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The Steeles at Silver Island #1
Tempted by Love
Jack "Jock" Steele
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, 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…
The Steeles at Silver Island
TEMPTED BY LOVE (Jock)
MY TRUE LOVE (Jules)
CAUGHT BY LOVE (Archer)
ALWAYS HER LOVE (Levi)
WILD ISLAND LOVE (Leni)
ENTICING HER LOVE (Sutton)
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, 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…
The Steeles at Silver Island
TEMPTED BY LOVE (Jock)
MY TRUE LOVE (Jules)
CAUGHT BY LOVE (Archer)
ALWAYS HER LOVE (Levi)
WILD ISLAND LOVE (Leni)
ENTICING HER LOVE (Sutton)
325 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2020
2,212 people are currently reading
4,340 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Foster
175 books11.6k followersNEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
January 6, 2022
"Sometimes the hardest things in life lead us to the best things,"
I took my time with this one. It had been sitting on my Kindle for a while, but, just like with every Melissa Foster book, I needed to be in the right headspace for it. Her characters are always real. They have flaws and they've been through real life issues, which makes it hard sometimes, but I get through it because I know there's always a happily ever after at the end.
This was the case with Jock and Daphne's story. They pulled me in, made me cry, but made me so happy as well.
"He was like a mysterious puzzle—a sinfully hot, funny, and flirtatious puzzle."
Jock carries the book for me. He's this amazing guy, who seems detached and out of it, but only because he's been through hell. Most people don't seem to see it, but underneath the hard, uncaring exterior is a man who cares so much, who loves so much, and who is worth everything good. Jock is really swoonworthy, and most of the quotes here are his because he captured my heart.
"And there’s that blush I can’t stop thinking about."
Daphne is a real woman. She has the everyday concerns of a single mom, regarding money, a job, and a roof over their heads. She was left to raise Hadley alone, since her deadbeat ex-husband didn't want a kid, and she's perfect at it. Putting her kid first means she's been alone for a while, and she doesn't think anyone would want the package deal. Or her, for that matter.
"A man would have to be blind not to see you."
Jock and Daphne first met about a year ago. She noticed him, but she doesn't think he noticed her. She's mostly clueless as to the way guys see her because she doesn't see herself as interesting or beautiful. But Jock does. Daphne's kid, Hadley, is absolutely in love with 'Dock', but he doesn't seem to care about her and he flinches whenever she comes near. So Daphne's written him off as someone she can't think about, because someone who doesn't care about her daughter can never be with her.
"You make me feel things I never have. I see you and my pulse kicks up. You smile, and it lights up everything around you, including me."
Jock realizes he's hurting them both, and himself, by keeping them at a distance. When he comes to apologize to Daphne, the chemistry between them and just how right they are for each other becomes obvious. Their conversations are both sweet and steamy, and could lead to so much more. But Jock knows he has to come clean about his past for Daphne to fully understand him and give him, and them, a chance.
"You have become the axis on which my world spins."
Daphne not only loves him, but helps him get through his dark past and reconnect with his family. Jock loves her with everything he has, and he helps her see herself as the woman she's always been, and own her curves and who she is completely. Their moments together are hot, and very much filled with love. I loved that Jock was such a flirt and that Daphne blushed at his lines. That made them even more perfect for each other in my eyes.
I've read some of Melissa's work, so I enjoyed some of the characters I recognized from other books. The number of names is sometimes overwhelming, but it doesn't take anything away from Daphne and Jock's story. The presence of family, in all its forms, is something that defines Melissa's work and makes it even more enjoyable for me.
"I love who you are and who I am with you. I love being Dock, and I really love being us."
Theirs was a hard-earned happily ever after. Their story is all about healing and acceptance – of yourself and those around you –, and knowing you're worthy of love, of family, of happiness. Of someone who loves you like you hung the moon, because for them you really did.
I took my time with this one. It had been sitting on my Kindle for a while, but, just like with every Melissa Foster book, I needed to be in the right headspace for it. Her characters are always real. They have flaws and they've been through real life issues, which makes it hard sometimes, but I get through it because I know there's always a happily ever after at the end.
This was the case with Jock and Daphne's story. They pulled me in, made me cry, but made me so happy as well.
"He was like a mysterious puzzle—a sinfully hot, funny, and flirtatious puzzle."
Jock carries the book for me. He's this amazing guy, who seems detached and out of it, but only because he's been through hell. Most people don't seem to see it, but underneath the hard, uncaring exterior is a man who cares so much, who loves so much, and who is worth everything good. Jock is really swoonworthy, and most of the quotes here are his because he captured my heart.
"And there’s that blush I can’t stop thinking about."
Daphne is a real woman. She has the everyday concerns of a single mom, regarding money, a job, and a roof over their heads. She was left to raise Hadley alone, since her deadbeat ex-husband didn't want a kid, and she's perfect at it. Putting her kid first means she's been alone for a while, and she doesn't think anyone would want the package deal. Or her, for that matter.
"A man would have to be blind not to see you."
Jock and Daphne first met about a year ago. She noticed him, but she doesn't think he noticed her. She's mostly clueless as to the way guys see her because she doesn't see herself as interesting or beautiful. But Jock does. Daphne's kid, Hadley, is absolutely in love with 'Dock', but he doesn't seem to care about her and he flinches whenever she comes near. So Daphne's written him off as someone she can't think about, because someone who doesn't care about her daughter can never be with her.
"You make me feel things I never have. I see you and my pulse kicks up. You smile, and it lights up everything around you, including me."
Jock realizes he's hurting them both, and himself, by keeping them at a distance. When he comes to apologize to Daphne, the chemistry between them and just how right they are for each other becomes obvious. Their conversations are both sweet and steamy, and could lead to so much more. But Jock knows he has to come clean about his past for Daphne to fully understand him and give him, and them, a chance.
"You have become the axis on which my world spins."
Daphne not only loves him, but helps him get through his dark past and reconnect with his family. Jock loves her with everything he has, and he helps her see herself as the woman she's always been, and own her curves and who she is completely. Their moments together are hot, and very much filled with love. I loved that Jock was such a flirt and that Daphne blushed at his lines. That made them even more perfect for each other in my eyes.
