At eighteen, I met a man. A man who turned my world upside down and made me the center of his. He claimed us meeting was fate. I agreed. I was the damsel in distress, and he was my white knight. I became his princess, and he was my prince charming. He gave me the fairy tale. The dream. Until fate circled around and turned my dream into a living nightmare. Now, at forty, I’m a widowed single mother left to pick up the pieces of my broken heart and my broken family.
Disclaimer: Cougar is Book 3 in Heritage Bay Series. Can be read as a standalone but does contain spoilers of previous books. This book contains a lot of characters. Includes character list at the beginning of the book. Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic sex scenes, language and adult situations.
M.A Foster resides in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband, kids, and her crazy dog, Lola. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s either catching up with friends and family or chatting with her readers and fellow author friends on Facebook.
Cougar by M.A. Foster is absolutely phenomenal. Hands down Foster’s best work to date. She blew me away with her ability to bring all the feels and still stay true to her characters.
The storyline flows perfectly. Not once did I feel like I wanted to put this book down. I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
And I loved the way she weaved all of the characters in, while giving both Emerson & Jay a HEA while still remembering Marcus throughout. It was truly magical.
We’re there tears? Yes. Did I want to punch a couple of people? Maybe once or twice.
But most of all, all I wanted to do was absorb the emotions and the beauty that is Cougar.
And the ending! Have mercy, you won’t be able to stop smiling.
“I speak for my mom as well when I tell you that my dad was the moon in the night sky. The sun on a cloudy day. He was our life. Our world. He was our everything.”
There's something to be said about a book that gives you a strong heroine with an amazing journey. Emerson love story happened unexpected, a handsome stranger, a casual encounter and the beginning of their happily ever after, or so she thought. Emerson and Marcus had it all, a beautiful daughter, fame, money, but above all, the love of a lifetime, the love we all deserve to have. Until all came crashing down. Now she's struggling to start again, to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and be the moral support her daughter needs after tragedy struck. Would life continue to bring her down or would it give her a second chance at happiness?
Let me start by saying that from the very beginning I was drawn to this story like a moth to a flame. There are parts of this book that made me sob, they made me so incredibly sad for Emerson, at the same time those parts were so well written and held so much sincere emotion that they were extraordinarily beautiful. The storyline perfectly interconnected characters and situations that will leave you laughing, rejoicing in the unity that most of this people had, as well as how much they cared for each other. Throughout the story Emerson show us that she's as strong as they come, but she also show us that she fiercely protective, loyal, and loving towards those in her inner circle.
Cougar has a beautiful cover, but the real beauty of this book resides within the words written within.
I could not wait for this book! Emerson’s story as she survives the death of her husband, Marcus, is so emotional. I loved the shift of this book from the young adult perspective in Jaybird and Mackenzie to more of an adult read as M.A. Foster shows us how Em finds her way out of her grief and on to a new life without the love of her life. Cam has always been a part of Emerson’s life and his feelings for her have been tucked safely away until Marcus passes away and Emerson has to find a new life without him. It’s his chance to show her his true feelings. This is a wonderful book mixed with sweetness, humor and a whole lot of steaminess (hello silk PJ pants) all rolled in together. It was well worth the wait!
WOW — Truly an amazingly breathtaking gift — Upon Reading Cougar I discovered the amazing Connection that exists between an author that is Mellisa Foster and her Character’s in The Heritage Bay Series lots of tears, many aha moments, and an amazing love story that unfolds and binds the series together into one tangible and visceral tale. As Cougar hasn’t been released I don’t want to include any spoilers, but I highly recommend taking the journey with Jayla and Zach in Jaybird, Cole and Harper in Mackenzie, rounding it up sweetly with Emerson and Cameron’s story in Cougar.
