Worth the Wait

Guthrie Brothers Series - Book #2



By Lori Foster

HQN - August 2017

Contemporary Romance



Hogan Guthrie was finally accepting his life as it was. He might have been a little wild in his dating after learning his wife had been cheating on him, stealing from both him and their son, and then gone and gotten herself killed. But he was steadfast in his determination to try to fix the financial hole she had put him and their son Colt in. He was even willing to work for a harassing boss. That didn't matter. The pay was significant and he needed to help Colt now that his college funds were gone. He even was happy to earn extra income by manning the grill at the local eatery and sparring with Violet Shaw, the owner.

Violet had no need for a man like Hogan in her life. She was aware of his "dating" habits, and wasn't looking to be just another "date". She admired his dedication to his son, and was more than happy to encourage him to work more for her, only because of his secret sauce. His barbecue brought more customers, and more customers meant more money which helped Violet and all her employees. She knew she had to keep an eye on his take charge attitude, not only with her restaurant, but also with her life.

Worth the Wait is aptly named as Violet has been turning Hogan away from her personal life. He had been shattered by his wife's betrayals, and had not been willing to risk any more than casual dating. But he was past that, wanting more in a relationship, but still holding back. Luckily, Violet realizes this is a man worth fighting for. I was happy to see Hogan and Violet finally come together after two books. As with Don't Tempt Me there was a secondary romance. Sheriff Nathan Hawley was most fascinated with his new neighbor Brooklin Sweet, but she has a tendency to rebuff him. He starts to realize that there is a secret she is hiding, and when her life is at risk, Nathan wants to be who she turns to for protection, and not just because of his job.









Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

I read Worth the Wait book #2 before reading Don't Tempt Me book #1. I prefer to read series books in order so this was abnormal for me but, I just couldn't wait. I wish I read them #1-#2 - since somethings got spoiled for me.

Both couples are equally adorable - and luckily each gets equal page time. I wasn't sure the author could redeem Hogan, considering his promiscuous attitude. Of course, I was wrong about him...it was a total redemption. However, Brooklin was my favorite overall character.

I hope that Colt gets his own book, age him a little and give him his HEA.

Worth the Wait is absolutely worth your money! I started this book and could not put it down until I had finished it. You will fall in love with Hogan and his son Colt as they get their lives back on track after a death in the family. A small fiery red headed restaurant owner named Violet helps them find their way. It is a small town romance with a little suspense along the way. Violet's best new friend, Brooklin, is being targeted by someone from her past. You will absolutely love the sexy ending of the story! This is a must summer read!

This was a great book by Lori Foster. It seamlessly flowed from the first book, and included all the characters I came to know and love in this community. The small town setting for this series is something I enjoy, as someone who lives in a small town. I love how Lori gives plenty of time and attention to Colt, who we met in the first story, and how he is maturing into a great young man.
This story focuses on Colt’s dad, Hogan, who you might remember as having the reputation of man whore in the first book of this series. He has been trying to rebuild his life with his son, but this book finds him settling down and attempting to be the man he knows he should be. His boss Violet at the café where he makes ribs part time has caught his eye, but she is wary of his less than stellar reputation. Add into that dynamic his boss who keeps coming on to him and a new individual in town that endangers Violet and you have a story that keeps you enthralled.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This was a cute, feel good, contemporary romance. I'll have to go back and read book 1 in the series.

Another fantastic book by Lori Foster! I could hardly put it down!! I'm really looking forward to the next one!

Worth the Wait bears its title very well! I loved this story, even though it followed one main couple, plus another couple who got less time allotted to them. The writing is so good, and there's some well-timed suspense as well as the romance.

Hogan had been through the wringer more than once, and Worth the Wait was really about how he was worth waiting for. Violet was attracted to Hogan, but she didn't want to be just another notch on his bedpost. I was intrigued by Hogan when I first met him in Don't Tempt Me, and his story was really good. He had quite a bit of thinking through his past to do, before he could completely open up to Violet and maybe start building a new relationship again.