I've read some of Melissa's work, so I enjoyed some of the characters I recognized from other books. The number of names is sometimes overwhelming, but it doesn't take anything away from Daphne and Jock's story. The presence of family, in all its forms, is something that defines Melissa's work and makes it even more enjoyable for me.
"I love who you are and who I am with you. I love being Dock, and I really love being us."
Theirs was a hard-earned happily ever after. Their story is all about healing and acceptance – of yourself and those around you –, and knowing you're worthy of love, of family, of happiness. Of someone who loves you like you hung the moon, because for them you really did.
September 14, 2020
Tears upon tears, my eyes were like a broken faucet I cried so much. Heartbreakingly beautiful story!
I have been waiting for Daphne's story for a while now, I have watched all of her friends find their HEA's while she raises her daughter without the father anywhere to be seen and always wondered what her story was and when she would finally get her turn at happiness, well, thankfully her time has come.
Read my full review and enter a #giveaway here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewTBL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
I have been waiting for Daphne's story for a while now, I have watched all of her friends find their HEA's while she raises her daughter without the father anywhere to be seen and always wondered what her story was and when she would finally get her turn at happiness, well, thankfully her time has come.
Read my full review and enter a #giveaway here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewTBL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
September 29, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had a wonderful time with this book from start to finish. Despite the few moments where the story dragged, I had a blast spending getting to know the main characters.
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I have been waiting with bated breath for Daphne and Jock’s from the moment I picked up on their chemistry in Bayside Fantasies. It was at that moment I recognize that Jock suffered tragedy in the past and I wanted to know his story. Daphne intrigued me. I watched as she raised her daughter single handily and struggled with insecurities about her body. I wondered about her story, hoped she would find her special someone.
Foster did not disappoint. She delivered an emotional story about loss, healing, hope and love. She created characters one loved and could relate to, but Hadley, Daphne’s three-year-old daughter, stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet her. This included Jock, who had shut himself off and avoided interacting with toddlers. I wondered at his behaviour and on learning the reason for his actions, my heart wept for him. However, Hadley’s unwavering determination to work her way into his heart proved to be salve he needed to soothe his broken heart.
I enjoyed the interactions between Daphne and Jock, filled with innuendos and humour. What they shared revealed the authenticity of their feelings for each other. Every facet of their emotions leapt from the pages and seeped into every fibre of my being.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Tempted by Love turned out to be a wonderful start of The Steele’s of Silver Island series. I am looking forward to spending more time on Silver Island. This story was a great portrayal of friendship, family bonds, healing and love. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
September 12, 2020
Melissa Foster makes me smile ... swoon ... happy ... just all the things!
I feel like I might just be repeating myself like a broken record when I review a book by Melissa Foster but holy balls kids, she is really just that good! I’m running out of good things to tell you about her word wizardry!
This time she wove an unforgettable tale of growth, redemption, moving forward, acceptance, love, and hope. To say this story is emotional would be an understatement, all the emotions! Every plot point from beginning to end carried an emotion. I cried a lot. Loss of any kind but especially of a child can be an unbearable haunting. I know, I’m living it. That may be why I cried so much, I don’t know, but there is depth of emotion attached to this story. It might be different for different readers, but emotion is emotion and this story packs a punch! It is uplifting and hopeful, humorous and fun at time, and always swoony!
This was a great introduction to a new series. I’m ready to read more about the Steeles at Silver Island!!
Grab your copy today!
➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kindle
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➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Pb
Available in audiobook (narrated by Brian Pallino and Jennifer Mack)
➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Audible
September 8, 2020
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Tempted by Love is the start of a new series by Melissa Foster. Like of Melissa Fosters book sit can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. However, if you have read any of the books in her Bayside Summer series than you'll recognize many of the characters in this book. Personally, I have been waiting what seems like forever for Jock and Daphne's book and it was as wonderful as I hoped. It's just a bonus that it's the start to a new series and knowing who the next book is about makes me so excited for the next one. This book universe Melissa Foster has created is forever expanding and growing and I'm here for it !
"You're a dangerous woman , Daphne Zablonski." Dangerous to my body and my heart.
Tempted by Love is the love story of single mom Daphne and writer Jack "Jock" Steele. Daphne's main priority is her adorable 3-year-old daughter Hadley. Jock has yet to move on from a traumatic loss in his past but Daphne and her daughter make him want to try. Their story is one of healing and love. Jock shows Daphne that as a single mother her body and mind as beautiful and worthy. Daphne and Hadley help Jock heal old wounds and mend the broken relationship with his family.
"He kissed her longer , deeper, more passionately than he'd ever kissed a woman, and he didn't want to stop."
Melissa delivers another romance packed full of love, family, and emotion. Jock and Daphne when they were together were just perfection together. Jock's backstory broke my heart and it was heartwarming to watch Hadley and Daphne heal his wounds. Daphne was such a bright character. She was such an amazing mother and it made me sad that she was embarrassed by her curvy figure even though she claimed she was happy with herself. I loved that Jock lifted her confidence and helped her see her own beauty. The book had so many family scenes between them from outings at the beach to trips to get ice cream that were all so heartwarming. But no worries there are steamy scenes a plenty between Jock and Daphne that will leave you blushing like our heroine Daphne easily does.
"He didn't want to imagine a day without her of Hadley in his life."
Tempted by Love was a lovely romance about family and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to more books in The Steeles at Silver Island series.
Tempted by Love is the start of a new series by Melissa Foster. Like of Melissa Fosters book sit can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. However, if you have read any of the books in her Bayside Summer series than you'll recognize many of the characters in this book. Personally, I have been waiting what seems like forever for Jock and Daphne's book and it was as wonderful as I hoped. It's just a bonus that it's the start to a new series and knowing who the next book is about makes me so excited for the next one. This book universe Melissa Foster has created is forever expanding and growing and I'm here for it !
"You're a dangerous woman , Daphne Zablonski." Dangerous to my body and my heart.
Tempted by Love is the love story of single mom Daphne and writer Jack "Jock" Steele. Daphne's main priority is her adorable 3-year-old daughter Hadley. Jock has yet to move on from a traumatic loss in his past but Daphne and her daughter make him want to try. Their story is one of healing and love. Jock shows Daphne that as a single mother her body and mind as beautiful and worthy. Daphne and Hadley help Jock heal old wounds and mend the broken relationship with his family.