From the onset of reading you are enveloped into an amazing journey characters from Heritage Bay and Malibu Beach lol take you away into a love so pure, a loss so devastating and how fate kind of spins it’s magic at times from the unknown as things fall into place and come alive wholeheartedly and oh so completely ♥️
Cam’s and Em’s Journey is definitely one for a modern day history book ♥️
The way MA Foster connects with her characters and brings their experiences into a reality that only she and the bond she has with her characters can bring to fruition, trust me from the first page you will be drawn into a wonderful display of love and affection, and the very real struggle of a woman who has lost her soul and her true love only to reignite the hope of maybe experiencing A Happily Ever After ♥️♥️♥️
[Once Cougar has been released I will more than likely edit this review to contain some quotes and other things ♥️]
MA Foster, The Arc was gifted to me by the author for an honest review it was ever so much more appreciated much more than the author knows 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩’s
So this is not your typical MA Foster book.. If you're used to her YA books then this one is a little different. This one handles more adult matters. This is the book I have been waiting for.. I'm serious. This is Emerson's story. She meets her love after an highly emotional night. Fate lined up that night though. She had the best life and then life threw her a curve ball. She is back at square one again but this time with a child. She has to learn how to heal her heart, date and be a single mom to her daughter. There's times this book will just gut you and have ugly tears flowing down your face and others times that you are truly rooting for Emerson. She is feisty unbelievably strong woman. She doesn't hold back when you get in her face. She's known Cam her whole life but because of Marcus, never saw him as anything other then a friend. Cam is a gem. He's known he has been in love with Emerson since the moment he met her but has let life happened in the mean time. He is kind and patient with her, which is exactly what she needs. He helps and supports her during this time. He knows what he feels and just waits for the right time. I honestly never want to be in Emerson's shoes but if I am, I hope I handle things are well as she does. You don't have to read the others to read this one but just because they are amazing books, I'd encourage you to read Jaybird and MacKenzie. This book is just beautifully written. I'm in amazement with how well the author put this story together and made me feel all kinds of emotions in this book. I mean this may be her best book to date.
"‘People come into our lives for a reason, no matter how long they stay. It’s fate.’"
Oh My! This book is everything! I don't know where to start. Book three on the Heritage Bay series, in my opinion best to read after the first two so you won't be lost at times.
Cougar brings us Emerson's story, her life after suffering a terrible loss. How do you go on after losing the love of your life? When I first found out about this relationship I admit I felt bad, because I couldn't understand how she moved on so quickly. But when is it enough time? Impossible to tell.
Melissa does an amazing job in this book, you won't be able to help falling in love with Cam. He's just so amazing, romantic, caring and he just wants to "help her breathe" (insert swoon here). I love the characters in this series. They are one big, loud and happy family and I was missing them dearly.
There's drama, funny moments, infuriating moments and others where you'll have to get the napkins for the inevitable tears, but they are oh so worth it, you won't regret reading.
M.A. Foster is an amazingly talented author. Her words flow, and as a reader, I got totally engrossed. Her characters are real, their stories make them strong, and keep them stronger. Emerson and Cam are like a breath of fresh air. The way M.A. Foster writes details about the main character's back stories, helps readers who have never read her books before know enough to keep them up to date. I highly recommend everyone start with Jaybird, and read this entire series. You will not be disappointed. I love M.A. Foster's books, and I can't wait for the next one!
Cougar was such an amazing read! This was my top read so far this year and M.A. Foster hit it out of the park with this one! I loved Emerson and Cam’s love story! It was an emotional one, so make sure you have your tissues ready! Emerson is mourning the death of her husband but along the way she unexpectedly found love in a younger man! Cam Parker is definitely swoon worthy! He is sexy, sweet, persistent and charming! Jayla and Zach, with the whole Mackenzie family is back and love seeing them all in this book! I NEED more!
Great story. I haven't had the privilege of reading the first two of this series, but I don't feel like I missed anything with this one. Great story line and M.A. Foster brings all the characters to life. Had a hard time putting this book down. Tons of happiness and a fair amount of sadness. But who's life doesn't contain it all. And it never hurts to remember age is only a number. If your heart tells you it's OK listen to it.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ MA Foster has done it again with another phenomenal book. This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will hook you from the first page and keep you reading til the end. You will laugh out loud, get treary eyed or ugly cry lol. It will definitely pull at your heart strings and you will feel like you are the one living through all of it. I also love that all the characters are connected in some way whether it's by blood or family friend
This is my first book by MA Foster!! I absolutely loved it! There is definitely a lot going on in this book and it took me a bit to get it all straight, but the writing is great and I enjoyed the heartbreaking story! And that cover!!! It has been waiting for me ever since I could get my hands on it and I definitely wasn't disappointed!!
