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The Carlisles #1
Love Unleashed
Sparks fly with a little bit of help from man’s—and woman’s—best friend in this classic, must-read story from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster!
Love Unleashed
When their recently adopted pets—a cat named Cate and a dog named Doug—become inseparable, Evan Carlisle and ER nurse Cinder Bratt go from neighbors to best friends. After a frightening encounter with a patient, Evan insists Cinder stay with him until the culprit is caught. Will these two become something more with a little nudge from their four-legged friends?
Originally published in 2013
Love Unleashed
When their recently adopted pets—a cat named Cate and a dog named Doug—become inseparable, Evan Carlisle and ER nurse Cinder Bratt go from neighbors to best friends. After a frightening encounter with a patient, Evan insists Cinder stay with him until the culprit is caught. Will these two become something more with a little nudge from their four-legged friends?
Originally published in 2013
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Lori Foster
442 books11.8k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 25, 2022
Love Unleashed features a romance between two neighbors with the help of man's best friend.
Neighbors Evan Carlisle and Cinder Bratt become best friends after their recently adopted pets become inseparable. When a patient of Cinder's attempts to attack her in her apartment, Evan insists Cinder stay with him until the man is caught. As the pair spend time together, their friendship quickly becomes something more. But until the man after Cinder is caught, any future between them is uncertain.
The premise of this novella pulled me in, a couple essentially has a meet cute while each adopting a pet, and I was immediately interested to see a cat and dog duo helping out their owners' romance. Unfortunately while I enjoyed that aspect of the book, Evan is where this story fell apart a bit for me. He constantly talks with his brothers about how hot Cinder is and while he does mention liking her kind nature, it basically seemed like all he cared about was how attractive she was. Add in at one point he pulled her in and sniffed her, before they're together, and I just found his behavior to be a bit odd. The scenes after they get together are steamy, so I did enjoy those but overall their romance just didn't work for me. Also, the random side plot of someone being after Cinder is never really explained in depth and felt unnecessary.
Overall Love Unleashed didn't end up working for me and I prefer the author's full-length novels.
Neighbors Evan Carlisle and Cinder Bratt become best friends after their recently adopted pets become inseparable. When a patient of Cinder's attempts to attack her in her apartment, Evan insists Cinder stay with him until the man is caught. As the pair spend time together, their friendship quickly becomes something more. But until the man after Cinder is caught, any future between them is uncertain.
The premise of this novella pulled me in, a couple essentially has a meet cute while each adopting a pet, and I was immediately interested to see a cat and dog duo helping out their owners' romance. Unfortunately while I enjoyed that aspect of the book, Evan is where this story fell apart a bit for me. He constantly talks with his brothers about how hot Cinder is and while he does mention liking her kind nature, it basically seemed like all he cared about was how attractive she was. Add in at one point he pulled her in and sniffed her, before they're together, and I just found his behavior to be a bit odd. The scenes after they get together are steamy, so I did enjoy those but overall their romance just didn't work for me. Also, the random side plot of someone being after Cinder is never really explained in depth and felt unnecessary.
Overall Love Unleashed didn't end up working for me and I prefer the author's full-length novels.
September 22, 2019
Enjoyed reading
This is a short fast paced read. Steamy, romantic and a little angst. I finished in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed. Friends to lovers
This is a short fast paced read. Steamy, romantic and a little angst. I finished in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed. Friends to lovers
September 11, 2023
Short story full of romance and a cat and a dog.
December 1, 2019
Cute short story with great pets
This story is a very quick read. Evan and Cinder have been friends ever since they met. They even went to the shelter and got pets who are best friends! Then something happens to Cinder while she is at work. When Evan sees this he is finally willing to try and get beyond the friend stage. There is some action here, but it is the characters that are the main part of this story. The pace is fast, the tone is hopeful and the storyline is character oriented with some action and one steamy scene. The characters are vibrant and endearing, including the animals and Evan's brother and the brother's best friend. I enjoyed this story a lot. I would have enjoyed if there was even more to the story, but the sneak peak to the next Road to Love story is just icing on the cake! Enjoy!
This story is a very quick read. Evan and Cinder have been friends ever since they met. They even went to the shelter and got pets who are best friends! Then something happens to Cinder while she is at work. When Evan sees this he is finally willing to try and get beyond the friend stage. There is some action here, but it is the characters that are the main part of this story. The pace is fast, the tone is hopeful and the storyline is character oriented with some action and one steamy scene. The characters are vibrant and endearing, including the animals and Evan's brother and the brother's best friend. I enjoyed this story a lot. I would have enjoyed if there was even more to the story, but the sneak peak to the next Road to Love story is just icing on the cake! Enjoy!
April 28, 2020
Great story
Evan and Cinder make a great couple. So do Doug and Cate. This would have been a wonderful full length novel. We could have learned more about how Evan and Cinder adopted Doug and Cate. Would have been even better to find out why the guy wth the snake tattoo fixated on Cinder and came after her the way he did. I like how Lori Foster's heroines are real women and not always skinny as a rail. I would recommend this story to any adult reader that enjoys sexy alpha heroes and great heroines.
Evan and Cinder make a great couple. So do Doug and Cate. This would have been a wonderful full length novel. We could have learned more about how Evan and Cinder adopted Doug and Cate. Would have been even better to find out why the guy wth the snake tattoo fixated on Cinder and came after her the way he did. I like how Lori Foster's heroines are real women and not always skinny as a rail. I would recommend this story to any adult reader that enjoys sexy alpha heroes and great heroines.
