Stroke of Love (Contemporary Romance) (Love in Bloom

I have enjoyed all of Melissa Fosters books and eagerly await the next one! This book was just as good as all of her other books and I love how she moves from series to series. Her books are addicting!

This book was awful. Very poorly developed characters. The fake drama with heroine Kate was just ridiculous. Sage's biggest fault was getting lost in his work? It was so bad. Surprising, because book 1 of the Remingtons was good enough that I wanted to read the second. Big mistake. Save your money and just skip this one.

One of my favorite authors, Melissa Foster weaves a familial series around the Remington family that will draw you in and not let go. Five sons and one daughter are the backdrop for this series and each book gets impossibly better and better.

Sage Remington is a New York artist who has built a reputation that demands insane amounts of money and yet, he isn't happy. Determined to find passion in life again he volunteers to spend two weeks in Belize helping Artists for International Aid with their efforts. Sage has no misconception about the conditions he is going in to. What he didn't expect to find there was a spunky director with an attitude against all artists.

Kate Paletto has been in the south of Belize for almost two years and her frustration over not accomplishing the hopes and dreams of the people there to get a well in the small city is pushing her to her limits. She is tired of the spoiled, lazy, rich artists her head director keeps sending there to repair their reputations and not getting the help they really need. When the newest group of volunteers arrive Kate isn't expecting any different and has already decided they are all the same. Yet, she can't seem to take her eyes off the tall, muscular man with the incredible smile.

While Kate's insecurities twist her upside down as her heart is being pulled to Sage she will have to learn to trust that all artists are not the same. And Sage, who has known he wanted more out of life than just producing art and collecting money, will finally find something he is passionate about, in fact, he will find a woman that drives his passion for life and her through the stratosphere.

Excellent series!

First and foremost with all of the Remingtons. Once they find love they love with all they have. Sage Remington, who is an artist who lives in NYC, was looking for a cause that was more then just to write a check as his donation. He hears about a non-profit group called AIA. Artists for International Aid. As he wants to make a difference he decides to donate his time AND his talent. With this he ends up in Punta Palacia, Belize.

Meet Kate Paletto. Kate is in charge of the volunteers that come to Belize with AIA and she lets all the volunteers what she expects from them. Which come to find out is not much. Most of the volunteers are actors and musicians who are only doing this for he publicity. Quite frankly she is tired of dealing with their childish, whining and complaining behavior. She also vows she will never “fall for” one of the volunteers since they are only there for a short time.

Usually women jump at the chance to be on Sage’s arm. Not Kate. She has walls around her heart and she is not willing to knock down those walls for anyone. Brick by brick Sage does just that. She finds that he is not one of those artists that care about his image and only his image. Once she accepts Sage for Sage she finds that she loves the way he engages the children to paint a mural on their school. She loves the fact that he makes things happen through hard work and sweat. She finally falls in love with Sage!

As for the narration. I really like BJ Harrison. I feel he reads with emotion and really touches the person listening to him tell the story. I think he is a good match for Melissa’s books!

Would you consider the audio edition of Stroke of Love to be better than the print version?
Having not read the book, yet, I can't answer that question. I can tell you however that I loved this edition. It had me remembering my own volunteer experience.

What other book might you compare Stroke of Love to and why?
Unless I find a book that has characters exactly like Sage and Kate, in the same type of situation, there's no way that I can compare. I can tell you that if you've ever had a chance to enrich your life, by going to another country to help others, than you will love Sage and Kate. Granted it's not the same as your own experience but it will bring back memories for you - I know it did for me. It also had me wishing that I could have the chance to go back again and do some more good for the people I had the chance to meet.

What about B.J. Harrison’s performance did you like?
Like is not strong enough. I loved how Mr. Harrison handled this book. We get accents as we get to know some of the people that Kate works with. This was one of the reasons that I started to reminisce about the time I spent down in Brazil. He also has me looking forward to more of his work and in having the time to listen to this book again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
First, I don't think that I could say there was just one moment that moved me. And other than the volunteer experience, I don't want to say more so that other readers have a chance to experience the book for themselves.

Any additional comments?
Ms. Foster and Mr. Harrison make a perfect couple. She has the right words and he has the right voice that brings all of them to life. I also just added another four books to my wish list so that I don't miss one of the Remingtons' stories. Ms. Foster writes stories about people that you could easily be friends with. Mr. Harrison has a very soothing tone of voice that makes it a pleasure to listen to what he's reading. And having the humanitarian aspect is just an added bonus.