Outstanding stand-alone entry to the Heritage Bay series by one of my fave authors, MA Foster. I have say first, that I'm not a huge fan of YA or NA novels. As a 50 year old mother of 3 grown children, reading about the love/sex lives of anyone under the age of 25 adds an 'Ick' factor that I'm just not comfortable with anymore. However, Ms Foster has a way of bringing her characters so realistically to life that you can't help but fall in love with them and their lives. You root for them, cry with them, and laugh out load at young angst and the drama that ensues whenever issues arise or misunderstandings lead to nonsense. Ms. Foster has a knack of showing her readers the folly of youth, yet their earnest longing for true connections and the desire to belong. In this book, we get the backstory and continuation of Emerson MacKenzie-King's story. She is the 40 year old widowed mother of the initial main character of this series, Jayla King, daughter of rockstar and loving husband, the late Marcus King. Emerson and Marcus had a once in the lifetime love story, but now that he's gone, Emerson is lost at sea with a mourning teenager and family that loves her deeply but doesn't really understand her. Her younger brother Liam's best friend, Camerson Parker, has been in love with her from afar for nearly 10 years. He knows it's forbidden, but she's the love of his life, and he just wants the chance to make Emerson happy again and give her the love that she desperately needs and deserves. She's selfless and lonely, and he wants to be her happily ever after. There are lots of doubts, questions, and misunderstandings along the way to their HEA, but as grown adults, Ms. Foster gives us maturity and reason, instead of blind faith or recklessness. There's a patience and understanding in this story that does not exist in the earlier books, and I expect that to be Ms. Foster's doing, writing for adults with history, flaws, and a mature outlook on life. Their perspectives are based on growth and knowledge, not just basic human instincts or desire. Once again, MA Foster has drawn me into this wonderful world of flawed but beautifully written characters and made me a true believer. She's made me cry, laugh, and wish I knew these people personally! I'm so looking forward to the next books in the ongoing saga that is the MacKenzie/Parker families! Bring it on!!
I don’t even know where to begin with this review... *sniffs*
*blows out breath*
*clicks fingers*
Oh, yes, I do. I’ll start with the boring stuff. Although Cougar is Book 3 in the Heritage Bay series it can be read as a standalone. How do I know this? Well, 1. the blurb told me so *snorts*, and 2. it’s what I did!
As a new reader to this series I went into this book blind. The blurb called to me and I had to answer! I had no idea how much Emerson’s story would affect me emotionally, and, dare I say it, physically.
This book was chock full of feels. I cried, and I sobbed my heart out. The kind that leaves you gasping for breath. I experienced full body shivers, both of the good and bad kind. And don’t even get me started on the goosebumps! Suffice it to say, I felt like the author had hot-wired my emotions and I was no longer in control. I was her puppet.
Don’t get me wrong, I laughed and smiled just as much. I know I say this a lot, but I truly felt transported to within the pages of the book. I wanted to be a shoulder to cry, offer a hug, add my two-cents worth, and you know it, threaten to cut a bee-atch when required *smirks*
There was one scene in particular where I lost it completely. I’m talking full on #uglycry. So much so, I had to put my kindle down and make myself a cuppa to regroup. All the while mumbling to myself that, “He knew!”
Uh, don’t look at me like that *shakes head* You read this story then we can talk...
I only had one teeny-tiny niggle - this is when I do my best Julia Roberts impression - “I’m a safety girl.” Cryptic much, Laura? I know *snorts*
I can see you all rolling your eyes right now when I tell how much my geeky little heart loved the character list at the beginning #itsthelittlethings
With so many storylines running parallel to one another, I hope the author returns to Heritage Bay soon.
Where do I begin with this review.... I have no idea because I have only read a few books like this that have captured my heart by tearing it apart only to put it back together again. I mean I laughed, I cried, and I screamed at the kindle all throughout the reading but the ending that ending I have to say had me swooning because it was so on point.
Emerson has it all. She has met the love of her life and she has begun a family with him. They have the best life until life hands them a serious blow and life falls apart for Emerson and she loses her husband Marcus. Sad and feeling alone she does not know what to do but she knows she has to live for her daughter.
Then life shows Emerson some sunshine in the form of a gorgeous man Jay. She struggles to have a relationship because her heart is still broken but Jay has a lot of patience and he shows her what love can be like after a loss.
This is a must read series because this book has characters and scene references to book one and two so I am going to go back and read then all in order so I can get the full effect of the story.
I picked this book based on the title, cover and blurb, not knowing this was book 3 in a series. I also didn't need book 1 and 2 to completely enjoy this story, but I totally suggest you read said previous books to comprehend better several aspects of this one. I know I will read them!
After reading it in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down, I can say that this was a very good surprise. I loved this family! There's so much more than the story of one couple in this and that alone is wonderful, because I'm sure that there's so much more to come!
Emotional and dramatic, this is the story of how Emerson deals with loss after her husband death. How she finds love again, all the problems that come with it and how said problems sometimes are only in our heads. The blips from the past gives us a much deeper knowledge of who Marcus was and how important he was in Emerson and Jay's life as well as everyone's life who had the pleasure to call him a friend.