"He kissed her longer , deeper, more passionately than he'd ever kissed a woman, and he didn't want to stop."
Melissa delivers another romance packed full of love, family, and emotion. Jock and Daphne when they were together were just perfection together. Jock's backstory broke my heart and it was heartwarming to watch Hadley and Daphne heal his wounds. Daphne was such a bright character. She was such an amazing mother and it made me sad that she was embarrassed by her curvy figure even though she claimed she was happy with herself. I loved that Jock lifted her confidence and helped her see her own beauty. The book had so many family scenes between them from outings at the beach to trips to get ice cream that were all so heartwarming. But no worries there are steamy scenes a plenty between Jock and Daphne that will leave you blushing like our heroine Daphne easily does.
"He didn't want to imagine a day without her of Hadley in his life."
Tempted by Love was a lovely romance about family and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to more books in The Steeles at Silver Island series.
April 24, 2022
This was too long! It really did not have much going on but you just get introduced to 350 different characters from different books that the author previously wrote. It was information overkill and does not enhance the reader's enjoyment in any way. It was so pointlessly done.
The trauma aspect was understandable but quickly waned, and the execution was a bit too convenient. The relationship was sweet and I could feel their love dripping off the pages of my kindle. My real issue was that everything was just too long and the hero's brother was incredibly annoying. It drove me crazy how everyone was out of the loop as to what happened between them and just allowed the hero to be the scapegoat. It drove me nuts that the heroine didn't also tell the hero that his brother was a prime douche.
It was just swept under the rug until the hero forced the issue. He lost his only child and not enough was done frankly to help the hero deal with it. He only got harped on by his twin brother, who wished he was dead when he was never in love with the girl in the first place (the girl in question was his twin, Archer's best friend). I did not like that at all and he got everything while the hero wandered all over the place. This subject matter was just handled a bit too messily for me.
The last touch of this series with the car accident was straight unnecessary melodrama and frankly made me roll my eyes.
2 stars
The trauma aspect was understandable but quickly waned, and the execution was a bit too convenient. The relationship was sweet and I could feel their love dripping off the pages of my kindle. My real issue was that everything was just too long and the hero's brother was incredibly annoying. It drove me crazy how everyone was out of the loop as to what happened between them and just allowed the hero to be the scapegoat. It drove me nuts that the heroine didn't also tell the hero that his brother was a prime douche.
It was just swept under the rug until the hero forced the issue. He lost his only child and not enough was done frankly to help the hero deal with it. He only got harped on by his twin brother, who wished he was dead when he was never in love with the girl in the first place (the girl in question was his twin, Archer's best friend). I did not like that at all and he got everything while the hero wandered all over the place. This subject matter was just handled a bit too messily for me.
The last touch of this series with the car accident was straight unnecessary melodrama and frankly made me roll my eyes.
2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2020
This book was an excellent read. It's the start of a new series (Silver Island), another sub-series of the fab Love in Bloom series from Melissa Foster, that just keeps on giving.
This is the romance between troubled Jack 'Jock' Steele and Daphne Zablonski, who we met in the Bayside Summers series. Her daughter, Hadley, is too darn cute.
They both have difficult pasts to move on from (Jock's is more fraught due to death and family issues) but the angst just adds to the sweet story line. It all plays out perfectly, starting in Bayside then moving onto Silver Island.
There are lots of new characters, plus many you will already know and recognise.
And as with all the LIB series, a strong family thread runs through this book.
Tempted by Love has all the feels, you will laugh, swoon, shed a few tears, but as always you will get the HEA. Absolutely loved it!
This is the romance between troubled Jack 'Jock' Steele and Daphne Zablonski, who we met in the Bayside Summers series. Her daughter, Hadley, is too darn cute.
They both have difficult pasts to move on from (Jock's is more fraught due to death and family issues) but the angst just adds to the sweet story line. It all plays out perfectly, starting in Bayside then moving onto Silver Island.
There are lots of new characters, plus many you will already know and recognise.
And as with all the LIB series, a strong family thread runs through this book.
Tempted by Love has all the feels, you will laugh, swoon, shed a few tears, but as always you will get the HEA. Absolutely loved it!
September 7, 2020
This was from another level, LOVED everything about it & deserves more than a TOP 2020 MUST READ list, my REVIEW & TEASER on my Blog -> CLICK HERE
March 31, 2021
[1.75 star] book wasn't terrible, but i split it into 2-3 readings because it is kind of long-winded to be honest. some of the chapters were pretty long, like 10-15mins reading time. the author seems to wanna write out a lot of details therefore the book was pretty detailed thus making it feels very draggy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster is a beautifully written heartwarming read and I really enjoyed it.
The storyline is entertaining from start to end, the characters are likable, I enjoyed getting to know them and watching the relationship between Jock and Daphne unfold warmed my heart and I was left with a big smile on my face.
Tempted by Love is a great start to The Steeles at Silver Island series and I'm looking forward to reading more of this lovely series.
Now Live!
➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Pb
Available in audiobook (narrated by Brian Pallino and Jennifer Mack)
➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Audible
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster is a beautifully written heartwarming read and I really enjoyed it.
The storyline is entertaining from start to end, the characters are likable, I enjoyed getting to know them and watching the relationship between Jock and Daphne unfold warmed my heart and I was left with a big smile on my face.
Tempted by Love is a great start to The Steeles at Silver Island series and I'm looking forward to reading more of this lovely series.
Now Live!
➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Pb
Available in audiobook (narrated by Brian Pallino and Jennifer Mack)
➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Audible
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
October 12, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
I just couldn't connect with Jock or Daphne, and the story felt really rushed, like it wanted to be really deep in places, but didn't want to get too pulled into the "heavy" stuff and lose the romance.
I did finish it as I was invested enough in it to want to see how they ended their story, but I definitely skipped parts and skimmed in others.
I am unable to recommend this title.
I just couldn't connect with Jock or Daphne, and the story felt really rushed, like it wanted to be really deep in places, but didn't want to get too pulled into the "heavy" stuff and lose the romance.
