The woods of rural Ohio help wounded souls heal in Foster's tender contemporary. Sisters Phoenix and Ridley need a quiet place to heal and regain their confidence after some hard knocks, and picturesque lakeside resort Cooper's Charm is the perfect temporary landing spot. The grounds-keeper job is hard work, but the physical labor helps Phoenix recover from the trauma of robbery and assault, and she thrives on being part of a tight-knit staff. Resort owner Cooper Cochran understands needing a hideout, since he bought the resort while reeling from his wife's murder, and Phoenix helps take his mind off his woes. Ridley, at loose ends after an ego-bruising divorce and hefty settlement, stays at the resort as a housekeeper and soon falls for sexy scuba instructor Baxter McNab. Sexiness permeates every scene; Cooper's gentle protectiveness and desire contrasts with Baxter and Ridley's hot bedroom games. A subplot involving a stalker and vandalism feels misplaced in this otherwise well-executed contemporary romance. Foster excels at portraying well-crafted characters with distinct personalities, and readers will enjoy the banter among all the friends. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Badly needing a fresh start after a brutal robbery steals her livelihood, trust, and self-assurance-as well as her fiancé-landscaper Phoenix Rose takes a job as groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm RV Park and Resort, an idyllic lakeside site in Ohio. Attraction to sexy resort owner Coop Cochran catches her off guard, and the last thing Phoenix-or Coop, for that matter-has in mind is a real relationship. Naturally, fate has other plans. A cadre of engaging supporting characters and an important secondary romance involving Phoenix's live-wire sister, Ridley, make the quirky resort community spring to life, while sinister doings add a touch of danger. VERDICT A beautifully matched pair find each other despite their misgivings (and their baggage) in a steamy romance laced with mystery and suspense that is a pure delight. Foster (Fast Burn) lives in Ohio. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In prolific Foster's latest, Phoenix Rose accepts a job as the new groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm, a resort and RV park, seeking a fresh start after suffering a robbery, an assault, and a broken engagement. Because she is trying to move on, the last thing Phoenix is looking for is a relationship. However, her boss, the resort's namesake, arouses unexpected feelings, and the attraction seems to be mutual. Ridleyvisits Cooper's Charm to check on her little sister, but her flirtatious game with the scuba instructor entices her to stay longer, allowing Foster to create a two-for-one romance novel. In each relationship, Mutual physical attraction leads to a fling and then becomes emotional and serious, and each character is distinct enough to keep the double plot interesting and easy to follow. A mystery regarding an unknown person who is intimidating and scaring Phoenix pushes the story along at a fast pace, although the ultimate reveal is slightly underwhelming and strains the reader's credulity. Still, Foster's novel is as charming as its setting and makes for a relaxing summer read.--Friebel, Jenna Copyright 2010 Booklist