Enjoy heart-meltingly beautiful and toe-curlingly sexy romance in Tempted by Love, an emotionally riveting story about a man who has lost it all and carries a torturous secret, a divorced single mother who has everything to lose, and the little girl who helps them heal. Fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, … and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.
In USA Today bestseller TEMPTED BY LOVE…
Years ago, bestselling author Jack “Jock” Steele lost his girlfriend and baby in a horrific accident that drove a wedge between Jock and his family, keeping him from sharing a devastating secret. An aging philanthropist saved him from the brink of despair, and for a decade Jock cared for his ailing friend who became his family. Now his friend has passed away and left him a fortune—on the condition that he publishes another book. Jock is floundering, unsure how to rebuild the life he’d walked away from, much less find his muse, have another relationship with a woman, or even think about having a family of his own. But he can’t get his sweet, sexy new friend, single-mother Daphne Zablonski out of his head, and her adorable toddler must know something he doesn’t, because she wraps her tiny fingers around his heart and won’t let go.
Daphne has been through the wringer with her ex-husband and doesn’t believe true love is in the cards for her. Friends she can handle, but letting a man see her mom bod naked? Especially someone as strikingly handsome and unbelievably sexy as Jock? No, thank you. Besides, she has a toddler to chase after and enough fictional boyfriends to fill her lonely nights. If only her book boyfriends could make her body tingle the way one look from her mysterious neighbor does.
As Jock and Daphne’s friendship turns to something too tempting to deny, their lives take an unexpected turn. Can a man who has lost everything find redemption with a woman who has everything to lose? And then there’s that secret…
More Steeles at Silver Island are coming soon!
TEMPTED BY LOVE (Jock)
MY TRUE LOVE (Jules)
ALWAYS HER LOVE (Levi)
ENTICING HER LOVE (Sutton)
CAUGHT BY LOVE (Archer)
WILD ISLAND LOVE (Leni)
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster’s writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with 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
Snow Sisters
The Bradens
The Bradens and Montgomerys
The Remingtons
Seaside Summers
Bayside Summers
The Ryders
Wild Boys After Dark
Bad Boys After Dark
The Whiskeys
The Wickeds
Sugar Lake
Harmony Pointe
Harborside Nights
“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.” NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” NYT Bestseller J. Kenner
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“I highly recommend this book to fans of Nora Roberts…and fans of a sweet story filled with heat and heart.” – Tia Bach, author
“Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites…reminds me of Jill Shalvis’ books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness.”
“I highly recommend the Snow Sisters all the Braden and Remington books…They remind me of the McCarthy of Gansett series and The Green Mountain series…” – I Love NY, Reviewer
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Melissa Foster is on fire with the kick off to her new Steeles at Silver Island series! In TEMPTED BY LOVE we quickly fall in love with Daphne’s little girl Hadley who has her heart set on making sure Jock is hers. The story line is emotional, the characters are endearing and the family and friends around them add so much depth to their story. I loved Silver Island and the Steeles and can’t wait for more from this family. What a ride!
Jack “Jock” Steele is a bit of a mystery at first, but it doesn’t take long before Daphne has unraveled his history and we feel so much for this guy who’s had it rough over the years. Watching him begin to heal and feel again is heartwarming.
Daphne Zablonski is a doll and quickly steps into the protective mother roll as she watches her little girl’s heart hurt as time and again Jock runs away from her. Watching him start to fall under her spell is so rewarding, and their passion for each other is off the charts HOT!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an emotional, family and friend centric plot that adds another dimension to the steamy romance taking place as they fall in love.
What a truly phenomenal story! This book will draw you in quickly with both Jock and Daphne’s intense chemistry and their open communication. I laughed, I cried and fell in love Jock and Daphne along with the Steele family especially Shelley and Steve.
And who wouldn’t just fall in love with Hadley and the way she wraps Jock around her little finger.
Looking forward to the next visit to Silver Island.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again because it still rings true. No one can make me sob tears of pure joy the way Melissa Foster does! I happy cried my way through Tempted by Love. Jock and Daphne instantly worked their way into my heart and then cemented themselves there with Daphne’s precious daughter.
This book is overflowing *I am not exaggerating here* with so much emotion and love it will steal your breath. Jock has one of the most heartbreaking pasts, and while he let that rule is life for a time it certainly did not change the man he was inside. And that man is incredible. He’s everything you could ever want in a hero and then some.
