One wrong move, and she meets a guy with all the right ones… 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.
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I have been waiting on this one to come out and I wasn’t disappointed. I was just as captivated by it as I was the two previous books. At the beginning Talia and Derek don’t look like they will fit together, but it doesn’t take long for it to become apparent that they are perfect for each other. I actually listened to the Audible version of this because I love the narrators she uses. Puts so much life into the story.
ARC was given to me by NetGalley and Publisher.
My review is given voluntarily and all thought and honest review of this book is completely mine alone.
Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster it’s book 3 in the Sugar Lake series.
I really loved this book it was so sweet and emotional. OMG!!! HOT
Goodness I fell in love with Derek, and Talia they made such a great couple, their chemistry was pulsing through the pages, but how they loved each other, and how they treated their families that was just amazing, loyalty was number one thing for them. Watching how Derek protected Talia`s heart, and giving her back the conference she had lost years ago was just a beautiful thing.
Derek took care of his father that was diagnosed with Alzheimer. This is such a powerful subject to write about, and I wish we had more books that included more subjects likes this. It broke my heart going through that experience with him Derek, and Jonah. I unfortunately know what it’s like to be a caregiver of a loved one with that type of ilness, because right now my husband and I are taking care of his dad that has Frontal Lobe Dementia it’s really difficult.
Soooooo this was a special book to me, Thank you Melissa Foster.
I really had fun with the Dalton family, can’t wait to read about Piper falling in love…..LOL.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author. This was my 1st book I read by Melissa Foster …..loved her style of writing and story telling!
When I read The Real Thing, the first book in this series, I liked it a lot. It wasn’t my favorite Melissa Foster story, but it was a solid read with great characters. That makes it a slight surprise that the last two books in the series (Only For You and this one) have totally blown me away. I’m truly never disappointed by this author, but these stories are just amazing.
Talia is the more reserved and straight-laced of the Dalton sisters. As much as she loves, and is loved by, her family, she’s just not as loud and open as the rest of them. Being as she doesn’t really look like any of her gorgeous sisters, she also has it in her head that between her looks and more subdued personality she’s not as desirable as her sisters. For such a strong and intelligent woman who is very secure in her career, Talia has a lot of hidden insecurities.
Derek is too good to be true. Not only does he take a job he’s not so crazy about to give him the flexibility he needs to care for his father, but he’s also trying to finish his Masters degree. In his spare time he works on his business plan to have an adult day-care type center to help caregivers who cannot leave their loved ones alone. And from the moment Talia almost hit him with her car he’s drawn to her.
Of course, since one of Derek’s jobs is as a male dancer, Talia is not so sure he’s really the guy for her. But, as Derek always says, being a dancer is his job…not who he is. And who he is happens to be a beautiful soul who give his all to those he loves.
If all of Derek’s wonderful attributes aren’t enough, he’s also an artist who draws pictures of the important moments in his relationship with Talia. It’s seriously the most romantic thing ever. I don’t know how anyone would be able to resist this man. He is really the whole package.
Talia and Derek compliment each other so well. While he helps her come out of her comfort zone and enjoy life a bit more, she shows him that it’s okay to accept help and comfort. Their connection is stunning and kept me turning the pages.
The author did an amazing job of expressing the hardship and rewards of being a caregiver. Trust me, unless you’ve done it yourself it’s very hard to understand the emotional and physical changes the stress of caring for a sick parent can cause. I also enjoyed that the stereotype of dancers and their personal lives was talked about, as well as the double standard of how a female dancer is viewed as opposed to a male dancer.
