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
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This story is so perfect for Zev & Carly. I was looking forward to seeing what would happen when they saw each other again and could they or would they even want to try to give it another try. This story was funny, romantic, sad, emotional, and at least for me, I felt like I went through every emotion with these two. I am glad that they had the time to talk especially about the past and their trip to Mexico and the outcome of that broke my heart as well. I just truly enjoyed watching these two find their friendship again and learn to take chances and trust each other again and for Carly, find her adventurous self again. I loved their back story especially in relation to Zev and Carly and his find, The Pride, off Silver Island. I did enjoy learning more about The Pride, treasure hunting and all the legalities in arresting the vessel, I found that very intriguing and it definitely gave me the travel bug to want to go to Silver Island. It was also exciting seeing our wonderful friends again and meeting some new ones along the way. I am loving – Aunt Marie, Luis (that was a fun connection to make), Birdie, Cowboy, Bandit and his antics and how could we not mention Cutter. I also loved how they referred to Goonies – Goonies never say die!!!, one of my favorite movies. I would give this story 10 gold coins if I could. Loved how everything turned out for Zev and Carly. My favorite quote from this story is, “Sometimes being surprised is better than having time to figure out how to handle things”.
I love a second chance story. Add in some family drama and a tragedy in the past and you hook me in.
This tragedy tore Zev and Carly apart years ago, but even after all the time apart there is still amazing chemistry and a love just waiting to bloom. They both have change a lot since they were together and both need to work through some old hurts and anger. The emotions I felt while reading this book range from sadness to laughter to irritation at this couple. There was a few times I found myself yelling at them to get it together. LOL
Melissa has a wonderful way of telling stories. Her supporting cast of characters add so much to the story and wouldn’t be the same without them.
This book is a second chance romance and hits you in all the feels. Both Zev and Carly love each other but need to work through the past. It was a book of self discovery as much as it was about rekindling their love.
This is a second chance romance. Devastated by the death of their best friend, Zev leaves his hometown and his girlfriend Carly behind. Despite the years that separated them, when they meet at Zev’s brothers wedding, they realize their feelings for each other have not lessened over time. Foster does a great job at describing the emotional journey they take from forgiveness to rebuilding their relationship. Their love is tangible and their chemistry ignites the pages. She digs deep and writes characters you will love – and this couple is no different. The love they share is a beautiful thing to watch as their story evolves. If only we could all have a love like theirs! Zev and Carly each have very interesting careers and, as a reader, I got caught up in the excitement of history and discovery, as well as wanting to be a taste tester for the delicious treats. As with all of Foster’s books, the supporting cast of characters adds so much to the story, and without them the story would not be complete. If you like second chance romances with a dirty talking, sexy male lead and an equally sassy, strong female lead, then this may be the book for you! Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Searching For Love (Love in Bloom# 70,The Braedens # 30, The Braedens and Montgomery, Pleasant Hill -Oak Falls # 6 by Melissa Foster. Zev and Carly have known they were meant to be since they were in the second grade. They loved the adventures they went on and had plans of going on many more. However a tragic accident Zev was left with so much guilt he left everything he loved in Pleasant Hill especially Carly. They haven’t see each other in years till Zev’s brother Graham’s wedding. The old sparks that were there still exist after all this time. Unfortunately so much hurt and a lack of trust stands between them. Zev is tired of his nomadic life and wants her back. He has 6 days to reconnect with her and he is determined to make them count. Carly has finally gotten her life under control. When Zev left her after they would be together forever her world was destroyed. With most books I have read by author, I would fall in love as the characters fell in love. This story was different. These guys were already in love. They just needed to get over their past to find their future. The sex was definitely hot and they had plenty. But their journey back to each other and the changes they both had to do emotionally to be with each other was entertaining as well as sweet and funny. Love this author’s stories. 4 chocolate truffles for me.
I am always up for a great second chance book and Melissa Foster did not fail!! Zev and Carly had me all the way and I couldn’t put it down! In fact, I’m starting the re-read now!! A definite 5 star read!!! <3
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
Finally I get to know more about Zev and Carly. Their story has been unfolding gathering my curiosity.
Zev is a force to be reckon with in the treasure hunters world, always seeking the next big find. Zev’s adventurous soul is a huge draw to me as is his looks, but his heart and love for who matter to him just makes me say, “Sigh…”
I enjoy Zev’s confidence in knowing what and who he wants.
Carly is such a doll! I loved her adventurous side, as well as her sensible side. She is smart, witty and charming. Carly thought she was over the one person who owned her heart, but in truth she learned you can love on so many different levels.
Carly & Zev have a lot of history between them, amazing times and not so amazing times. Can they weather this new storm brewing between them or will they cut ties and go their separate ways? I enjoyed the past/present of Zev and Carly’s story. So many unanswered questions are answered for me.
The supporting characters or Searching for Love are wonderful, they give Zev and Carly balance. I always enjoy catching up with everyone. Melissa Foster I know that you have so many characters floating around in that brilliant head of yours, but I would love to see Carly’s brothers take the plunge for love. *grins*
As for the plot as always “Melissa Foster gives us amazing characters, strong family values, amazing laughs and sometimes some tears with some amazing hotness. I love the details for the Peter Pan room of the Char’s Inn. I would love to stay there. Melissa Foster does a magnificent description of every color, every layer of Zev and Carly’s underwater haven. Amazing times.
Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!
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.
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!
Author Melissa Foster has a magical way of telling a story, one that lives you gripped, heartbroken, but by the end of the story, with a heart-filling over with love that you can barely breathe, and for me that is what she has done with her latest installment in the Braden & Montgomery’s series called Searching for Love.
This love story is full of heartbreak, passion, desire, and loss, as Zev and Carly were always meant to be together, but loss tore them apart and now they have another chance, you sit on tenterhooks waiting to see if it will all blow up again and if this is a pattern, and for me… the mechanical bull part was everything! In fact, I’m still laughing now!
The author has done it again, with another truly outstanding book, superbly written and thrilling, and guaranteed to pull anyone out of a reading funk! Cause it certainly did for me.
Melissa delivers a great second chance story with Zev & Carly. What a journey are we taken on. This story has humor, love, passion, some angst, and wonderful characters. As they dig through everything, they have there family and friends right there to guide them and give them support and encouragement. Can’t wait for what Melissa has coming up next!!!!
These two have a looot of history together. It’s taken them a long time to be ready to spent their lives together as they always dreamed of. Zev was determined not to let her get away this time. She fought him every step of the way but at the end learned that she could only be happy if he was by her side.
I love a good second chance romance and this book was simply perfect and It leaves you feeling all the feels and absolutely recommend it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
A second chance story like none other…
A tragedy might have torn Zev and Carly apart years ago, but a love like theirs can’t be stopped…even if their lives are entirely different than they were all those years ago.
To say this book has all the feels is an understatement. From the very beginning, you feel the amazing magnetism between Zev and Carly, and it just doesn’t stop. Through all their ups and downs, and some pretty amazing adventures, these two are just off the charts. You will feel every little thing they feel, and while it guts you at moment (yes, that’s a major tissue warning!), it will also have you laughing uncontrollably and feeling downright giddy.
This book is like no other book! So unique and absolutely charming!
Forget highschool sweethearts, Zev and Carly are second grade sweethearts. And it all is as lovely as you can imagine. Until tragedy strikes and each one of them has to handle their guilt and the downfall of their actions steamed out of hurt.
The story focuses on their lives after all this, after they built themselves up, though incomplete.
There is little drama in this book and at times I felt that they got over it too quickly, but it’s only natural as life after tragedy is the focus here. Their happily ever after is a journey full of happy, funny and lovely moments, very hot – dirty talking – kind of moments, of small and extraordinary adventures that bring out this feeling of being alive so vividly. And more than anything else, is their absolute, out of this world, love. This love and the whole story line of finding (literally) a treasure is what makes this book magical and unique. There are layers to this and so many endearing symbols, it just gets better and better.
There is such adventure, such magic, and so much love (romantic love, family love, friendship love) in this book, it lives you with a big, warm, positive feeling. Grateful to have received and advanced reader copy of this gem, I can’t wait to read more of this amazing circle of people finding their loves.
4 1/2 STARS!
A magical reunion of first loves! With book six in her always popular The Bradens and Montgomerys series Melissa Foster continues to delight her readers with captivating characters and emotional love stories! I felt my attention waning a bit because this seemed like a longer than average book for this author, but overall it is another hit for the series with tempting characters, sweet love stories and steamy connections wrapped up in a strong background of family and friends. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Zev Braden walked away from the life that he loved when tragedy struck a decade ago and watching him walk back into the heart of the one he left behind is pure magic.
Carly Dylan is adorable. Losing Zev broke something inside her, but she picked up the pieces and made herself into something to be proud of. She’s awestruck the moment she sees him again … but can she ever trust him not to walk away again?
I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who loves a deeply connected couple with family surrounding them as they find their way back to each other. There are tears, laughter and so many heartwarming moments to enjoy!
I am amazed at the way Melissa Foster can deliver fantastic stories without duplication. Her stories pull you in & keep you enthralled. The characters are well developed & become well known. Each book can be read as a stand alone but you really developed a relationship with the family if you read them all.
Zev is part of the Braden family. He returned home for his brother’s wedding & felt betrayed by his family. His childhood sweetheart was attending with another man. Even though they’d been torn apart, his feelings never changed. He continued on to follow his dreams & become a treasure hunter but her memory colored every adventure.
Carly knew she’d see Zev at the wedding. She wasn’t sure she was prepared. While he’d gone on to live out their dreams, she settled down & become a chocolatier. She loved her life & the business she’d built but Zev coming around reminded her how much she’d enjoyed the risk & adventure. She understood his guilt when he broke up with her but couldn’t believe he didn’t give her a chance to help. Can she open up her heart to him again?
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.
There were so many emotions with this one, as this one is a 2nd chance between Zev & Carly plus the hardships that Zev & his family went through years ago. It was fun to see what Zev was like when he was a teenager. I felt for him at the beginning of the book, where we start with Beau & Charlotte’s wedding as he wasn’t informed his ex would be in attendance. It was clear to see that the sparks were still there but he had a lot to make up to Carly, since he left her years ago. I just love these characters & families that Melissa gives us.
Carly and Zev have such an emotional history. Everyone remembers their first love. Foster did a wonderful job telling their story. Pain and loss pulled two young lovers apart, and also put both of them into a spiral not knowing what to do. Carly and Zev took different paths in their lives. Foster was able to bring them back together through a wonderful story. You felt the heartbreak, but you also felt the love. A wonderful read!