Humorous, sweet, and heartwarming!

Cooper's Charm is a heartfelt, entertaining tale about accepting the things you cannot change, letting go of the past, rediscovering one’s self, taking chances, moving on, and the special, selfless bonds between sisters.

The prose is clear and smooth. The characters are hardworking, charismatic, and dependable. The setting is an idyllic summer retreat, complete with cabins, tents, sun, and sand. And the plot, which drags just slightly in the middle, is an engaging tale with a dash of mystery that’s full of friendship, family, light drama, witty banter, shameless flirting, sexy innuendoes, smoking chemistry, and new beginnings.

Cooper's Charm, overall, is a charming, uplifting, funny start to the Love at the Resort series by Foster that has a unique, quirky cast of characters, including the adorable beagle, Sugar that I can't wait to read more about.

I enjoyed this first book in a new series. I loved the secondary (and even a little tertiary!) love stories too, and I'm hoping some of the major side characters will have their story together next.

Phoenix Rose had it all, or so it seemed. She had her own thriving business, and a fiance, and her family, especially her older sister, Ridley. But, that all changed when her business was robbed and she was assaulted. She was so scared afterward, that she pretty much withdrew from the world, including her fiance. Even her sister was on the periphery while she tried to get her life back together. When she applies for and gets the job at Cooper's Charm lakeside resort, she's thrilled at the chance to just start over. She has no idea that the owner, and her new boss, Cooper, might just be everything she's ever wanted.

Cooper Cochran lived through losing his wife 5 years before, barely, and he needed a fresh start. So, he bought this resort, and he's been living and working here ever since. For the first few years it was a serious struggle, but now, he's mostly come to terms with what happened, and he's functioning on a daily level more normally. When, Phoenix applies for the job, he finds out about what happened to her during his background check on her, and he knows he wants to help her out. But, he has no idea the effect she'll have on him, and how she'll change his life forever.

Coop and Phoenix had great chemistry from the beginning, but they both had their own reasons for not acting on it right away. I loved how they really got to know each other and care about each other before they really got fully involved. They both came at things from a truly adult perspective. No silly misunderstandings or bad judgments. They were just honest with each other, and I really enjoyed their openness.

There was a secondary love story between Phoenix's sister, Ridley, and Baxter, the scuba instructor at the park. Ridley was hilarious, and I loved her fervent love and protectiveness of Phoenix. She was a great big sister! She is divorced, and it really hurt her, and her pride, when her husband left her. At first she's just physically attracted to Baxter, and they decide to keep it casual. Baxter is happy with this arrangement, because he has no plans of getting overly involved again, after getting hurt in the past. They both take the long way round, but I enjoyed watching their love blossom as well. Ridley was the comic relief of the story for sure! The other side characters were also fun, and I really hope we get to see Daron and Maris in the next book, figure their stuff out and get together!

There was a small suspense subplot which was entertaining, and kept me guessing pretty well. Though I had a feeling I knew what was happening, and I ended up being right, it didn't lessen my enjoyment of it at all.

Coop and Phoenix had a very long way to go, but together, they figured it out. I loved how all the employees at the park came together whenever anyone was having trouble, just like a family would. It was fun getting to know them all. I definitely want to read the next book in the series. Hopefully we'll get to catch up on all the main characters from this book, as well as delve deeper into some of the side characters. This was fun, and if you like the style of Lori Foster's other trade paperback series, you should be happy with this one too!

Two for the price of one! Well, not really, but both sisters find their HEA in Cooper's Charm.

Phoenix and Cooper's story was the perfect introduction to Lori Foster's Love at the Resort series. Phoenix needs more than a change of scenery, she needs a whole new life perspective. She's finally starting to feel a little bit more like herself, but she's not quite there yet. Cooper's Charm might just be the best place to totally heal. She most definitely wasn't looking for love when she made her move to the RV resort, but her attraction to Cooper was hard to resist.

Cooper was first intrigued by Phoenix's story, but when he got to know her, the attraction got stronger. He wasn't looking for love either, but Phoenix was a lot more than he expected her to be.

Then there was Ridley. There was a lot more to her than what was on the surface. The feeling of accomplishment she felt after a few days of work. At first she considered Baxter a challenge, but the attraction between them took them both by surprise.

