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I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

Seized by Love at Seaside by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

I have read several of these books by Addison Cole (Melissa Foster) at this point, and each one I read seems to be better than the last one. Until these “sweet with heat” books emerged, I never had the opportunity to read anything by Melissa Foster because I typically eschew books that contain extended bedroom scenes. Every time I was invited to review one of her books, it was extremely difficult to not sign up in spite of my personal preferences. But since Melissa has given her readers this viable option, now I can read her delightfully romantic (and sensual stories).

One point of caution: While this book has no bedroom scenes, sex is implied and discussed in general terms. There is no bad language, however. And I found that Melissa writes her romances so incredibly well that I didn’t mind the suggestive scenes. In fact, truth be told, I was intrigued and enchanted by the sensual romance included in this book. But if any of this offends you, I strongly recommend that you skip this book.

For the record, this is my favorite Addison Cole book to date! While the nature of Lizzie’s podcast is potentially embarrassing (and even conceivably morally disturbing), I understood Lizzie’s motivation, and I could not truly judge her. After all, though suggestive, her podcast is not illegal, and her business acumen is mind-boggling.

This book was my introduction to Blue, and I simply adore this character! He was so authentic and down-to-earth, and those are the kinds of “heroes” I prefer. He has flaws, but his heart is always in the right place. And I would venture to say that his response to Lizzie’s secret is exactly what would be expected, but the way he works through his emotions and prejudices is precisely what I would want from the male protagonist. Furthermore, the way in which he supports Lizzie is unbelievable!

One of the things I sincerely appreciated in this book is that Melissa ensured that the characters actually TALKED! One of my main complaints with romance novels (and I have even pointed out this blemish in other books in her “Sweet with Heat” series) is that the couple attempts to solve all of their problems by going to bed. Now, while this does happen to a degree in these novels, and it’s clear that Lizzie and Blue can’t keep their hands off each other, they make a point to discuss the important things. I cannot tell you how much I relished that, and I hope to see more discussion happening in future romance stories!

One other thing I admired is the fact that the plot is not tied up in a tidy little bow. All too often, romances are packed with sugar-sweet characters and storylines that always work out in spite of any potential issues, no matter how seemingly insurmountable. While I will not spoil the story, I applaud Melissa for not permitting the characters to have everything go their way. While I believe the characters will ultimately experience their “happily ever after,” it’s nice to see a little hiccup that is not resolved the way Lizzie and Blue want it to.

Finally, I hope that a studio options this book for a movie very soon. I realize that is the “entertainment journalist” in me talking, but I believe this idea is fresh, contemporary, and the ideal story for a romantic comedy on film. I think with a few tweaks, any studio could adapt this story, and of all of Addison’s books I have read thus far, this is the one that I believe has the most potential in that department.

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Ending on Sunday 25th February at 11.59pm EST