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 … 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
Our Wicked Hearts
Summer of Love
Hot for Love
Claiming Her Heart
Sweet Sexy Hearts
Winter of 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
more
I so fell in love with this book, I love second chance romance and in this one Zev and Carly will take you on an amazing ride through memory lane when they see each other at a wedding. You will feel the ups and downs they suffered, and read along as they reconnect, a connection they never truly lost.
I love these series Melissa writes, the chemistry in these characters is off the charts. This is a total 5 star story if not more! Make sure you grab your copy today!
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.
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.
Oh my heart!!!!
I can’t ever seem to get enough of Melissa Foster’s stories!
Zev and Carly broke my heart and put it back together again! This is a must read!!!!
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.
Zev Braden is back—Is Carly Dylan over him??
Searching for Love is the perfect second chance at love story. It’s brimming with emotions; heartache, fear, compassion and most of all love. Melissa Foster balances the couple’s sweet memories of their childhood friendship and romance with their present day love affair. Their One -Day list and love for adventure drew me into the story.
Carly and Zev’s story is deeply moving; the tragic death of a friend devastated the couple. Zev was unable to deal with the loss. He broke up with Carly and left town. Carly and Zev get their second chance when they run into each other at Zev’s brother’s wedding. Zev realizes that Carly has changed. He notices that Carly is no longer the confident, adventurous girl he remembered and wonders what happened to her dreams and sense of adventure.
Loved that Melissa Foster made the couple dig deep and fight for their love story. Events have changed both character. Is the couple’s chemistry enough to overcome the obstacles that face them?
Searching for Love is fabulous summer read! Grab a glass of wine and some truffles and settle in for a fantastic read—you will enjoy every page of this book!
I love a good second chance romance. This one fit the bill. Zev and Carly had me hooked right from the beginning. There is a lot of hurt to overcome, but you can tell these two still have a connection no one can break. I was rooting for these two to get their HEA they’ve been waiting for. I loved watching these two find their path they thought was forever out of reach. It has plenty of heart, laughs, and chemistry between the characters. I always look forward to a book in this series because I love the families. I love the banter, but how close they are. It always makes my heart happy. My romantic heart was happy sighing with how everything worked out for Zev and Carly.
A wonderful story about love lost and found. Zev is a treasure hunter.Carly is a chocolatier. A tragedy tore them apart. A family wedding brings them back together. You will laugh and cry while reading this book but you won’t be able to put it down.
5 Stars!!!!!
Searching for Love will break your heart with the history of the two main characters Zev Braden and Carly Dylan. But as they begin to repair their relationship I could only cheer them on. This beautifully written story by Melissa Foster will hit all your buttons. It is romantic, healing, funny, sad and uplifting. I also loved how the characters from other books were woven throughout the book. It also must have taken a good bit of research to show the “treasure hunter” process. A true 5 star read.
The BEST second chance romance of 2020! Zev and Carly‘s story was so powerful and emotional that I was lost after reading their story. I know I say this with every Melissa Foster’s book, her writing is amazing and I need more. Loved seeing old characters and getting set-up for new stories.
Now, I’m going to go watch the Goonies and eat a bowl of Lucky Charms!
4 stars
Fantastic new second chance romance by the ever fabulous Melissa Foster! This is a standalone novel in the Love in Bloom series.
Zev and Carly were each other’s first EVERYTHING. Childhood adventurers to best friends to lovers then tragedy struck and tore them apart. Now that they’re back in each others paths, will the pain of the past keep them from all they wanted for their future?
This book was a fresh, unique storyline (I LOVE shipwrecks!) and a beautiful second chance romance. These characters have endured so much and I was happy to see them work through the past for the future they deserve. It waa also a pleasure to spend time with some of our favorite characters from this close knit family! Great read!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
100 % assured to fall in love with Zev and Carly !
Tragic life event separated the young lovers only to reconnect at a happy family one. Zev left the only one he deeply loved to spare her his sorrow and embark on a journey to find his treasures only to realize he left the most precious one of all behind years ago. Carly’s life took a nose dive when her best friend died and her soulmate left. She took her life in her own hands and decided a new path was in order. She became a chocolatier instead of discovering the world with her ex. The chocolatier brings a sweetness back into the treasure hunter who brings back out the carefree adventurer in return.
Melissa Foster as a way of making us discover new passions along her steamy well written stories; definitely another 10 !
This delicious second-chance romance will leave you with an epic book hangover. Zev and Carly have a strong connection that can’t be denied. I loved the tension, discovery, amazing friends and family, smokin’ hot sex, adventure, chocolate treats, the humor…oh, the humor. It’ll have you laughing until you cry.
