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slee907's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
kjnrose's review
5.0
This was a great start to a new series, Reclaimed Hearts. I really enjoyed the book with it's wonderful characters and such a good story. This is a book that will have your attention from start to finish.
maferg01's review
5.0
When I saw this was an opposites attract, enemies to lovers, later in life romance; I knew I would enjoy the story. This story sucked me in with the low angst relationship storyline and also the thread of suspense with bones discovered in the woods. Xavier and Vincent are so very different but also very easy to like. Each with their own messy backstories, they really were meant for each other. Set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest and with a large cast of side characters, this was an easy read that is the perfect cozy up and enjoy kind of story.
Xavier left town and thought he’d never be back until his life took an unexpected turn. Vincent never left and raising his daughter on his own leaves him little time for himself. Xavier begins a mission to revitalize Cooper Springs, which is stymied by his rule following neighbor. They start out by butting heads, but they get reacquainted, the dynamic between them quickly heats. But things get complicated when crime hits the little community and then bones are found in the woods.
Despite the thread of suspense, this really is a light read. I loved Vincent’s daughter who is a calm and level headed teen. With Xavier’s mother, they are the voices of reason to help these guys get out of their heads and out of their own way. I loved that things heated up between them at such an unexpected moment. I figured it would be a much slower burn, but the story really took off from there and got even better as more plot elements came into play. I loved how the author set things up for the series. There are SO many interesting characters for her to write about in the future and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Cooper Springs.
Xavier left town and thought he’d never be back until his life took an unexpected turn. Vincent never left and raising his daughter on his own leaves him little time for himself. Xavier begins a mission to revitalize Cooper Springs, which is stymied by his rule following neighbor. They start out by butting heads, but they get reacquainted, the dynamic between them quickly heats. But things get complicated when crime hits the little community and then bones are found in the woods.
Despite the thread of suspense, this really is a light read. I loved Vincent’s daughter who is a calm and level headed teen. With Xavier’s mother, they are the voices of reason to help these guys get out of their heads and out of their own way. I loved that things heated up between them at such an unexpected moment. I figured it would be a much slower burn, but the story really took off from there and got even better as more plot elements came into play. I loved how the author set things up for the series. There are SO many interesting characters for her to write about in the future and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Cooper Springs.
stephreviewsbooks's review
4.0
This story felt like watching a drama of residents in a small town going about their lives. The main focus was the new and blossoming romance between Xavier and Vincent who start of with bickering; not dissimilar to foreplay. The relationship gets going quickly and is definitely steamy with front doors being kicked shut on several occasions. There is a mystery and police investigation running alongside the romance story. This certainly adds extra narrative. I enjoyed the book, there were lots of secondary characters that may get their story. I look forward to Martin's story next. I received an advance review copy for free, and Ieaving this review voluntarily.
vicki_williams's review
4.0
Great start to a new series.
I really enjoy a small town romance and this did not disappoint. Everyone knows everybody, gossiping is a pastime and of course there’s the usual unique characters.
Vincent and Xavier are two wonderful likeable characters who are pretty much opposites. Vincent loves rules whilst Xavier can be chaotic. They are neighbours who realise that even though they don’t like each other, the spark of attraction between them is strong and when ignited it leads to plenty of heated times.
There’s a terrific cast of interesting side characters, a HEA for the leads and an intriguing murder mystery still to be solved. My heart was happy for Xavier and Vincent and I eagerly await more in the series so I can return to Cooper Springs for more romance and mystery.
I really enjoy a small town romance and this did not disappoint. Everyone knows everybody, gossiping is a pastime and of course there’s the usual unique characters.
Vincent and Xavier are two wonderful likeable characters who are pretty much opposites. Vincent loves rules whilst Xavier can be chaotic. They are neighbours who realise that even though they don’t like each other, the spark of attraction between them is strong and when ignited it leads to plenty of heated times.
There’s a terrific cast of interesting side characters, a HEA for the leads and an intriguing murder mystery still to be solved. My heart was happy for Xavier and Vincent and I eagerly await more in the series so I can return to Cooper Springs for more romance and mystery.
katiemulcahy122's review
DNF at 44% because everything and nothing was happening so fast. I didn't realize this was supposed to have romantic suspense elements, which isn't really my thing, but I was willing to keep going for a quirky town and likable characters. And then it felt like everything just went haywire? Like all the relationship building that should have been happening in the first 30% was speed run in over the course of one chapter, and I can't focus on that or the mystery.
starbook2's review
4.0
❣️❣️ Book Review ❣️❣️
Adverse Conditions is book 1 in a new series called Reclaimed Hearts. Xavier has returned to his small town to try and revitalize Cooper Springs. Vincent is a single father with a strict policy of following the rules. These neighbors can’t stand each other but when a break in accord at Xavier’s mom’s house, Vincent is there to help. Maybe these two can figure out why they maybe don’t really hate each other but maybe are just attracted to each other. As Vincent’s 15 yr old daughter points out for him
Adverse Conditions is book 1 in a new series called Reclaimed Hearts. Xavier has returned to his small town to try and revitalize Cooper Springs. Vincent is a single father with a strict policy of following the rules. These neighbors can’t stand each other but when a break in accord at Xavier’s mom’s house, Vincent is there to help. Maybe these two can figure out why they maybe don’t really hate each other but maybe are just attracted to each other. As Vincent’s 15 yr old daughter points out for him
ravenwilds's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
brittanystthomas's review
4.0
3.5 stars. The beginning was a bit slow for me. Then it picked up and I was excited to see where this was going. However, toward the end (last 20% give or take) it slowed down a lot for me again. I think it was a decent start to the series and I am excited for the next book-especially with how angry Nick is.