Once again. Melissa Foster slayed me with the feelings she cultivated in me throughout this story. I’m so happy there will be a companion booklet with some of Derek’s drawings from this story.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/love-like-ours-book-review/
I was moved by this beautifully written book about a gorgeous, talented man who changes his dreams after his equally talented father is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Exchanging his accounting job for bartending and strip tease dancing at the same bar, where he can make much more money, so he can take care of his father. With friends that he meet at a support group, Derek now dreams about opening a daycare center dementia patients at the family home. He has no time for women and also fears that he might have inherited the gene. That is until he is literally hit in the university parking lot by Professor Talia Dalton, distracted by a phone call with her family, urging her to step out of her comfort zone. And that is exactly what Derek manages to do for her.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review
As usual when I pick up a book written by Melissa Foster I know I will get a sweet, steamy and emotional story. Love Like Ours was no different. I have been following the Sugar Lake series from the start and each the Dalton siblings intrigued me. Their personalities varied from wild to conservative and I was curious to discover whom they would be paired with romantically.
Talia Dalton, a college professor is conservative and staid by nature. She avoids relationships as she believes men cannot be trusted based on experience. She would rethink her position when she almost ran over sexy male dancer Derek Grant with her car.
Derek Grant is a college student, bartender and a male dancer. Certainly not the kind of guy that a staid and conservative professor would date much less to call in love with. However, when love comes knocking, it does not care who it strikes as Talia will discover.
Love Like Ours tells the story of two people who found love by accident and was determined to make their relationship work despite the odds. You are probably wondering if this was a case of a teacher falling for her student, well let me put you at ease it is not. Derek was never one of Talia’s students.
I admired Derek for his selflessness. He danced as it provided him with much-needed funds to take care of his dad who was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s. Never once did he resent taking care of his dad, even when things got tough he maintained a positive attitude.
Talia is an understanding girlfriend. She never made him feel that he had to choose between her and his dad. She was there for him every step of the way, offering him comfort and encouragement. I enjoyed watching how her family embraced Derek and their willingness to assist in the care of his dad.
I know that Melissa’s stories are free of conflict and angst. I must confess that based on the topic the author explored I was expecting some amount of conflict. Well, it did not materialise. The characters had their issues, but they addressed them with no unnecessary drama.
I loved how their relationship developed. It started out fast but then it slowed building up to that moment when they realised they were in love with each other.
The author provided tidbits of information regarding the characters from the previous installment. She brought readers up to date on what is happening in their lives since they found their happily ever after.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of sweet and drama free romance will enjoy this latest offering from Ms. Foster.
This is the first book I have read by Melissa Foster and I’m thrilled that she has a huge catalog of books that I can sink my teeth into because I really enjoyed this book! One of my favorite things about her characters is that they’re mature adults approaching their 30’s which really appeals to me because I feel that I have more in common with characters in this age range. I loved the romance between Derek and Talia because he’s an intelligent man with a free spirit and he’s exactly the kind of man Talia needs in her life. The fact that he’s got a very big secret makes him even more exhilarating and that cover model is scorchingly HOT!! Kudos to the art department! On a serious note I want to say that I really admire the author for writing a realistic storyline about Alzheimer’s disease from the caregivers point of view. I’ve been in a similar situation and having other people who can step in to give the caregiver a break is a real gift of love for the family. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
I feel like I am always repeating myself when it comes to a Ms. Foster book. They always leave me with a heartwarming feeling. I keep expecting that at some point one will not live up to all the others but they always do and I can’t say I’m disappointed about that. I think Talia and Derek’s story is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. I think every person has that one friend, or lover, that brings the best out in them. Talia and Derek found that in each other, and when not even looking. I love the worlds that Ms. Foster creates. You get to meet whole families and groups of friends and follow them all through their journey of life and love. I have enjoyed this Sugar Lake journey and can’t wait for more.
I did not expect to like this book given the H’s job as a dancer. I should have known better. Derek is a hunky sympathetic hero. Trust Melissa Foster to turn the hero in a romance novel upside down by making him the caregiver in the story. Parts of this story were heartbreaking. Alzheimer’s is a scary disease and the author handled the emotional aspects for children in a truly realistic way. I cried, hard at the scene with Jonah and Louie and even harder at the visit to the assisted living facility with the thoughts running thru Derek’s mind. To me, that backstory and it’s handling will be what I remember about this book. I loved seeing Talia bust out of her straight laced world and of course her family is so fun you just want to crash a family dinner to become a part of it.