March 1, 2021
Don't waste your ti
I read the description of the book!thought it sounded good so I gave it a try. I was surprised when what seemed like the middle the book showed up on the second page. Even more surprised when they were in bed in chapter 2. Then poof! the book is finished before it really got started. Thank goodness for the dog van
I read the description of the book!thought it sounded good so I gave it a try. I was surprised when what seemed like the middle the book showed up on the second page. Even more surprised when they were in bed in chapter 2. Then poof! the book is finished before it really got started. Thank goodness for the dog van
August 16, 2025
Not my cup of tea
This is a strange book. Not much to it. Summary: A nurse is assaulted at work. The bad guy follows her home. A neighbor chases the bad guy away. The nurse and neighbor reveal their attraction to each other. The bad guy comes back and is caught. That’s it. End of story.
This is a strange book. Not much to it. Summary: A nurse is assaulted at work. The bad guy follows her home. A neighbor chases the bad guy away. The nurse and neighbor reveal their attraction to each other. The bad guy comes back and is caught. That’s it. End of story.
September 19, 2019
A Fully Packed Novella💚💙
So much can happen in a day and it did for Cinder, but it brought out some hidden feelings and all ended happily for her and Evan. Great fast paced read with drama, danger and heat. Oh, blessed fur babies too!
So much can happen in a day and it did for Cinder, but it brought out some hidden feelings and all ended happily for her and Evan. Great fast paced read with drama, danger and heat. Oh, blessed fur babies too!
October 2, 2019
I loved this novella from Lori Foster! There was a great story and romance between friends who own and love a cat a dog, sizzling chemistry leading to a meant to be romance. Not only do you love Evan and Cinder but you also love Cate, Evan's cat and Doug, Cinder's dog (he was fierce in the protection area) as a crazy patient targets Cinder. I read everything of Lori Foster and this romance was perfect!The pacing was frantic while the back story simmers to a boil!
November 18, 2020
Cute enjoyable story. The guys were great, Jesse and Brick along with Evan who is secretly with Cinder but unbeknownst to him she is in love with him too. There is an unresolved part in the story though.
November 22, 2020
This was a amazing read. I love Lori Foster as a author I look forward to reading more.
I would recommend this book or any of her books they really draw the reader in. Will read many more of her books
I would recommend this book or any of her books they really draw the reader in. Will read many more of her books
February 23, 2021
Short read but very enjoyable. I enjoyed the highlights of the story and it played like a good movie in my head as I read it. I'm rarely disappointed by Lori. I also loved the relationship between the animals as much as I did between the characters.
December 3, 2019
3 stars
October 10, 2020
Very short story. Nothing fantastic.
December 15, 2021
Lori Foster does it again!
Such a sweet and heroic story. The moments between the two characters were touching. Overall would recommend if your a Lori Foster fan.
Such a sweet and heroic story. The moments between the two characters were touching. Overall would recommend if your a Lori Foster fan.
April 18, 2022
Sweet short story
Enjoyed this story, but it was too short. The animals were wonderful and seemed so human like, they made me want to adopt a pet
Enjoyed this story, but it was too short. The animals were wonderful and seemed so human like, they made me want to adopt a pet
October 17, 2022
Short, cute with a little drama
June 14, 2023
Good book
Sometimes people need a push to realize what's under their nose so they don't lose it. It took her getting hurt and a break in for him to let her know she mattered.
Sometimes people need a push to realize what's under their nose so they don't lose it. It took her getting hurt and a break in for him to let her know she mattered.
October 17, 2025
I loved the play of names on the animals. Cate/cat, doug/dog and horace/horse. Nice short romantic, suspenseful story..
October 5, 2019
I mean ... I really really really REALLY love dogs. REALLY LOVE. So a romance where the hero and heroine ALMOST have their meet cute adopting pets from the shelter ... I was so so in.
Then also I love curvy heroines. And smitten heroes. Lori Foster writes both really well - the "regular joe" romances - that could be any of us, which I think is why they resonate so well/why she's so popular.
I wish there was a bit more on why snake tattoo - why he attacked Cinder/kept going after her. She DID have the TSTL running out of the bathroom moment ... and Evan too - my dude, you're a gym teacher/coach.
But of course it all worked out.
Anyway, those issues aside, the romance was nice, especially since it was a friends to lovers and they've been ~best friends for like the past year.
I immediately went and read the other 2 novellas in this series :)
solid C
Then also I love curvy heroines. And smitten heroes. Lori Foster writes both really well - the "regular joe" romances - that could be any of us, which I think is why they resonate so well/why she's so popular.
I wish there was a bit more on why snake tattoo - why he attacked Cinder/kept going after her. She DID have the TSTL running out of the bathroom moment ... and Evan too - my dude, you're a gym teacher/coach.
But of course it all worked out.
Anyway, those issues aside, the romance was nice, especially since it was a friends to lovers and they've been ~best friends for like the past year.
I immediately went and read the other 2 novellas in this series :)
solid C
October 7, 2019
Didn't realize this was a Novella when I bought it, but no biggie. It was a quick, enjoyable read. Plus, the purchase price goes toward a good cause. Win, win, imo.
October 21, 2019
Sweet sexy and super cute short story
October 22, 2019
Cute ,short love story
December 31, 2019
Nice novella, loved the two pets who were so protective of their people. Free e-book from the library.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews