Searching for Love

The Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls #6

by Melissa Foster

Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right into this fun, sexy romance.

In USA Today Bestseller SEARCHING FOR LOVE...
Zev Braden and Carly Dylan were childhood best friends, co-explorers, and first loves. Their close-knit families were sure they were destined to marry—until a devastating tragedy struck, breaking the two lovers apart. Over the next decade Zev, a nomadic treasure hunter, rarely returned to his hometown, and Carly became a chocolatier and built a whole new life across the country. When a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s lives, can they find the true love that once existed, or will shattered dreams and broken hearts prevail? Find out in Searching for Love, a deliciously sexy, funny, and emotional second-chance romance.

**
Love in Bloom novels feature alpha male heroes and smart, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy contemporary romance and women's fiction.

THE BRADENS & MONTGOMERYS (Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls). Order of future books is subject to change.
Embracing Her Heart
Anything For Love
Trails of Love
Wild Crazy Hearts
Making You Mine
Searching for Love
Hot for Love
Sweet Sexy Heart
Our Wicked Hearts
Claiming Her Heart
Rocked by Love

**

"When it comes to contemporary romances with realistic characters, an emotional love story and smokin' hot sex, author Melissa Foster always delivers!" The Romance Reviews

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York TimesBestseller Lauren Blakely

"Melissa Foster writes her romance novels similarly to my favorite adult romance author, Danielle Steel: the perfect blend of drama, romance, friendship, love and passion."- Andrea Buginsky, author

"I highly recommend this book to fans of Nora Roberts (one of my personal faves) and fans of a sweet story filled with heat and heart." - Tia Bach, author

"Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis' books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness." --Books Like Breathing (on Fated for Love)

"I highly recommend the Snow Sisters all the Braden and Remington books....I am sure there are going to be other family's that intertwine and that is what I love most about these books. They remind me of the McCarthy of Gansett series and The Green Mountain series. I am a huge fan of Marie Force. And now Melissa Foster has joined her ranks...." - I Love NY, Reviewer

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Family, Second Chance Romance

425 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2020

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

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I have been waiting patiently for Zev Braden and Carly Dylan’s story, from the moment I read about them in previous books in the series. Based on the titbits of information the previous books in the series provided as it relates to their history, I knew their story would be poignant and Foster did not disappoint. She delivered a story that not only captivated me, but will have me thinking of this awesome couple for days to come.

Zev and Carly have been friends since grade school. They shared a lot of firsts, which includes first kiss and first love. They dreamed of spending the rest of their lives together, doing the things they loved. However, tragedy struck, changing the trajectory of their lives, and putting an end to their dream of happily ever after. Will Zev and Carly find their way back to each other or will time and distance prove fatal to what they once considered a beautiful and loving relationship.
I enjoyed every moment spent in Zev and Carly’s world. Their story was one of second chances. A second chance for healing and to rekindle a love that was once lost. Carly and Zev were a beautiful couple and I couldn’t help but root for them at every turn of the page. Having suffered so much pain and heartache in the past, they needed something good in their lives for a change. Finding their way back to each other was the first step in their journey towards healing and love. Despite the difficulties encountered, their love proved strong enough to navigate the obstacles encountered. Their love for each other was clear in every word and action expressed.
I loved how their romance developed. Despite their history, they took their time getting reacquainted, and in the process, they made fresh memories while reliving the old ones. Their chemistry was off the charts and their moments of intimacy would have likely set my phone on fire.
The author introduced the reader to the intricate and legal world of treasure hunting. A process, which made me realize that while it may be fun and adventurous, it was not a glamorous career.
The secondary characters brought a lightness to the story, so there were several humorous moments. As usual, I am looking forward to the stories of those characters that have yet to be released.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Searching for Love was a heart-warming and passionate second chance romance, which showed how true love can survive distance and time and that it had the power to heal and conquer all.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll say this time and time again, I love getting lost into the world Melissa Foster has created for us. This is Zev and Carly's story, it is one of young love, devastating heartbreak, and second chances.

If you have read any of Melissa Foster's books before you know that she doesn't sugar coat things, she deals with some difficult subjects. With Zev and Carly's story we find out more about the breakup between the two of them when they were younger and some other things we haven't been privy to until now. They have not had it easy both still loving the other from a far but a chance encounter at a wedding can be the thing that changes everything for them.

Read my full review and enter a GIVEAWAY here https://bit.ly/NBReviewSFL




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve mentioned before how much I adore reading second chance to get it right journeys but when you add to that the leads being childhood friends and/or enemies, and you’ve made this reader a very happy person! There is something so poignant about a story where people have known each other thru different phases of their lives and have watched each other grow thru those phases! I just love it!!

At this point in my Melissa Foster journey, it is hard for me to come up with new and unique compliments for her, but she deserves every one of them. It is amazing to pick up one of her books and know without reading a single thing about it before hand that you will have a pleasurable experience! I cannot emphasize that more. She is one of a handful of authors I can say that about. It’s a glorious feeling!

