just doesn’t realize that there is so much more going on behind those eyes that mesmerize her.

I loved everything about this couple from the unique way they met, to their intellectual conversations, to their playful banter, and even the mistakes they made. There was a realism in this story that captivated me and held my attention from the first page to the last. Watching Talia blossom with Derek was beautiful and seeing her accept all parts of his life including his father and his job made it easy to overlook her inability to share everything with her family at first. Derek’s drive and perseverance was admirable and watching him wrestle with wanting a life outside of the small world he’d allowed himself was both heart breaking and heart-warming. Talia’s family rallying around Derek and his father was what I would hope for anyone dealing with a debilitating disease and Derek’s friends accepting Talia into their fold gave her the confidence to realize how important he was in her life.

Sometimes you read a book you think might be difficult and instead it uplifts your spirit and that is exactly what Melissa Foster has done for me in Love Like Ours. Thanks so much Ms. Foster, this book could not have come at a better time for this reader.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Like Ours was the third book in Melissa Foster’s Sugar Lake series.

Talia Dalton was the oldest of the Dalton siblings. She watched two of her sisters find forever love but she was still gun shy after a few disastrous relationships when she was younger. She was a professor and approached everything cautiously. Well until she almost ran over a blue eyed, long haired god.

Derek Grant was a student. But appearances aren’t always what they seem. Well except his appearance was gorgeous and that was real.

I loved Derek. He was totally manly with an alpha side, but also had the sensitive artist gene so he was a pleasant mixture of hotness. I loved Talia with Derek. She was conservative and careful but Derek brought out the balance that was buried deep and waiting to come to the surface for the right man.

Derek and Talia Met humorously and then Derek kept showing up to get to know Talia better. It was a sweet story mixed with some sadness and real life reality with aging parents. Foster tackled the tough subject of Alzheimer’s well and gave us one perspective of the multi-faceted disease. And true to Foster’s style, the Dalton family were front and center with meddling, bantering, loyalty, laughter and loads of fun.

All in all, it was another well written and well developed story from Foster. We still have two more siblings, Piper and Ben. I’m not sure who is next but Foster has provided many teasers so I can’t wait for either one. Hopefully we won’t wait long.... hint, hint.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can see this review along with an excerpt and giveaway here Nadine's Obsessed with Books

I have really been enjoying getting to know each of the Dalton siblings and watching them find their HEAs but I must admit that there is just something about Talia and Derek's story that will be sticking with me for a while. Melissa Foster doesn't shy away from difficult topics while bringing us a sweet and sexy romance and I think that is one of the things I love most about her books. In Love Like Ours, Derek is caring for his father whom suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, see what I mean about difficult subject matters, while going to school full time for his graduate degree, he also tends bar and dances at the bar for extra money. You can say that Derek has his hands full and has very little time for a social life let alone a girlfriend but when the sexy Talia nearly runs him over with her car things are finally looking up for him.

Talia is quiet, shy, and more secluded of the Dalton siblings and to be honest I thought it was because of her position as a professor made her that way, turns out that a jerk made her that way. Talia has had her heart broken and hid it from everyone except her brother Ben who happened to be there when it happened. I'm not kidding when I say that Derek was out of Talia's comfort zone, it was even spoken about a few times in the story, but I will say that sometimes venturing out of your comfort zone can bring you happiness you never knew before.

This was a great heartwarming story about two people finding their perfect match and not letting others get in their way of happiness. Jonah, Derek's dad, had his good days and bad and it was so nice to see that everyone was willing to help out and I am thrilled that Derek didn't resent his father on the days that things got particularly bad. This was at times a bit hard to read, especially if you know someone suffering from this disease, but it was so well done it was definitely a feel good story. Oh and sexy times a plenty too, we cannot forget that because although Melissa Foster can write stories that pull at your heartstrings they can get you hot and bothered as well.

I recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a small town romance with big family love. The student/teacher trope isn't a taboo factor at all so don't even let that play into your consideration. I look forward to the companion book to be released later this year, Finding My Girl which will have all the drawings Jonah had done of his wife, Eva, and Derek, as well as the drawings Derek did of him and Talia that were mentioned in this book. This book can be read as a standalone if you haven't read any of the Sugar Lake series yet, but I'm betting once you read this book you'll want to get to know how Willow and Bridgette got their HEAs as well. Happy Reading!!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley

This story touched my heart.
So little we know about caretakers, but it's a good sign that lastly this topic is discussed more and more.
My grandmother had passed just about almost one year ago, she wasn't diagnosed with Alzheimer but last months she sometimes she didn't recognize her own daughter, her caretaker. This just could broke your heart.

Darek is just a wonderful man, he gave up on his life just so he could take care of his father with premature Alzheimer diagnosis. He gave up his career, his personal life.
He was devoted boyfriend, caring son and tender lover.
The heroine was meh, she wasn't very strong and secure. She had a bad relationship 10 years ago, in college, and her bf cheated on her the whole time. Then he told her he cheated BC she wasn't enough. Common, girl! You shouldn't live like a nun just BC of one asshole!!!

All my stars goes to Darek!!!

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to come

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just so sweet I loved it.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


LOVE LIKE OURS is the third book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. This book is all about opposites attracting each other. The heroine is pretty prim and proper while the hero is a little more out there. So not only is this story about falling in love, but it’s also about letting things go a little bit and just enjoying yourself.

Now while I usually enjoy the light nature of Foster’s books I think this series definitely has a different feel to her normal writing style. It’s my least favorite of all her series and I think it might have to do with the fact that this one involves a publisher. The writing just seems a little less slowing and engaging and a lot of the dialogue seems a bit more forced in this series compared with her others. I just feeling like something isn’t clicking with this series and I had a really hard time connecting with the characters for some reason.

I almost didn’t finish it but I managed to push through. However, I’m not sure that I will go on and read the other books in this series. I already skipped book two and have no plans on returning to catch up.

*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this one was fantastic! It has it all. A seriously sexy male dancer hero and a stoic, conservative professor heroine collide (literally) for a sweet but oh so sexy romance. I loved Talia and Derek together. She needed someone to shake up her well ordered world and he needed someone to bring some calm to his chaos. The story is very well written and I think you'll enjoy these characters as much as I did. This is the third book in the Sugar Lake series but it absolutely can be read standalone. Put this one on the must read list.

[Cam (justabookeater) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t really get past all the slut-shaming and girl hate in the first chapters. Way to turn off readers everywhere.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really solid romance - interesting characters and situations. Melissa Foster definitely does feel good romance well and this is no exception. The hero is swoon worthy and the heroine is big hearted but lacks complete confidence. The story was well done and did a good job of navigating the growth of both characters. Very sweet with little angst. The story is ultimately about letting go and embracing life and love which is a really nice message to hear these days!

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original review can be found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

** I received an advanced readers copy from Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Love Like Ours is the third book in the Sugar Lake series but can be read as a stand alone. I did not read the first two books in the series and was able to follow along. I do think that I would have benefited slightly from reading them only to know the secondary characters and their relationship to Talia a little better.

What I liked most about Love Like Ours was the relationship between Derek and his father. In fact, I liked it better than the relationship between Derek and Talia. I liked that the story took on the important subject of being an adult caregiver and the challenges that stem from it. It gave what would have been a typical and average contemporary romance a little more depth. Most of my enjoyment of this story came from this aspect of the book.

I struggled a little bit at first with Derek and Talia's relationship. It was a little too inta-love for my liking. Although I did eventually get behind them it took me a little while to catch up. The anticipation and the build up to them getting together was missing and that is what I enjoy most in a contemporary romance. They were whispering sweet nothings before my brain was ready for it to happen. Once it caught up, I was behind them all the way. Derek and Talia's relationship was oozing sweetness and romantic gestures but don't be fooled. There was also plenty of heat to steam up the pages for readers that like their romances a little hotter.

This was the first book by Melissa Foster for me but I don't think it will be the last. I look forward to what she comes out with next.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars

Talia and Derek has that magic

Talia heading to work for a friend never thought a simple distraction would bring her all she could ever desire. Derek was just the soothe for her body mind and soul. Derek learns that one can’t do it all and sometime the unexpected can and will become the norm. There are great characters family friends and supporters.

John Lane carries me away with his narration. Thank you.

Now on to more . . . (original 9-13-18)
Another Dalton goes down. Talia and Derek did not have it easy. She a professor. He a dancer. He a caretaker. He has a dream. He has major responsibilities. Watching these two become more and more familiar with each other and the lives each one lived was page turning. See how each one dealt with the hand given them was more. This one was emotional. It may not have started that way but as you progressed further in to the story you find yourself choking up a bit here and there. Some of the subject matter was heartbreaking. Especially if this has hit close to home. And for me it has hit close to home on more than one occasion.

Beneath the exterior of Derek there was a man that had real hopes, dreams, and talent. He was so much more than I could have guessed he would be. I love his drawings (at least the descriptions). I look forward to December when the companion book is available. Talia and Derek were the couple for me in this series. The rise and fall the ins and outs. It all made me feel on a deeper level. These two balanced each other. She the stayed professor. Him the open, lively dancer. But for them to be defined only by this was doing them an injustice.