I did finish it as I was invested enough in it to want to see how they ended their story, but I definitely skipped parts and skimmed in others.
I am unable to recommend this title.
October 5, 2022
Melissa Foster never fails to sweep me away into her heartfelt love stories and enchanting worlds. Tempted by Love is a sweet, emotional, and poignant love story- the first in the well loved Steeles as Silver Island series, and let me tell you, these characters will STEELE your whole heart.
I love single parent love stories, especially with characters who have a bit more lived experience, more world weary. Not only is it more relatable, but it makes the characters so empathetic- something Melissa Foster always excels as creating. Our hero Jock is such a dreamy hero. Making a visit to Silver Island, he’s trying to refind his artistic muse and himself after losing his best friend, only he also finds single mom Daphne and her scene stealing kiddo Hadley. It’s love at first sight, but these two have a lot of baggage to work through before they can lean into what seems too good to be true. Oh, and I just loved them both. I loved what a fierce mama Daphne was, but also what a tender and gentle heart she had under all her steel. And Jock’s heartache and vulnerability will touch your soul- he’s been through a lot and has a lot to work through, and I love how Daphne matches him every step of the way.
Sometimes all you need is the unconditional love of a kiddo, or a new found love, to remind you to open up your heart. Loving is a risk, especially when loving someone has left you heartbroken, and I loved watching these two soul mates find the courage in each other to take the risk to love, to lean into the potential of happiness. This book has so many heart hitting emotive moments- all the feels! But also so much swoon, and a bit of laughter. Melissa so poignantly gives us a story about people working through their pasts and their insecurities from finding emotional safety in another- they truly fall in love as friends as much as lovers- growing into better versions of themselves. Not to mention, we have a great supporting cast, including the Steele crew, enriching their journey along the way. It’s hard not to fall in love with them all. I just adored this visit to Steele Island, and I can’t wait to fall in love with the couples to come. Dreamy, emotive, and so very sweet- it’s everything I love about Melissa Foster.
I love single parent love stories, especially with characters who have a bit more lived experience, more world weary. Not only is it more relatable, but it makes the characters so empathetic- something Melissa Foster always excels as creating. Our hero Jock is such a dreamy hero. Making a visit to Silver Island, he’s trying to refind his artistic muse and himself after losing his best friend, only he also finds single mom Daphne and her scene stealing kiddo Hadley. It’s love at first sight, but these two have a lot of baggage to work through before they can lean into what seems too good to be true. Oh, and I just loved them both. I loved what a fierce mama Daphne was, but also what a tender and gentle heart she had under all her steel. And Jock’s heartache and vulnerability will touch your soul- he’s been through a lot and has a lot to work through, and I love how Daphne matches him every step of the way.
Sometimes all you need is the unconditional love of a kiddo, or a new found love, to remind you to open up your heart. Loving is a risk, especially when loving someone has left you heartbroken, and I loved watching these two soul mates find the courage in each other to take the risk to love, to lean into the potential of happiness. This book has so many heart hitting emotive moments- all the feels! But also so much swoon, and a bit of laughter. Melissa so poignantly gives us a story about people working through their pasts and their insecurities from finding emotional safety in another- they truly fall in love as friends as much as lovers- growing into better versions of themselves. Not to mention, we have a great supporting cast, including the Steele crew, enriching their journey along the way. It’s hard not to fall in love with them all. I just adored this visit to Steele Island, and I can’t wait to fall in love with the couples to come. Dreamy, emotive, and so very sweet- it’s everything I love about Melissa Foster.
September 11, 2020
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster
The Steeles at Silver Island #1
How marvelous to come into a new Melissa Foster series on the very first book! Learning about the island, the main characters of the family and finding out that there are plenty of Steele’s to make this a rich and plentiful group of stories is wonderful!
In book one we meet three people that will profoundly impact one another. Through their growing relationship they will find friendship, a way forward and a future together. Jock Steele will deal with demons that have plagued him for a decade, Daphne will begin to see herself in a new light and Hadley will provide impetus to the story. The begins at Bayside, sets the scene for the move to Steele Island, provides a happy future for the main characters and sets the reader up for book two soon to follow.
What I liked:
* Daphne: loving, kind, fiercely protective, daughter and single mother. She is great at her job with dreams of working in event management. Her ex-husband left her with some battle scars – jock helps her get over them.
* Jock: once carefree and happy, a successful author, member of large loving family, a mischievous twin – until an accident that changed his life. Climbing out of the dark well he has lived in is not easy, but Daphne and Hadley will help.
* Hadley: not quite three, dynamic, loving, gentle and knows what she wants. She wins hearts everywhere she goes.
* The PTSD angle to be overcome and how it is done.
* The relationship between Jock & Daphne and how it grew slowly till it sped ahead.
* The Archer-Jock aspect that needed to be dealt with and how it was resolved
* Emotional growth made throughout the story
* The families and friends…supportive, loving and there for one another
* Knowing there is another book in the series to look forward to.
What I didn’t like:
* Hmmm…there were some losses and heartaches but without them the story would not have had the depth and emotion so…can’t say I wish they had not happened.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Steeles at Silver Island #1
How marvelous to come into a new Melissa Foster series on the very first book! Learning about the island, the main characters of the family and finding out that there are plenty of Steele’s to make this a rich and plentiful group of stories is wonderful!
In book one we meet three people that will profoundly impact one another. Through their growing relationship they will find friendship, a way forward and a future together. Jock Steele will deal with demons that have plagued him for a decade, Daphne will begin to see herself in a new light and Hadley will provide impetus to the story. The begins at Bayside, sets the scene for the move to Steele Island, provides a happy future for the main characters and sets the reader up for book two soon to follow.
What I liked:
* Daphne: loving, kind, fiercely protective, daughter and single mother. She is great at her job with dreams of working in event management. Her ex-husband left her with some battle scars – jock helps her get over them.
* Jock: once carefree and happy, a successful author, member of large loving family, a mischievous twin – until an accident that changed his life. Climbing out of the dark well he has lived in is not easy, but Daphne and Hadley will help.
* Hadley: not quite three, dynamic, loving, gentle and knows what she wants. She wins hearts everywhere she goes.
