This!! This was just so much more than a romance.
Started out very family oriented at a beautiful campground, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the area and the ideals of what a campground could be.
Joy with son, Jack, has lived and worked here for years, enter Royce, new guy in area running the drive-in, and there's chemistry. A lot of baggage on both sides, a lot of uncertainty, to taking some very big steps forward.
Maris, owner of Summer's End and Daron, maintenance engineer, have known each other a long time and the chemistry is there also, but it's laughable the ends that Maris goes to denying it all. Until she doesn't.
Through this all, Maris and Joy find deep friendship, what sister of the heart truly means and sharing everything LoL.
Bonus when Royce finds and keeps Chaos, adding to the awww factor of kids and puppies.
The 2nd in a series, stand alone, started out a smidge slow for me, but necessary, to get all the feels and depth of this dual romance.
Such an emotionally happy ending

This is the 2nd book in the series. I loved Being back at Cooper’s Charm RV Resort.
Joy the single parent to Jack has her mind set on not getting involved with anyone. Then the charming new Drive-in owner Royce comes into her and Jacks world. The “Sisterhood” that Joy and Maris share is heartwarming and entertaining. The way Joy and Maris encouraged each other to go for what they want personally and professionally was refreshing. I have Always enjoyed the way Lori Foster writes a series. I find Myself rooting for past characters to pop in and out of every book she writes. Lori never disappoints in keeping you updated on all her series characters. I was Given an ARC of this book to read and give a honest review. I’m never disappointed after reading a Lori Foster book they just keep getting better!

What an amazing read! Joy Lee is the recreation leader at the RV park and Royce has bought the drive-in next door. After a rough first meeting, these two quickly grow necessary for each other.
First I liked how this book had realistic emotion without drama just for drama. I admire an author who can take everyday emotions and make them enough for a book!
I also liked the whole group mentality of this book. It is definitely about more than just Joy and Royce and features the whole crew of the RV Park. Daron and Maris’ story is enough of a reason to read this book!
I love the strong focus on friendships in this book too. It seems to acknowledge that these are just as important as a love interest!
I think anyone who enjoys sweet with a touch of steamy would enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Lori Foster, the author for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun book ! Evolving characters keep you wanting more. Feel good book that leaves you smiling at the end.

“Sisters of Summer’s End” by Lori Foster is book two of her Summer Resort series.

In book one, we met Joy Lee (recreation director) and Maris Kennedy (camp store owner) and in book two, not only do they become the best of friends, they also find their happily-ever-afters. Though, neither of the women claim they have time when it comes to matters of the heart.

For Joy, she is a single mom whose main focus is on her son. The attraction she feels when she meets the new owner of the drive-in, Royce Nakirk, renders her speechless.
Royce, on the other hand, is on board with pursuing their attraction, but it can’t be more than that.

Maris is bold enough to tell Joy to follow her heart, but unable to take her own advice when it comes to handyman, Daron Hardy. Daron, who’s waited for her for a long time, is patient and eager to help her change her mind.

In “Sisters of Summer’s End”, Ms. Foster brings us a contemporary romance with a touch of women’s fiction.

Cooper's Charm is a special place, where the people who work there love their jobs, look after their coworkers, and get to live in a beautiful lakeside vacation spot. I loved the way Joy Lee has made a life there for herself and Jack, her son, and the way she maintains her independence. Maris, who runs Summer's End, the camp store, is an amazing woman with wicked organizational skills and always has fresh coffee and sumptuous cookies on hand. As these two develop a closer friendship, they also deal with their histories before coming to Cooper's Charm.

Now for the men. Royce is new to the area. It was hard not to fall in love with this man, He has so much to offer, a strong, and willingly helps out whenever he can. Daren is the most wonderful character, always in a good mood, ready to lend a hand, and steadily working on breaking down Maris' walls for her to let him in.

The best thing about this book is the sense of community, how they really are like an extended family in many ways. The way everyone interacted made me wish I could move to Cooper's Charm. Oh, and there are dogs!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) and HQN for the advance reader copy, Sisters of Summer’s End by favorite romance author, Lori Foster, in exchange for an honest review. This second book in the series, Summer Resort #2 was awesome! The friendship between single mom, Joy and Maris, owner extraordinaire of Summer’s End was special, exciting, and humorous (when others eavesdropped). Both women are in their early thirties and because of life’s demands, they have kept to themselves (in love and with Joy, in life). Joy is the recreational director at the resort, has a six-year-old son, Jack, who loves anything to do with art. It is when Royce becomes the new owner of the drive-in that sparks begin to fly (although really stoked by Maris) between Joy and Royce. Maris has kept her job as her main obsession; turning away handyman, Daron at every opportunity. As the women’s friendship deepens; they rely on each other and help each other through many situations. I love Lori Foster romance books; her characters are real with problems and insecurities and I just love getting to know them and rooting for a happy ending. Also, I love in this series the puppy, Chaos; Jack and Royce are adorable when they are around this little fluff ball! What I always enjoy are the many friends that become like “family” and the good feelings Foster’s books generate. Highly recommended for the romance, chemistry, and sexual energy provided.