Melissa Foster has written a story that makes you fall in love with her writing all over again or for the first time. It all depends on which category you fall into.

[Sophie (slovenianbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How the hell am I reading my first Melissa Foster’s book just now?

Where was I before, like seriously???

Sometimes I read a book and just know that I will love the author’s other works too. In Love Like Ours I loved everything – the writing, the pace, the characters.

Talia is a professor at the university. She replaces her friend on the job, she loves her family and she is protective of the people she loves.

Derek is a student who works as a bartender and male dancer because the money helps him with providing for him and his father. He knows what he wants, he is a man with plans and knows how to achieve his goals. He is stubborn but in a good way. I loved his honesty when talking with Talia. He didn’t beat around the bush but he told her how things were. I also love how much he cared for Talia and how romantic he was (true relationship goals here, people) 🙂

While I did love that the characters actually talked to each other (maybe for the first time in a while), I missed more drama. But overall, it was a heartwarming story about family, friends and love, which I recommend.

I really hope her other books are just as amazing as this one.

4 stars.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Slovenian review and full post here: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Melissa Foster has woven a love story that is so believable I thought I was reading about friends, not characters in a book.

Talia is a professor. I know many women who work in academia. She is so perfect, right down to her worry about Derek being a student. She also has a family that cares about her. Her sisters want her to have what they have, but they know she needs to unwind a bit first.

Derek is the kind of young man everyone wants their sister to meet. He's working on an advanced degree. While he is currently a male dancer and bartender, that is because he quit his job as an accountant to take care of his ailing father. He's a man who puts family above all else, until he literally runs into, or more properly is hit by, Talia.

As Derek and Talia try to manage whatever obstacles are in the way of their joint happiness, you will follow them on a journey I'm not sure I would have been able to do myself. You will meet friends and family of both of these wonderful characters.

Pick up a copy of Love Like Ours and take a journey with Derek and Talia. You will not regret it. I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love like ours is the third book in the series and I must say that it's another winner. We have the forbidden element of a student/teacher relationship, but it doesn't last long which is a shame. It would have been very naughty, but then it wouldn't have fit the author's style. I liked the main characters and I have to give a shout-out to Derek and Jonah's relationship. He is a very decided son and he truly did the best he could do to help his father. He gave up a dream in order to help him. Then he got a new one and with the help of his friends he will achieve it. I really wish we had the chance to see more of Derek's friends. Could we possibly have a new series about them once they start working at the facility Derek wants to build? All of them were interesting and I want to know more about them. Now that they are introduced they need a story. And speaking of stories, in December we will get another book about Jonah and Derek where we will see their drawings. Having them described in this book wasn't enough for me and from the moment they were mentioned I wanted to see them. Even if I don't get an arc version to review, I will read it because I will do something that doesn't happen often and buy a book (Relax people, for the past two years I only read arcs and freebies on amazon or books from my library).

I was a little worried about some situations in this book but everything went well and the characters stayed true to the image I had of them in my mind. The drama wasn't over the top and I felt like I was reading a book about two adults instead of two teenagers. Piper is next I suppose and I feel like her book is going to be a ride where you don't know if you scream from horror or happiness. Maybe Talia's friend, the professor she was substituting for, will be Piper's man.

On a final note, I want to say that the man on the cover reminds me of Jamie Dornan.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Like Ours was such a treat! So much so, it should come in a Sweetie Pie Bakery box!

The Dalton family returns in this third book of the Sugar Lake series. This time, it's Talia's story. The careful professor has been hesitant to date, but her sisters aren't having it. This loving tale reminds us that we never know what anyone else is going through in their personal lives. Will Derek's interesting career choice become a deal breaker? It's always hard to resist the magic of her mother's love potions (much to the eye rolls of the family).

Melissa's descriptions and word choice for character dialog is so realistic, you really get to know the characters and their different personalities. I smiled and giggled many times throughout the book. So many amusing scenes. The romance is off the chart in this one. Page after page, I got sucked in and lost track of time! Another great aspect of this book is how Derek's drawings create a vivid mental picture of important moments of their story. So clever!

I hope we see more in this series because I would LOVE to know what will happen with Piper, and if Ben and Aurelia ever get their acts together. Will Fletch find a love interest? I'd also enjoy reading more about the success of Derek's business venture in the future. So many places to go with this intriguing family.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"I don't know, Teach. Is this like when adults offer kids candy to take a ride in their van? I'm smart. You've got to show me the candy first."

"You can trust me to be careful with your heart."

"Which one called you--the sugar pusher, the not-so-sweet mama, or the one who thinks s** is a breakfast entree?" (this cracked me up)

"Life is short," India said. "We capture the good times when we can."