Zev and Carly entertained me like nobody’s business! Their story was not only heartwarming, but also captivating, heartfelt, and super sexy! I loved the incorporation of their past with their present best of all. We got to experience their joys and downfalls and not just be told what happened. It added a layer of depth to the connection that Zev and Carly had and made for a very intriguing read!

It is very very rare when I am not super stoked after I read a Melissa Foster story and this is not one of those time. My heart is full :)

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure hunting, chocolate and a second chance romance? What can be better than that?! From the moment I started reading Searching for Love I was completely captivated by Zev and Carly’s story.

Zev and Carly have known each other practically their entire life, until tragedy struck and forever changed the course of their relationship. Now, years later, they are both in the same place but is the pain of the past too much or will they be able to overcome the past and begin a new future together?

I can’t even begin to describe how much I love this story. I love second chance romances and Zev and Carly’s quickly become a favorite. I love the adventure that this story has, too. Zev and Carly have insane amounts of chemistry and despite their history it is still there and it is explosive. I loved their dreams, I loved how well these two knew each other, how well they could read each other.

Searching for Love is full of adventure, romance, delicious treats and emotions. A MUST READ and a TOP READ of 2020.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Love is the sixth book in The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls series by Melissa Foster. I am still getting surprised by how long the title of the series is. I hadn't noticed that this is a second chance romance, so when the genre because obvious on the very first page I was a little apprehensive. Turns out that there was nothing to worry about. This book is not only one of Melissa Foster's best second chance romances but I would also rank it high on the list of my favorite books from her. Maybe not top 10, but still very high.

When it comes to second chance romances usually the other "partners" the main characters had during the years apart are kept been brought up which can be annoying. In this case, it was simply mentioned in a classy way and while neither had been celibate, they didn't give the impression that they were sleeping around and that's always a good thing when you go with the "you have always been on my mind" narrative.

When it came to Carly and Zev there was a thing on my mind that kept distracting me. I didn't want either to give up a part of their lives in order for them to be in the same city. Zev's treasure hunting was something that he loved doing and Carly's shop and life made it seem like she was in the right place and shouldn't leave. Their separation was not a bad thing and it helped them morphed into the people they are together even though it sent them to different directions. There was a resolution about that at the end of the book, but I don't feel completely satisfied with it and I believe this is the reason I didn't fall for it 100%.

I liked the romance because Zev and Carly got to know each other again and at the same time, it was like they were falling in love with each other again. Zev knows how to romance a woman and it shows. Carly is a very good character and I liked her a lot. She gave Zev just the right amount of a hard time and I honestly loved the lucky charm simile. The secondary characters are many and this time they didn't steal the spotlight. Some of them already have books, while others will get them soon and I cannot wait to read their stories too! I would recommend this one.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sprinkled with teardrops and bleeding emotion, Searching for Love has more than a little heart. First love, worst heartache and the chance to begin again. Foster appeals to every feeling that makes us human. Zev and Carly are lost in time. Haunted by the past. Yearning for a future. Afraid to try again. Their journey is a dance with destiny. Unpredictable. Unforgettable. Irresistible.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Love was the sixth book in Melissa Foster’s The Bradens and Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls series. It was also one in Fosters many Love in Bloom series. It could be read as a stand-alone; however, I recommend reading Zev’s brother Beau’s story first, Anything for Love (book two), for a crucial piece of Zev and Carly’s back story.

I loved both Carly and Zev from the start. I didn’t remember much about their personalities from previous books; however, I fell in love immediately. And it just kept building. Zev’s second grade declaration summed it up for the past, present and future: “Come on an adventure Carls. You’re the only one who can keep up with me.” You have to read it in context to get the full picture, but I could totally see them as they started their first adventure together at age eight. And I loved seeing Zev’s mini adventures as he wooed Carly again. Their adventurous spirit was intoxicating.

I love second chance tropes. And I loved how Foster crafted this one. She took us through the maze of both minds, present and past, and I totally felt them. I believed their connection. “Fate is that which can’t be changed. Destiny is what comes through actively making decisions and committing to a path of changing, learning and growing.”

I read all types of forever love romances and I love variety but this one spoke to me in a way that no book has in a while. I felt every emotion as if it were my own. “You are and will always be the very air that I breathe, the only treasure to my empty chest. Forever yours.”

Here’s to Journey, Scout and Chance....until then, I can’t wait for the spinoff series, the Steele’s on Silver Island.

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had All. The. Feels. I thoroughly enjoyed it, from the very first word to the last.
It had humour, it had compassion, it had romance, it had some angst - but nothing too deep.
I don't know how Melissa Foster manages to keep coming up with new story lines without repeating herself.
I can't say all that I want to about this book, without giving away spoilers, but what I will say is that it starts with a wedding (not gonna tell you whose wedding) and you get to catch up with lots of favourite characters. And wait till you meet the Colorado Whiskeys - Callahan 'Cowboy' Whiskey and Birdie Whiskey already have me intrigued.
Oh, and look out for the mechanical bull scene - that had me in stitches! haha :)
I can't wait for Nick Braden's book.
Melissa sure has spun a fabulous world of hunky men for us - if only these places/guys were real...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked the Goonies you will like Searching for Love. Zev is a treasure hunter who has thought of two things since he was a kid. Carly Dylan and The Pride. The Pride being a sunken ship full of treasure. He and Carly hoped to one day find the ship that interested them so much.