This review will also be posted on the New York Journal of Books site on the night before the release date.


"Sisters of Summer's End" by Lori Foster
HQN
June 10, 2019
10-1335007687

Women's Contemporary Fiction


After Joy Lee is disowned by her family for marrying the wrong guy and having his baby, she reinvents her life. She divorces her husband and takes a job at a lakeside resort in Woodbine, Ohio, where she and her son Jack are offered a small apartment as part of her employment. Though this is totally unlike the lifestyle in which she was raised, Joy finds happiness with her colleagues.

Joy's life revolves around Jack to the point where she eschews a social life to give him the attention she never received. No one could love a child as much as she does Jack, and she refuses to let anything get between them. Now at age five, Jack is precocious and very intelligent, yet Joy realizes he needs a male influence in his life.

As the activity director, Joy is trying to plan something special for Halloween. She meets with Royce Nakirk, the new owner of the local drive-in, hoping to come up with some adventures for the guests. She is caught off guard when she meets Royce, a man in his early thirties who could easily pass as a model, and feels a strong attraction to him regardless of her intent to never to get into another relationship.

Royce also suffered pain in his recent past and is looking to start over. Little does he expect to be attracted to anyone, but there is something about Joy that piques his curiosity.

Joy befriends Maris Kennedy who runs the camp store and restaurant. When Maris asks what Joy thinks of the newcomer stating he is a "hunk" Joy admits Royce is extremely attractive though admits she is not interested in messing up her current situation by getting interested or involved in some good-looking guy.

When she questions why Maris doesn't date, this is her response:

"'I don't date,' Maris stated. 'Never have.'

"'You say that like it's part of your religion or something.' Joy crossed her arms.

'Why can't you date?'

“Maris choked on a laugh, quickly covered her mouth and shook her head. 'It's not that I can't, it's that I don't.'

"True, Joy couldn't recall a time where Maris did anything other than . . . work.

'Okay, but why?'

"'Let's just say I have other priorities. Financial security tops the list. Independence is right behind it.'

Though the two women constantly discuss guys and mostly talk about sex, it's strange they do not want any part of it.

Joy and Royce seek each other out more and more as time passes, and though Joy tries to keep her distance, she only gets drawn closer to him, finding him perfect, not only in his manner but how he relates to Jack. Royce finds Joy fascinating and when she suggests they start a fling, saying she doesn't want to get serious with anyone, especially if it doesn't work out as it would hurt Jack who is now getting closer to Royce.

Their affair becomes more intense, though they are fearful of admitting their true feelings. When Joy's estranged parents try to reconnect with her under their terms, Joy is adamant about staying apart. Though she loves them, they treated her terribly, and she does not want them to be in contact with Jack. Things come to a climax when Joy learns her grandmother died, leaving her an inheritance, though with certain stipulations. She knows if she agrees to their conditions, she'd never have to worry about providing for Jack, but can she be subject to their demands?

Joy talks to Royce about her situation, which makes him pull away from her. As an honorable man, he would never want anyone to think he was after her for what she is due to inherit. This causes confusion and hurt for Joy, but what can she do?

"Sisters of Summer's End" is a passionate, sensual, and steamy novel. Its premise mostly consists of lust and sex, though the plot demonstrates how friendships can be made and past hurts forgiven.

This book honestly surprised me. I didn't expect it to be so good given the synopsis (the whole lake resort theme didn't seem that interesting at first), but in this case, I'm happy to be wrong in my assumption.

Joy is a single mom working as the events coordinator at an Ohio lake resort. Royce is the hot new owner of the local drive-in theater, which just happens to be next door to the resort. Joy first meets Royce at a meeting to go over some possible collaboration between the two businesses and they both find themselves instantly attracted to one another.