When I get too stressed or if I have a lot to do out in the yard, Ms. Foster's books are the perfect thing to take the stress down to a managable level and the yard work more tolerable. The bad thing is that as I add more of their books into my library the harder it is to come inside. And it becomes very difficult to turn it off when I'm at work. And now that my review is done I'm off to listen to my next Foster book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.

Sage Remington knows something is missing in his life. He just doesn’t know what it is. Seeking an escape from New York City and the perpetual feeling of being lost, he joins a group providing humanitarian aid to a remote, impoverished village in Belize. Amid the sweltering heat, swarms of insects, and selfish celebrities looking to clean up their tarnished images, Sage stumbles upon the very thing to give him hope — love.

Kate Parello knows better than to put any faith in the volunteers that show up at the village several times a year. They’re rich, spoiled, and never interested in the charitable work they’ve signed up to do. A few photo ops with with a smiling kid, holding a paint brush just long enough for the flash to go off, and pretending they care is about all she’ll get out of them. So when a rich and famous artist steps off the bus, she knows better than to get involved with him. Only he’s different than the rest, no matter what she tells herself, and when he puts his heart into bettering the lives of the villagers, he opens up a piece of Kate’s heart as well.

The Verdict...
Melissa Foster is a genius when it comes to writing series. She’s created a series in which every story is completely different from the last, and every character is someone entirely new. Where most series have me screaming bloody murder over a cliffhanger or lose some of their magic as a tried and true formula is recycled into each additional book, The Remingtons series delivers the unexpected.
Sage is nothing like the brother we met in the last book. Okay, so he’s gorgeous and rich, and Mama raised him right, but where Dex was a successful software geek, Sage is the tortured and inspired artist. He can’t stand the emptiness of the life he’s been living, not because he has no special woman in his life, but because despite losing himself in his art, he’s not making a difference in the world. And Kate is exactly what he needs.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, and while Kate may have some preconceived notions about the rich and famous, they’re quickly dismissed as Sage’s honest and humble ways come to light. The romance develops quickly, as their time together in Belize is rather short, but it somehow seems perfectly paced and not so much instant infatuation as something believable and real. And while Sage’s financial status adds possibilities, it’s not used as a magic cure-all for their relationship or their work with the underserved.

Stroke of Love is a simple but heated romance between two entirely loveable characters, each with their fair share of flaws, and I can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes me.

Having been to Belize, I found revisiting the island in a book a nice change of pace. And the human interest aspect of the story is the best.

It was wonderful to see how much of a role the children played in this book. I love Javier and his vulnerability. Without saying it, he was afraid he wouldn't be allowed to paint because he was having trouble with his lessons. I like that Sage asked him if he asked for help and if he tried to figure it out, really tried.

I also enjoyed the scene when Sage goes with Kate to use the computer so he can skype his mom. I love that he pulls her in front of the screen and tells her to say hi. Kate is a planner, but she didn't have time to figure out what to wear or say or anything. She was outside of her comfort zone.

I did not laugh or cry, but I was able to put myself in the middle of the jungle in Belize. There were moments that I chuckled over something that happened in the book and there were moments that made me wonder what it would be like to be in this family.

Sage and Kate's story in Stroke of Love definitely surprised me from the very beginning. Melissa Foster took a different spin on things by taking the story to Belize. This was a fantastic change up to her usual settings (not that I don't adore those), it truly made me want to pack my bags and visit myself!

Sage is looking for more in life. He has been very successful and blessed in life, but is still looking for more. More meaning to life. When he meets Kate, the two of them share an instant connection, and struggle denying it. But the last thing that Sage needs is a woman complicating things!

I truly adored this book from start to finish! The characters were a perfect fit for each other, and Melissa Fosters writing never disappoints. I have listened to many of Melissa's books, and BJ Harrison always does a great job of bringing the story, and the characters to life. You won't be disappointed with Stroke of Love!

Kate is in charge of a humanitarian effort to help a small village in Belise. Celebrities, like Sage, come there for good PR. The attraction and chemistry between the two of them is instantaneous, but is Sage really like all the others, just there for the PR? Sage is a well known artist from New York City, but that is where the likeness stops. He is there because he wants to do so much more with his life. In this book, there is the budding romance between the two of them in the jungle of Belize, while working to help the people there, including the children that have to go down and bring water from the river, and pick up sticks for their fires, before they go to school. This book has the most wonderful story, and then add in the narration by B.J. Harrison, it is a five plus book, that I highly recommend.

In my continued quest to listen to all of Melissa’s books, after reading them in print…this one did not disappoint! B.J. Harrison is an awesome narrator! Kate and Sage are like kindred spirits. Driven to help and focused on using their power for the good of others. They quickly seek out the strength that each of them can provide each other.

Sage is an artist who is restless in New York, and seeking out more meaning in his life. Kate is a volunteer coordinator in Belize for a group called Artists for International Aid. She is tired of the string of self-centered celebrities that come through Belize via AIA. Sage is definitely the exception, not the rule.

These two seem to be meant for each other. What can they accomplish if they collaborate! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves Melissa Foster or even to anyone looking for a great story and new author to follow!

Sage is tired of donating money to causes and really wants to do some hands on work and not just signing a check. He is a wonderful artist but he is tired of living in New York. He feels like his life is missing something and it is only after he goes to Belize and meets Kate that he knows what is missing. Kate works hard and loves to help others. While she loves helping people she is tired of celebrities just coming in to get publicity. She has a hard time trusting them and Sage makes her see they aren't all like that. While they work together and she listens to Sage's ideas she just has to learn to open up her heart and learn to take a chance.

Sage is a sweet caring guy who is very talented. He wants to do good for people and not to gain publicity. He actually wants to help. He works hard and if he had a downfall I would say it's that he gets so involved in his own world other people disappear, but he does try to change that. Kate has trouble with some changes and she has trouble trusting some people. She is very passionate about helping others who are less fortunate and she really believes in giving people joy. She is smart and at times can be afraid to take chances. I liked both of these character very much.

I believe I could read any book by this author and love it. She has a way of making her characters seem so real you feel as if you really know them and you can't wait to read more about them. Sage's story is simply amazing as you get to see just what a fantastic guy he is. Not only does he want to do good he also knows when to admit he has faults. He is attracted to Kate from the start but doesn't try to take advantage and is more about showing her he isn't like others. They both clearly fall for each other quickly. This book to me was more about Kate learning to take chances and take help where she can. For Sage it is about showing him how he can do good. I love the setting of this book and seeing more of some of the characters I already know and love. The only ones I didn't like where the celebs and how they acted. I also have to say I love Lucy and hope he author considers making her her own happily ever after.

I loved this book! Reading always relaxes me, but BJ’s voice in your ear is so relaxing to me. He’s got the softest relaxing voice.
Sage, is an artist that his soul is lost. He decides to go to Belize to volunteer and help his restless soul, and never expected to find Kate.
Kate is over the spoiled celebrities that come to make a name for there selfs, but never actually do any work. Just poses.
They have that connection that they both are trying to ignor, but the more late night talks... working together and him taking her beliefs and what she works so hard for, she is starting to let her feeling out. Sage not only helps , but he adores the kids. He even calls Kurt his twitter brother so he can talk to him about his dream of being a writer.
Kate and Sage live worlds apart, but will they find away to make all there dreams come true! Oh come on you gotta read it now. There is so much they need to accomplish in 2 weeks!
A true love story!
And a beautiful mural that sage paints. You can almost see it with the way she Melissa Foster describes it.

Sage Remington is a world- renowned artist who's uses his "celebrity" to volunteer with Kate in Belize. Kate runs the site in Punta Palacia, Brazil of thenon-profit organization AIA. They are working to beautify the community and get a community well.unfortunately,PuntavPalacia has typically gotten celebrities that don't actually do any work but while Sage is a celebrity in the artist community he is no typical celebrity. Sage takes his work serisouly but is caught off guard by the serious attraction to AIA employee Kate. Sage is incredibly inspired by Kateandnher work and works to figure out how to continue the unlikely relationship formed in Belize once thy both leave the jungle. You will be incredibly inspired by Kate and Caleb, her co-worker, and the work they do in Punta Palacia but also by Sage's commitment to use his talents for good. Javier will melt your heart! Especially the reading of Javier by BJ Harrison, i really enjoyed listening to this incredibly story and am inspired by them all. You will not regret taking a trip to Punta Palacia!

Their romance was sweet and dreamy. It was a story that was touching and romantic. Reading it, you had no choice but to fall in love with them more and more with every page. Their romance was pure and unshakable. These two were amazing together.

"Kate, you're everything I could ever want. You're strong, and smart and generous and you're sweet, and delicious. There's no better feeling in the world than what I feel when I'm with you,"

This book was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading the whole thing. The location of the book was really interesting. It was exotic and not something that you would really expect since The Remingtons live in New York. The story was engaging and kept you interested. I read it in like a day. I can’t wait for the next one. I hope that we get to see more of both of these couples. Dex and Ellie and Sage and Kate.