* The PTSD angle to be overcome and how it is done.
* The relationship between Jock & Daphne and how it grew slowly till it sped ahead.
* The Archer-Jock aspect that needed to be dealt with and how it was resolved
* Emotional growth made throughout the story
* The families and friends…supportive, loving and there for one another
* Knowing there is another book in the series to look forward to.
What I didn’t like:
* Hmmm…there were some losses and heartaches but without them the story would not have had the depth and emotion so…can’t say I wish they had not happened.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
September 29, 2020
Tempted by Love is the first book in The Steeles at Silver Island series by Melissa Foster. It's a stand-alone, but like most of MF's books, it's connected not only to the feature books in the series but also from books from other series. Everything is explained thoroughly though, so don't worry about missing something.
The blurb says everything you need to know about Jock, Daphne, and their story. Oh, there is more, but these are the core things, like the fact that Jock has been hiding his past from Daphne. His past made him react badly towards other children, Daphne has one and he doesn't reveal anything to her for quite some time which ended up being annoying because it caused so much tension between them. To be honest, I felt like there was drama in the book, just to cause tension and keep these two separated. Jock was trying to deal with Hadley for the sake of his potential relationship with her mother, but the transition from a man who froze when Hadley was hugging him to a man who accepted her was a little forced.
The rest of the book was very good though and I enjoyed it a lot. Once Jock allowed himself to be in a relationship with Daphne everything became so much better and I was reminded why I love MF's books. I am happy with how everything was resolved and where the characters ended up. I hope that in the next books we will get an update on Jock's book because there is no way that we won't see these three again.
The friction that prevented Jock and Daphne from getting together was the one and only annoying thing in the book. The rest of it was great and realistic I might add. Hadley certainly acts like a kid her age and she was adorable. I would recommend the book.
The blurb says everything you need to know about Jock, Daphne, and their story. Oh, there is more, but these are the core things, like the fact that Jock has been hiding his past from Daphne. His past made him react badly towards other children, Daphne has one and he doesn't reveal anything to her for quite some time which ended up being annoying because it caused so much tension between them. To be honest, I felt like there was drama in the book, just to cause tension and keep these two separated. Jock was trying to deal with Hadley for the sake of his potential relationship with her mother, but the transition from a man who froze when Hadley was hugging him to a man who accepted her was a little forced.
The rest of the book was very good though and I enjoyed it a lot. Once Jock allowed himself to be in a relationship with Daphne everything became so much better and I was reminded why I love MF's books. I am happy with how everything was resolved and where the characters ended up. I hope that in the next books we will get an update on Jock's book because there is no way that we won't see these three again.
The friction that prevented Jock and Daphne from getting together was the one and only annoying thing in the book. The rest of it was great and realistic I might add. Hadley certainly acts like a kid her age and she was adorable. I would recommend the book.
September 21, 2020
Tempted By Love was the first book in the Steele’s of Silver Island series by Melissa Foster. It was one of many within her interconnected Love in Bloom series.
Jack “Jock” Steele was a brooding recluse. We had met him previously in the Bayside Summer series and knew he had a tragic past, but we had no idea what that meant until now.
Daphne Zoblonski was a single mother to three year old Hadley. We had met them previously throughout the entire Bayside Summer series. Daphne worked at the resort but was quickly brought into the fold of the Bayside family.
Tempted By Love was emotional. Jock had a lot to overcome. He had spent the last decade grieving over the loss of his girlfriend and son and had put his life on hold (no spoilers since that was in the description.) Meeting Daphne and Hadley challenged his mindset and took him out of his comfort zone. Foster then took us through a detailed journey of forgiveness, love and learning to live again.
I enjoyed all three characters as well as the Steele and Zoblonski siblings. Through them, Foster definitely set the stage for more books and cross series. I can’t wait for their stories!
All in all, Foster was true to form. It was well written, well developed, multi-dimensional, complex and included a cast of strong and intriguing characters. I can’t wait to see what she does next in the series.
Jack “Jock” Steele was a brooding recluse. We had met him previously in the Bayside Summer series and knew he had a tragic past, but we had no idea what that meant until now.
Daphne Zoblonski was a single mother to three year old Hadley. We had met them previously throughout the entire Bayside Summer series. Daphne worked at the resort but was quickly brought into the fold of the Bayside family.
Tempted By Love was emotional. Jock had a lot to overcome. He had spent the last decade grieving over the loss of his girlfriend and son and had put his life on hold (no spoilers since that was in the description.) Meeting Daphne and Hadley challenged his mindset and took him out of his comfort zone. Foster then took us through a detailed journey of forgiveness, love and learning to live again.
I enjoyed all three characters as well as the Steele and Zoblonski siblings. Through them, Foster definitely set the stage for more books and cross series. I can’t wait for their stories!
All in all, Foster was true to form. It was well written, well developed, multi-dimensional, complex and included a cast of strong and intriguing characters. I can’t wait to see what she does next in the series.
December 18, 2021
The Good- I loved the main characters and their romance.
Jock has a tragic past that keeps from him growing to close to anyone and makes it especially hard to be around children. He's an author who can't write anymore and is somewhat floundering in life. There's nothing I love more than a broken, broody hero!
Daphne is a single mom, trying to figure out her place in life. She'd do anything for her girl Hadley, even if that means going toe-to-toe with Jock, who Hadley loves but keeps rejecting her. The two start spending more time together, but can Jock overcome his past?
Their relationship was sweet and steamy, I enjoyed watching Jock's walls crumble and Daphne figure out what she wanted in life.
The Bad-
Though it's not mentioned in the blurb, this is a spin off series so it contains a lot of characters from the author's other works. It was genuinely hard to keep track of the approximately 847 side characters. I haven't read anything else by the author, but honestly even if I had I think the massive amount of characters would still be distracting from the romance. There were just too many constant cameos that added nothing to plot.
Jock has a tragic past that keeps from him growing to close to anyone and makes it especially hard to be around children. He's an author who can't write anymore and is somewhat floundering in life. There's nothing I love more than a broken, broody hero!
Daphne is a single mom, trying to figure out her place in life. She'd do anything for her girl Hadley, even if that means going toe-to-toe with Jock, who Hadley loves but keeps rejecting her. The two start spending more time together, but can Jock overcome his past?