Joy tries to keep things professional for a short while since she doesn't think she's ready for any sort of relationship. She hasn't had one since her son was born, so it's been a long time. Royce is also not ready for a relationship and is trying to cope with the death of his mother. But they agree to a bedroom only go at things. Of course, things don't stay in the no-feelings category and they both quickly develop feelings for one another over the time they're seeing each other and that's when things get complicated. They don't really communicate these feelings once they realize they have them for each other and that leads to a few days apart while they battle those feelings. You know, just another classic romance novel element. The ending to this book was super cute though.

On top of their personal feelings complications, we also learn more about Joy and her parents and that family drama is now back and she has to deal with that as well. I did enjoy the resolution to that. I thought it was a good lesson in forgiveness and not being stubborn.

But don't let me forget the adorable little Jack, Joy's son. I mean seriously, the kid had a big personality and attached himself to Royce pretty quickly. He was such a good judge of character, obviously. And his love for Chaos (the dog) was equally adorable. I just loved the little kid. A book with a cute kid will always get me.

This book also has a side story with Maris and Daron, two workers at the resort. Their evolving relationship was a nice addition to this book since it also gave some insights into Joy & Royce's romance. I loved their ending as well!

I didn't read the first book in the series and I'm usually one to only read a Lori Foster series in order, but when I saw this book available, I decided to go ahead and give it a read. That being said, I think it was okay that I didn't read the first book since I didn't feel lost by any of the other characters who were introduced.

I'll definitely go back and read book 1 and look forward to more in the future.

A great continuation to the Summer Resort series and we still get two get love stories in one book. Joy came to Cooper’s Charm RV Park at her lowest, pregnant, divorced, and truly on her own for the first time in her life since she was disowned by her rich family. Growing up spoiled and given everything she wanted, Joy had to learn how to be independent for not only herself but her son, Jack. Six years later she is proud of her independence, how she’s raised Jack and how good she’s become at being the Head of Recreation for the park. She has to talk to the new owner of the drive-in about keeping up the partnership between the drive-in and the park she had going with the previous owner but the meeting doesn’t quite goes as planned. Royce turns out to be a super hottie and Joy goes from uninterested in the male species to very interested in this particular male.
Maris runs the camp store and comes from a poor family which has made her very determined to become financially solvent through constant hard work and no distractions, distractions like Daron. Daron is a groundskeeper and all around handyman and has been trying to get Maria to notice him for what feels like forever. She doesn’t take him seriously and only sees him as a young, irresponsible playboy, not a man looking to settled down. Joy and Maris start a gossip morning club to help encourage each other to go after what they want which helps both of them become closer as friends and grower stronger and more confident as individuals.
This was a wonderful book, I enjoyed seeing all the past characters and getting to know the characters from the first book a little better. I absolutely loved how supportive Joy and Maris were of each other, the world needs more people like them. *I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.*

I wished this book would never end. The two women who became friends and found love with amazing guys should have just continued. They overcame their personal issues together and became sisters of the heart.
Wonderful

Great trip back to Cooper's Charm RV Resort, where we visit old friends and meet new.
In this book, Joyce is a single mother to a boy named Jack. She works at Cooper's Charm, Royce bought a Drive In Theatre which is located next to resort. Both of them don't want any relationship, but they can feel sexual attraction and they want to act on it.
Mix a dog and the kid into this and it's more, they don't even see it coming.
Loved all characters, we learn more about Maris and Daron too, which was great.

As always Lori Foster do not disappoint with her writing. Love this story..

***4.5 stars***

I enjoyed this story and it was a great read. The only reason it wasnt a 5 star book was that half the book was about Mavis and Joy. Joy and Royce gor a quarter while Mavis and Daron got the remaining quarter. It was nice seeing the relationship between the women but I felt like the couple deserved more of the story. Their relationships with the men were so rushed.

Love and family don’t have to start with a blood relation; they can also be what you make of ‘em. If there is one thing that jumped out at me when I read SoSE it was that Cooper’s Charm is a place to work, to meet, to love and to heal. All of these things make the folks who live and work here family. It’s not always by blood, but always with their hearts.

Although we were introduced to Joy Lee and Maris Kennedy in the first book – no worries, this is truly a standalone but previous characters weave in and out of the story – this is the first time we are able to understand their backgrounds and their personalities. And yeah, both have smexy stories. Joy has a meet/disaster with Royce (when you read it, it will make you laugh) that is like throwing gasoline on a fire and they hit it off, sort of, from the start. Both have major issues with their own lives but as always happens, they are better and stronger together than they are apart. My heart often broke for these two but their chemistry is off the charts. In their story, my favorite characters are Jack, Joy’s young son, and Chaos the dog. OMG, I can’t begin to describe how these two will steal your heart. And as is sometimes the case, these two little ones teach the grownups a thing or two about acceptance and love.