“It didn’t matter if she knew what they were doing the next day, the next month, or the next year, as long as they were together.”

Honestly, I think Sage is one of my favorite Remingtons, and this book hits the spot. BJ Harrison has a way of taking on the characters personas to a tee. He transports us again but this time to Belize where Sage has taken on a cause near and dear to his heart...and low and behold he finds his heart in Belize. Kate doesn't seek fame and fortune but rather an aid to those in need and while she feels artists seeking attention can do no good, she finds the one that artist that captures her heart more ways than one. To hear this story unfold in a manner that makes you feel a part of the action is a quality BJ has, unlike any others I've listened to. This romance is hot and sexy and just playful enough. This was more like a Stroke of Genius. Don't miss out on this read, it's captivating.

Kate is a volunteer for a group that helps people all over. She has been in Belize for a while and her next set of celebrity volunteers are coming. Sage is an artist and knew something was missing in his life. He goes to Belize on the Artists for International Aid and meets Kate. Now Kate thinks all celebrities are the same and can't wait to get rid of them. But realizes Sage is very different and can't help falling for him. 
Sage is a sweetheart and sexy. Kate was rude and I wanted to slap her through half the book. She was letting her experience with others get in the way of seeing what a great guy Sage was. Sex and romance. Might need some Kleenex's.

Another really sweet romance by Melissa Foster. It's one of those stories that you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. It has a nice amount of all the good things I love in a contemporary romance. I loved the setting of this story with both main characters doing good things in the world. I liked that the relationship between the characters felt real and issues were handled the way they should be. Through communication and compromise where needed.

The family dynamics were also a really good part of this story. I love books or series about big families and how they're all different but connected. I hope to get the chance to read about all the Remington siblings in future.

This is the second installment of the Remingtons which is a spin off of the Love in Bloom: Bradens. While I like the characters, I felt the story line was weak. The "Cause" was good, but other than that, I lost interest in the story line. I also questioned how Sage could be so rich from his artist abilities by 28. I think this would mean that after college at age 22/23, he had 5-6 years to become so famous internationally. While I love Romance books with all the wonderful Fantasies, I do like for the base line to be realistic.

I finished the book because I wanted find out how Kate and Sage Remington find their happy ever after, and isn't that whey we read and love these books. Having said all of that, I felt that with all the Hot Passion between Kate and Sage, the book is were well worth the read.

Kate Parello runs a volunteer program in Belize for Artists for International Aid, where she deals with self-centered artists who use the program as a means to repair their marred reputations. Too many diva volunteers have turned her off to press-seeking celebrities altogether. When she meets incredibly handsome and charming Sage, he stirs emotions she hasn't felt for ages, even though he represents the things she despises.
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Laid-back artist Sage Remington escapes his wealthy lifestyle in New York for a two-week journey of self-discovery to figure out how a guy who has so much can feel so empty. When he meets ultra-organized Kate, who lives her life the way he's always dreamed of living his, the attraction is too hot to ignore, but Sage is there to figure out what's missing in his life, not to find a woman.
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In Stroke of Love we meet Sage, the wealthy though laid back artist stuck and confined in the Big Apple, who is missing something. A big something, but he's not sure just what it is. Heading down to Belize to see if he can fill in whatever gap that's made it's way into his life, he finds himself stuck again, but in a different way, a very good way. Sage saw the trip as an opportunity of self-discovery he never planned to meet a sassy well organized woman that's living the life he's always wanted. He's knocked for a loop and he's not about to walk away. Problem is the woman he wants isn't going to make it easy on him.

Kate, director of AIA, Artist for International Aid, is tired of the people that claim they are in Belize to volunteer their time when they are really only there for other reasons, perhaps fix up their image for one thing. Kate sees through it all, and hates it. Tired of celebrities that are there for false reasons, tired of their ego's and more she could live without them. In walks Sage, who she sees representing everything she hates, but boy was she wrong. Sage stirs too many feelings that Kate hadn't seen coming and they don't just stir up, they flame to life with each page turn. Kate's not giving in so easily though, ready for a battle, not willing to drop her guard or mix business with pleasure she fights all the way until she can't deny what may be building between the two.

You'll have to read the story to find out what happens, I won't spoil the rest of the story, you'll want to pick it up!
I loved how down to earth Sage was, how sassy Kate came to be. They both know what they want and neither is afraid to go after it . From the first page you will be hooked and I'm looking forward to the other books in the series!

‘Stroke of Love’ is the second in the Remingtons series and the more I read of this series, the more I’m enjoying them. This book particularly grabbed my attention being set in a different location to the others, hot and sultry Belize.