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so much. It's such a beautiful story. I can't tell how much this one hit me right in the heart. Derek is just dreamy. He has such a great personality and I just love how he treats Talia. Plus I mean the scenes with his father and how he's taking care of him will win over anyone. I loved how Derek helped Talia out of her comfort zone. Talia's family is a riot. I just love them. They add a lot of humor to the book. This is so well rounded to me. It has heat, heart, and humor. I can't recommend this one enough!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, sexy, fun and emotional romantic journey that gives two sweetly charming charters a chance at true love that they were not planning on..... could not put it down.

Talia Dalton is a smart, charming and determined to live her life with out a man after her last relationship went down hill.... Derek Grant is a sexy, sweet and deeply caring guy with a huge heart. They are perfect for each other and I was highly entertained from beginning to end.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the education given about Alzheimer's, but there were also some awkward paragraphs and scenes that just me think, and prolly say out loud, "ew." Other than those moments, this was cute. Gotta love a exotic dancer with a heart of gold.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stage was set. The clues obvious. So why are these two fighting it tooth and nail? Foster shakes up the heart with sunshine, rain and the whole shebang. Love Like Ours is meant to be funny. The professor and the male dancer learn to look beyond the stereotype and follow their hearts. Each has more to offer than they present to the world. They just need a little help finding the courage to be vulnerable. Derek is a dreamer working his way through his reality. Talia is a realist, too afraid to dream. When sweet and naughty collide it's sin city. Derek and Talia leave hearts with a warm, crazy feeling that looks alot like love.

[Book Gannet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

If you like a read with a perfect hero, who is sexy and sweet and responsible, along with the smart but buttoned-up heroine he falls in love with, then you’ll probably love this. I found it cute and easy to read, but I’ll admit I’m in two minds about it.

Derek was gorgeous. In every possible way. He’s sexy, he can dance, he’s smart and utterly devoted to taking care of his father. Then along comes Talia and, boom, he’s done, and he’ll do everything he can to show her he’s the guy she can trust. There is no downside to him, he really is perfect. The only possible fly in the ointment is his work, but the dancing is also really hot.

And that’s my problem. Derek is so perfect that there’s very little room for conflict. Talia does have inadequacy and trust issues, but Derek’s so amazing that it’s almost impossible not to trust him. Which left his job as the conflict – making Talia seem like a snob, especially when she knows why he does it. And it didn’t fit. Talia isn’t like that, she trusts Derek and they’re really good together, plus they’re both smart enough to talk their troubles out. So the conflict was weak, overblown and ended everything on a flat note.

Which is a shame, because Talia and Derek are lovely together. Things move really fast between them, but it works. The only thing that didn’t was the fact that they pretty much nailed down their HEA quite early. I spent a good chunk of the book waiting for some form of conflict or another to arise, only to feel annoyed when it did.

So my feelings are torn, because the characters and romance were lovely, but the conflict wasn’t convincing. I’d probably enjoy it more on a second read, now I know what to expect and when, but first impressions left me feeling a little flat about it all.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Kathryn Linke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Love Like Ours is the third addition to the Sugar Lake series. I’m quickly coming to love the not only the town of Sugar Lake but its inhabitants as well. This title is very close to my heart, and I’m sure it will touch anyone who has had a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s. It’s not only an emotional, sweet and heart-warming romance but very relatable.

Talia Dalton is a college professor stuck firmly in her comfort zone. This intelligent, organised, reserved professor likes things to be planned and prepared. She’s the quiet and shy one in an outgoing and loving family who do their best to make her take charge and be a bit more out there.

Derek is devoted, compassionate, caring and loving and at times it’s like he has the world weighing down on his shoulders. He’s also incredibly driven, and intelligent and when he wants something he’s incredibly perseverant.

Talia and Derek’s story is well paced and told in a dual point of view. I loved not only the chemistry this pair share but their banter that is fun, flirtatious, and playful, but at times they also have deep intellectual conversations. They bring out the best in each other.

Strong themes of family flow throughout this title and I adored the interactions between the Dalton siblings, their banter is witty, and they argue and squabble with each other in a way that anyone with siblings can relate to.

I will be eagerly awaiting more of Sugar Lake and the Dalton family!

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[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me. Completely, totally, utterly wrecked. And it wasn’t only the love story, which was phenomenally beautiful and sure to inspire romance in any heart. It was the gentle, careful handling of Derek's father, Jonah, with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and the way Talia and every member of her family opened their arms and hearts and made Derek and Jonah a treasured part of their family. This book is everything home and family and hope should be.