Over the years things changed and they went different paths until Zev’s brothers wedding brings them crashing into each others lives again.

I did find this book to be a little predictable but none the less it is a great read. Heyyyyy youuuu guyssss you need to read this book!!!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

KINDLE / APPLE / NOOK / KOBO / GPLAY / PAPERBACK /
Also in audiobook (narrated by Brian Pallino and Savannah Peachwood) AMAZON / APPLE / AUDIBLE



Carly knows she has to face her first love, the man who broke her young heart all those years ago when he walked away and left her when she needed him most. She figures if she acts unconcerned, and as if she might have a boyfriend or boyfriends, Zev will leave her alone. She underestimated Zev's determination to set things right between them, to gain her forgiveness, though.



Zev thought he was doing what was best for Carly back when he broke her heart, both their hearts, by walking away so long ago. Of course, he didn't bother asking HER what was best, just assumed, but I suppose it was a symptom of his young age at the time. He's never gotten over her, though, and when he finds out she lives in his hometown, and will be at his brother's wedding, he knows it's his one chance to redeem himself and ask for her forgiveness. He may not deserve it, and she may not be prepared to give it, but he will get that second chance if it's the last thing he does. But, as usual, he's got a limited time at home before he jets off on one of his treasure finding adventures. Will Carly give in even though he's leaving again? Or will she break their hearts this time by walking away?



Searching for Love is a sweet, emotional story of first love and second chances. I was rooting, not so much for Carly and Zev as a couple, but for Carly herself. To me, she stood out as the shining star of her own story, and I so wanted her to spread her wings and fly. She'd suffered through so much, internalized so much, without sharing, and I hurt for her. I admit to not liking Zev so much, thinking he really wasn't good enough for her, but because he was who Carly wanted, he got a pass from me. In the end, I liked the story because Carly was happy, and she was the one I cared about in this story. The secondary cast loomed large, making for awesome cameos and I can't wait for Nick and Trixie's story next.



ARC via author for an honest review.

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[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another emotion fueled romance by Melissa!

I felt like I had heard bits and pieces of Carly and Zev’s story before (I don’t know if I am imagining it or if it was parts of previous stories or if it was another story by another author altogether, but their story was definitely familiar) but their story is definitely one for the books. It sticks with you. You remember it. You feel their love. You feel their happiness, but you feel their heartache and their pain. You feel their anger, their hurt, and their resentment. You can also feel the sparks fly when they are in close vicinity together.

Carly and Zev have the most amazing love story starting as early as elementary school, but we all know that love stories aren’t just love and warm fuzzies.

A life altering, people changing, traumatic event leaves both Carly and Zev (and others) making mistakes that haunt them for far too long before seeing each other again. And seeing each other the did! (I thought the sparks were going to start the room around them ablaze!)

It takes a lot of emotions to get them back to each other and you could feel each and every word that came spitting out of their mouth in hurt, sadness, anger, love, resentment, and regret. (You may need a tissue during one particular scene, just forewarning!)

I loved their story of finding each other again and the love and romance and the history and the future and… I mean, it’s a Melissa book… is there anything not to love about them?

Like always, there is a wonderful cast of characters both past, present, and future; but you absolutely (and I recommend you do read this book) can read this as a stand alone story without missing out on anything that would take away from this particular story.

I highly recommend Carly and Zev’s story and definitely rank it among my favorites!

[Lisa Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa has done it again!

I absolutely love this second chance romance. There are so many emotions in this book, fun, laughter, joy and also sadness and tears.

Zev gets the shock of his life when he comes home for his brother's wedding and who should be there, the only woman he has ever loved. Zev broke both their hearts when he left town after a tragedy that devastated them both and he now knows that for him to be truly happy he needs to get Carly to forgive him.

Carly never stopped loving Zev and when he comes home she tries her hardest to not fall back into their old ways as she is terrified of getting hurt. Carly made her own mistake a long time ago and that followed up with a tragedy of her own just about broke her but with the help of her friends and their families she was able to build a life for herself.

Zev and Carly try to navigate their way back to each other but with Zev all in and Carly treading carefully it's difficult. However with the help of a crazy work colleague and the dream they have wanted their whole lives they slowly start to rebuild their relationship.

This is an amazing book and what I also loved was reading about how treasure hunters work., it was fascinating.