Worth the Wait follows two couples, but Hogan and Violet are the main characters, while Nathan and Brooklin have a bit less time for their romance. The suspense parts of the story have to do with Brooklin, and it was interesting how she tried to shy away from everyone who wanted to become her friend. Once Violet broke through her barriers, though, there was no going back.

One of my favorite things about Worth the Wait was how great a father Hogan was, wanting to put his son's needs before his own. Violet was great with him as well, understanding Colt's need to be independent all the while needing a little bit of guidance every now and then. The interactions between the various characters were authentic, and I really enjoyed the banter, the friendship and the loyalty.

There was a little bit of intrigue as well, as Hogan's female boss was doing her best to snag him - bordering on harassing him, she was. Violet totally put her in her place, though! The writing in Worth the Wait was really good, the third person past tense with plenty of dialogues allowed me a good overview, and at the same time get to know the characters fairly well.

3.5 stars

Ms. Foster returns us to small town Ohio to continue the story of the Gutheri brothers and their friends. This time the focus is on 2 couples Hogan and Violet and Nathan and Brooklin.
I normally don't like books that split attention between two couples, but these two stories are interconnected and woven together very well.
Hogan and Brooklin both come with baggage that makes the idea of a romantic relationship scary. It takes patience on the part of Violet and Nathan to bring them around.
Add in a little suspense and we have a well written and entertaining book with Foster's hallmark of devoted families, wonderfully alpha males, and strong heroines.

This series...Lori Foster has done it again.
Is there anyone better at filling pages full of good old fashioned feels? In my opinion, NO. Lori Foster is the best.
This new series reads much like Lori's earlier Buckhorn series.
Family, doing what's right and protecting those you love, are what's most noticable in this book.
Oh don't be disappointed because there's plenty of hot, steamy chemistry between Hogan and Violet.
I love Violet! She's spunky and strong willed and I love how she stands to to toe with hunky Hogan.
Hogan is so lovable. Always wanting to do what's best for his son and trying to make up for past mistakes. He's torn and broken in a beautiful way.
Worth The Wait also gives us a second story between Nathan and Brookline that will have you chewing your nails and guessing wrong. ( At least I did).
And Hogan's son Colt. Only have questions concerning that young man's future. Hopefully this amazing author will write his story and put me out of my misery.
Thank you for the chance to read and review this book Lori.

I love the neighborhood that these books are set in. The closeness of everyone and how everyone is in everybody's business is part of the fun. I wasn't sure about Hogan and Violet, mostly due to Hogan. I wasn't sure he was ready to "grow up" again versus playing the field to show how much is wife's choices didn't matter to him. While Hogan and Violet had great chemistry, she deserved someone who only wanted her and wasn't afraid to show it.

I liked how the romance between Hogan and Violet evolved, it was slower, but it needed to be. Both had lots going on in their lives and when you added working together there was a lot to loose. I really liked the role that Cole played, loved that Violet treated him as an adult, not a kid, loved that Hogan gave thought to how his son would react. The drama at the end was a perfect way for all 3 of them to realize who deep their feelings were.

The secondary romance between Nathan and Brooklin was good too. Brooklin had so many secrets, some good, some not so good. I was glad that Brooklin found a safe place to deal with things and found some great friends along the way.

WORTH THE WAIT by Lori Foster is the second book in the Guthrie Brothers contemporary romance series. Foster shared not one but two romances and a dash of suspense in this sweet, sexy, small town story that held me captive from page one.

I loved that Foster gave us two completely fleshed out happily ever afters in WORTH THE WAIT. That combined with secondary characters, Screwy Louie's restaurant and a thread about young Colt made for a warm, page-turning read.

Hogan, Colt's Dad, has worked hard to get his life back on track and find happy after his wife's death. In book one DON"T TEMPT ME we felt the chemistry between Violet, the owner of Screwy Louie's restaurant and Hogan, so I was anxious for their story. Violet is fun, strong, confident and someone you would want to befriend. She works long hours, and her dating life is practically nil. She is attracted to Hogan, but he has a reputation as a bit of player and that scares her. Hogan is tempted, but he isn't looking for happily ever after.