The relationship between Sage and Kate is particularly well constructed and very difficult to believe that it develops over only a two- week period. Having worked with so many celebs who are ‘volunteering’ for her project merely in order to gain publicity, Kate is jaded and finds it hard to believe that Sage is any different. He comes across however, not only as a rich successful good-looking artist –(What’s not to like?) but he’s incredibly sensitive too. With Sage based in New York and Kate awaiting her next placement, what will happen when Sage’s two weeks are up?

A lovely sensitive novel with just the right amount of heat between the sheets!

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Rating:4.5 Stars

Have you ever seen so much passion in helping others?

Kate Parello had done nothing but help others, she was a Peace Corps brat. Her parents had been on humanitarian missions since she was young, and now, she runs a volunteer program in Belize for Artists for International Aid. Sounds professional right? But in reality, she’s doing more of babysitting celebrities who wanted publicity rather than real people wanting to make a change.

Her world had revolved around this company, around the people in the community. She didn’t have any time for herself, or for having fun. She had a cause worth fighting for, and every day, her she makes a list of what to do next – falling in love wasn’t one of them.

She had seen volunteers fell in love, and then the romance was suddenly over when it was time to come home. And she didn’t want that. She longed for something more. But looking at the sexy, handsome and talented artist, Sage Remington, who seemed to cause havoc with her emotions – her heart was really in danger.

Two weeks – he signed in for two weeks of volunteer works, self-discovery and escape. He had everything – money and fame, every person’s dream. He was in the peak of his career in the busiest city in the world, and he had never felt more alone. He seemed lost, and he just wanted his life to have a meaning. When he was young, he and Jack used to go into the woods, and nothing gave him the sense of peace other than nature. And going to Belize, it was like coming home, only that this time, he had a bonus: meeting Kate.

He was attracted to her, not just because of her beauty and her knack for organization but Kate was doing everything he wanted to do with his life – helping other people. But first, he needed to find out first what was missing in his life rather than wasting in on a woman.

The attraction though was too potent to ignore. They both tried to stifle it, especially Kate who already stereotyped him like the rest of the celebs. She wanted him to be that so that she could hate him, but every time she does, he would find a way to defy her misconceptions about him.

He was perfect, he was generous-to-a-fault, and somehow in the middle of all this, you will have this question: IS HE FOR REAL? Because that is what exactly Kate was feeling, that what exactly why she was hesitant to go into a relationship with him. First, he was a stranger, he was too good to be true, and he was a celebrity – she was just a volunteer who can’t compete with the gorgeous models he can have in New York. She has nothing to offer him.

However, Sage was determined. Not just to have her, but to make a difference. And that is what this novel does: INSPIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, INSPIRE CHANGE. At the end of it, you will ask yourself, what will you do to make a difference in this world?

Melissa Foster is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors, and her series are yet to disappoint me. She knows how to blend in family issues, love issues as well as social issues and make one heck of a novel that can inspire you to do something different.

Just like the rest of her novels, I enjoyed reading it, watching them fight against their feelings, and finally succumb to love.

"Love me one stroke at a time."

✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪

Thank you Melissa Foster for gifting me this book.

WOO! I just finished this book last night, and I had some awesome dreams because of it. *wink* Let me say that if I thought Dex was hot, Sage is way hotter. I didn't think Foster could top a tatted Dex with a tatted Sage, but she did.

In Stroke of Love, Sage Remington, the next brother featured in the Remington series, has journeyed to Belize for humanitarian retreat of sorts. He's jaded with is fast-paced life in New York City as a famous artist. He is searching for more in his emotionally vacant life. The trip was his way of finding more out there, more to devote his time to then himself. Enter Kate Parello. Kate is a veteran of the Peace Corp, having grown up with parents who skip-hopped around the world volunteering for causes in third world countries. Kate runs a program in Belize that host celebrities, like Sage, integrate their efforts for underdeveloped communities. As Sage is jaded with his life in NYC, Kate is as jaded with her life in Belize. The program has become a fancy place to babysit reckless celebs who need a image overhaul and not concentrated on what's really important.

When Kate and Sage meet, she thinks he's just one of "those" celebrities. One of them that only is there for two weeks and ready to hightail it back to civilization the minute their time is up. But it doesn't stop her instant attraction. Sage is constantly telling her to not judge a book by it's cover, but it take some time for Kate to really trust Sage. When she does, oh my, sparks fly and it's wonderful.