I honestly cannot wait for more from The Braden's and Montgomery's and this book is highly recommended.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Love by Melissa Foster is book 6 in The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls Series. This is the story of Zev Braden and Carly Dylan. This series I have found have different leading characters but the series does have past and future characters intertwined along with a back story. So, me having read the previous books, did add to my enjoyment of this one, But with that said, I do think if you really wanted to make this a standalone book you could. Ms. Foster touches on stories that make you feel and bring sometimes issue to the forefront. So for me she is my go to author and this book just proved it. Zev and Carly were childhood friends who were blossoming into more but then something happened to change their relationship leading them to go their separate ways. But now in their present day they happen to meet again giving them a possible second chance at love and to clear up the past. Enjoyed their story.

[Sana Zameer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like it hot and steamy then this one is for you!

Zev and Carly fell in love in the second grade and never were really separated until one of their best friends died in a car accident. Zev blamed himself and took off for parts unknown leaving Carly heartbroken. She moved to Colorado to help her Aunt out with her Chocolate Shop and made a new life for herself.

Then came a wedding where Zev actually showed up and Carly was blindsided--actually so was Zev! He had never forgotten her nor had he ever fallen out of love. He was bound and determined to try and get her back again! Needless to say sparks flew--even before they had it out with each other--Then sparks really flew!! They were a couple once again--but she had her life in the store making chocolates and he was busy trying to find underwater treasure.

Would they be able to find a way back after all that had happened--and could they make a long distance relationship work? You have to read this to find out what really did happen!