Hogan works weekends at Screwy Louie's grilling his ribs and keeping his secret sauce recipe under tight wrap. Grilling and watching folks enjoy his cooking helps Hogan relax,  but more than that he likes being near Violet. When Violet ends up ill, Hogan is there, and it allows the two to spend a little time together. She discovers he isn't a player and he finds that despite some issues he wants to get to know Violet intimately. Watching them tango was utterly addictive, and I slipped away from reality. Foster weaved in humor, sweet moments and spicy heat.

I enjoyed getting Hogan's backstory and the current thread about his accounting job. Both added interest and allowed me to connect with him. Violet was a real gem even if she tries to do everything on her own. Both characters felt genuine and had me rooting for an HEA, even if Hogan couldn't.

Our local Sheriff Nathan Hawley is more than a little curious about his cute, standoffish neighbor Brooklin Sweet and I had fun watching their relationship develop. While this was a secondary romance to the overall story, Foster threaded their romance throughout giving us some suspense, humor and awkward moments. Foster also used them to touch on the subject of how quickly we condemn folks before knowing all of the facts.

For fans of the series, we get updates on Honor, Jason and other characters. Colt is present throughout the story, and we get tidbits about his life. Even though he is only eighteen, I hope we get his story. I loved the thread about the local gossip page. It was hilarious and cute moments developed from it. WORTH THE WAIT will work as standalone, but you'll want to read Honor and Jason's story too.

Fans of Jill Shalvis, Robyn Carr, and Bella Andre will enjoy this series with its small-town feel and smidgeon of heat. 

[bctt tweet="Worth the Wait gave us small town charm, chemistry, family, friends, and suspense #mustread" username="kimbacaffeinate"]

Hogan Guthrie is a busy man, working as an accountant by day, and burning the midnight oil as a BBQ grill master at a local restaurant. He does all he can to make a good life for him and his son, and spending his evenings working alongside Violet is hardly a hardship, well most days anyway. She is beyond beautiful, and can be stubborn as hell, but that doesn't seem to dampen his interest in her. After being burned badly by his ex he has his reservations about getting involved again, but no matter how many reservations he has, Violet just keeps finding a way to get around them! Question is can he trust her with his badly wounded heart?

The moment Nathan Hawley eyes land on his gorgeous new neighbor he knows he needs to meet her and learn everything there is to know about her... but she isn't so receptive to him. Every time he tries to talk to her she quickly brushes him off, and goes on about her business. But Nathan isn't the kind of man to back down from a challenge, so he decides this one is going to time take some time, good thing he has all the time in the world. He will find a way to lure her into his world one way or the other!

This was quite the read, not only do you get to witness Hogan and Violet find their happily ever after, but you also get to see Hogan's buddy discover his too... it's double the love! These two couples had me wrapped up in their worlds instantaneously and rooting them on the whole way through! Their story lines were blended together seamlessly, and were easy to follow, Ms. Foster did an outstanding job with this one!! It was a sweet, witty, and very sexy addition to the Guthrie Brother series! I highly recommend you visit this series, you are guaranteed some exceptionally crafted stories that come equipped with some endearing characters that are sure to steal your heart!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Hogan is finally getting his life back together. He has a job at an accounting firm, a great son, and he moonlights making BBQ ribs on weekends. ARC from NetGalley.

I loved this story, it was a great follow up to Don't Tempt Me.

I enjoyed Hogan Guthrie & Violet Shaw. Hogan is working as an accountant but also as the bbq master at Violet's diner. They work together, thinking of new ideas for the diner, even though Violet likes to be in charge. At times they butt heads, but it's fun to watch. Hogan also deals with the feelings he needed to confront after what his ex did to him.

We also see the town sheriff Nathan Hawley fall for his new neighbor Brooklin Sweet. She's beautiful but quiet, cautious & preferring to be alone. Nathan definitely had his work cut out for him to get to know Brooklin. She develops a great friendship with Violet & gets along with the others in the neighborhood.

We also get to see more of Hogan's son Colt, he's a great son & teenager. Very responsible. He's a great student & hard worker as he mows lawns, works at Violet's diner & works some with his uncle Jason. He also finds a great girl as well.

It was also fun to see Jason & Honor, Sullivan & Lexie too.

