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

by Melissa Foster

[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.