Cooper's Charm was basically a sweet romance with a touch of danger and characters that were more like family than co-workers. There was a hint of things to come and I'm looking forward to what Lori Foster has in store for Love at the Resort.

Cooper's Charm is the perfect summer read. It was cute and fun, with a side of mystery thrown in. I was in the mood for a romance so I really appreciated that the mystery was not front and center. Both Phoenix and Cooper had things to work through and they were able to do it together, with *gasp* communication. I enjoyed Ridley and Baxter as well, though I would have loved for them to have gotten their own story, there was so much more to them that could have been shown.

What a fun, sweet, quick, sexy and frankly at times hysterical read.

Loved the relationship between sisters. And the men...HAWT. Such a fun concept, I so enjoyed the setting of the book.

It’s been a while since I’ve read this author...silly me. Now I remember I adore her books. Perfect summer read!

This was such a charming story and a quick read for me which was surprising since it is not a short story. Phoenix (love the name) has a tragic background with assault and PTSD and she has come to Cooper's Charm for a job and to get on with her life. After several months she has finally decided she has had enough of hiding out in motel rooms and emerges to take back her life. Meeting Cooper Cochran, the owner, is surprising since he is so big and could be intimidating but he immediately gives her a feeling of safety. After being on the job for a few weeks her sister, Ridley follows her to the resort and she is a hoot. Ridley has her own demons but she is a firecracker. The characters in this story are all well written and intriguing. There is love and suspense and overall a very good story that kept me turning the pages. Both sisters come to Cooper's Charm looking for a place to stay and they find a place to live and love. I definitely recommend this one! This is the start of a new series and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!!!!

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

Great story! I've read a lot of Lori Foster's work and they are always enjoyable. This one is about two sisters who are going through a rough time in their lives and head up at Cooper's Charm, a camping destination. The characters are funny and engaging. The story moves along nicely and I didn't want it to end. I hope to be able to revisit this charming place.

A perfect mix of sweet, sassy, and sexy with a dash of suspense and danger to give the story an excellent and edgy, life-altering conflict Lori Foster's new series is indeed charming and won my heart over completely.
Excuse me for fangirling here, but Ms. Foster writes such well balanced, smoothly flowing stories with intriguing and original characters, with lots of deep emotions and hot, sizzling heat, that they got to be addictive and you just don't want them to end.
I loved the two sisters, Phoenix Rose and Ridley Rose. They are so alike yet so different, just like sisters are. The bond between them is sacred, they get each other, they understand each other, there is nothing that would ever break that bond, and they are very secure with that knowledge.
Phoenix has gone through the unimaginable, a personal attack that left her mind battered and jumpy. She is a tough woman, she is a survivor, and she is working so hard to find herself again, to feel joy and love, and to dare to let herself go, surrender to the wild and burning attraction she feels towards Cooper. I loved that Phoenix is a curvy, independent, resilient woman, it is so easy to admire her, to relate to her, and to like her.
And Cooper, with his wounded soul, with his wit and kindness, his patience, and tenderness, I just loved him from the very first moment. And I loved him and Phoenix together, the way they center each other and balance each other, how safe and secure they felt with each other. And despite their personal imperfections or because of them, Cooper and Phoenix had the potential to be a true match, soulmates, if they dared to open up their hearts and minds and love again.
Ridley and Baxter took the foreplay type of mind games and banter to the next level. They are such a mix of contradictions, they argue and challenge the other, but are never hurtful or mean, they pull and then push but never too far away, they are sweet and tender with each other right after ravishing the other against the wall. They are entertaining, adorable, and just so deliciously delectable. With all the trouble, danger, and deep wounds Phoenix and Cooper have, Ridley and Baxter, they bring the balancing bliss and glee to the table - until the things get real.
I know Lori Foster's fans, and readers in general, are going to be delighted with the beginning of the new series. It is filled with intriguing, piquant characters, humor and joy, and even danger and sorrow, as well as the adorably satisfying and ardent love stories that will sweep the readers off their feet.
Unputdownable, not to be missed passionate romance novel with a touch of danger to spice it up even more
~ Five Spoons

