When I read The Real Thing, the first book in this series, I liked it a lot. It wasn’t my favorite Melissa Foster story, but it was a solid read with great characters. That makes it a slight surprise that the last two books in the series (Only For You and this one) have totally blown me away. I’m truly never disappointed by this author, but these stories are just amazing.

Talia is the more reserved and straight-laced of the Dalton sisters. As much as she loves, and is loved by, her family, she’s just not as loud and open as the rest of them. Being as she doesn’t really look like any of her gorgeous sisters, she also has it in her head that between her looks and more subdued personality she’s not as desirable as her sisters. For such a strong and intelligent woman who is very secure in her career, Talia has a lot of hidden insecurities.

Derek is too good to be true. Not only does he take a job he’s not so crazy about to give him the flexibility he needs to care for his father, but he’s also trying to finish his Masters degree. In his spare time he works on his business plan to have an adult day-care type center to help caregivers who cannot leave their loved ones alone. And from the moment Talia almost hit him with her car he’s drawn to her.

Of course, since one of Derek’s jobs is as a male dancer, Talia is not so sure he’s really the guy for her. But, as Derek always says, being a dancer is his job…not who he is. And who he is happens to be a beautiful soul who give his all to those he loves.

If all of Derek’s wonderful attributes aren’t enough, he’s also an artist who draws pictures of the important moments in his relationship with Talia. It’s seriously the most romantic thing ever. I don’t know how anyone would be able to resist this man. He is really the whole package.

Talia and Derek compliment each other so well. While he helps her come out of her comfort zone and enjoy life a bit more, she shows him that it’s okay to accept help and comfort. Their connection is stunning and kept me turning the pages.

The author did an amazing job of expressing the hardship and rewards of being a caregiver. Trust me, unless you’ve done it yourself it’s very hard to understand the emotional and physical changes the stress of caring for a sick parent can cause. I also enjoyed that the stereotype of dancers and their personal lives was talked about, as well as the double standard of how a female dancer is viewed as opposed to a male dancer.

Once again. Melissa Foster slayed me with the feelings she cultivated in me throughout this story. I’m so happy there will be a companion booklet with some of Derek’s drawings from this story.

https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/love-like-ours-book-review/