Like in book one of the Remingtons, I really love the growth of each character. Especially Sage in this story. I think he came so far from the beginning of the book to the end. But unlike book one, I found I could connect with both Kate and Sage. Kate seemed more touchable in her mentality, and Sage displayed his tortured artist soul well. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Sage as he stood up to his father (another running theme in both book, the Remington siblings have daddy issues).

I really loved this book. It made me want to get off my butt and do some charity work that actually involved and not donating some cash here and there. If a book can do that while entertain me, woo me, and slay me with good characterizations. It's a must read! Can't wait for book three!

This is such a feel good listen about two incredible people. I loved the original storyline and thought both Sage Remington and Kate were endearing and realistic. The imagery of Belize makes me want to go volunteer there. I thought that the character of Javier stole some of the thunder with his charming personality. He is such a cute kid. I loved his voice that BJ Harrison gave him. The performance of this book is wonderful. I can't recommend this book enough. This book is both a standalone listen and part of a series. I thought it was great how Kate met Sage's family and was accepted.

Melissa Foster has another hit on her hands. Frankly, I don't know how she does it. She has a knack for pulling the reader in, and making the reader care for and identify with her characters. I fell in love with Kate and Sage. Kate has a job that I always wished I could experience. Unfortunately, I've always let my everyday life and family commitments get in the way. Maybe one day, I can volunteer and help others in another country. I help others near me but never to where I've been totally immersed in a needy community. I have been able to make donations to help a small school in Africa. When I had to stop teaching because of my health, I had a pretty big classroom library. A friend had just started a school in Africa at the same time. So, I donated all of my books. I would just like to have more of a hands on experience.

Anyway, Kate has a hard time getting over the fact that Sage is a wealthy, famous person. All of her experiences with celebrities have shown her that most of them are shallow, self-centered people who only volunteer for publicity. It takes her awhile to actually believe that he is a sincere person that does not want publicity. He genuinely wants to make a difference. I think we all dream of meeting a big hunk of a man that genuinely cares about others, like Sage. Kate is one extremely lucky woman, and of course, Sage is pretty lucky, too.

I loved this book, and all of the books in this series. Melissa Foster is a talented author. Her imagination knows no bounds, and never fails to captivate her readers. I can't wait to check out the rest of this series. I give this book 5 stars. While this book can be read on its own, I strongly suggest that you read the entire series. This series is for mature audiences due to some adult situations.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

Stroke of writing genius plus star crossed lovers! Melissa Foster seems like she can do this all day, or maybe I should say all night. I was wondering how she was going to take me somewhere other than the places I have already gone reading her series and make me feel like it was brand new, but she did with Sage and Kate in Stroke of Love, Book Two in the Remington stories. I literally wanted to be in Belize, which I somehow feel I know something {I know nothing} about because I read {steamrolled through} this book.

Okay, okay - let me try to catch you up with my brain and libido. As usual, Foster’s main characters are well-rounded, successful as individuals, and can stand alone. Sage Remington is volunteering in a remote village of Belize in Artists for International Aid program for which Kate Parello is the director.

Sage {what a name, right?} is this brooding talented amazing successful young hot artist living in the concrete jungle {New York - and yes some of this is poetic license, but you won’t know until you read the book yourself!} and Kate {how timely, right?} is accustomed to handling the entitled type and lives exactly the life that Sage is longing to experience {fulfilled, exotic, free, sexy} collide as can only be arranged by fate. Two long hot weeks full of conflict, innuendo, crescendo and ooooh {youknowwhathatis} give them both the parts of life they’ve been missing.

If that isn’t enough, you have to acknowledge that Melissa Foster has a knack for introducing fascinating characters in every story line. In this one we meet Luce, Kate’s friend and Javier, a 7-year-old boy who has a role in the story line that makes me wonder if we’ll see him again. There is also Penelope, who Sage feels is taking a little too much of Sage’s time. Yes, it gets a little hectic at times during Stroke of Love.

Praise once again for Melissa! I loved the story of Sage Remington. He is a very free man yet he has the intensity that all women look for. Even better he is an artist which means he has a sensitive and provocative side. Yum! At the age of 28, Sage is feeling the need to break away from the confines of his life in the big city and to explore more of what nature has to offer him. He wants to feel more fulfilled so that he can broaden his range of talents. It is not always about being the famous guy. Sometimes you need to just take a step back and enjoy what is around you naturally and not what has been given to you.

