I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 There is nothing but praise for Lori Foster’s books! It definitely was “Worth the Wait”! Violet was what Hogan needed, a strong independent woman - someone who knew what she wanted. Violet bid her time with Hogan and he was worth the wait. Hogan may have been a player at first but he turned out to be kind, thoughtful, caring and giving after all, especially when it came to Colt and Violet.

 Even though Nathan’s and Brooklin’s storyline didn’t get too detailed, they were still a funny and cute couple. Handsome, strong and upfront, Nathan never gave up on Brooklin. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Brooklin never had a chance!

 Would love to read Colt’s story!

Absolutely worth investing the time reading this one! Hogan Guthrie is not only the "Barbecue Master" he is the total package. He is mouth-watering gorgeous and every single woman's dream and Violet has her eye on him and he has been pursuing her but can she let her guard down and let him catch her. He has a reputation but he has left that behind since working for Violet. Hogan has some trust issues because of his past but if he can get past them there is no doubt the chemistry between them will burn everything in its path.

Nathan Hawley is the sheriff and his new neighbor has caught his eye but she is so secretive he knows there is something she must be running from. Can he get her to open up?

The two stories are woven seamlessly together and with all the fun and secondary characters this is book you do not want to miss. There is a back story with a hint of suspense to keep everyone on their toes but the ending will leave you laughing and smiling for the rest of the day!

I definitely recommend this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

How could you not fall in love with Hogan and Nathan? Colt is such a cutie too. Violet is so sassy and Brooklin is quiet, but very determined. Hogan and Violet have wanted to get together, but they both have had bad relationships and neither was ready to commit. But, sometimes that doesn't matter when the right person comes along. Nathan is a protector and his instincts tell him that Brooklin is running from something. Will she finally open up to him. Good story.

This book read more like a movie script than a novel at times. There is the A plot with Hogan and Violet and the B plot with Nathan and Brooklin. And the stories a woven together for a single thread. For me though, what really made this a great story was the relationship between Hogan and his teenage son Colt. Colt was definitely the scene stealer for me in this book and I hope he gets his own story in the future. This book is part of a series, but I didn't read the previous book and had no problem keeping up with the story at all.

Single dad Hogan Guthrie has been going through something of an early mid-life crisis. Lori Foster fans first met Hogan in Don't Tempt Me as the brother to main character Jason Guthrie. He was trying to handle discovering his wife was cheating on him, stole their son's college funds, and then dying on the way to meet a lover by moving to a new town, getting a new job, and trying to be the sole parent to a 17 year old son. In Don't Tempt Me he dealt with everything by sleeping around a lot. Now he's trying to get past his hound dog reputation to convince restaurant owner Violet Shaw that he can be the one for her. His problem now is trying to get past the bitter view of marriage and commitment his wife left him with, and balance his life with his son Colt's needs. Hogan's a nice guy with a tendency to put his foot in his mouth when it comes to anything dealing with Violet.

Violet is fortunately willing to give Hogan plenty of rope. She loves her independence and doesn't want anyone to see her as anything but in control and confident. When she gets sick and has to lean on Hogan for help, it galls her sense of independence, but helps bring them closer together. Before either of them quite know it, they are learning to run Violet's restaurant together and starting to fit seamlessly into each other's lives. Trouble comes in the form of a stalker to new friend and neighbor Brooklin Sweet. Violet becomes collateral damage in a twisted attempt at revenge against Brooklin. Fortunately, Brooklin's neighbor Nathan is not only the town sheriff, but just as personally interested in Brooklin's protection as Hogan is Violet's.

Worth the Wait is a sweet story with plenty of wit and byplay between the characters to keep the chemistry going. The characters are authentic and strike all the right notes. Some of the best interactions came between various characters and Colt (Hogan's son). I'm not a big fan of kids but Colt is a mature, almost-adult, sensitive and thoughtful and totally stole all his scenes! The tempo might have benefitted from making Nathan and Brooklin the main couple instead of Hogan and Violet, since Brooklin is the one whose past is coming back to kill her. But by focusing on Hogan and Violet, we get to see two strong-willed, stubborn, and independent people learn how to compromise and become one unit. We also get to see them (especially Hogan) discover that life and happiness don't necessarily mean having a high paying, prestigious suit-and-tie job and ensuring your kid gets into the best college in the country. It can also mean just doing a job you love, with people you love around to support you, and family happiness coming above all else.

You don't have to have read Don't Tempt Me to enjoy Worth the Wait, although its fun to catch up with the recurring characters. Worth the Wait is a fun, fast summer read full of people who could be your neighbors- and by the end you certainly wish they were!

