Like Don't Tempt Me, the first book in the Guthrie Brothers series, Worth the Wait delivers two complete stories for the price of one! With Hogan and Violet and Nathan and Brooklin, we're treated to the romance we've come to love from Ms. Foster, with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in to keep us on our toes. And alongside our 2 main couples is an outstanding cast of secondary characters from the small town in Ohio, including Colt, Hogan's unbelievably sweet, kind, and caring son- what a complete doll!

Ms. Foster does a wonderful job of writing 2 overlapping storylines, without confusing the reader as to what is going on. Each story is fully fleshed out, with Hogan and Violet's story being the main focus. I really enjoyed these 2. As a single father his sole focus has been caring for Colt, and he hasn't entertained the idea of permanence with any one woman, until things with Violet heat up.

Nathan is the town sheriff and becomes intrigued with quiet woman who's moved next door. She's not looking for a relationship, she's got a past that she's running from, but Nathan is not one to back down from a challenge. And he definitely won't let a woman fight on her own.

Worth the Wait is a classic feel good, small town Lori Foster romance.

According to a recent Facebook post by author Lori Foster, Worth the Wait is her 100th unique story, which is an amazing accomplishment! Writing for just over twenty years in the romance genre, her books obviously resonate with readers who keep coming back for more. The first novels of hers I read was the Buckhorn Brothers series, which originally came out in the early 2000s. Since then her name on a book automatically draws my attention, and Worth the Wait is a classic example of what readers have come to expect from Ms. Foster – straightforward plots with down to earth characters who enjoy some sexy times on the way to their happy endings.

Worth the Wait is the second story in the Guthrie Brothers duology, and includes two complete romances in one novel (as did the first story in the series, Don't Tempt Me). Hogan Guthrie is a newcomer to Clearbrook, having moved there with this teenaged son, Colt, after the death of his wife. While Hogan has spent the last several months playing the field in an effort to avoid dealing with the complicated feelings leftover from his marriage, recently he's been drawn to Violet Shaw. Hogan works at her diner part time as a 'barbecue master' (best ribs in town!) but spends his regular business hours as an accountant.  He's not looking for marriage, but a fling with the petite, fiery owner of Screwy Louie's sure would be fun.  Hogan lives next door to his brother Jason, who has helped him settle into town and is good friends with Nathan Hawley, the local sheriff.

Nathan turned in his SWAT badge for local law enforcement, and has his eyes out for trouble. When those eyes are caught by his new neighbor Brooklin Sweet she makes it clear that keeping a low profile is her priority and she's not looking for new friends. Nathan's spidey sense tells him that something has Brooklin spooked and he's determined to prove to her that friendship (or more) with him would be to her advantage. When Brooklin's past catches up to her, things get dicey for everyone whom she's becoming close to, including her new friends Violet, Hogan and Nathan. Will a brush with danger show them all the path to their happy ever afters?

The story is written in such a way that there is a chapter with the development of the relationship with one couple and then a chapter with the other, until later in the story when the overarching plot of Brooklin's troubles start to encompass them all. I really like how this is done, and found myself equally interested in both couples as they have different problems to overcome.

Hogan never got any real resolution over the end of his marriage, discovering his wife was unfaithful (and feeling like a fool for not realizing it was happening) and then having her die unexpectedly in an accident. He also discovers she'd spent all of their savings, including his son's college fund. Working two jobs is his way of trying to replenish the savings and save his son's future. But it makes him wary of any kind of relationship commitment. Plus, his boss at his day job is continually overstepping his boundaries and is making him question his future there.

Violet lost her parents at an early age and inherited the diner from her uncle. She's been running it for so long that making changes to it, even ones that Hogan suggests will help improve the business, test her comfort zone. Of course she's not blind, and the sexy, confident man running her grills is the kind of man she'd love to see in her bed, even if he is her employee. And when Hogan makes it clear he's interested but only for the present and with no guarantees for the future, she's willing to take the risk. It's Hogan who soon has to come to terms with the fact that the feelings he's having for Violet are getting him in deeper than he'd planned.