Their relationship was sweet and steamy, I enjoyed watching Jock's walls crumble and Daphne figure out what she wanted in life.
The Bad-
Though it's not mentioned in the blurb, this is a spin off series so it contains a lot of characters from the author's other works. It was genuinely hard to keep track of the approximately 847 side characters. I haven't read anything else by the author, but honestly even if I had I think the massive amount of characters would still be distracting from the romance. There were just too many constant cameos that added nothing to plot.
September 9, 2020
KINDLE / APPLE / NOOK / KOBO / GPLAY / PAPERBACK / AMAZON / APPLE / AUDIBLE
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.
ARC via author for an honest review.
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August 16, 2020
ARC received from author for an honest review
If you have read my reviews, you will know that I have had my issues with the past couple of Melissa Foster books I have read. I won't lie, I was on the verge of probably giving up on reading them for a while.
However, with Tempted By Love, we are back to the Melissa Foster stories that I adore.
We have met Jack "Jock" Steele in earlier books (as you know, all her series interweave) however if you have not met him before, you won't feel lost.
The problem I have had with recent MF books is that to me, there was a lot filler. The characters got their sh!t together and then cruised for a big percentage of the book.
I won't lie, I did feel that this was the way that Tempted By Love was going to go, however I was happy to say that this was not the case. Yes, Jock and Daphne do have their baggage, particularly Jock, but they did not just cruise until this became a big issue. They dealt with things in real time, no matter how difficult they were. And I liked the way things were done.
I loved seeing more of the characters we have grown to love over the years - thank you for the family tree at the beginning of the book Ms Foster, as I always feel a little lost with everyone!
There is a 3 year old scene stealer who will also steal your heart. If you don't love Hadley, then you don't have feelings, I swear!
Thank you too Ms Foster for bringing back my love of your stories.
If you have read my reviews, you will know that I have had my issues with the past couple of Melissa Foster books I have read. I won't lie, I was on the verge of probably giving up on reading them for a while.
However, with Tempted By Love, we are back to the Melissa Foster stories that I adore.
We have met Jack "Jock" Steele in earlier books (as you know, all her series interweave) however if you have not met him before, you won't feel lost.
The problem I have had with recent MF books is that to me, there was a lot filler. The characters got their sh!t together and then cruised for a big percentage of the book.
I won't lie, I did feel that this was the way that Tempted By Love was going to go, however I was happy to say that this was not the case. Yes, Jock and Daphne do have their baggage, particularly Jock, but they did not just cruise until this became a big issue. They dealt with things in real time, no matter how difficult they were. And I liked the way things were done.
I loved seeing more of the characters we have grown to love over the years - thank you for the family tree at the beginning of the book Ms Foster, as I always feel a little lost with everyone!
There is a 3 year old scene stealer who will also steal your heart. If you don't love Hadley, then you don't have feelings, I swear!
Thank you too Ms Foster for bringing back my love of your stories.
September 9, 2020
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.
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.
September 9, 2020
Theirs was such a beautiful story to be told, their love felt so right and so real that it really moved me, and still does. Jock is in a heartbreaking dilemma of needing to let go of the past demons to enjoy the feelings he is learning to have for Daphne. When something feels really right you throw caution to the wind and go further than you every thought you could, to do whatever it takes to make it happen and that's exactly what happens with Jock. Daphne, a devoted single mom, doesn't believe she can possibly be beautiful in anyone's eyes but Jock is determined to make her believe she is the most precious person on earth. Swoon!
I absolutely loved the banter between them, full of innuendos, and how they both felt so nervous not knowing how far to stray from friendly banter to something far more real. Melissa had me feeling every part of their emotion, the happy and the sad, they were so perfect together that it flew off the pages and embraced me as I read.
A great introduction to the new series and a new bunch of loveable characters to enjoy who amplified the cool, fun, welcoming vibe that the Bayside gang bring to a story. There's no forgetting the star of the show, adorable little Hadley, oh my, oh my, oh my, this little three year old completely stole my heart, she melted me everytime she called Jock 'Dock' and when she spent time with our Bayside canine Cosmos!
I honestly found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book, it was such an uplifting read. But then there was 'that' tension in the story ;-), which I actually found myself feeling really excited about, knowing that it would only be overcome by hitting the problem head on.
The impact from part of this story (I'm not putting in a spoiler sorry!!) was immense, it threw me off guard and took me a few moments to get back on track. This was such a moving romance with hard edges of life's problems to tackle, but once they were removed the full softness and beauty shone through and the glow actually stays with you even after you've finished.
I absolutely loved the banter between them, full of innuendos, and how they both felt so nervous not knowing how far to stray from friendly banter to something far more real. Melissa had me feeling every part of their emotion, the happy and the sad, they were so perfect together that it flew off the pages and embraced me as I read.
A great introduction to the new series and a new bunch of loveable characters to enjoy who amplified the cool, fun, welcoming vibe that the Bayside gang bring to a story. There's no forgetting the star of the show, adorable little Hadley, oh my, oh my, oh my, this little three year old completely stole my heart, she melted me everytime she called Jock 'Dock' and when she spent time with our Bayside canine Cosmos!
I honestly found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book, it was such an uplifting read. But then there was 'that' tension in the story ;-), which I actually found myself feeling really excited about, knowing that it would only be overcome by hitting the problem head on.
The impact from part of this story (I'm not putting in a spoiler sorry!!) was immense, it threw me off guard and took me a few moments to get back on track. This was such a moving romance with hard edges of life's problems to tackle, but once they were removed the full softness and beauty shone through and the glow actually stays with you even after you've finished.
April 26, 2021
Tempted By Love - Book 1 of Melissa Foster’s The Steeles At Silver Island, is Jack/Jock Steele’s book. How I just started reading Melissa’s books is a mystery to me because with each book I have read, I am mesmerized by her words. This book is an incredibly beautiful and touching single parent romance. But honestly it’s more than that. It’s about second chances, not just in love, but in life.