I really liked Phoenix, Cooper, Sugar and the whole crew. Can't wait to hear more from Cooper's Charm. Phoenix has been hiding from life for a little while. Now it is time to get on with her life and that is why she came to Cooper's Charm. She hopes to restart her life. When she goes for her job interview, she expects to find a nice little old man and instead she gets a really big, good looking man. She has to get over her fear of big men sometime, right? Coop did a background check on Phoenix and knows what she has been dealing with and it brings out his protective instincts. After losing his wife to violence, he has had a hard time coming back to life. He and Phoenix seem to be kindred spirits. Coop will do anything to protect Phoenix from someone who seems to be targeting her. Phoenix is a lot stronger than she thinks. Add in Phoenix's sister, the other people who work for Coop and you have quite and adventure.

Cooper's Charm is the first in a new contemporary romance series about a lakeside camping resort where anyone lucky enough can find a second chance. In this first one, Phoenix and her sister Ridley aren't looking for love, but they are looking for a place to start over and heal from their wounds. Cooper's Charm just might be the place to make it happen.

I loved this story. The characters were fun and likable. Cooper and Phoenix's relationship was so much fun to watch develop. It was a slow and super sweet. They were well matched and just what the other needed to move on. I loved Phoenix. She was a character I was rooting for to find her way back to her old self. They were my favorite of the two couples. I did like Ridley and Baxter together. However, I felt like they were a bit hot and cold for most of the story, so their love declarations were a bit unexpected for me.

Aside from the romances, Phoenix and Ridley's sisterly bond was a joy to experience. They had a fierce loyalty to one another. They also had really fun banter that made me laugh. The other characters in the story gave the resort a feeling of home. It sounds like a place I would want to visit. The story also includes a little mystery to satisfy those suspense lovers out there. I highly recommend this one! It comes out next week. It will make a great book to read over the summer. I can't wait to see whose story is next. Maris maybe?

I was 'sold' this story on the basis of there being a dog in it - and, of course, Sugar is a scene-stealer par excellence. However, the crux of the story is about two sisters - Phoenix and Ridley - who are both in need of a little sisterly love following a) an attack upon Phoenix by persons unknown that leaves her feeling vulnerable and b) Ridley's recent divorce.

Phoenix hightails it to Cooper's Charm for a job interview. From the outset, Cooper, the owner of the RV resort, is impressed by her, hiring her on the spot. By the way, if there is a real resort like this anywhere, I want to go there.

There is chemistry brewing between the two of them, and finding a puppy in the throes of a beating by some local thugs is the glue that comes to bind them.

But then there are some odd incidents that bring a touch of mystery to the story. Starting with muddy footprints around the door to Phoenix's new home, a broken light bulb, and escalating to much worse - it seems someone is intent on harming her. In the meantime, Ridley comes to stay - and not just for a few days. Having never done such a physically exhausting job before, she takes to the role of housekeeper like a duck to water. Weird that, I thought. Luckily for her, there are other attractions to keep her at the resort, even if it means working long hours - after all, who needs sleep? Not Ridley, since she's pretty happy to stay up all night with Baxter, the scuba diver at the resort.

Yet the incidents keep on coming, getting increasingly dangerous and putting Phoenix at great risk. There are a few suspects, all of whom seem much more believable to me than the actual culprit when he finally is revealed. (Without revealing who the culprit is, let me give you an analogy - the person wishing Phoenix harm is an apple seller, who suddenly seems to prefer oranges. Yeah, cryptic I know - I'll explain at the very end with a warning for readers who don't want to know.)

I enjoyed the interaction between Phoenix and Ridley, and appreciated the slow-burning romance between Phoenix and Cooper - not so slow-burning for Ridley and Baxter, though ;) Maybe if the story had focused on just one sister's romance, it might have been a stronger read. This is the first book I've read by this author. I found the style a little difficult to follow at times, a lot of head-hopping between characters and some characters who didn't seem fully fleshed out (Baxter, for instance, appeared to have some 'issues' with commitment, but those vanished fairly quickly with no mention of how or why.)

Sugar, the beagle, remains my favourite 'character' still, and Cooper's Charm seems an idyllic resort. Overall, this was an entertaining read, perfect for the beach and an enjoyable summer read.
I'd give this 3.5 stars - if I could.