What I just read might be one of the most emotionally driven romances I have ever read. By the second chapter you are completely invested in this story. You are walking this journey with Jock and Daphne, you are hoping they are getting right but so worried about all of them including the sweet little girl.
Jock – A reclusive writer. He has experienced so much loss in his adult life. He is so caught up in his hurt of the past he has a hard time focusing on the future and moving his life forward.
Daphne – Pushing through life as a single mom. Trying to find her happiness. She has good friends but sometimes doesn’t feel a 100% she is in the right place.
Hadley – sweet beautiful girl, daughter to Daphne. She has attached herself to Jock the first time she saw him even though he was not completely comfortable with her.
This is a story of over coming loss and finding love. It is about healing the wounds of the past and confronting those you hurt in the process. I really liked Daphne’s character in this book. She is strong and stoic. Even thought she is attracted to Jock she is not afraid to walk away from him if he can’t move past his discomfort around Hadley. Daphne’s strength is her ability to be thoughtful and caring with out allowing emotions to override her cautious nature. Daphne was not the typical single mom character. She was very practical and not looking for someone to come in and make her and Hadley’s life easier. She was happy with her life as a single mom. Her biggest issues are she wasn’t working a job she was completely fulfilled by. But all it took was some encouragement from the right people and she wasn’t afraid to start searching for her dream job.
Jock is a little bit harder to get to know and love. He has so much baggage and has closed him self off from others that it is hard to see his light. As we move through the story you see this slow rebirth of Jock to the land of the living. He slowly sheds 10 years of grief and sadness and as he does this you see a very loving and caring man. His heart belonged to Daphne and Hadley. Jock is challenged to continue to live in the present and not allow the past to seep in and control his happiness.
Everyone says Melissa Foster is the “Queen of Big Family Romance”, I had previously not read anything by Ms. Foster and love a big family romance. There are a lot of players introduced in this story. I am excited for each of their stories but at times it was a little overwhelming trying to keep everyone straight. But all the family members did not in anyway take away from Daphne and Jock’s love story, they only enhanced it.
This was as 5/5 read for me. I enjoyed every minute of Daphne, Jock and Hadley. Hadley’s sweet and caring heart bring so much love and acceptance to this story. Ms Foster has reeled me in and I cannot wait for Jules story next.
I think I found a new book boyfriend! Both Jock and Dahpne have pasts that have put them off love but together, it’s so tempting. I fell in love with Dahpne’s girl too and I just absolutely love that we have a single mom here because I have been on a bender for those. This story will pull you in and not let you go. The angst had me on edge and the little suspense had me not blinking. The chemistry is amazing!
So. Much. Goodness!
This book.. It’s one of those rarities that are just impossible not to like!
This is the story of Daphne, a single mother working at a resort and her love story with Jock, a writer who doesn’t write anymore, who has a very sad past weighting on his heart. Through in an adorable little girl, chatty happy friends and two incredible families and it all turns out wonderfully.
While Jock’s past was traumatic, he and Daphne seems such normal people, at first glance you would say there is nothing special about them, they’re just normal people. Yet they are simply extraordinary personalities, they have this connection and they communicate so affectionate and caring, all these make them spectacular characters. There is so much love, understanding and space holding for one other, it’s just beautiful.
That is what makes this book a great read: the goodness. There are sad past moments that bring a lot of hurt, there is anxiety, there is fighting, but there is so much goodness. I have never read a book so little filled with bad moments and so full of beautiful ones, it is simply soaked with goodness, with heartfelt moments, with fun family time, and a lot of sensual scenes. There is just so much happiness between these pages! It’s impossible not to like this book.
The only problem with Melissa Foster’s books is the fact that they, at least for me, are to long to be read in one sitting. But what a treat they are! If you need a little goodness in your day and in you reading list, you must add this book to it!
