Claimed by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders, #2)

by Melissa Foster

[Lynn]

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***