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: July 31st 2018 by HQN Books
ISBN 1335017526 (ISBN13: 9781335017529)
Edition Language English
Other Editions (5)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


One summer, two sisters and a chance to start over…

Before the burglary that shattered her confidence, Phoenix Rose had a fiancé, a successful store and a busy, happy existence. After months spent adrift, she takes a job at the lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, friendly colleagues and a charismatic, widowed boss, Phoenix is slowly inching her way back into the world.

Visiting Cooper’s Charm to check up on her little sister, Ridley Rose impulsively agrees to fill in as housekeeper. Still reeling from an ego-bruising divorce, she finds satisfaction in a job well done—and in the attention of the resort’s handsome scuba instructor.

For Phoenix and Ridley, Cooper’s Charm is supposed to be merely temporary. But this detour may lead to the place they most need to be, where the future is as satisfying as it is surprising…

My Thoughts


This is a classic tale of starting over after having a truly horrific incident turn ones life upside down and inside out causing our leading female character Phoenix Rose to become the exact opposite of who she was before it occurred.

After quite some time spent feeling lost and basically unable to face the world Phoenix rallies enough to take a job doing what she once excelled at before her life shattered around her.

At Cooper's Charm Resort the demons that plagued her slowly were conquered and Ms. Rose rose from the ashes like her mythical namesake as once again Phoenix took control of her life. That included finding a new love which helped to finally gave her everything back she had once lost, not the least of which was her passion for living each day fully.

The fictional lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm not only charmed me but gave me a hankering to take an RV trip to find a place in-real-life that compares.

Loved the lead couple Cooper Cochran and Phoenix Rose. Older sister, Ridley Rose, was a hoot and rooting for she and scuba instructor Baxter to make a go of things as doing the same for Coop and Phoenix.

Nice beginning and one more time author Lori Foster hit one out of the park for me.

[EArc from Netgalley]

This is a sweet romantic story about two people recovering from violence that changed both their lives. Being together gave them hope of peace and happiness once again being part of their future.

Cooper Cochran (Coop) owns and manages an RV Camping resort in Woodbine, Ohio, called Coopers Charm. Five years ago he lost his wife in a violent convenience store robbery. He spent a year living on rage and despair. He then knew life would never be the same, but he needed a new direction. The resort and all his quirky employees were his lifesaver.

Phoenix Rose was a perfectly happy young woman, engaged to be married when gunmen robbed and sexually assaulted her at her business. The robbers were never arrested. The only thing that kept her sane was her sister Ridley. After six months living in a hotel and all but disappearing she saw a help wanted ad looking for a landscaper. It was her ticket out of her self imposed limbo. She loves the work, the friends she has made at the resort, not to mention the pull she feels toward Coop. He knows of her background and is trying to not frighten her off, although he is very attracted to her. Ridley, fresh from a divorce, with lots of money descends on Cooper’s Charm to check on her sister and suddenly doesn’t want to leave. The banter is hilarious, and the characters add so much depth to the story.
Rescuing a poor sweet puppy from two thugs torturing it, brings Phoenix and Coop closer. But at the same time, strange unexplained incidents start happening at the resort.

I found this to be a great read, as all Ms. Foster’s books are. The slow build up of the romance and the suspense added an extra spice to the story.

Thank you to Harlequin Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Cooper and Phoenix were a match made in heaven, although after the hell they both went through, they were both due something fantastic! This is a story about working through the past and moving toward something amazing. The secondary story was fun to read too, and the other people at the resort were awesome. I can't wait for more love to come at the Resort!

Two sisters, Phoenix and Ridley end up in Cooper's Charm a lakeside resort after traumatic events change their lives. Cooper Cochren is the owner of the resort and it has provided him with a outlet for his grief of losing his wife. While Cooper's Charm might be a fun place for people to hang out and enjoy family time, for the character's in this story it's a place for them to heal. I enjoyed this book. It's one of those stories that make you feel mellow. You know your going to get a good story so you can sit back and relax and read with enjoyment you'll get a great HEA at the end. Loved all the character's. There's a bit of drama and suspense mixed with romance and soul bearing revelations. Enjoyed from beginning to end.



