The Love Shack is the third standalone small-town romance in the Indiana Summers series by Lori Foster. It takes place in the town of Cemetery, a quirky resort town with a mannequin the folks dress up. Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven there and is escaping from her scandalous past. Will she find a haven and a place to belong? You’ll want to find out in this sweet summer romance.
by Lori Foster
Series: Indiana Summers #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
They’ve been trying to avoid each other.
But this town has other ideas…When Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven, she thought she’d finally put her past behind her. But sometimes she feels the sting of the scandal from her youth, especially when she keeps crossing paths with her handsome neighbor. So, she keeps her head down and pours all her love into caring for animals.
Lawson Salder moved to Cemetery, Indiana, to escape from the grinding poverty of his childhood. He barely knew Berkley from their old neighborhood, but every time he sees her, the shame and pain come crashing back. He knows she’s got major baggage of her own. They're better off just avoiding each other.
But that’s downright impossible in a town full of matchmaking busybodies. Then there’s the hard-to-ignore attraction they feel every time they see each other. When the universe is conspiring to bring them together, will Berkley and Lawson let past hurts go and embrace the love they deserve?
I loved returning to Cemetery, Indiana and seeing familiar characters and meeting new ones. Each of the books in the Indiana Summers series work as standalone, but you’ll want to go back and read them all!
Berkley Carr made some mistakes and lost her mother. The one thing that saved her was taking care of her mom’s dog and from there she found her mission. With a little help, she opened the Love Shack Animal Haven on the outskirts of Cemetery, Indiana. Here she has a home and shelter for animals in need. She’s not keen on meeting folks, but her pesky cat won’t stop stealing from her neighbor. I felt for Berkley and the events that occurred in her past. You can’t help but admire her passion and fierce need to protect the animals she aids.
Lawson Salder’s knew Berkley way back then and carries guilt that he didn’t do more to help her. Maybe it’s best if he keeps his distance. However, townsfolk and a cat have other ideas. I liked Lawson and his need to protect Berkley.
The story that unfolds had all the elements I love in small-town romances. Busybodies, matchmakers, social events, community and all the little things that make Cemetery unique. We meet some new characters and get hints at the next romance as well as check-ins on previous couples. It was bliss. The story has a suspenseful element that forced the couple to interact and kept me flipping the pages.
The Love Shack was the perfect beach read and one I recommend for fans of romance, small-towns, animals and shenanigans.
About Lori Foster
Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I don’t know if I’ve every actually read this author, but I do follow her on Facebook and enjoy interacting with her page. With the animals and small town aspect of the story, it sounds like I would enjoy it! I think the covers just make me think of women’s fiction versus romance and that’s why I haven’t read any yet? Great review!
Amorina Rose
You sold me.
THT Steph
This sound like a fun summer read. I had to look to be sure, but I have never read a book by Lori Foster. She sounded familiar, so I must have seen her around. I will definitely try this out. Thank you for the recommendation.
Laurel-Rain Snow
UPDATES
ER LeVar
There’s just something about this sort of summer romance, right? Small town + animal shelter = winning combination in my book, at least when I’m looking to relax and unwind.
Katherine
I have the first two books in this series on my TBR and this sounds like the best one yet! I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Mary Kirkland
I love small town stories and this sounds really good.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’ve enjoyed a story or two from this author. I like many aspects of this ones description. I keep hearing the B52s though.
Bookworm
I haven’t ready Lori Foster in a while and this one sounds so nice.