Hogan Guthrie has been burned once and isn't looking for a relationship. Violet is the carefree owner of the local diner where Logan works weekends as the BBQ master. They constantly snipe at each other until one night. Logan is torn between his past and Violet. Will they work it out? I enjoyed this book. It was, as always, well written. The main characters as well as the secondary characters were funny and believable. I recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book better than the one before it, it was slightly less intense and didn't drag. The two love stories were more evenly split than the last book. It was nice to see Hogan get his shit together, and there was enough build up in the previous book between Hogan and Violet that I was into the book from the get go. Good solid feel good romance :).

Hogan and Violet's relationship was a fun balance of sweet and sassy, with a dash of witty banter, and their chemistry was absolutely combustible! I loved Violet's sassy Southern drawl and take charge attitude. Hogan's strong work ethic was easy to respect and I loved his relationship with his son Colt-it was too sweet! Speaking of Colt, I hope he gets his own story..I would love to see how his future pans out!

Brooklin and Nathan were just too stinking cute! Brooklin's appeal was understated, yet she had a sweet personality and plenty of gumption to hold her own with Nathan. His gentlemanly manners contradicted the sizzling looks he was throwing out, but give the man credit! He knew what he wanted and was willing to show Brooklin she was worth the wait. Their chemistry was not as steamy as Hogan and Violet, but still quite appealing. I had so much fun watching these two fall in love!

Lori Foster writes wonderful romances full of humor, witty banter, and quirky characters I can't resist falling in love with! An exuberant cast of characters, a touch of suspense, and plenty of sizzling, sexy moments, this story is exactly as the title implies-Worth the Wait! Definitely recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed an arc that I received from Harlequin via NetGalley.

~Julie
Alphas Do It Better Book Blog


Review will be posted on July 25
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Really enjoyed Don't Tempt Me. I was looking forward to Hogan's story, and I wasn't disappointed. Lori Foster did a great job mixing romance with suspense. I also appreciated the secondary love stories for Nathan and Colt.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having said that obligated first line - if I could give a one sentence review for this book it would be, "Literally, ALL the feels!!"
In the first installment of the Guthrie Brothers in my review I wrote, "I laughed, I cried (well, teared up a few times) and rolled my eyes a few more times. Lori always writes with an amazing depth to her stories (at least the ones I've read). This one is no different. I love how relatable she makes her characters and how at any given moment you can find characteristics of yourself in them; at least if you're like me. Stubborn - check. Independent - check. Hot next door neighbor to fall in love with drool all over - well, not check but maybe one day, right?!"
I have to admit when I got this ARC I didn't think this one would evoke as much emotion as the first one did. Boy, was I wrong! So, so, so wrong! We see both our core heroine Hogan (Guthrie) and Violet in the first book but briefly and not as in depth. We know Hogan has what could be perceived as a shady past due to his deceased wife, Meg. He became a player and lost who he was from the deceit and heartache she made him endure. Violet is a brassy business owner who is willing to work hard and for what she wants.
This book we see the changes Hogan goes through to overcome his past and be the man he is destined to be. All the while, Violet is sitting in the wings being true to herself and working towards her dreams. I love it. I love them as a couple so so much. I feel like everything Lori wrote about this couple is something I am going through in my life right now. I understood everything she wrote because she wrote with such authentication. Love is hard and she did not for one second write about how easy it was.
Secondary, yet important, characters Nathan and Brooklin, Colt and Charity also make the story what it is. Nathan and Brooklins' love story is not one you'd typically read about and was so true to today's society and things that could happen. Colt, Hogan's son, and his love interest Charity are a sweet remembrance of what young love once was. Some of my sappier feelings came from scenes Colt was in.
There is not a page of this book I did not LOVE. I love how we even got to see the first books main focus characters of Jason and Honor and Sullivan and Lexie. Being crazy about a strong willed man who has been burnt by love more than once is hard and something I understand completely. Ah, all the feels...all the reality...and all the hope. Lori knocked this one way out of the park for me...definite recommend!!

Lori Foster can do no wrong. Another HOT read with phenomenal characters. I think I'd read a grocery list written by her!