Sage is immediately drawn to an organization called AIA, which is Artists for International Aid. Yes he is all about giving which makes him even that much more drool worthy. He becomes part of one of their two week projects that they do and is assigned to be on the crew with other celebrities and entertainers. Their assignment is to visit the village of Belize under one of the directors, Kate Paletto. She notices that Sage is different from the others that she is usually in charge of, and I think you can see where this is going. I love Melissa’s writing and her way to tell a story without being overbearing. She allows the character’s real essense to shine through so that you know what they are feeling at all times. You can see the surroundings for the story as they are meant to be experienced with how well she describes them. I am so glad that she has expanded the Remington series. This is Book 11 in the Love In Bloom Series and I am not over it yet, not even by a long shot.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this novel for my open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Sage Remington’s story! He’s an intense, free-spirited, internationally famous artist living in New York. At twenty-eight he feels trapped sometimes in the concrete jungle of the city and his studio. He needs a break and longs to experience more of the outdoors and nature. There’s an emptiness inside him that can’t be filled by more money or fame. He wants to contribute of himself and his talents to make a difference.

Once Sage hears about the organization Artists for International Aid (AIA), he jumped at the chance to be part of one of their two-week projects. He’s assigned with a group of other celebrities and entertainers to volunteer in a remote village of Belize under AIA program director, twenty-six year old beauty, Kate Paletto.

She’s used to her usual cast of jaded and demanding celebs in her work, but Sage is different.

Melissa Foster’s evocative words capture the essence of Sage’s selfless adventure and allow the reader to feel what he’s feeling, see the beauty of the country and the people through his eyes and hear the native sounds around him (the ocean, the birds and animals). The characters come alive in this vibrant and lively romantic tale, full of personal challenges, triumphs, issues of love and trust as well as all the passion (in and out of the bedroom) that makes this series so special!

This is the second book about the Remington siblings and this one brings us Sage. Oh, sweet Sage. *insert swooning here* Talented artist Sage Remington is looking for something bigger in his life - like finding out where he belongs. So, he decides it's time for a retreat away from home and travels to Belize to find himself. Little does he realize he will find his future in that two week time frame.

Sage is so relaxed, especially compared to Kate's overly organized ways but together they make a great couple. Both selfless and both wanting what comes next.

Melissa Foster does it again with a story of self-discovery, finding your soul mate, and living happily ever after. Although, this book is a bit different in how it's written. To me it seemed like there was a lot of build up, but a rush to the end. That being said, the characters are easy to love, hard to let go, and definitely keep you on the edge wanting to know what comes next.

I can't wait to meet the rest of the Remington siblings in the next few books. Melissa Foster keeps bringing us all these sexy heroes and I definitely keep swooning.

You would think that after just finishing both Game Of Love and Stroke Of Love that I would be wanting a break. Absolutely not, I have stated over and over on how much I enjoy following the Love In Bloom Series. Melissa is such a very talented author, each novel I see of hers makes me giddy.

The Remington’s have become like a second family to me. The realistic characters are brought to life in such a way that you can’t help but feel that way. Sage and Kate are no exception to this. The immense electricity between them was almost too much for me to bare, Kate trying to hold back her feelings and keep some sort of distance had me both screaming “You Go Girl” and in the same breath screaming “What ARE you doing, go to him!!!”

There is so much emotion wrapped up in each page, it amazes me. If you are ever looking for a wonderful series, please be SURE to pick up any of Melissa’s books. I can guarantee that you will not be left unsatisfied. Although, you might be left feeling like your own love life might be lacking. Shh.. don’t tell my husband that!

Sage feels something is missing from his life in New York. He is a well paid artist and with his fancy apartment and enough money to live off comfortably he is still unhappy like something is missing from his concrete jungle. He decides to volunteer for AIA and heads down to Belize with a few snobby celebrities who are trying to help their image not caring of the people who need their help.
Kate is a volunteer who has been in Belize for the last 2 years and is nearing the end of her assignment. Her one goal is to make sure the residents in the small town have wells before she leaves. She is annoyed to have to babysit a handful of spoiled lazy celebrities again. She instantly feels a connection to Sage but worries he is just another celebrity jerk only looking for a lay while he is away from his real world back in New York.
Sage and Kate and their love is so sudden and so fierce...Melissa Foster did an amazing job with this book. Can't wait to see what's next for the Remington crew

Sage, successful artist, has been living a life missing something. He chooses to help the Artist for International Aid or AIA in a little known area. Once there he meets Kate, the program director. While she is use to working with celebrities and their larger than life egos, she finds out that Sage is not like the other celebrities that come to help. Sage is down to earth, there for the right reasons, and not looking to see his name on TV, newspaper, or internet.