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!
Love Like Ours is the third in the Sugar Lake series, and my favourite so far. We met Talia in previous books and I always thought she was such a prim and proper woman, being a Professor she does have to have a certain air about her, but when she falls for Derek who is her complete polar opposite their love story teaches us not to judge people.
Derek is a male dancer, not because he wants to be but because it is a means to make money. He is also a student and the reasons why he needs the money will just melt anyone’s stone cold heart. His father has early onset Alzheimer’s and Derek dances for the money and tips as he has grand plans to open a centre to help his father and others like him.
Whilst Talia and Derek lead two different life’s, there is no denying that they are perfect for one another, Derek is kind and compassionate but also brings out the wild side in straight laced Talia, making their romance just that little bit more awesome seeing Talia’s grow with his love for her and his father.
The research that Melissa has done regarding Alzheimer’s really shows through in this book, and the struggles that family members go through.
I still don’t know how Melissa does it, but this is yet again a book that will suck you in and spit you out feeling all kinds of wonderful happy feelings.
I’ve read A LOT of Melissa’s books, and this one by far is her BEST!
Follow the story of straight laced, never goes out of her comfort zone Talia, who’s family is looking to find her someone to share her life! Her mom coats her car in one of those love potion concoctions she creates and boom she meets, well almost runs over Derek!
Derek has a lot going on in the background, he’s an amazing man who cares for his father and wants to open a day care center for ailing adults! Melissa does an amazing job introducing us to his dads fight with Alzheimer’s and the struggles the families encounter. Beautiful story, I’m still sighing while thinking about it! My favorite quote from the book: “I don’t consider caring for your father as being strapped down. That would be like seeing Bridgette as strapped down because of her son. When it’s family, it’s not being strapped down. It’s doing what’s right, what your heart tells you to do.” Gah so beautifully said. 5 trillion stars for this one, I absolutely loved this one! Grab it as soon as you can!
Melissa provides an encouraging and yet real look at Alzheimers. Derek and Tallie’s love story is inspiring and oh so romantic. Derek is so sexy and is every girl’s dream. Tallie is sweet, however, she carries some hurts from a previous relationship. Those hurts involve trust and insecurity in herself. Derek who is so supportive to her is also having to deal with his father’s illness. With the help of family and friends, these two lovers find their healing and their HEA! Melissa never disappoints. Always so beautiful!
4.5 Endearing Stars
Review by Nancy
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
An emotionally consuming read! Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster is the third book in the Sugar Lake series. This book was sweet and heartfelt, it touched on a difficult subject while still giving us the romance that is expected.
Talia Dalton is a successful professor that leads a very straight and narrow life. A relationship has not been in the cards for her, mainly out of a fear of being hurt. When Derek enters her life, she is at a loss for what to do. She is definitely attracted to him but her mind is giving her a million different reasons why she should not pursue a relationship with him. It is a battle between what her mind thinks it wants and what her heart is telling her it wants.
Derek Grant is a student, bartender, and dancer, whose life is altered when his father is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Having to care for his sick father is taking its toll on him, but he is nothing if not persistent. He is doing everything he can to care for the one man that he looks up to, even if that means putting his personal life on the backburner. That all seems to change when he lays eyes on professor Dalton. It has been a long time since a woman has captivated him the way Talia has, and he is willing to work to break down all her walls if it means a chance at a relationship with her.
Foster captivated me with this book, from the very beginning I was enthralled with the story and where it was taking me. Not only does she do an amazing job giving us characters you can’t help but love, but she gives us a story full of heart.
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!