Find out more about this new series and Lori Foster here www.lorifoster.com

Cooper’s Charm
Lori Foster

Lori Foster’s latest, Cooper’s Charm, #1 in her brand new Summer Resort Series is the perfect beach/vacation/summer read about the Happy Ever After of two people healing from tragic past events with a secondary love story side dish. Readers are treated to smokin hot love scenes that this author is famous for, ribald rolling on the floor snarky humor, unforgettable characters, the most adorable dog ever plus a chilling, thrilling mystery. The Ohio small town setting and the RV resort park locale add credibility, and the descriptive narrative paint vivid scenes for the audience. Every employee of the resort are like an extended family and play their roles perfectly, the sister’s relationship is sweet but it’s the stars of this novel the unsinkable Phoenix and unshakable Cooper that rule the pages of this sexy, sweet story and will makes readers salivate for book #2.

SUMMARY:
Six months after being brutally attacked during a robbery Phoenix Rose is ready for a new start and after a lot of research she decided working as the groundskeeper for a camping resort called Cooper’s Charm is just what the doctor ordered. What she’s not sure of is why the big, buff, sexy owner doesn’t scare her like every other male since the attack. In fact he woke up her libido. Huh.
Cooper Cochran bought this resort as a way to heal after the death of his wife he’s made some fantastic hires and from the first time he met Phoenix he knew she’d be the perfect groundskeeper. After researching her and learning of her attack he expected to feel protective of her, what he didn’t expect was the lust he feels for her and if he’s reading the signs right the feeling is mutual. So now all he has to do is decide just how far to take it.

This was a sweet summer read. Lori Foster has brought charm to the coast. This was thoroughly enjoyable.

I found this first book in the series to be entertaining, but maybe not as strong as some of the other works that I have read by Ms Foster.

The community of Cooper’s Charm is unique and fun to get to know. I also enjoyed the Rose sisters and their love interests immensely.

Ms Foster typically does a fantastic job of blending intrigue into her romantic stories. This book made the effort and gets credit for a satisfying conclusion, but I didn’t quite feel the tension in getting to that point or even really understand the motivation for the final villian. It felt like there were several opportunities that were left unexplored that might have made for a stronger story.

I also struggle a little bit with the fact that we get romances for both sisters in one book. I felt like by combining them, both stories were a bit short changed. Both couples come to the table with enough baggage that it felt like short cuts were taken to resolve some of the issues. Baxter’s (the romantic lead for Ridley) conflict especially seemed to be a bit anticlimactic once it was explained. Not the issue itself, but his response to it.

In terms of writing quality, community development, etc this is what I would expect from a Lori Foster book. I was entertained and enjoyed myself, but had a few things that I wish were a little stronger. If you are a Foster fan, I think you will enjoy this book. I am intrigued to see where she goes with this series and the other community members of Cooper’s Charm.

Cooper's Charm by Lori Foster is about second chances. Friendships, fresh starts, and a bit of romance can be found on the pages. The story is sweet, steady-sometimes slow, and engaging. I felt it tug my heart in some places. Other spots in the book dragged a little. It felt like there were more details than was needed. The main female character seemed sad and distant. Her new job was just the thing to stir up her life. It like she came back to the living. Cooper, her boss, was real likable. He had this way of dragging me further into the plot. Charming, hard-working, and kind, Cooper was a great character to follow. Overall, it was a good story about letting go of the past and moving forward.

Cooper's Charm (Love at the Resort, #1) by Lori Foster ..... A great start to a new series... Lori Foster has another winner... I love how she takes me right into the story and I feel like part of everything that happens. Phoenix Rose... owned her own business..engaged...robbed at gun point and beaten badly .. she breaks her engagement and hides away until she takes a job at Cooper's Charm.. a camping resort. Cooper ...bought the resort to get over the tragic loss of his wife. Ridley Rose ...divorced and Phoenix's sister... Baxter... Scuba instructor at the resort... Maris runs the store and Daron is the maintenance man... and lets not forget Sugar..... this story has all the feels. laughs, tears, mystery and steamy sex anyone could ask for.... Yes there is a very HEA....I can't wait for the next book....