My Review:

I immediately fell for Sage, although he is a popular and successful artist, he is so down to earth and real. He knows what he wants to do and isn’t doing it to make him more popular or to make him more money; he does it to make the world better or just because he wants to. He is not selfish and is really a breath of fresh air. The way he eases into Kate’s life and world, not letting Kate’s tough exterior keep him away or detour him from making a difference in the town or with the kids he is working for.

I am sure I say this about Melissa Foster’s entire series, but it is amazing. They are each so perfectly written and with so much love and character I cannot stop reading. Each can be read as a stand-alone, but are so much more enjoyable as a series.

Sage Remington is a person anyone would expect to be perfectly happy. He is a successful artist living in New York. His family loves him. He is quite attractive. However he feels like he just isn't fulfilled in life. Sage decides to do some volunteer work in Belize, but he had no idea going there would lead him to such beauty. A beautiful scene and a beautiful woman.

Kate, a director for Artist for International Aid, the company Sage volunteered with, has always been so focused on the job and very disappointed in the celebrities sent to her location. They're seeking publicity, after all. At first she doesn't see Sage for who he is, but the journey you take as she starts to see the person inside of Sage will keep you reading page after page!

It was not hard to love Sage right away. This story is powerful and beautiful.

I love to read, in fact I practically consume stories rather than read them, but every so often a story comes along that is so sweet and romantic, and I intentionally slow down and savor each chapter and turn of phrase. Sage and Kate share a sweet love story that is peppered with challenges and realistic self doubt. The sweet way they shower each other with love and thoughtfulness is genuinely adorable! Will it be enough to keep them going when they are separated? Will Kate be able to choose love over independence and control? You'll have to savor the story like I did to find out!

Do opposites really attract? Can down to Earth Sage really make a go at it with Little Miss Sassy Pants Kate? Stroke of Love is a stroke of genius! Melissa Foster usually provides backdrops that are reminiscent of somewhere I've been (Colorado, NY, the beach) but Belize is a new one for me. She manages to give just enough that I am able to picture everything, but not too much that I am overwhelmed with scenery.

Sage Remington is an interesting addition to the family. Of the Remingtons that Melissa has introduced us to so far, he is the most unlike anyone that I know in real life. I throughly enjoyed the glimpse into the life of an artist, especially as I have absolutely no artistic leanings at all!

Stop in for a steamy, dreamy, HOT love story you won't want to put down!

Another winner for Melissa in my books!

Stroke of Love made me feel every emotion the characters went through – unsure, anger, happiness, love, sadness. I loved everything about it and it made my mind go a mile a minute!

I love that Sage has such a big heart and this book really got me thinking about helping others and going big, following my heart like Sage did.

While Sage is not a Braden boy, I’m definitely having to rank him amongst one of my favorite Remington boys (I’ve met 3 so far and really, I think they all rank about even… although I’m thinking Sage may be about half a point higher than Jack, followed closely by Dex).

There really is so much love and heart in this book that you can’t not fall in love with all of it!

I really like her books with the exception of the overuse of GD and other references to diety. She uses that word so many times when it seems weird that the character would say it. If I could black all of those out, I would love her books because you get to follow the characters you learned about in other books and you feel like you know them. If that word doesn't bother you, go for these series.

I zipped through this book pretty quickly because it was that engaging. I loved the exotic location and the premise of the book. Kate is such a strong heroine; she is selfless, dedicated, independent and driven. And Sage...well, how can I not fall in love with a man who is so goodhearted, endearing and thoughtful? He is on a quest to change Kate's perception of him and in doing so, falls in love with her. Every gesture he makes, every word he speaks, is so full of meaning and emotion. I loved reading about this couple and how they make each other better. It was a fantastic read! And of course, I downloaded all of the other available Remington books right after I finished!

Melissa Foster is one of my favorite authors and I so enjoy listening to her audio books. Kate and Sage's story is set in an adventurous setting. Listening brings out the creative side of their love story.

**I was given a complimentary copy for my honest review**

This is book 2 in The Remingtons series. I have really enjoyed getting to Sage in this book. Loved his character.
This was a very sweet enjoyable romance story. Melissa Foster has written another great read!!
Yes everyone should read this series, will have you wanting more! Thanks Melissa for another great read!!

I’ve said it again & again about Melissa Foster’s books – They’re amazing!! This one was no different. I loved reading about Kate & Sage’s adventures in the outdoors! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how things would go for them in the Jungle and whether or not they would get together or not! Of course, Sage sounds totally hot – tattoo’ed and absolutely sweet!