This starts out with a bang…of a pairs of big hands on the hood of the Parking Lot Plower’s car. This cute meet of the sexy professor and the hunky older student is just the beginning of a sweet romance with some sexy heat. A mature relationship that goes beyond the libido and ventures into real life issues of family, friends and devastating illness. These beautifully crafted characters are so lovely and realistic in their struggle to build and maintain a relationship while dealing with personal concerns. The sexy Derek is so unlike anyone Talia thought she would go for but he’s too good to pass up even with all he has going on. Two jobs, school, ill father, and a new business venture. He’s a swoon-worthy hero! Derek is smitten from the beginning and is determined to take Talia out of her comfort zone and see him as more than a hot body. These two make a fabulous couple with genuine feelings and steamy passion. I love the secondary characters especially Mom, the sibs and their antics. This author’s writing is fabulous and heartfelt and takes us on a wonderful journey of love, life and family. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
MY REVIEW:
Let me just say, I love the Dalton’s. They are hilariously lovable. I wish I liked my kids well enough to want to make love potions for them. (Yes, here is where you laugh) Right now, I just want them and the grandkids out of the house. Maybe then I’d sprinkle love potions in my daughter’s car and baby making ones in the other daughter’s car.
Melissa knows how to develop these magical relationships with the hunky hero and the nerdy heroine, who has no clue she is beautiful. She can foster a burgeoning romance with her eyes closed. After all, don’t we all want a handsome, caring man who can strip dance for us in private and break our hearts with how wonderful he is to take care of his ailing father. Talia and Derek are an unlikely couple which is why they are perfect, but it has to be done their way and in their time. A love like theirs is unlike any others and transcends time.
The steam practically rises off the pages, or in my case, melts the kindle. There are few contemporary authors that I must have. Must read. Melissa Foster is definitely on the list. In fact, I’d say she is at the top.
5 stars
Never judge a book by its cover or in this case by its profession. Talía is all of us. One bad relationship can make us scorned for life and instead of doubting others we doubt ourselves. Derek’s main focus is his dad and in understanding that he could possibly burden someone he meets Talía. Or she runs over him #semantics they show us that all family structures are important and that the puzzle doesn’t have to be shiny and new and that the reality is much better than the drawings.
Laura – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Wow. Just wow. I’m still recovering from all the “feels” from Derek and Tallie’s story in Love Like Ours. It’s a story of love, hope, faith, and family. And one that will stick with me for a long time.
I absolutely adored both Derek and Tallie. Derek for his positivity in such a difficult situation—taking care of his ailing father, working as much as possible to ensure that their financial needs were met and going to school to finish his degree. With all this pressure, he still managed to find joy and happiness in life. And then love when he met Tallie.
And Tallie. Wow, she sure broke out of her comfort zone once she embraced the love that Derek offered. I loved how free and self-confident she became as she realized that love and trust were attainable and true. And that’s just what the romance between Derek and Tallie is: true.
Love Like Ours is an amazing addition to the fantastic Sugar Lake series and I can’t wait for more!
Have to say I love the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster and boy Derek hot, sexy addition to this series. I felt for Derek for what he is going through yet what he does is not what defines him. Now Talia is not your typical strong woman but she sees what she can be like in his eyes. This is more than just a romance it is about seeing more than meets the eye and love that Melissa Foster shows us to never judge a person on the outside but what they really are in the inside.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Not only was this a wonderful love story, but it hit home for me. I also have a parent with Alzheimer’s and Derek’s patience, love, kindness and attitude toward his father touched me deeply. I know I will re-read the Sugar Lake series so I had to buy this one also!
As much as Derek were polar opposites on the outside, they were soulmates. The hilarious Dalton family and their antics kept the story light, but in this book not only did I left but I shed more than a few tears. In my opinion “Love Like Ours” is the best one yet, but don’t miss out on the whole series. You’ll fall in love with the Dalton family and the quaint town of Sweetwater!