Grateful to have received and advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
I have been anxiously waiting for Jock and Daphne’s story since it was announced. This was fun, flirty, sad, serious, tragic and you were rooting for these two the whole time. I’ve always been a fan of Daphne, she has curves and I love that about her and that she doesn’t see herself as others see her, but she’s working on that, I can totally relate to Daphne and of course how can you not love Hadley. I was right there watching these two dip their toes into the getting to know each other stage, then came their friendship and then more. Their flirtation and innuendo were such a fun part of this story and Daphne with her love of muffins and men in sweatpants and tank tops, totally agree with her 100%. I thought the Nebraska mention was cute, since that is where I live, I was excited about that. Watching Jock with Daphne and becoming more comfortable with Hadley, was such a turning point for him. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when they went to Silver Island especially with Archer, but while they’re not where they used to be, I do feel as though they both made some steps toward healing their rift. I enjoyed getting to know another fun family, the Steele’s. I want to visit Silver Island, too bad it is not a real destination. One of my favorite lines from this story is, ‘you’re so damn cute, you should come with a warning label’. I would give this book 10 stars if I could.
Melissa Foster pairs single mom Daphne Zablonski and enigmatic author Jock Steele in Tempted by Love.
There is so much to love about Daphne and Jock— their off the charts chemistry, conversations filled with laughter, emotion and honesty and the unconditional love of a small child. I love that Jock “gets” Daphne—he adores her sweet personality and sense of humor, and appreciates her curves. Most of all, he understands that Daphne is devoted to her daughter Hadley. Jock knows they are a package deal and he needs to step up his game to win them over.
Daphne is an intelligent, compassionate woman who is trying her best to focus on her child, career and friends. Daphne’s happily ever after was shattered when her ex-husband decided that children weren’t part of his plan. I loved that Daphne was a strong, centered character who put her event planning career on hold to move home to be with her family after Hadley was born.
Jock and Daphne’s story is heartbreaking at times. They have a lot of challenges and both characters needed each other’s strengths to move forward. Loved that Hadley stole so many scenes and that she loved Jock with her whole heart as this added humor and compassion to the storyline.
Melissa Foster perfectly blends emotion, angst and passion in this engaging novel of second chances.
I highly recommend Tempted by Love and look forward to the next Silver Island novel
Jack “Jock” Steele is a best-selling author who suffered a tragedy. His guilt over loosing his girlfriend and baby, caused Jock to distance himself from his family. Harvey, the owner of a children’s theatre and the man Jock become a caretaker for in his aging years, became Jock’s lifeline. When Harvey passed away, he left Jock a large inheritance that he would receive once he wrote another book. For the past decade, Jock has been unable to write. Until a sweet little girl and her beautiful mother unexpected crashed into his life.
Daphne Zablonski is a single mother. After what her ex-husband put her through, she is cautious when it comes to love. Daphne was instantly attracted to Jock after meeting him at their friend’s wedding the year before; little did she know he felt the same. When he returns from his travels and stays in a cottage at the resort where Daphne works, it gets harder and harder for them to hide their attraction to another, that is until Hadley, Daphne’s toddler daughter, takes a liking to Jock.
This is a wonderful story about a friendship, love, forgiveness and a determined little girl to help a tortured soul find his way back his family and the man he was before; as well as show a single mother that happily every after really does exist.
If I could give this book more than 5 then I would. This book just pulled you in from go, to say I’ve been waiting for this book forever would be an understatement. This is the first book in the Steele’s at Silver Island but we have met both Jack “Jock” Silver and Daphne Zablonski and her adorable daughter Hadley in previous Melissa Foster books. And before you write this book off, No you do not have to read any of Melissa’s other books but I highly recommend them.
Jock was a writer before tragedy stuck over 10 years ago. Lost with no direction Harvey Fine brought Jock as his caretaker, and for 10 years Harvey had saved Jock. When Harvey passes away, Harvey leaves Jock a large sum of money as long as he starts writing again. After a year of trying Jock can not seem to be able to write a thing.
Enter Hadley and Daphne. Single mom Daphne has raised Hadley on her own since Hadley was born almost 3 years ago, and she “knows” no one wants a single mom. Hadley upon first sight of Jock had attached herself to him and would not let go. Due to his past Jock does not do well with children. Every time Hadley attaches herself to Jock he freezes.
This book was superb! The storyline flows so well, especially with the introduction of a new “world” and new characters. Jock and Daphne grow so much both individually and as a couple as they each work through past hurts. And as always Hadley steals everyone’s hearts. I’m so excited to dive into this new series. Can’t wait for the next book!
OMG, this book made my heart SO happy!
If you want a book that will make you cry, laugh…cry from laughing…then look no further! Jock and Daphne will just overwhelm you with their goodness. And Hadley…well, she’ll just steal your heart and never give it back.
This book is an absolute must read!!!