In the end, I don't know if "cougar" is the perfect title for this book. Em is so much more than that...
M.A. Foster is hands down an awesome writer and knows how to tell a story! Cougar had so many emotions that I had to put it down to gather myself. I love that Emerson got to find true love twice. She had the love of her life and her Happily Ever After. It is read as a duo so you get to see it through Emerson’s eyes and Cam’s eyes and it tells flashbacks about Emerson’s life with Marcus.
Cougar is the third book in the Heritage Bay Series. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading Jaybird and Mackenzie first so you can get the full insight of the story. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
This story has been in the works for awhile but it so does not disappoint. I have read the other two books in the series and it just complements them. It is it’s own story.
Emerson has had to go through one of the worst things someone can go through. She also came out the other side of this life altering event stronger and more wise.
Cam finally has the chance for the love of his life but things can be complicated. Secrets come out might ruin what Cam has waited for. Can his best friend handle it? Can his nephew keep his mouth shut?
This page turning story will have you ugly cry, laugh sigh and wish for sweetness and silk pj pants in your life.
Oh holy hannah! This story had me feeling all the feels I could ever imagine. I could feel the love and the lose, as well as the grief and the finding of a new love and life. This book brought me through everything and it was such a breathtakingly beautiful story. M.A. Foster wove a story that pulled me into the pages and held me tight. Pure and simply put, I loved this!
Third book in the series. This is Emerson’s tale of life with and after a rockstar marriage. It’s great to have her point of view of the events that unfolded in Jaybird and Mackenzie. The emotions that she battles in her relationship with Cam are angsty at times. However, she experiences every emotion possible as the story progresses. You’ll love reading this story of a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, but most of all a woman that deserves to love again.
I was patiently waiting for book three in the Heritage Bay series. I was absolutely not disappointed. Cougar finishes the circle of the other two books. If you haven’t read Jaybird or Mackenzie, you might be slightly confused or blissfully ignorant. I had all the emotions on the roller coaster of the series. Emerson’s story is by far my top 10 all time books!
Phenomenal!!! I’ve been patiently waiting for Emerson’s story and I was not disappointed!! I love how she was able to get what she deserved while still having her past woven into the story. Her story broke my heart and put it back together. Absolutely can. not. wait. for what is coming next!!!
The flow of this book is spot on and all the feels!! I highly suggest reading the other two books to know the backstory of characters to love it even more. Happy reading!
Another well-written, emotional tear jerker by M.A. Foster!
Where to start? First, though I read Mackenzie and enjoyed it immensely, I enjoyed this book even more because it dealt with more adult things that I could relate to. Admittedly, Emerson wasn't my favorite person while reading Mackenzie--first impressions and all that (I have not yet read Jaybird), but I actually liked her in Cougar. Of course, I got to know more about her and got a courtside seat to her inner struggle and what makes her tick. But she was more of a real, down-to-earth person that I could see myself being homies with.
I loved the dialogue! M.A. Foster knocks it out of the park and makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, feeling their every emotion. The grief felt real, the guilt, the self-doubting and even the anger. I liked getting a glimpse into Emerson and Marcus' relationship as well, learning how they met and came to be.
Now...the relationship with Emerson and Cam. Woo-hoo for Emerson! Ain't nothing wrong with a Cougar enticing a hot cub into her den. Lol. But I really liked Cam, he's a no non-sense hottie who does what he wants and don't give a dang about other peoples opinions. My kinda guy! I liked their relationship and how they were friends before anything else. My only one caveat--if I had to have one, would be that I would've liked to have felt more chemistry between the two, felt more sexual tension, that undeniable carnal pull. But that's just me! There's certainly no room for complaint in this book.
All in all a great read and HEA. A well-written story with a bit of everything mixed in. Congrats M.A. Foster, you've done it again!
WHAT JUST FLIPPING HAPPENED?! Help! I am experiencing the worlds biggest book hangover. I couldn’t put this book down. Ugh I was finished at 3 a.m. and then wide awake thinking about the story. WTH! M.A. Foster, you made me cry. The end (sigh) is SO BEAUTIFUL. My heart is happy (wink). Who are we kidding, I went on a wild ride of emotions all throughout this book. I was actually surprised when it got angsty. Yikes! Definitely some nail biting moments.
I want to thank this author for writing about a mature heroine. Not all of us are teenagers when we fall in love nor is everyone a younger reader (hee hee). Oh I am lovin’ the older woman/younger man storyline. Eek so hot. Emerson and Cam are awesome characters. If you have read previous books from this author, then you can again plan for true M.A. Foster storytelling. It has a full cast of familiar characters peppered throughout. Ummm also be prepared cause she has upped her game with a more SPI-CY telling (drool) and some awesome sexy (wink) interwoven in it (fanning myself).