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in Bloom the overarching series or universe that all of the many miniseries fall under has now grown to around 100 books. I can’t claim to have read all of them but I can claim to have read most of them. Unfortunately, I have to admit that over the years I’ve forgotten many of the characters and their backstories. It’s mostly unfortunate because Ms, Foster likes to drop old characters in many of her new books as minor secondary characters. This story is no exception as Treat Braden and his wife Max the leads in the first Love in Bloom book I ever read Lovers at Heart from the Bradens of Weston Colorado and so does one of the former Snow sisters Kaylie from what I believe is the very first series The Snow Sisters, makes an appearance as well as many other Bradens and Montgomeries and even a couple of Remingtons and a Ryder. See what I mean! This story begins at the wedding of Charlotte Sterling and Beau Braden which I find somewhat surprising because Beau and Charlotte’s book Anything for Love the second book in this miniseries was published just over two years ago in June of 2018. In that book we learned that Beau was still struggling with guilt over the death of his former teenage love Tory. His misplaced guilt sent Beau on a years long avoidance of love and Pleasant Harbor and caused his brother Zev's guilt caused hom to break up with his long time love and childhood BFF Carly and go off living a nomadic life as a treasure hunter. I find this odd because Beau and Charlotte have been mentioned in several other stories since Charlotte is an erotic romance writer and member of Ladies Who Write sorority whose members populate many of the stories in the Love in Bloom universe. In fact one of the founders gets engaged at her wedding. At this point I assumed they had been married for some time. But here we are two years after their story was published finally at their wedding. Which is fine because I’ve always loved the quirky Charlotte character.
This is a second chance at love trope. When reading this story its important to bear in mind that everything that took place in Zev and Carly’s relationship prior to seeing each other again at Beau and Charlotte’s wedding happened before they were even legally old enough to buy a drink. Zev and Carly had become BFFs in second grade. They’d become boyfriend and girlfriend in junior high and lovers in their sophomore year of high school. They were still teenagers just finishing their first year of college when Tory dies and Zev breaks up with Carly and takes off. What I’m trying to express is they were still pretty much kids when they broke up and as hard as it was on Carly, it may not have been all bad for them to get some separation to grow up, experience more of life and relationships with others before they came back together.
Anyway, as the story opens Zev is more than a little upset that Carly is helping cater and attending his brother Beau’s wedding and nobody warned him she’d be there. He’s so upset he’s drowning himself in a bottle of tequila. He’s still carrying so much guilt over his perceived role in Beau’s former girlfriend Tory’s death and the fact that he subsequently broke up with Carly that he can’t bear to look at her because she’s still the only woman he will ever love. As it turns out he and Carly ran into each other on a chance meeting in Mexico a year after he left her. He realized he’d made a mistake in breaking up with her but after one night together before he could talk to her, she snuck off leaving him alone. In her mind it was sort of payback for how he’d treated her. But it didn’t bring her the closure she thought it would.
Carly was totally devastated when she lost her BFF Tory and the next day the only boy she’d ever loved, the boy she’d given her heart and body to abandoned her also. Like Zev she ultimately leaves Pleasant Harbor Md. To get away from all the reminders of everything she’s lost and settles in small town Allure Colorado where her pseudo Aunt Marie (her mother’s childhood BFF) owns a candy shop. There with the help of therapy (at Redemption Ranch run by another branch of the Whiskey family and the Dark Knights) and new friendships she rebuilds her life. A different life than the one of spontaneity and adventure she and Zev dreamed of while they were growing up. Now Carly craves the routine and certainty of operating her business. After losing almost everyone she loved in a two day span she needs to know what to expect from each day. She buries the adventurous girl she once was with Zev as she tries to bury her feelings for him. She hasn’t been a nun. As she tells Zev, “there have been men, not a lot but enough.” But none of those men make her feel the way Zev does. None had made her body sing the way he had. None touched her soul. As he says about his lovers after Carly, “none of them clicked.” Since there are a large contingent of Bradens living in Weston and nearby Allure it was only a matter of time before some of them found their way into Divine Inspirations, Carly’s candy shop. They become friends and that is how Charlotte and Beau ask her to cater their wedding. Well that and thanks to Beau Charlotte knows Carly and Zev’s history and the matchmaker in her hatches a plot to get them back together.
After some early and understandable resistance to Zev’s attempts to re-enter her life she gradually gives in. It doesn’t take long before they become lovers again. But Carly even though she had determined it will be worth the heartache when he leaves to spend six glorious days in Zev’s arms, she’s trying to hold back a piece of herself to lessen the sting. The author repeatedly reminds us of this fact. This is represented by the fact that even though Carly spends every free minute she has with Zev, every night in his arms, she won’t invite him to her home. She needs a Zev-free zone she can run to when he leaves her where she has no memories of him being there. Zev for his part wants more than the six days he’s scheduled to remain in Colorado taking care of Charlotte’s inn and animals while she and his brother are on their honeymoon. My problem with Zev is like Carly, I’m a realist. Carly’s home is in the mountains of Colorado while Zev’s life is thousands of miles away off the coast of New England searching for a buried pirate ship. Zev is thinking of a long distance romance where they travel to see each other when they can. Beyond the reality that such long distance relationships rarely work out, I don’t see how it could be very satisfying for either, especially Carly the planner. They are both nearing thirty years old now and Carly is going to want a husband, and a family. Not some boyfriend whom she occasionally gets to see and have sex with. What I found further annoying about Zev is his cousin Noah offered him the perfect opportunity to build a life in Colorado and he dismissed it out of hand because he can’t imagine not being on the sea or traveling the world treasure hunting and seeking adventures. In fact his wanderlust is such a big part of him he’s not certain he could even stay in the same place for more than a couple of weeks. So, why is Zev trying to win back Carly who has built a life in Allure with a successful business and close friends? Zev wants Carly but he wants her in his life on his terms which hardly seemed fair to me. the obvious solution here is for Zev to spend the summer months with Carly treasure hunting which will also satisfy her reawakened need for adventure, while Birdie and Quinn run her shop. Then in the winter months they can return to Colorado and he can help run exhibits at Real Deal the educationaltheme park his cousin’s are building while Carly returns to running her business. Let’s see if that’s how Foster plays this out shall we? I liked this book enough to give it 4 stars but not 5. Which to my way of thinking is giving it a B+ but not an A. Four stars because I liked both Zev and Carly. I liked the secondary characters especially Birdie whom I’m certain will get her own book as well as her brothers. I liked Zev and Carly’s romance and how it progressed, but Zev’s constant professions of how much he loved Carly, how she was his treasure got to be a bit much for me. They were magic when they were together, the playful banter, the steamy sex, even the sad times when they worked through their hurt or struggled with their separation. I loved how Zev found ways to bring back Carly’s adventurous nature that she had buried for so long she’d forgotten it existed. I loved her cereal euphemism laden meltdown towards the end of the story. I liked how Carly struggled with her desire to be with Zev hunting treasure and her sense of obligation to her Aunt Marie who had done so much for her. I loved the surprise couplings at the end of the story. I didn’t see one coming at all and I expected the other to be another book. I suspect Ford and Randi will get their own book. I’m betting Noah and Birdie will couple up too. All in all just another wonderful love story by Ms. Foster.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars--SEARCHING FOR LOVE is the sixth instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult THE BRADENS AND MONTGOMERYS: PLEASANT HILL-OAK FALLS erotic, romance series. This is treasure hunter/diver Zev Braden, and chocolate shop owner Carly Dylan’s story line. SEARCHING FOR LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines and series is revealed where necessary. THE BRADENS AND MONTGOMERY: Pleasant Hill-Oak Falls series is a spin off from several of the author’s other ongoing series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Zev and Carly) SEARCHING FOR LOVE is a second chance romance focusing on treasure hunter/diver Zev Braden, and chocolate shop owner Carly Dylan. Childhood best friends Zev and Carly’s world fell apart approximately ten years earlier when their best friend Tory Raznick was killed leaving Zev struggling with guilt, and Carly alone to battle the heart break when Zev walked away. Fast forward to present day wherein Zev’s brother’s Beau wedding to Charlotte would reunite our story line couple but not before the pain of loss would remind Zev and Carly that love is stronger the second time around. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Zev and Carly, and the potential fall-out as Zev’s business has literally stuck gold, and Zev must get back to his treasure hunting ways.

Carly Dylan’s lost two people the day her best friend Tory died: Tory to a car accident, and Zev to his personal guilt and grief but Carly was caught unaware of Zev’s need to run, a need that left our heroine heart broken and barely able to survive. Zev Braden struggles with issues of guilt in the aftermath of Tory’s death, a death that was not his fault but a death he continues to blame on himself. Running from Carly was the biggest mistake of his life, a mistake of which he needs to make amends in the face of his continuing love for the woman who still holds his heart.