Daphne is a single mom. She is dedicated to her daughter, Hadley, and is doing a damn good job raising her all on her own. This sweet, curvaceous beauty, has one goal, make her child happy and she works hard at it every day. Jock is a knight in dented armor. He is, in Daphne’s words beautifully “wounded” not broken, by the events in his past and his struggles to overcome everything and be the man he needs to be, to fully love Daphne and Hadley, makes this book a mesmerizing read.
I fell in love with all three of them, one page at a time. My book loving heart melted, over and over again with each sigh inducing kiss, Daphne and Jock shared and each and every time Hadley said “my Dock”, I sighed long and hard. Never have I ever wanted to see three people get their happily ever after as much as these three. It was absolutely perfect. This book is absolutely perfect. TBR Tempted By Love and enjoy.
Daphne is a single mom. She is dedicated to her daughter, Hadley, and is doing a damn good job raising her all on her own. This sweet, curvaceous beauty, has one goal, make her child happy and she works hard at it every day. Jock is a knight in dented armor. He is, in Daphne’s words beautifully “wounded” not broken, by the events in his past and his struggles to overcome everything and be the man he needs to be, to fully love Daphne and Hadley, makes this book a mesmerizing read.
I fell in love with all three of them, one page at a time. My book loving heart melted, over and over again with each sigh inducing kiss, Daphne and Jock shared and each and every time Hadley said “my Dock”, I sighed long and hard. Never have I ever wanted to see three people get their happily ever after as much as these three. It was absolutely perfect. This book is absolutely perfect. TBR Tempted By Love and enjoy.
September 19, 2022
This story was just incredible. I absolutely loved it and I just think everyone should read it, romance reader or not.
This book, and our main character of Daphne felt so relatable. This is excellent rep for plus size characters and I absolutely loved how the author accurately conveyed that feeling of liking yourself and your body but still being scared to show it to others and also fearing what others think.
The whole cast of this book so amazing, and as Jock feel in love with Daphne and her precious daughter Hadley, I found myself falling more and more in love with him.
I adore the fact that Jock doesn’t just “beat his demons” cause he finds love. He works to defeat them because he wants that love and he wants to be worthy of it.
The side cast of Jocks huge family is so lovely and I instantly bought the next family members book (book 2 in the series).
Can’t rave about this book enough!
Tropes:
Single mum
Small Town
Steam:
🔥🔥🔥/5
.
.
⚠️ TWs
Death of a loved one
Death of a baby(unborn)
This book, and our main character of Daphne felt so relatable. This is excellent rep for plus size characters and I absolutely loved how the author accurately conveyed that feeling of liking yourself and your body but still being scared to show it to others and also fearing what others think.
The whole cast of this book so amazing, and as Jock feel in love with Daphne and her precious daughter Hadley, I found myself falling more and more in love with him.
I adore the fact that Jock doesn’t just “beat his demons” cause he finds love. He works to defeat them because he wants that love and he wants to be worthy of it.
The side cast of Jocks huge family is so lovely and I instantly bought the next family members book (book 2 in the series).
Can’t rave about this book enough!
Tropes:
Single mum
Small Town
Steam:
🔥🔥🔥/5
.
.
⚠️ TWs
Death of a loved one
Death of a baby(unborn)
September 13, 2020
4.5 stars
At first there was a lot going on and a lot of characters to remember. Having not read all the interconnected books it was hard to keep track of all the side characters and who was who and who liked who.
I decided to concentrate on Jock and Daphne and Hadley and their wonderful story. It was an amazingly beautiful story filled with emotion and heart. It will definitely pull on the heart strings and give you all the feels.
I love Melissa’s writing style and way she weaves a story. This one was a journey of redemption, overcoming fear, love and hope. It gives you all the feels and makes your heart warm and full. You’ll melt over Jock, see the patient and kind woman Daphne is and fall in love with little Hadley.
This is an amazing summer read you will devour.
At first there was a lot going on and a lot of characters to remember. Having not read all the interconnected books it was hard to keep track of all the side characters and who was who and who liked who.
I decided to concentrate on Jock and Daphne and Hadley and their wonderful story. It was an amazingly beautiful story filled with emotion and heart. It will definitely pull on the heart strings and give you all the feels.
I love Melissa’s writing style and way she weaves a story. This one was a journey of redemption, overcoming fear, love and hope. It gives you all the feels and makes your heart warm and full. You’ll melt over Jock, see the patient and kind woman Daphne is and fall in love with little Hadley.
This is an amazing summer read you will devour.
July 17, 2023
must read
Melissa Foster is the queen of emotional romance. This book had me enthralled after a couple of pages. You cannot help but fall in love with Daphne and Jock.
I love the emotional growth in this book. The way Jock is determined to get the girl and to face his fears and issues head-on.
As by classic Melissa Foster formula, there is family drama being fixed and the road just broke my heart. Luckily the HEA put it all back together.
So here is a truly amazing read, and I cannot wait to read more of this series
Melissa Foster is the queen of emotional romance. This book had me enthralled after a couple of pages. You cannot help but fall in love with Daphne and Jock.
I love the emotional growth in this book. The way Jock is determined to get the girl and to face his fears and issues head-on.
As by classic Melissa Foster formula, there is family drama being fixed and the road just broke my heart. Luckily the HEA put it all back together.
So here is a truly amazing read, and I cannot wait to read more of this series
September 13, 2020
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster is the First book in The Steeles at Silver Island Series. This is the story of Daphne Zablonski and Jack 'Jock' Steele. Daphne is a single mother who has been burned by her ex, so love she doesn't think is in the cards for her going forward. Jock was devastated by the loss of the women he cared for along with their child. Now in their present day, Jock is still holding on to the pain of the past. Daphne and Jock start to find each other has something more than they had expected. This was a really good friends to lovers and even dare say a second chance at love story. Loved it.
September 9, 2020
Kids know best
Jock and Daphne are two of my favourite Melissa couples and with cute little Hadley mixed in its perfect. These two have to battle demons in their pasts to allow them to be together. Hadley knew all along that Jock was the best and he just had to realise it himself for them to become a family. Such a perfect, swoon-fest of a romance book.
Jock and Daphne are two of my favourite Melissa couples and with cute little Hadley mixed in its perfect. These two have to battle demons in their pasts to allow them to be together. Hadley knew all along that Jock was the best and he just had to realise it himself for them to become a family. Such a perfect, swoon-fest of a romance book.