Meant to be love will always find a way. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable story.
And don’t forget the tissues!
Searching for Love is book six in The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls series. I love second-chance romances, and this one certainly did not disappoint. Zev and Carly were destined to be together until tragedy struck. When they find themselves together again, all those feelings come rushing back. Will they be able to make a success of their relationship this time? The story kept me hooked throughout, and I truly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book.
After reading this book, I’ve decided I need a treasure hunter in my life. Even if only for a short time. The adventure, the love, the fun, the humor. Not only did we have Zev and Carly’s story, but we had glimpses in to Ford and Randi’s story. And Cutter and Quinn. This story has piqued my interest in these new stories. And Dare has a lot of moves and should have a story of his own soon. And now I’m curious about Luis and Aunt Marie. Goodness, Ms Foster has opened a treasure trove of love stories (ha ha pun intended).
Omgosh!! Where do we find a real life group of Braden men?! Every time Ms. Foster releases a new book about these hunky Bradens I feel like I have a new favorite character/hero. This story gives us Zev and Carly who have been paired off since 2nd grade and experience all the firsts together. Seems everything is perfect until a tragedy happens that hurts everyone in their group. Zev leaves thinking he’s doing what’s right for Carly. In 10 years they’ve never really gotten over each other, but oh how they’ve tried to move on. Each has become successful in their own right but until they come together again, they haven’t really fully lived life while they were apart. They’ve both grown and realized how much they have each missed out on by being apart. But Zev is a wanderer, so figuring out how to be together will take some work. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
A beautiful second chance romance.
Zev and Carly’s story began when they were kids, but Zev broke her heart when he walked away from her. They are both attending his brother’s wedding and the sparks are still there between them. They have such a strong connection and a true deep love. Their story is full of romance, compassion and heart. A truly wonderful story full of our favorite Braden family members.
After an unexpected tragedy that caused the death of his girlfriend’s best friend, who was also his brother’s girlfriend, Zev is consumed by guilt and leaves…he leaves his family, his life and Carly – the love of his life – behind, and doesn’t look back. Carly is devastated by not only the death of her best friend but also the sudden and unexplained departure of Zev. She slowly pulls herself together and gets on with her life. Years later, she runs in Zev in Mexico while on vacation and they spend one memorable night together and she is gone in the morning when Zev wakes up.
Fast forward to present time and Zev’s brother is getting married to one of Carly’s friends and Carly is helping with the catering. She knows Zev will be coming to the wedding and has been “practicing” not reacting to when she first seems him after all this time. Zev doesn’t know Carly will be there and the shock is immediate as soon as he sees her. Prior to the wedding, he had agreed to take a week off from work (he’s a treasure hunter, something he and Carly had talked and dreamed about as kids) and stay in Colorado, to watch the couple’s animals while they are on their honeymoon.
Zev is determined to use this week to win back Carly. They share memories from their past, enjoy past laughs and finally start to let go of the hurt from their past. They have both carried secrets from their past and their reasons for why they chose the paths they did to get them to where they currently are and finally start to let their guard down and truly live again. Zev reminds Carly of their past and the fun adventures they used to have and encourages her to let her hair down again and find the Carly “of old”. Without any spoilers, this book is a wonderful journey through all the “feels”….there is love, loss, running away and coming together, laughs, new adventures, truths, heartbreak, forgiveness …..you will fall in love with these two – both as individuals as well as a couple. You will cry with them, laugh with them and cheer on the sidelines as they find their way back together…..Melissa Foster does it again!!
This book takes you on a raw emotional heartbreaking journey. Love only comes around once but sometimes you need to push through the pain and give it a second chance. This was such an incredible book. It’s easy to relate to and the characters feel like people you could easily be friends with. The writing is perfection it draws you in and keeps you hooked. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
ev and Carly were inseparable growing up. They were always going on adventures and had big plans for their future until tragic struck and Zev left Carly behind. Throughout the years, their love for one another was still there.
As the years past, Zev continued his adventures as a treasure hunter and a jet setter, where as Carly is now a business owner. At Beau and Charlotte’s wedding, Zev is shocked to see Carly. Even though she knew he would be there, she is not prepared to face him. Zev is determined to beg Carly for a second chance and asks her to spend the week with him while he’s in town. When she agrees, Zev plans outings that will bring back the adventurous side to Carly. As their time together is coming to an end due to Zev’s treasure hunting expedition, he promises Carly they will make it work long distance.
This is a wonderful story of second chances and letting go of past hurts to find a happily ever after.