The relationship between Zev and Carly is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that must face another obstacle as Zev’s deep sea adventures has struck gold, adventures of which Carly had always wanted to be a part. Having spent most of their youth and teenaged years together skydiving, cliff diving, parasailing and deep sea diving, Carly and Zev looked forward to a life together until Zev ran without looking back. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in previous stories and related series including Carly’s co-workers Birdie and Quinn; Zev’s parents and his siblings Beau, Nick, Graham, and Jillian; cowboy and Charlotte’s friend Cutter Long. Thank goodness a family tree is supplied at the beginning of the story ;)

SEARCHING FOR LOVE is a story of second chances; of grief and healing; of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is spicy, imaginative yet heart breaking; the romance is tender, seductive and provocative; the characters are spirited, energetic, and animated but it is the wounded hearts of Zev and Carly that cry for healing and love. SEARCHING FOR LOVE is another intoxicating look at the people who live and work in Pleasant Hill-Oak Falls.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[(Miranda) LovesCozyReadsAndCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Love
Melissa Foster
The Bradens & Montgomerys,
Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls Book 6
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Zev and Carly make crazy love look mighty tempting,”

THIS BOOK!! 🤗🤗 This book got me out of my reading slump!! OMGOSH I LOVED IT! Everything about this book…LOVED!!

Second Chance Romance
Secret Tattoos
Childhood best friends/First Loves
High School Sweethearts
Soulmates
He left after Tragedy
Big Family
Found Family

Like all other books by Melissa I loved getting sucked into this world!!! A world of chocolate and treasure hunting! Who knew how much fun that would be? Zev and Carly were pure perfection! I loved getting to know them as present day adults but also going back and hearing about their childhood and how their days consisted of lots and lots of adventures! How they first realized they were more than friends and how their relationship transpired over their teenage/young adult years. What tore them apart and how they made their way back to each other! Watching Zev bring out Carly’s adventurous side, after she buried it deep down, and watching Zev calm his nomad life to be with Carly just showed how much love they had for each other and how much they were meant for each other!

“Two sides of the same coin.”

“I love you, and I will always have your back. I’ll celebrate your happiness or pull you out of your sadness.” She walked backward toward her car and said, “But for the record, I’m pulling for a little under-the-covers treasure hunting!”

The friendship between Carly and Birdie was fun, chaotic, sweet and simply the best! Melissa does friend/family so dang well! I love watching these characters get folded into the lives of the town and being loved and protected! It’s so comforting! Watching Carly’s family, friends, and the town give Zev a hard time while deciding if he was good enough for her was heartwarming and had me giggling!!

This book is the best, feel good, second chance romance! I was sucked in and rooting for Zev and Carly from page 1!

I was so giddy when I realized I was officially meeting The Whiskeys at Redemption Ranch and the Steeles at Silver Lake!! I have read both series but realizing this book is what brought them to life was so fun and exciting!!! I seriously got so dang giddy!

I 100% recommend you grab this book but I truly suggest starting with Book 1 (Embracing Her Heart) and read all about the Bradens and Montgomerys!
Books in this series:
Embracing Her Heart
Anything for Love
Trails of Love
Wild, Crazy Hearts
Making You Mine
Searching for Love
Hot for Love
Sweet, Sexy Heart
Then Came Love
Rocked by Love
Falling for Mr. Bad

[Carly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Fate is that which can’t be changed. Destiny is what comes through actively making decisions and committing to a path of changing, learning and growing.’

‘Searching For Love’ by Melissa Foster is the sixth book in the ‘Bradens and Montgomery’s : Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls Series’. I was given a copy in exchange for my honest review, and like all of Foster’s books, I was completely and utterly obsessed.

I was so excited to read this book, not only to find out more about characters I have come to love and have been completely wrapped up in, but also because i have never found a book where I share the same name as the heroine (spelt in the exact same way!).

The book is about Zev and Carly, two people who used to be inseparable. After tragedy strikes, Zev finds it hard to cope, the shock of bereavement making him contemplate how quickly life could get taken away, and how crushingly devastating that can be. Out of his grief he ends up hurting the one girl he’d always been in love with, Carly.

‘You’ve always been the treasure, and without you I’m just an empty chest’

No matter the years, the distance or the time, both Zev and Carly have been unable to shake one another. They are in each other’s thoughts and hearts every day, and both have found life lacking in some way. They deal with their torment in different ways, Carly harbouring hurt and anger, and Zev staying away and tormenting himself. But when a wedding brings them back into each other’s sphere, it is undeniable that they have unfinished business, and this time Zev refuses to leave without a proper goodbye, or knowing where he stands.

Searching For Love was the perfect combination of young
Love, heartbreak and a second chance romance. It has chemistry, passion and so many cute and funny moments that gives you all those feels!