This story takes on some tough topics. You get an up close and personal look at loss. Finding yourself and learning to live again is not easy and beautifully explored in this story. If you don’t well up a bit you might have a heart of stone. (Haha) The message of family and its definition is the foundation of this read if you ask me. I could talk about this story FOREVER! Yes it is one that left me reeling and requires my go to statement with a beloved book. I now either need therapy or a really good book club. Happy Reading Everyone XOXO!
Oh my... this book is hands down, M.A. Foster's best book to date. She filled the pages with so much emotion that I had to put it down a few times just to make it through and it was worth every tear, every heartbreak, every smile and every swoon-worthy moment. This is book #3 in the Heritage Bay Series but it can be read as a complete standalone.
I loved seeing how this author's writing has grown and progressed throughout the series. The first two books were young adult and then Cougar is, well, the name says it all. lol It's definitely a more mature read and Foster did a fantastic job! The story flows beautifully and the character growth is spectacular. I loved how she honored Marcus throughout the story, she didn't just throw Emerson into a new relationship, forgetting the love she had with Marcus; it's one of my favorite things about this book.
Well done, M.A. Foster! I can't wait to read more!!
“You’re the love of my life—“ “But he’s your happily ever after.”
This was my first book by M.A. Foster and it won’t be my last! I loved this story, especially that the heroine Emerson was 40. Cam was all kinds of delicious and even though he was younger I loved him so much!!
I did have trouble keeping track of all of the characters at times. There are a LOT of them and each one seems to have a back story. I’m not sure if those stories took place in earlier books but I was still able to read this as a standalone. Just a big crew to learn about at this point.
I’ll definitely read more of this author in the future and I highly recommend Emerson’s journey!
Cougar was a Phenomenal Book, I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day twice as a matter of fact. MA Foster is an Outstanding Author. This book will make you cry, fall in love, and you will feel so many other emotions it's crazy.
Emerson's story is wonderful the love that she had for Marcus was magical and heartwarming. The new found love she finds is just as special. I loved the book with my whole heart.
Once again, MA Foster did not disappoint with another amazing story! This was Emerson’s story of loss and then finding love again when she least expected it. This book will make you experience each and every emotion. It broke my heart that she had to go through so much tragedy, but just as Marcus wanted, she found her happily ever after♥️
What I have gathered from reading one book in this series: *All the men are manwhores *The men either cheat or get random girls pregnant *The women are stupid
What I hated: The hero slept around The hero had a f-buddy who was also his ex-wife He shared women with her (f-buddy) since she was bisexual He lied to the heroine about the f-buddy/bestfriend There was a scene where he was cozy with the f-buddy even though he knew he was hurting the heroine There was no chemistry between hero and heroine I do not understand why the heroine was attracted to the hero at all
What Annoyed Me:
There were so many damn characters in this book. WTH....you can't even keep up. I know it is the third book in the series, but this book had way too many characters that included random secret children and jealous women popping up. Do all men in this "family" just walk around with their pants off?
I did not feel like the heroine loved her deceased husband as much as she said she did. There are a couple of scenes in the beginning, but I did not feel her pain at all, then she just sorts of forgets him.
Heroine forgave high school exboyfriend for cheating, but did not forgive the girl he cheated with.
Heroine's friend also forgave her husband for cheating with the same girl, but of course still thought the girl he cheated with was a whore......
I was nervous for this book. This is technically book three in the series so you already fell in love with the characters through the first two. So when it came to Em and Cam I was against it.
When you fall in love with Marcus and his words, it’s hard to see any other guy fill that.
BUT YALL!!!!!! The words this authors writes is so beautifully done that it always brings tears to my eyes. Seriously, tears in this book.
This book is just family. It’s all wrapped together in warmth. Yes there’s heartache but so much joy.
Em and Cam somehow fit together in an unlikely pair. For me they are friends first and lovers second which helps fall for their relationship even more.
I loved seeing all the family back together. Momma Mackenzie is the best!
This right here got me! “Promise me you won’t try to make her forget. Emerson has a big heart. There’s room for both of us.” You have to be the best possible person in the world to say that.
More tears.
So of course this is a very big slow burn (which I hate) but because I’m so invested in this family and their stories it wasn’t too big of a problem.
I would recommend reading the first book just to know the characters but this book is a stand-alone.