Review for WORTH THE WAIT by Lori Foster

7/8/2017

Ready or not…love will find a way

Single dad Hogan Guthrie is getting his life back on track, and working as the "barbecue master" at a local diner is just a temporary detour. He and restaurant owner Violet Shaw constantly butt heads…until one night they end up mingling other parts instead. Hogan thought he had the recipe for happiness all figured out. But loyal, carefree Violet is daring him to trust his impulses…and see just how sweet small-town living—and loving—can be.

Nathan Hawley traded his SWAT team credentials for a sheriff's badge, but a gorgeous new neighbor is shaking up his orderly life. Nathan has a hunch there's more to Brooklin Sweet than meets the eye—but given her caution about getting involved, he has his work cut out for him. Still, there's something about the elusive beauty Nathan can't walk away from—and helping her come to terms with her past might pave the way to the future they both secretly long for.

Greatly entertaining and edgy stories about life in a tight-knit community and love that grows over time, and blooms when you least expect it.

I enjoyed each of the three couples, and their road to happiness, even the young-adult-potential-future-couple that was rather tender and sweet start of something possibly lasting and lifelong. Because Cole was just that smart, advanced, mature 17-year old, that he could be making those kind decisions even at that young age.
My absolutely favorite thing in the book was the relationship between Cole and his dad, Hogan Guthrie. The open, honest, mellow connection between them was an amazing thing to witness. They talk, they tease, they disagree, a little, and they share life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. They respect and trust each other in an admirable way, that had me smiling and sighing through the tale.

But don't get me wrong, the romance stories were very entertaining, as well. I read the book at one sitting, the story mesmerized and pulled me in. The possible danger to the characters kept the story on the edge, with the emotional roll-a-coaster keeping the feelings in a turbulent state. Of course, when two (and a half) love stories are put into one book, you might be left with the feeling that you wanted more insides of both the couples, more in-depth characters, more details of the development of the relationships. I didn't get that at the end of this book, even though I do recognize the fact that it was more of a charming tale than a deeply emotional, angsty story.

Hogan was an outgoing, fun characters, a loyal friend and brother, and a great father. He used to be a hound dog but had redeemed his ways and the reasons for his behavior were well explained, and even understandable. I really liked him, he made it easy with his charm. Violet Shaw was the perfect match for him. I liked how it took time for the relationship to develop, how they had to figure out things before they made it public and before the commitment was made. Violet has worked since a young girl, she had been a loner, carrying a responsibility for the business and for her life. The growing feelings she has towards Hogan causes some turbulence at first, but soon the desire wins all obstacles.

While Hogan and Violet try to figure it all out, Nathan Hawley goes straight to the matter with his new neighbor, Brooklin Sweet. Brooklin has secrets, potentially dangerous secrets. The danger is lurking around and everyone will be surprised how it plays out.

The two romances are intertwined, and the stories overlap with each other in a natural way. The sexy scenes are steaming hot, yet they are well written and take the plot forwards, an essential addition to the tales.

A community where I want to live in, friends I want to call my own, love finding its way through life's ups and downs, making the past acceptable and the future look bright. I enjoyed my time with the Guthries and their friends, I wish I could have stayed for awhile longer... A book filled with charming, engaging characters that you will miss!
~ Four Spoons