I had a hard time putting this book down. There were so many things to like - the characters, the humor, the love stories and the mystery of Brooklin's story. Who can resist the single dad Hogan who is doing such a good job of modeling how a man should treat others for his son Colt? It was an interesting twist with the relationship between Hogan and his "daytime" manager. While there was a lot going on in the book, I didn't feel that any of the storylines were short changed. Would highly recommend reading this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WORTH THE WAIT (#2 Guthrie Brothers) by Lori Foster... another winner... Hogan a man starting over with Colt his teenage son.... who has lost faith in women due to a cheating wife...Violet orphaned a a young age and raised by her loving uncle...they are a perfect match. Then add in a Nathan a local sheriff and Brooklin an ex school nurse with secrets... We also get to visit Jason and Honor and Sullivan and Lexie. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Can I move to this town and find my own Guthrie Man? There are plenty of laughs some mystery and touching moments to keep us all happy... I just wish there was another Guthrie brother.

A small town romance filled with passion, quirky characters, and humor. I loved having two concurrent romances to read in one book. A fun summer read.

Thank you Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was the second book of a duology. While I liked book 1 a little better, this one was still great fun, and I enjoyed both the main couples a lot! This series is a little bit of a departure for Lori Foster, as each book focuses on 2 main couples, instead of only 1. So, the focus is a little split, but the outcome is still everything you have come to expect from her books.

Hogan Guthrie has had a rough time over the last few years. He got his girlfriend pregnant in high school, so they married, and had their son, Colt, very young. Everything was great for quite a while. Then, Hogan found out that his wife was lying, cheating, and had drained most of their personal finances, including Colt's college fund. Then, after they argued, she walked out and got into a car accident, which killed her. He worked his way through his guilt and anger, in book 1, by leaving everything in the city behind, and moving to the small town where his younger brother, Jason, lived. He also became quite a hound dog with the ladies. Now that he's worked that all out of his system, and settled into his new house, next door to his brother, and Jason's wife, Honor, he's started to get into a normal routine. He is an accountant, with a 9-5 job, but on the weekends, he's become the grill master at the local diner. His ribs are in high demand, and the owner of the diner is looking to keep him there for good.

Violet Shaw is the owner of the successful local diner. She's a workaholic, but she loves that place and wants it to succeed. Since she works so much, often late into the evening, her dating life has been basically nonexistent. She knows a good thing when she sees one, and Hogan's ribs are amazing. She's managed to lock him down for weekends, but she wants more of his time. Actually, she just wants him period, but he's been resisting. She is determined to do what's best for her restaurant, and if she gets some personal benefits on the side, all the better.

Hogan and Violet's chemistry and banter was so fun, and sexy. I really loved their interactions, and the slow burn on their connection. Hogan's 17 year old son, Colt, was a delight as well (as he was in book 1), and I loved getting to know him more too. He has a bit of his own romance going on, and that was so sweet. Hogan's history has tainted his thinking about a lot of things, and he has to learn to overcome that to be with Violet. She had to work on her control issues, before she could truly be happy with a partner. I really liked watching it all play out.

The second main couple here are Nathan and Brooklin. Nathan is the local sheriff who just moved to town in book 1. He used to be a SWAT captain in a big city, but moved to a small town for a quieter life. He's really enjoyed settling in and getting to know the townsfolk, but his new sexy neighbor has really caught his eye. Brooklin is new to town, and keeps to herself. She's standoffish, and doesn't seem to want to get to know anyone. She's a jewelry designer, and she works from home. Nathan has been trying to get to know her, but she's not having it. He's very drawn to her, but he can tell she's scared, and hiding from something. Maybe she's even running from someone, and he's concerned. But he pursues her relentlessly, and since she ultimately wants to anyway, she gives in.

The suspense side plot was unique, and I enjoyed trying to figure it out. Both couples were involved to an extent, so you weren't quite sure who would be after them, or why. I liked seeing the side characters from the prior book again as well, and seeing how everyone was doing. The stories were fun and sweet, with some sexy along the way too. I really love Lori Foster's writing, and I always enjoy her stories. Seeing such stubborn characters find ways to come together is always fun, and entertaining. I really liked this book, and I was glad to see the outcomes for these characters, most of whom we got to know in book 1. As always, I look forward to what's next from this author.

Restaurant owner Violet and single father/barbecue phenom Hogan find their personal and professional lives entwined as they discover that the perfect mate is definitely worth waiting for.
Foster is my go to author for sweet sexy romance with just a smidge of suspense- she never lets me down. The main romance, secondary romance, & even a third young love story thread are all balanced perfectly. Fans- especially ones who enjoyed Don't Tempt Me should put this novel on their must read list.

I do love these Guthries! Hogan was such a hoot, and with a woman like Violet to complement him? Awesomeness commences! You get a bonus story with Nathan and Brooklin, and a budding romance with Colt too. Weave all the awesomeness together like Ms. Foster does, and you have yourself another winner!

Hogan Guthrie has been hurt. His wife cheated on him several times, stole his son's college fund & then died. He rebelled by dating a lot of women & then realized what he was putting his done through. He begins to have feelings for Violet but she keeps resisting him. Her feeling nags are serious & she doesn't want to be just another one night stand for him. Plus he works for her at her diner smoking the best ribs & she doesn't want him to leave. Will he ever admit his feelings for her are strong & trust her not to hurt him?