Melissa Foster’s writing is like refined wine, with years of writing, aging, her stories are getting richer, with deeper tones and leaves you with a lasting wonderful after taste….with still that little fresh taste ! Realistic , funny , sexy and so emotional. Daphne and “Jock” feel so real ! I bet thousands of women can relate to Daphne’s life ! She has curves she’s uncomfortable with, her insecurities about her “baby” fat showing but she’s so beautiful and such a good soul, everybody can see the wonderful devoted woman she is. She has a busy life with her job and her little girl but something has been missing for a while now; love. Jock carried the weight of the past for so long; only love , patience, compassion and a little push by an adorable tenacious little girl could help him. And what about Silver Island ! Definetly a place to discover. Melissa’s books are filled with authentic characters you can’t help but fall in love with. A new series within the LIB world sure to get us hooked once again Can’t wait for more of the Steele Clan stories and see where Melissa Foster will take us!
What a start to a all new series and a new family. Of course I already met Daphne and Hadley and heard of Jock in Tegan and Jett’s book. I have actually been waiting for Daphne to get her HEA and it was completely worth the wait.
This was such and emotional story. Jock has suffered so much in the ten years since a tragic accident stole the life he knew from him. He lost people he loved, lost his ability to write, and was plunged into a dark whole of anger, guilt and sadness who he couldn’t claw his way out of until he met Harvey Fine and took the job of taking care of the sick older man. Now that Harvey is gone, Jock is once again lost but desperate to change for the beautiful single mom and her daughter who just so happens to be enamored with Jock, despite his aversion to small children. Little does he know that small child and her beautiful mother are just what he needs to get back his life.
This is such a great love story. I love Jock and Daphne and Hadley so much. With so many characters from other books and meeting the Steele family and falling in love with every single one of them (even Archer). This is going to be a great series! I cannot wait for Jules and Grant’s story. I bet the sunny upbeat Jules is everything the injured ex soldier needs!
**I was generously provided with an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review**
Daphne is a single mother. Her daughter will be always number one.
Jack “Jock” is attracted to Daphne, but he has issues with her daughter.
I loved reading this story, how they get to love each other, what happen in Jock past, that he acted strange with Daphne’s daughter.
As always Melissa Foster delivered great story.
I love a small town romance and as always Melissa writes the Perfect combination of romance and laugh out loud moments.
Jock is a tortured soul but Daphne and Hadley are his perfect remedy.
You will laugh, you will cry you will fall in love with these three and the rest of the Steeles family
Daphne is devastated that the man her toddler, Hadley, has taken such a liking to, cringes whenever Hadley focuses her attention on him. So it’s really even more sad that Daphne’s body reacts with such enthusiasm when near Jock. Oh well, not that she’d ever allow her body to make her decisions for her, not with a man who can’t stand being near her baby girl.
Jock’s been through something almost impossible to bear. He still has the scars of his loss, still is almost unable to make it through his days without his best friend, and with the guilt he still feels deep in his psyche over something he really isn’t responsible for. For the first time in a long time, he feels something, whenever he’s near Daphne and her delicious curves. Unfortunately, he can’t get past his guilt, the guilt that makes him flinch when Daphne’s beautiful little girl demands his attention. Attention he wants to give her, but cannot seem to make himself. Will he be able to move on so he can have a future with Daphne and Hadley?
Tempted by Love is heartfelt and heartwarming, swimming in all the feels. I shed more than one tear as Jock grew and healed, and loved every second as Daphne and Hadley fell headlong for their “Dock.” It’s emotionally gut-wrenching, with more than its fair share of heart, and sexy to boot.
Tempted By Love is the brand new book by Melissa Foster, and it is the first book in the new Steele and Silver Island series. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, and as always, I honestly completely and utterly loved this story.
Ever since i was introduced to Jock and Daphne, I couldn’t wait for their romance, and this book did not disappoint. It was the perfect combination of everything I love in a compelling and addictive romance. It had a beautifully wounded hero whose hotness is off the charts, a heroine who is curvaceous and is in need of a knight in shining armour, and a cute little girl who is wiser than the adults around her.
When Jock first sets eyes on Daphne at their friends wedding, he is unable to take his eyes off her. She is beautiful, mesmerising, and he wished he had been the man to whisk her off her feet and dance with her. But he was grieving the loss of a man who had gotten him through one of his darkest times, and refusing to be a burden to anyone, Jock travelled. But not even distance or time could erase the memory and vision of beauty that was Daphne from his mind.
