The Ryders are a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.
CLAIMED BY LOVE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER
"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
"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely
In CLAIMED BY LOVE...
Family law attorney Gabriella Liakos has one true love, Elpitha Island, where she grew up and hopes someday to return. But Elpitha is in financial ruins, and Gabriella will do anything to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
Duke Ryder is a savvy real estate investor set on making Elpitha into an exclusive resort. Unlike other investors, he's not scared of purchasing a property where one family has roots so deep they practically reach the ocean floor...until he meets his beautiful, stubborn, and enticing tour host-the daughter of the owner of most of the island.
Gabriella sets out to dissuade Duke from purchasing Elpitha, but Duke has other ideas. He wants Gabriella and the island. Duke's powerful seduction draws Gabriella in, but can a savvy investor who's used to glamour and glitz, and a woman interested in preserving the culture she adores find a happily ever after together?
***
READY FOR MORE RYDERS?
Seized by Love (Blue)
Claimed by Love (Duke)
Chased by Love (Trish)
Swept Into Love (Gage)
Rescued by Love (Jake)
***
The RYDERS are the newest addition to the Love in Bloom series. Characters from each series appear in future books. Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series. Visit Melissa's website for a series guides and checklists.
READ THE FULL LOVE IN BLOOM SERIES:
SNOW SISTERS: Sisters in Love, Sisters in Bloom, Sisters in White
THE BRADENS (Weston, CO): Lovers at Heart, Destined for Love, Friendship on Fire,
Sea of Love, Bursting with Love, Hearts at Play, Promise My Love (novella), Daring Her Love (novella)
THE BRADENS (Trusty, CO): Taken by Love, Fated for Love, Romancing My Love, Flirting with Love, Dreaming of Love, Crashing into Love
THE BRADENS (Peaceful Harbor, MD): Healed by Love (Nate), Surrender My Love
River of Love, Crushing on Love, Whisper of Love, Thrill of Love
THE REMINGTONS: Game of Love, Stroke of Love, Flames of Love, Slope of Love, Read, Write, Love, Touched by Love
I've read quite a few Melissa Foster books and I'm always impressed with the quality of her writing. Claimed By Love is no exception as we are introduced to Duke Ryder and Gabriella Liakos.
Duke Ryder is an investor and heading to Elpitha, South Carolina to evaluate the island and see if it's ripe to redevelop into an exclusive holiday resort for the rich. On arrival, he's instantly taken with the mix of Southern and Greek Mediterranean charm of the landscape, but even more so by the woman who'll be his tour guide.
Gabriella Liakos is a successful lawyer and back on the island where she grew up. Her grandfather has decided to sell the island and wants his granddaughter to assist in finding a suitable buyer. She's strongly against the sale and hopes to dissuade the investor who's coming to view. However, she didn't bargain on meeting a smokin' hot gentleman who won't stop until he gets what he wants...including her!
The timeline for the protagonists is short, yet this doesn't feel like an instant love story. Both Duke and Gabriella are immediately drawn to each other but have conflicting agendas – can they successfully separate business and pleasure? Gabriella is stubborn in her desire to not change and begin a relationship, whilst Duke is very persuasive and persistent. He knows what he wants and how to turn on the charm to get it! Duke is simply adorable and very patient. He uses his skills well to sweep Gabriella off her feet when he realises he's found the woman of his dreams.
The foundation of a successful relationship is trust and this is an integral part of why Gabriella and Duke's relationship moves quickly. Ms. Foster demonstrates that Duke is a competent negotiator, yet sincere with his words and promises. Gabriella is clever and no fool but correctly recognises Duke has a conscience about a sympathetic redevelopment of Elpitha. Their families are important to them both, with matchmaking relatives happy to give these smitten lovebirds a gentle push. The plot has hot and heavy scenes balanced with times for thoughtful reflection and humorous dialogue. We get a lovely insight into some Greek traditions and meet more of the Ryder clan.
The beauty of Ms. Foster's books is the cameo appearances of protagonists from the past and the introduction of new ones of the future. Claimed By Love is another such standalone.
4 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of World Literary Press via Tasty Book Tours***