Maris has been an enigma, not only to me as a reader but to the folks around her at Cooper’s Charm. She was closed off – friendly, super on top of things – but she didn’t really open herself up to anyone. During the story, she and Joy become close, like “sisters”, and the interactions are most often hilarious. Daron works at the resort, too, and has been in – let’s say – lust with Maris for a long time. She, however, won’t give him the time of day. There are misconceptions and misunderstandings and an age difference but how they work it all out is so much fun to read. Loved Daron, too.

I guess what stuck with me the most is the way these characters all pulled together and were “there” for one another, no matter what the issue was. Some surprises thrown in the mix but all of ‘em really were terrific to read. Can’t wait to see if there are more folks hanging around Cooper’s Charm so we can get a peek into their lives. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I received an ARC provided by the author & publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Lori Foster outdid herself, what an incredible book, just loved it!! You will love Royce, Joy & Jack and Daron & Maris who are such strong & likable characters, you won’t want the story to end. Reading this book makes you want to work at Coopers Charm too & makes you wish all the wonderful characters were your friends as well!! You also can’t forget the adorable rescue dogs Chaos & Sugar🐾🐾. A definite must read!!

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great read. One I will read again and again in the future.

This is the story of single mom Joy Lee who left her old life and took a job at a lakeside resort. It offered her something her wealthy family couldn't buy her peace of mind. Her friend Maris dares her to take a chance on the drive-ins new owner Royce Nakirk.

Maris had a difficult childhood and it made her who she is today. She runs Summer's end the camp store and cafe and it comes first in her life. Nothing would make her risk the security of that job especially not her co-worker Daron Hardy. Encouraging Joy to take a chance it makes her wonder what she is missing. They form a friendship that makes them as close as sisters and open to love and new relationships.

I really loved this story it's not just a romance it's also about the love of friends that become family and also shows people struggling with real problems. The character and story felt real to me and I couldn't wait to see what happened. You should really check out this book and series they are great.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and here is my honest reveiw.

This was a cute read! Aside from the two romances, which ranged from sweet to sexy, I absolutely loved the burgeoning friendship between Joy and Maris! Even though they’d worked together for years, neither one had really taken a step out of their comfort zones and it was nice to see a positive female friendship. Joy’s son, Jack was just an all-around cutie pants with his artistic eye and loving personality. And I can’t forget the furbaby! Chaos was a rescue dog Royce, Joy and Jack found, and he more then lived up to his namesake...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sisters of Summers End is a story of friendship and love. Joy is a single mom who left her previous life behind to raise her son at a resort. Maris is a lady that is defined by a difficult childhood. Her only priority is running her store/cafe Summer's End. Royce is the new owner of the drive in theater who's only rule is no encumbrances. He's had enough of those caring for his mother. Maris encourages Joy to take a chance on Royce but Joy isn't sure she wants to let anyone into her life. Will this just be a fling or something more? Soon Joy encourages Maris to let someone in her life too. This is a great story with interesting, likable characters.

Sisters of Summer’s End is a wonderful, heartwarming and sweet story. This was definitely a love story between Joy and Royce but it was so much more. The friendship that develops between Joy and Maris added so much to this book. Joy is a single mother to little Jack, she’s had a rough few years and has some trust issues. Maris’ past was difficult and she has built a new life in Cooper’s Charm. But now six years later, their working relationship has changed to a true friendship, a sisterhood. And with this new found friendship, Maris gives Joy the push she needs to give Royce, the hot new owner of the drive-in next door, a chance. I loved watching these two trying to figure out what they really wanted. Both were so against, for different reasons, anything permanent. But as their story progresses you see deeper feelings also progressing and having little Jack and puppy Chaos involved was just too sweet.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, not just the awesome love story, but also the sense of family and true friendship. Joy’s past returns and creates a bit of a bump, but this too is resolved beautifully. Another wonderful story by Lori Foster.

I received an ARC of Sisters of Summer’s End from Netgalley, and this is my honest review.

I laughed and I cried both tears of happiness and sadness. Sisters of Summer's End follows two love stories Joy and Royce and Maris and Darron but unlike the usual love stories I read, this book also demonstrates the equal importance of friendship. Joy and Maris work together but their relationship develops into more of a sisterhood as the story progresses. Add in Joy's adorable son Jack, Royce's dog Choas and the backdrop of the RV resort and you have a heartwarming and engaging romance. Lori Foster paints such a vivid picture I'm ready to buy an RV and move to the local. Don't miss Sisters of Summer's End and if you haven't read Cooper's Charm read it too!