Talia is a college professor and she’s admittedly distracted by her family's group phone call while driving. Distracted enough that she nearly plows into the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen. It’s one thing when he shows up in her class, but when he asks her out, she’s conflicted. Derek is undeniably hot, and the first guy who has stirred anything in her in years, but there are a few problems. He’s off limits as a student, his work as a dancer is troubling, and he's way out of her careful, controlled comfort zone.

Foster definitely pulls out the stops and pours on the feels in the early copy I read of this book! We have a heroine who got hurt badly and doesn’t trust men, choosing to focus on her family and responsibilities as a college professor. Then there’s Derek, an admirable guy with a really great heart who will do anything short of illegal, unethical or immoral to take care of his ailing father, including bartending and dancing, while trying to finish his master’s degree. Then the boisterous and meddling but loving Dalton family and Derek's father, Jonah, add an entirely different layer of emotion.

The way the Daltons care for each other and unconditionally welcome Derek and Jonah into their lives is nothing short of amazing. One beautifully tender moment occurs when five-year-old Louie is talking with Jonah, who thinks Louie is a young Derek. Without missing a beat, Louie speaks to Jonah as if he’s Derek, then whispers to Derek, “He’s confused, so I’m pretending.” I swear, I thought my heart would burst free from my chest! Another thing that takes this story over the top and sets it apart is the unique and unexpected use of the drawing journals of Jonah and Derek, with important family memories memorialized in their cartoon drawings, rather than photographs. They provided for some tender, poignant, and truly special threads that knit the story together in a fresh, significant way.

I loved everything about this book. Foster created my favorite kind of characters who are mature, strong, intelligent and determined and don’t wallow in self-doubt or create juvenile angst as the source of conflict. Instead, Talia and Derek are secure in their relationship and band together to support each other through every challenge. This book sucked me in and captivated my heart, and I wasn’t anywhere near ready to let go of these characters, so this is one I'll return to again. If you’re looking for something that warms your heart, stirs your soul, prompts a tear or two and still brings the heat then leaves you with a happy sigh, you'll adore Talia and Derek. You definitely won’t regret 1-clicking this one!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia Dalton is a professor at the local university and thanks to the meddling and distracting of her family on the phone one morning, she almost runs over the very sexy Derek Grant. Derek is a grad student, bartender, occasional male dancer, and most importantly – the caretaker for his father Jonah who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. After their initial, almost run-in, they luckily keep crossing paths until Talia is struggling to keep her feelings at bay for the amazing Derek. Between her being a professor, him being a male dancer, and the demands of caring for Jonah, Talia and Dalton have to face potential obstacles head on as their attractions and feelings grow.

First of all, I challenge anyone that reads this novel to not fall in love with Derek. I assure you that it’s not possible. Sexy, smart, caring, loving, talented, and so on… He’s just incredible. Don’t get me wrong, Talia is great, but between the two of them, I feel that he is the stronger character. After meeting and finally acknowledging their attraction to one another, they have several issues to deal with, especially the fact that Derek lives and takes care of his father that is struggling in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Talia also has ongoing issues with Derek filling in at the bar as one of their male dancers, despite his explaining to her how much the money helps in saving for his dream of opening an adult day care center for others suffering from Alzheimer’s. I mean really, Talia, could he have a bigger heart or be more swoon-worthy?

Typical of Melissa Foster’s novels, Love Like Ours is romantic, sexy, has the perfect amount of conflict, and plenty of laughs that make this a wonderful read. However, I feel that the best part of this novel is the family aspect. Talia’s incredible family just automatically includes Derek, Jonah, and the wonderful stand-in mom/caretaker that helps with Jonah. Her Dad and brother jump in ready to help with possible renovations and business ideas for Derek’s adult day care center. Talia’s sweet 5-year-old nephew jumps right in spending time with Jonah like they’ve been family forever, and everyone just accepts the situation with Jonah and all spend time together so beautifully that I cannot begin to count the number of times I reached for a Kleenex. And just wait for when Derek gives Talia’s mom the birthday gift that he made for her. I’m embarrassed to say that I wasn’t just teary-eyed, I was crying so much that my hubby came into the room to make sure everything was o.k. But they were happy tears!

I have no idea how Melissa Foster continues to create such incredible characters and stories that are so touching and unforgettable, but what a gift she is! Her novels make you want that amazing romance, make you want to be more loving and caring towards others, and just make you want to strive to have the happiest life possible. Once again, I am in awe of her talent, creativity, and passion that result in novel after novel that touches my heart. Love Like Ours represents and embodies everything that I love about her writing and exceeds all expectations of a contemporary romance novel.

*Thanks to NetGalley and GMB for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!