Nathan is another quintessential good guy hero, persistent in showing Brooklin that he's interested in her without overstepping the boundaries she's put in place. Brooklin can see that Nathan is unlike the men in her past, but she's got secrets that put her on the run and still haunt her. These secrets make up a good portion of the second half of the story and drive the action that results, taking the tension up a notch.

Lori Foster writes hot sexy times that are not over the top with swearing or dirty talking but read like a couple who are interested in each other, who respect each other, and who have an equal part to play in their mutual satisfaction. They are definitely some of my favorites to read and are integral to the emotional connections made between the couple concerned.

One thing evident in this story is the reliance on conversations to move the plot. There is not a lot of introspection and deep thinking by the characters, so instead of spending a lot of time mulling things over, the characters will 'think' things out by having conversations about them. Hogan is the central figure around which the plot revolves, so this means plenty of conversations with his brother, his son, his friend Nathan and obviously Violet. It's a simplistic approach but one that works for this small town romance.

Though the four main adults make up the bulk of the points of view in the story, there are also some scenes told through the eyes of from Hogan's son, Colt, in particular his interest in a girl at his high school. It's a sweet touch and I wouldn't be surprised to see a later story with him all grown up, as the author did with the children in the original Buckhorn series. Whether Worth the Wait is your first Lori Foster book, or your 100th, she delivers a sexy, engaging contemporary romance every time.

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4 1/2 STARS!

Sizzling chemistry and feisty attitudes! I adored Hogan & Violet! And Colt ... that boy is the best kid ever! A really great story line surrounding the three of them and what life has thrown their way in the past. I loved seeing them heal and prosper! Nathan & Brooklin were kind of a side filler for me. Their story was interesting enough and I liked them, but Hogan and Violet stole the show.

An emotionally scarred man and his teenage son never expected to find salvation by working at a diner, but when that diner is owned by Violet and she showers her attitude on them, it was like being wrapped in a blanket of snarky love! Violet and Hogan flirt circles around each other, but he makes it clear he's not into forever ... never again. Violet can fight it all she wants, but no one who spends a minute in their company can deny that they are magical together. Can the heart of a good woman be the elixir that a broken man needs to heal his heart?

A sexy sheriff and a secretive new neighbor ... like oil and water in small town living. Nathan Hawley is drawn to Brooklin Sweet from the first time he sees her, but she has true skills at ignoring even the smallest gesture of getting to know her. He pesters her until he eventually wears her down, but will the secrets from her past be too much for them to overcome when danger starts circling?

Worth the Wait

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm not sure I liked Hogan's character in Don't Tempt Me (which I enjoyed too) But I've got to say Lori changed my mind in Worth the Wait. It was fun to see Hogan and Violet get together. I loved the bond between Hogan and his son, Colt. I enjoyed the returning characters, the side romances and the twist of suspense. Great read.

My Review: I am going to start this review by stating how much I love Hogan and Colt. Hogan is fantastic, and made me like the whole single-dad trend, which was never one of my interests before. And Colt.. Colt was absolutely perfect, and well written. Sometimes it's hard to write a believable teenager/young adult, but Lori Foster is a wonderful writer, and proves she can do anything - even write the perfect teenager.

Now to what I wasn't a huge fan of - Violet. I tried to like her, but she just seemed so self-serving. There were times I didn't really believe she liked Hogan, it just felt like she wanted him for what he could do for her or the diner. There were elements of their story that were cute and sweet, but the majority of the time, Violet just felt like a jerk to me.

Like with the first book, there was a secondary romance happening alongside the main couple. I think Nathan and Brooklin's story was probably the better one. I loved these two together, and it was so good to see Nathan get a happy ending, which was something I was hoping for since the first book. And as good as that secondary romance plot was, the small third romance was even better - Colt gets his own chance at love! And maybe he deserves a happily ever after most of all.

