Love at Last (Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, #6.5)

by Melissa Foster

[Lynn]

A fun, entertaining and quick to read novella for fans of the Love in Bloom series.

When finally, the problems and tragedy of his past are overcome, is Cal Hayden too late to follow his heart and have a future with the woman he has loved for so long?

Rachel and Cal are adorable and I did wonder how much of their back-story I've missed if only to satisfy my own curiosity. Ms Foster writing is very believable and clear about the loveable pair skating around each other for a while so the speed of their inevitable coupling doesn't faze me. Some readers may struggle to accept what appears to be insta-love but isn't an issue for me because their relationship is a romance waiting to happen based on what we've learned solely from this novella. For those familiar with the protagonists, they'll be happy they've found their way to be together.

The time-line of this 'flirt' is short, yet managed to pack a lot between the pages. Whilst Rachel and Cal are the focus, we also catch-up with many other characters who have featured in the Bradens at Trusty CO series. I've only read one of those novels; Emily Braden and Dae Bray from Dreaming of Love so enjoyed the informality of recognising characters I'm familiar with. Sometimes, I felt overwhelmed by all the catch-up chatter because I didn't have sufficient knowledge about all the features characters to appreciate their conversations. For those who have read more of the series than myself, it shouldn't pose such a problem as it did for me.

Overall, Love At Last, is an enjoyable companion to the Bradens at Trusty CO series. I love the concept of the 'flirt' and the reader will appreciate the novella is written to the same high standard as the regular ones. I know all super fans of Ms Foster will love it too. As for me, I definitely feel motivated to read more of the series.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher World Literary Press***