Nathan is the sheriff & an ex-SWAT member. He's interested in the woman next door but realizes she's acting scared of something. That feeling intensifies as he cons his way into her life. She's too tense & aware of her surroundings. Nathan knows his feelings have gone beyond just like. Can he get Brooklyn to admit hers? Will she tell him what's going on before danger finds her?

I loved this book! The primary focus is Hogan & Violet & his struggle to trust her & move forward in his life. His seventeen year old son adds extra dimension & another point of view to the story. It really showed that cheating & deception affect the entire family, not just the husband & wife. In the relationship between Nathan & Brooklyn, Nathan had to sit back & wait for her to come to him. He was secure but she had to decide to trust him with her life & trust him not to let her down. I enjoyed that the entire group lives close to each other & operates as a family instead of just a close group of friends. Love this series!

Worth the Wait was an excellent title for this book because it was definitely worth it! Not only do we get Hogan and Violet's story, we also are treated to Nathan and Brooklin. There is even a little side romance where Colt finds some happiness as well. At first, I was hoping for Nathan to get his own story. I wasn't sure I would like both romances in one book. But both couples' stories were woven together so well that it really worked for me in the end.

Hogan has a lot of baggage from his late wife and for a time was not the nicest guy to women except get them in bed. Violet is fiercely independent and has worked hard for everything she has, including the diner. Between Hogan and Violet, the attraction is there, but they have a ways to go before they can trust each other. I was really rooting for them. I loved Hogan in the first book. He just seemed so lost and deserving of a good woman in his life.

Nathan is smitten from the beginning. He has a tough job cracking the walls around Brooklin. But she is harboring a secret, so her reasons for keeping to herself are valid. I'll let you read it to find out her secret. There does end up being a little mystery and the scene toward the end was pretty intense.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first one, Don't Tempt Me. Both have great characters, lots of fun banter and scorching romances that will just make you sigh.

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: July 25th 2017 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 037378967X (ISBN13: 9780373789672)
Edition Language English
Series Guthrie Brothers #2
Other Editions (5)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


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.

My Thoughts


Accountant during the week while also cooking barbecue at Violet Shaws diner on the weekends brings Hogan Guthrie a steady income that allows him to provide at least a roof and food for he and his son Colt. A far cry from their previous lifestyle but one that allows the two to repair rifts between them as they spend more time together than in the past.

What happens when he and the boss lady join forces is when the diner takes off and so does their after hours relationship.

Nathan Hawley never thought when he left SWAT to become sheriff in a small town his hard won skills would be needed, crime just seemed to have taken a back seat to rescuing elderly ladies cats until the arrival of newcomer Brooklin Sweet.

Brooklin just so happens to be Nathan’s newest next door neighbor, having her living so close makes it easy for him to become aware of her as a very attractive woman he has every intention of getting closer to despite both their reservations.

Two romances take place within the pages of this book. Both are sexy and both are about couples whose past issues rear their ugly heads. The thing is though, with this type of story you know right off the bat those issues will be worked out and each pair get their HEA or HFN at least.

(view spoiler)


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Hogan and Violet were a great read. Hogan is a widower with a teenage son and plenty of baggage, his first wife cheated on him, stole their son's college fund and died on her way to meet her lover. After his wife's death, he moved closer to his brother, but became a ladies man.

Violet is an all work and no play diner owner, no kids and never been married.

Hogan starts off working for Violet as a 2nd job, but that's not the only thing that's going to change in his life. Reading how Hogan deals with the issues left by first wife, and how he handles Violet's take charge attitude make for a great read. The secondary story of Nathan and Brooklyn make, and the danger involved there make it so much better.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be able to review this book. I have deleted it from my system and will buy the book if I decide to read it on my own.

Thank you
Ruby

This one was really fun. Boasting THREE compelling love stories in one, these couples made me laugh, fan myself, and swoon a bit at their happy ever afters. Nathan & Brooklin might actually have been my favorite, as I love prickly heroines and patient heroes stories.

4 solid stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Another good Lori Foster book, but there was just something that made it not great. I liked Hogan, but I didn't like how he was with Violet. Not that I completely loved Violet either.

I loved Colt, and the rest of the supporting characters. Seeing Nathan get his own girl in the secondary romance with Brooklin, was great. They were fabulous together.

This was such a blast to read? I loved this story! You know these characters a little from the first book but now you get to see and know these characters more in depth.
The way these two butt heads is very amusing and you can feel the sparks fly off the page. I love a book with great verbal sparring. The story also catches you and before you realize it, its done. I was sad to see the go.
If you want a great summertime read, definitely check this out. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy.

Hogan and Nathan are signature Lori Foster heroes - my favorite type! Violet is strong and independent with a heart of gold. Loved her! The banter between Hogan and Violet kept me turning pages. I would love to hang out at Screwy Louie's with this wonderful group of people. What a fun place to grab a meal. I especially loved the surprise at the end! I highly recommend Worth the Wait. Having read the first book in the series, it was fun to catch up with Jason, Honor, Sullivan and Lexie.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.