I loved Don't Tempt Me so much, so that could be why this book felt like such a let down in comparison. I think this is the first Lori Foster book I've read that hasn't gotten a four or five star rating. She remains one of my favorite authors, but I have to say I was disappointed with this book.

About the book: 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.

Cover Lovin': An excellent cover, and works perfectly with the first book.

Recommendation: Worth The Wait can work just fine as a stand-alone, but I personally recommend reading Don't Tempt Me because it was so good!

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5)! A little bit of a let down after the first book, but the secondary characters and their romances definitely make this worth a read.

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 received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been waiting for this book for a while. I have always loved the broody hero with an attitude that’s been hurt and needs to be tamed by the right woman (insert sigh here). Hogan is that hero and Violet is the right woman for him. She is strong, independent and doesn’t put up with much from anyone. She’s been taking care of herself for a while. Meanwhile Hogan, who’s been hurt by his late wife and has an amazing son he’s raising, Colt, has been dealing with his own issues.

I just loved this story so much. Violet has such fire and knows how to put Hogan in his place which he’s not used to since women tend to fall all over him. Hogan has a great playful sense of humor but also has to be serious because he has a son he has to care for and provide for. It’s a balance for both of them and luckily they find it.

There are a couple other side stories mixed in to this book and I kind of wish they were their own novellas but I always want more of Lori Foster’s writing. Call me selfish, I can take it.

If you’ve read the previous book I definitely recommend this book and I really wish there were more in this series since I love Mrs. Foster’s contemporary romance novels.

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 have been dying for the chance to read Hogan and Violet's story! This book is out of this world with sexual chemistry!

Hogan is a single father whom has been through H*** and back in the last year or so. This in turn had turned him into somewhat of a womanizer. His son Colt is his entire world. He works two jobs to ensure that his son will go to college.

Violet owns a local restaurant called Screwie Louie's. She is also one of Hogan's bosses. Violet has had the hots for Hogan for a while but with his history as well as him being an employee he is off limits. Sickness and random accident's may very change all that though. She just needs to keep in mind Colt will always and must come first, surprisingly she was okay with that.

We also have a secondary love story in the midst of the book with Nathan and Brooklin. All these years Nathan has focused on his job and keeping everyone safe. Yet what if his heart is no longer safe with one look at his new neighbor Brooklin.

Brooklin is a private person who has history she wants to stay private. All these people in this small town of Clearbrook keep wanting to involve themselves in her life. All She wants to do is keep to herself and lay low before her past comes back to bite her in the butt.

This book has some suspense, intense sexual content, and wonderful caring people. You definitely do not want to miss this one!

Worth The Wait was aptly named as this book was worth the wait. Full of humor with a slight touch of suspense. Two beautiful, smart and independent heroines along with two handsome to die for heroes. What more could a girl want? I would definitely recommend reading this book. Carolyn Tudor

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!

This was a well written story of second chances that goes back and forth with the intertwined development of two relationships in a small town in Ohio. Hogan is a widower who is known for sowing his wild oats while also raising his teenage son after his wife's death. Violet is a small town diner owner whose life is wrapped up in her growing business and while she finds Hogan attractive she's fighting that attraction because of his reputation. Can Hogan give love a second chance after his wife previously left his heart so shattered and his life in ruins? Can Violet believe that Hogan's ways have changed and to also allow someone else into her life after so many years doing things on her own? The book also focuses as a secondary(isn) couple the hot town sheriff Nathan and the his new to town neighbor Brooklin. Nathan finds Brooklin attractive and is not about to stop pushing her to figure out her secrets and to also to get her to agree to a date. When one evening Brooklin doesn't keep to her schedule Nathan goes to check things out to find her spooked. Will Brooklin be able to trust Nathan with her secrets and to give their relationship a shot?

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. Ms. Foster's characters are very likable and always leave you wanting more. I look forward to more from her and more in this series.