May 19, 2021
Too sweet that I couldn't even reach half.
September 28, 2020
Jock has endured a tragic loss that continues to haunt him so even though he has built a new life for himself he is not really living until a single mother and her beautiful daughter come into his life. After the pain he endured he closed himself off to love or a relationship, but they manage to breach the walls he has placed against his heart despite his intentions to keep his distance.
Daphne may have made the wrong choice when it came to her daughter Hadley’s father, but she wouldn’t change a thing as her daughter is her whole world. She is older and wiser now and determined to protect the hearts of both her and her daughter which is complicated by the fact that their enchantment with Jock seems to be one-sided.
This is an emotional story about love, family and new beginnings between two people who have both been hurt in the past in different ways. When Daphne learns about Jock’s devastating loss, she helps him heal by showing that he has no control over what could have been, but he does have the choice about what can be. The narrators did a great job of bringing the emotion and humor of the story to the forefront. 🎧Audiobook Obsession
Daphne may have made the wrong choice when it came to her daughter Hadley’s father, but she wouldn’t change a thing as her daughter is her whole world. She is older and wiser now and determined to protect the hearts of both her and her daughter which is complicated by the fact that their enchantment with Jock seems to be one-sided.
This is an emotional story about love, family and new beginnings between two people who have both been hurt in the past in different ways. When Daphne learns about Jock’s devastating loss, she helps him heal by showing that he has no control over what could have been, but he does have the choice about what can be. The narrators did a great job of bringing the emotion and humor of the story to the forefront. 🎧Audiobook Obsession
September 9, 2020
4.5 stars—TEMPTED BY LOVE is the first instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult THE STEELES OF SILVER ISLAND erotic , romance series- another spin off from the author’s LOVE IN BLOOM series. This is writer Jack ‘Jock’ Steele, and event planner/single mother Daphne Zablonski’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jock and Daphne) TEMPTED BY LOVE follows the building romance and relationship between twenty six year old Event planner / singles mother Daphne Zablonski, and author Jack ‘Jock’ Steele. Daphne Zablonski is a single mother whose attraction to author Jock Steele is tempered by Jock’s reactions to her three year old daughter Hadley. Believing Jock dislikes children, especially her daughter Hadley, Daphne struggles with her attraction to a man who may be all kinds of wrong in Daphne’s life until Jock reveals the truth behind his reluctance including the death of his former girlfriend and unborn child years earlier. Having spent ten years lookI got after an aging philanthropist, Jock is lost upon Harvey Fine’s death, another death he struggles to move beyond. Meeting Daphne Zablonski gave Jock thoughts about a new beginning but Jock continued to battle the demons from his past, until a small three year old child fell in love with our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jock and Daphne, and the potential fall-out as history starts to repeat itself.
Daphne Zablonski’s husband left when their daughter was seven days old. A single mother, working as a receptionist, scheduling vacation rentals, Daphne’s heart focused on event planning but when her boss had no plans for expanding his business, Daphne struggled with a direction in life. With her daughter her first priority, Daphne knew it was only a matter of time before something better came along, including the love of a man who continued to star in her fantasies. Jock Steele’s guilt over the death of his girlfriend and unborn child continue to haunt his days and night. Falling for single mother Daphne Zablonski meant having to face his demons in the guise of a three year old child. Slowly, succumbing to the love and spontaneity of Daphne’s daughter, Jock knew he could overcome his previous losses until everything begins to spiral out of control.
The relationship between Jock and Daphne begins as a friendship threatened by Jock’s inability to accept Daphne’s daughter. One year would pass as our couple lusted after one another-from a distance-until Daphne decided she had had enough. The $ex scenes are intimate erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including both Daphne and Jock’s immediate and extended families, friends, and several of the couples we have met in previous story lines and series.
TEMPTED BY LOVE is a heart breaking and emotional story line of love, loss, acceptance and moving forward. The premise is captivating and impassioned; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, dynamic and charismatic. Melissa Foster has another hit series in the making .
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jock and Daphne) TEMPTED BY LOVE follows the building romance and relationship between twenty six year old Event planner / singles mother Daphne Zablonski, and author Jack ‘Jock’ Steele. Daphne Zablonski is a single mother whose attraction to author Jock Steele is tempered by Jock’s reactions to her three year old daughter Hadley. Believing Jock dislikes children, especially her daughter Hadley, Daphne struggles with her attraction to a man who may be all kinds of wrong in Daphne’s life until Jock reveals the truth behind his reluctance including the death of his former girlfriend and unborn child years earlier. Having spent ten years lookI got after an aging philanthropist, Jock is lost upon Harvey Fine’s death, another death he struggles to move beyond. Meeting Daphne Zablonski gave Jock thoughts about a new beginning but Jock continued to battle the demons from his past, until a small three year old child fell in love with our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jock and Daphne, and the potential fall-out as history starts to repeat itself.
Daphne Zablonski’s husband left when their daughter was seven days old. A single mother, working as a receptionist, scheduling vacation rentals, Daphne’s heart focused on event planning but when her boss had no plans for expanding his business, Daphne struggled with a direction in life. With her daughter her first priority, Daphne knew it was only a matter of time before something better came along, including the love of a man who continued to star in her fantasies. Jock Steele’s guilt over the death of his girlfriend and unborn child continue to haunt his days and night. Falling for single mother Daphne Zablonski meant having to face his demons in the guise of a three year old child. Slowly, succumbing to the love and spontaneity of Daphne’s daughter, Jock knew he could overcome his previous losses until everything begins to spiral out of control.
The relationship between Jock and Daphne begins as a friendship threatened by Jock’s inability to accept Daphne’s daughter. One year would pass as our couple lusted after one another-from a distance-until Daphne decided she had had enough. The $ex scenes are intimate erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including both Daphne and Jock’s immediate and extended families, friends, and several of the couples we have met in previous story lines and series.
TEMPTED BY LOVE is a heart breaking and emotional story line of love, loss, acceptance and moving forward. The premise is captivating and impassioned; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, dynamic and charismatic. Melissa Foster has another hit series in the making .
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
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