Lovers at Heart, Reimagined (Love in Bloom: The Bradens at Weston, Co, #1)

by Melissa Foster

Treat Braden wasn’t looking for love when Max Armstrong walked into his Nassau resort, but he saw right through the efficient and capable facade she wore like a shield to the sweet, sensual woman beneath. One magnificent evening together sparked an intense connection, and for the first time in his life Treat wanted more than a casual affair. But something caused Max to turn away, and now, after weeks of unanswered phone calls and longing for the one woman he cannot have, Treat is going back to his family’s ranch to try to finally move on.

• ISBN10: 1948004801
• ISBN13: 9781948004800
• Publish Date: 10 October 2018 (first published 10 June 2017)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: World Literary Press
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 290
• Language: English

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Lovers at Heart by Melissa Foster has been on my radar ever since I read Friendship on Fire, which is the third book in the series. I purchased the freebie but then I discovered that she had written a re-imagined version of Treat and Mac’s story. I decided there and then I would forgo the original and pick up the newer version.

I am not in a position to say what changes were made to the original hence I unable to make a comparative analysis. What I can speak to, however is that Lovers at Heart (Reimagined) was a heartfelt story of loss, healing and love.

The story provided a synopsis of their initial meeting and the events that led to their current situation. The story focused on the development of their relationship.

Personally, I am not a big fan of insta love and I know that a few romance readers feel the same way, but in this scenario, it worked. They met and in days of meeting, they fell in love, but it did not and there. These two had to fight and win the biggest battle of their lives, that of overcoming the pain of their past, before they could reap the benefits to be gained from their love for each other.

The thing I loved about both characters was that they were not perfect. They were perfect for each other as a couple but flawed when it came to their individuality.

Max had suffered at the hands of her ex, which resulted in her second-guessing every potential relationship. It instilled fear so deep it affected her ability to commit to the man she loved.

Treat lost his mom at an early age and is yet to come to terms with her loss. As the eldest child, he assumed responsibility of looking out for his siblings, even though it was not required of him. He buried himself in that responsibility, and when he got older work became his crutch. He never gave himself time to mourn his loss.

One of my biggest pet peeves in a story is when the main characters fail to grow; however, this was not the case for Treat and Max. They faced the things holding them back head on and triumphed.

Persons may have a problem with Max, but for me I had no issues. I understood her and the reasons for her actions. Her sensitivity contributed to her actions and the fact that Treat recognized this and accepted her regardless made him a hero in my eyes. Her bravery in confronting the contributor of her fears proved how much she had grown.

I admired the bond Treat shared with his family and I loved how they embraced Max. Treats honesty was refreshing, and it was one of his many traits that helped Max to realise her heart would be safe with him.

Now as much as I enjoyed their journey I had a niggling issue.

The lack of uniqueness. I have to admit the story felt like plot felt like one I have read a few times. The setting and the characters made the difference. I was hoping for some drama and conflict, but it never materialised.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It may not have been my favourite by Melissa, but it was still a good read.

[stacey_is_sassy]

I can’t compare the two Lovers…

When I was offered a chance to read and review Lovers at Heart Reimagined, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. Sure, I did look at the “reimagined” part and questioned WHY? But, as the author stated, she felt there was more needed to be given to the original Lovers, and she wanted to give it. Who am I to question whether it was needed or not? I hadn’t read the first Lovers at Heart so I couldn’t tell you the changes or if it’s better or more enhanced. I can tell you that I read it in a day and I was left satisfied in the end.

I don’t know if I’ve become jaded from old age but I can’t help but feel that this story read like a fairy-tale, Prince Charming and all. Treat, the hero of the story, was in touch with his emotions (GASP!!). Honestly, I don’t know many blokes who share their emotions without a chisel and hammer taken to their protective shell. Even my loving hubby has to have it pried out of him for me to know how he’s feeling. Sure, hubby tells me he loves me regularly, but those other pesky emotions like frustration, disappointment and even excitement, need to be coaxed out of him.

I recently read an article about boys being taught to hide their emotions to become “real men”. While I found Treat a little unreal, it was a bit of a treat (wink, wink) to have a hero who was handsome, tall and masculine, who wasn’t afraid to express how he felt. This character openly hugged his siblings and father and told them he loved them. When he could see Max putting up her shields, he didn’t scurry off to let her work it out for herself, he was determined to talk it out. It was refreshing for a “real man” to share his pesky emotions without the chisel and hammer.

Again, I have a deep desire to encourage all boys/men to read romance. Reading romance has opened my eyes to a lot of things. I have been reminded to be thoughtful at times when I’ve been self-centred. A few books have reminded me to be more conscious of the environment and the damage we are doing to our beautiful world. Different cultures, politics and laws made me aware that there is a world outside my door. There were a few food items mentioned in my reads that had me searching for recipes. Historical Romances have taken me back in time to see the realities of sexist times at their highest. Why can’t boys/men be exposed to emotions like love without the constant ridicule attached to a man reading romance? They might learn something...

I guess what I’m trying to say is that even when I scoffed at a hero who was in touch with his emotions, I couldn’t help but think…geez, they’re getting to their HEA much more efficiently. If only men shared their emotions more, wouldn't that be a treat (wink, wink).

Lovers at Heart Reimagined was a pretty easy book to read. There are plenty of emotions and challenges that Treat and Max face, but deep down they know that they are it for each other. Their challenges were faced together in a supportive but non-obtrusive way. Both Treat and Max have faced heartbreak in their lives but recognise what they have is worth fighting for. They're not afraid to look into their past and make sure they don't make the same mistakes again. Max even managed to conquer her fears and address the issues that had held her back. It was all wrapped up in a nice little package with no bits hanging to be addressed in the future.

Melissa Foster has Reimagined her story and shared her more that was needed for Treat and Max. I don’t know where or how she changed it, but it was pretty bloody good. If you’re looking for an easy and comfortable read packed with emotion, lusty love and a happy ever after, look no further.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.