I love how Carly is a chocolatier, so unique and original! And Zev is a treasure hunter. There are so many good quotes and moments in this book, and I absolutely cannot wait to learn more about Birdie, Cowboy and some more of the Braden Clan.

This book is the perfect sweet romance read, it has a little bit of everything for all romance lovers to enjoy. It is absolutely perfect for those who want to get immersed in a fictional world with incredible characters and swoon worthy book-boyfriends. A must read!

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

Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars

sometimes time is what is needed to make it last

Melissa Foster takes me to a second chance romance that has been in the making for years. Following along with the Braden’s and all the friends and families of the Love in Bloom World (including many series) have allowed for a community of love and renewal. There is a love that will appeal to most every lover of love, romance, new chance, second chance, new love, old love, all love. Melissa Foster brings her various worlds of love to life with amazing characters both primary and secondary.

This time around we are finding love with Zev and Carly had their chance at love and it was blown apart by one act of selfless determination. One reckless action and loss of life broke apart more than one relationship. The breakup was painful. Their coming together for one night was passionate and heartbreaking at the same time. In this romance we get two couples that find their way to each other. One for the first time and the other for another chance to make their love the magical story that it could have been years before.

Was the right choice made when things fell apart? That would be a question you will have to figure out as you find yourself lost in the world of the Zev and Carly. Watching them become reacquainted with each other’s new lives was beautiful. Melissa Foster gave us a detailed back history of Zev and Carly. This was a good thing for me. I love seeing where each came from. What pushes them forward.

The was pain, sorrow, life, love, and hope for the future. This was a story to curl up and get lost in. There are times when a separation is necessary to have a future. For Zev and Carly time apart allowed them to grow in to that something more. That something more was needed for them to make their relationship more and last forever.

Virginia Rose and Brian Pallino narration duo brought to life the story of Zev and Carly. I was not disappointed.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is the sixth of this particular series - but all of Melissa Foster's books are interlinked, which I absolutely love! It is such fun meeting up with different parts of families and seeing how distant relatives meet up, make new friends and catching up with previous couples too.

Here we start by enjoying Beau and Char's wedding, in the grounds of the newly completed inn. And amongst the guests, are two people who have not seen each other in a very long time, who somehow going to have to get through a week of being in the same town. Zev and Carly were their first everything, but a decade ago, after their friend Tory died, he left believing it to be best he was far away.

Carly did not do well in his absence, but has pulled her life together, and is finally in a safe place, in business as a chocolatier and settled. She may wonder what Zev is up to, but everyone knows that he is not to be mentioned ... so him being at the wedding really is a shock. But not an entirely unwelcome one - he is clearly surprised too, but also in a good way.

As these two childhood sweethearts and soulmates get their second chance at reconnecting, we get to enjoy and yet worry along with them. I loved the pirate ship storyline and the adventures deep diving, but possibly the chocolate elements were even more to my taste! They definitely have chemistry in abundance, as many places can attest, but they have a lot of things to sort out in order to make it stick this time.

I loved it all, and the twist at the very end was just the perfect way to round off the story. Roll on the next story in this lovely series.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Love by Melissa Foster
The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hills – Oak Falls #6

Zev and Carly fell in love early in life and they thought they would be together forever. As with many love stories theirs hit a glitch and the two were apart for years. Seeing one another again, spending time together and reigniting a love that was banked but not gone brings them joy but also pain because Carly is tied to her chocolate shop and Zev really does need to be out on his ship seeking treasures on the bottom of the deep blue sea. The story is straightforward without too many twists and turns and was a good way to spend the day.

What I liked:
* Carly: hard working, loving, kind and still in love with Zev. She knows what she wants and is willing to go for it.
* Zev: conflicted and a bit broken for awhile but s till in love with Carly. He knows what he wants and is trying to figure out how he can be with Carly
* Carly’s aunt: a good woman that was there for Carly
* The supporting characters: want to hear more about the ones that have not settled down yet
* That the story was not filled with drama
* The way everything came together for Carly & Zev
* The memories from the past that were still meaningful to Zev & Carly
* The ring…the plastic and real one

What I did not like:
* The reason the two were apart for so many years – not sure I could have accepted and forgiven as easily as Carly did

Did I enjoy the story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy has a complicated way of either tearing people apart or bringing them closer together. Carly and Zev were younger and allowed their grief to pull them in different directions. They blossom into their own lives; but a key piece of the puzzle always feels like it's missing. Melissa puts them on an emotional (yet spicy HOT!) journey back to one another - but there is still a big of the past hanging in the air.


I love a good reconciliation story and Melissa Foster is one of my favorites to accomplish making it tragic, exciting, and super sexy without following the standard story line authors do in this type of story. My emotions were all over the map with this couple from tears to laughter! You will easily find yourself drifting into the action, crying when they cry and blushing from head to toe during the intimate moments.


In only her fashion, Melissa uses a phenomenal support set of characters who open doors to their own tales. Zev carries the undertone of a Braden in all of the strong, sexy manners. Carly is strong and although unsure of herself, she is capable of more than she gives herself credit for. Together, this couple embraces everything I love about a Foster couple - a balance of imperfection that creates perfection!


