by Lori Foster
Series: Guthrie Brothers #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
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Ready or not…love will find a way
Single dad Hogan Guthrie is getting his life back on track, and working as the "barbecue master" at a local diner is just a temporary detour. He and restaurant owner Violet Shaw constantly butt heads…until one night they end up mingling other parts instead. Hogan thought he had the recipe for happiness all figured out. But loyal, carefree Violet is daring him to trust his impulses…and see just how sweet small-town living—and loving—can be.
Nathan Hawley traded his SWAT team credentials for a sheriff's badge, but a gorgeous new neighbor is shaking up his orderly life. Nathan has a hunch there's more to Brooklin Sweet than meets the eye—but given her caution about getting involved, he has his work cut out for him. Still, there's something about the elusive beauty Nathan can't walk away from—and helping her come to terms with her past might pave the way to the future they both secretly long for.
WORTH THE WAIT by Lori Foster is the second book in the Guthrie Brothers contemporary romance series. Foster shared not one but two romances with a dash of suspense. This sweet, sexy, small town story held me captive from page one. Pull up a bar stool at Screwy Louie’s your going to enjoy this 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 happiness 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 while keeping the ingredients to his sauce a secret. 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 found myself caught up in their romance. 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. 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. From the setting to the characters Foster made me feel apart of it all and readers will enjoy this escape from reality.
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.
Fans of Jill Shalvis, Robyn Carr, and Bella Andre will enjoy this series with its small-town feel and smidgeon of heat.
Worth the Wait gave us small town charm, chemistry, family, friends, and suspense #mustread Share on X
Katherine
I’ve been wanting to try Lori Foster for awhile but not all of her books really grab me. This one sounds like a must read. I love the characters who think they can do it all themselves until they find themselves needing a hand. It’s one of my favorites and I love the sound of both Hogan and Violet!
Cyn
Glad you enjoyed this, too! It was such sugar-y cuteness! I loved both romances (: Lovely review, Kim!
Kristin
Two romances in one book? That’s new! I’ve taken a break from Foster’s books but I may have to pick them back up b/c I’m sucker for the storyline of a guy who is thought to be a player but ends up not really being his “reputation” 🙂 Thanks for the great review!
Sophia Rose
I enjoy those stories that work in a secondary story so well. The restaurant atmosphere and the characters sounds great. And argh, I still need to read Lori Foster.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Ah, man, it’s been awhile since I read one of her books. I need to grab one soon!
Angela Adams
Two romances for the price of one! Wow! Thanks for the post.
Lorna
Glad you liked this one. I still haven’t finished a book by her but of course own a few. Great review!
Aleen
LOL on “Screwy Louie’s”. Love stories like this! I’ve added both books in the series to my TBR list. Great review. 🙂
Lexxie
I really enjoyed Worth the Wait as well, Kim! I just found Hogan and Violet to be so compatible, and I was rooting for them from start to finish!
Great review 🙂
Jenea
Awe, this sounds sooo good. I certainly need to check out the first book. Wonderful review.
Jenea’s Book Obsession
Lover Of Romance
oh I can’t wait to pick this one up here! I just love this author, and she always writes the best characters.
kindlemom1
Looks like another fantastic read from this author! Seriously need to push her up my pile.
Debbie Haupt
Oh boy I have these in my pile and need to read them. LOL time, I need time 🙂
Loved the review Kim I love all the things about this that you pointed out, small town, suspense etc…
Quinn's Book Nook
I am such a Lori Foster fan . . . but I didn’t love the first book in this series. I don’t generally enjoy romances with a secondary romance, so right off the bat that didn’t work for me. And that is the case with this one. Also, Hogan kind of got on my nerves big time in the first book.
But I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
Nadene
It has been awhile I’ve read Lori Foster. This one sounds enjoyable, I may just give it a try. Great review Kim.
Berls
So DON’T TEMPT ME was actually a DNF for me. I just couldn’t get into it – I don’t know if I was in the wrong place mentally when I was trying to read it or what. Especially because this review has me wanting to read this one. Maybe I need to give the book a new shot!
blodeuedd
I need to read more by her!
Geybie's Book Blog
I’m in the mood for a romance with a little bit of suspense in it. Thanks for sharing this book, Kim. Awesome review. ❤️
Melliane
I’m so behind! I know I need to try this author!