Daphne is a single mother who is raising her daughter to the best of her ability. She puts her daughter first, and despite her shy and timid persona, her momma bear instincts are ruthless and protective. So when the gorgeously handsome Jock reacts oddly to her daughter, refusing to entertain her smiles and cuddles, Daphne can’t help but feel disheartened.
Jock has been someone she has admired from a distance, always stealing glances and wondering what it would be like to get to know him. So when he is unable to be around her daughter, she struggles to see how a future between them could work. But Jock has a painful past with secrets that he has now decided to tell, and when he’s at risk of losing Daphne, he is determined to try and overcome his demons. But will it be enough?
This story was truly beautiful, Jock’s pain is heartbreaking, and his story is incredibly compelling. But what I love the most, is that he is determined to fight on through it, and he has so many people around him who love and support him, and want desperately for the old ‘Jock’ to return. Daphne is his muse and the sole purpose for him wanting to change, and that level of love, lust, passion, want and need just swoon worthy. I one hundred and ten percent shipped these two characters as a couple, and I could not get enough.
Like all of Foster’s books, there was so many unbelievably sweet and cute moments, that were all perfectly packaged in this brilliantly amazing book. I’d recommend to all romance lovers, anyone looking for a sweet with heat treat, and all readers who love to get stuck into a series that they can become completely engrossed in.
An amazing five star read that I couldn’t get enough of.
Emotional, charming, and completely swoon-worthy! I have read and enjoyed a few series in Melissa Foster’s long backlist of novels. I was slightly nervous to start The Steeles at Silver Island series because it was the first time I was introduced to every character in the book. But since it is the first in this series, I felt comfortable giving it a shot and so happy that I did.
The first part of the book was a large number of character introductions and story set-up. This moved a little slow for me but I also appreciated the introductions.
Daphne is a single mother to 3-year-old Hadley. Daphne is working had to build a wonderful and stable life for her daughter. Foster does an excellent job of expressing Daphne’s insecurities, which many women can relate to. At the same time, her character shows an incredible amount of strength and fortitude. Throughout the book, you are rooting for Daphne to find her HEA as well as become a sexy and bold woman.
Jack “Jock” Steele is battling some deep demons but Daphne and Hadley become his reason to confront them for a better life. Jock is completely swoon-worthy in his thoughtfulness towards ‘his girls’. I love love love how he worships Daphne with words, kindness, patience, openness, and all the steam.
Hadley is a little spitfire who does not give away smiles easily but fell in love at first sight with “My Dock”! My heart melted with how attached she was to the purple owl stuffy that was gifted to her by Jock.
Daphne and Jock both had to overcome issues from past relationships but they did it together. When one was struggling the other would be the pillar of strength. They had honest and vulnerable conversations which made their relationship stronger.
Tempted by Love is a fantastic start to the Steeles at Silver Island series and I look forward to the Steele siblings’ stories!
Love this new series! Jock and Daphne’s story was perfectly written, and Hadley was so adorable! I can’t wait to return to Silver Island to see what’s in store for the rest of the Steele siblings. I’m especially looking forward to the stories of Jules, Archer and Levi!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
This is book one of a new series and it absolutely delivers! Melissa Foster has written an unforgettable book to rank right up there with Tru Blue. Warning, you’ll want to read it in one sitting because you just can’t put it down, it’s that good. It has all the feels, emotions and heat that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
Devastating heartache, feelings of unworthiness, debilitating grief and facing your demons are just some of the emotions you’ll experience along with second chances, dirty talk, embarrassing situations (He stilled. “Who the hell is Bob?”), unbridled passion, humor and the power of healing that leads to living your best life.
Jack (Jock) Steel has suffered a crushing tragedy years ago that completely altered the path he was on, leaving behind a wounded spirit in place of the man he used to be.
Daphne Zablonski and her precocious toddler Hadley has dealt with life changing heartache herself, certain true love doesn’t exist for her.
Can Jock deal with his triggers and put the past behind him so he can heal in order to have the life he desperately wants? Is it fair to Daphne and Hadley?
The issues are real and relatable and Jock and Daphne face them with trust, honesty and the ability to really see each other.
This book is haunting, unforgettable, touches your soul and pulls at your heart strings.
I’d give this book ten stars if I could!