I received a complimentary eBook for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Love is a nice addition to the Braden family stories. I enjoy seeing how the Braden family expands and grows. The tight-knit big family reminds me of my own.

The characters have a strong history together, which makes me wish I could have read more about them growing up or how they came to be. Their constant dancing around each other for the first while of the story drove me nuts, but if they would have gotten together right away, I would have questioned the story line.

The way the story is written does well at showing how much hurt the past had caused them. They still care deeply for each other, but wounds can take a long time to heal. It still disappointed me that Zev would abandon his girlfriend when her best friend died. She lost two that year due to his actions.

Overall, the story was good and emotional, although it was not my favorite of the Braden stories.

I received this story as an Advance Reader's Copy. I volunteered to leave a review. All opinions are my own.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Searching For Love (The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls #6) by Melissa Foster
  
This is Zev Braden and Carly Dyla’s story and what an entertaining story it was. I really enjoy Melissa Foster’s style of writing. Her characters are strong and the stories well written and you cannot help but be drawn in to the story that she weaves.
 
Zev and Carly have a history, in fact their families always expected them to marry until tragedy tore them apart. When fate brings them face to face again, will they take a chance and follow the path that they were on for so many years ago? Can Zev convince Carly to take another chance on him and the love they once shared?

Searching For You ticked the boxes for me. It is a heart warming,steamy, emotional second chance at love story. Zev is swoon worthy, protective and altogether a great guy. I loved Zev and Carly and found them easy to relate to as I did the secondary characters.

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book is absolutely amazing! Zev is my new favorite book boyfriend, even with his past choices.

Zev and Carly were best friends growing up, then inseparable as teenagers and had planned their lives together, including finding a sunken ship that they'd researched. But when tragedy strikes their lives, Zev takes off because he can't bear to see Carly's pain.

After many years have passed, they both have moved on with their lives, until Zev attends a wedding and looks up to see Carly, and it's like lightning has struck. In the meantime, he's stuck in town for the next week, which might give them just enough time to get to know each other again.

But Zev is a globe-trotting treasure hunter, and Carly is a chocolate shop owner who no longer takes chances. Can they find a way to connect their worlds, or will they continue to clash?

This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, but you don't want to miss the other books in the series!

[Stephanie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zev Braden comes back to town from his diving adventures to celebrate a family wedding and is instantly brought back to a place of love, fun and adventure when he spots Carly Dylan with Cowboy, catering the desserts. Carly now the local chocolate shop owner, living a simple routine life centered around her business and friends, is pulled into a life that seems so long ago, filled with passion, wild adventures and Zev. With Zev being in town for only a week, can she the old brave Carly, the woman that her friends have no clue exist?

Melissa Foster has quickly become one of my favourite romance writers and I'm always looking forward to the romantic journey of the next couple. I can say with absolute certainty that I know i will have heart strings pulled and I will be filled with a longing so deep that I can only imagine what my life would look like with a Melissa style leading man in it.

Disclosure: At my request, I have received an advance copy of this book for review purposes from Beck Valley Books Book Tours. I am not being financially compensation for this post, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness can move the earth

Life is not easy if you carry a burden. It could be a pain that you hold on for forever. Forgiveness can move the world in a just a heartbeat. It can you lift you in so many ways and move on after.

This book is such an amazing read. It is a lough out loud moment between best friends and co-workers. I adore Birdie, she is a riot and reminds me of one of my sisters from different mother.

The story of Zev and Carly is so powerful. I loved their adventures especially when they were kids. I enjoyed reading this book. It is hard to put it down. I am not sure how many times I stayed up late at night because it is so good and so compelling.

Second chance of love is so amazing especially if that person is really meant for you. Searching everywhere when the one you want is right on your eyes. This story is one of a kind.

[IrishdaisylovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching For Love is book #6 - Bradens and Montgomery’s : Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls Series - This time its Zev and Carly's story. Without a doubt it's another 5 star read and one you will get totally lost in. It's a story of second chance childhood lovers, a horrible accident made them drift apart with Zev's feelings of unwarranted guilt that kept them apart. Zev and Carly were the best of friends until that tragic accident. Now they are meeting again at Beau and Char's wedding after years of not seeing each other and yes the chemistry and zing is still most definitely there!! No matter the past they are still very much drawn together which leads to a heart warming love story unfolding of healing, love laughter tears and most importantly a well deserved Happily Ever After!!

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to love a good second chance, right? Who doesn't? Especially when it involves young love finding a second chance.


Melissa Foster does romance so well. Now read how well she does second chances. Many of her characters have had second chances but not a double second chance. Many of her characters have given love a second shot but not with the original, young love.


Carly and Zev were kids together. They grew up loving each other. Who thought they would meet across the country? To see sparks fly and find out if a second chance is really in the books (I'm evidently in a punny mood this day) for the two of them, you need to pick up a copy of Searching for Love. I promise you will not regret it.


I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.