Reclaiming

The Spotted Dog #2

by Christina Sol

Two friends.
One kiss.
And an evil threat from the past that jeopardizes it all...

As co-owner and chef of The Spotted Dog, Parker Cunningham has made his Irish pub a culinary success. While his charm and laid-back attitude have made him a fan favorite of the local ladies, he keeps women at arm’s length after a disastrous marriage. With one exception.

Kate Peterson works hard to keep the ghosts of her chaotic childhood buried. Everyone describes her as friendly and kind, polite and efficient. A bit boring? Sure, but she’s fine with that. Caution and order are the pillars she’s built her world around. No risks. Not professionally. Not personally. And definitely, not romantically.

One kiss between the two long-time friends ignites a fire that can’t be put out. Then Kate’s past comes calling, and threatens her well-organized life and their budding relationship.

Can they survive the ghosts of her past? Or will Parker and Kate be silenced forever?

Author’s Note: Please check the author’s website for all tropes and CWs.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2022

About the author

Christina Sol is an award-winning author who writes what she loves to read — romance books filled with heart, heat, and suspense.

An avid reader from the get-go, Christina was obsessed with The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley High, Christopher Pike, and all things V. C. Andrews. Her love for romance started with the Sunfire books, a YA historical romance series. Caroline by Willo Davis Roberts was her favorite of the series, and a copy of the 1984 novel is one of her most treasured possessions. Then she discovered Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts. And never looked back. She’s still a voracious reader and enjoys all genres of romance, but leans toward romantic suspense and dark romance.

She lives in the inland Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing, reading, or knitting, she’s watching football or fueling her planner, sticker, and washi-tape obsession.

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the first book in this series, you will remember that Kate and Raven had been in foster care together and stayed best friends as adults. Blake, who is with Raven now, his cousin Parker and Jake were best friends and owned the bar where Kate helped out and worked on Jake’s books for his main business. Parker and Kate had been best friends since his aunt and uncle had adopted Kate. Due to a storm demolishing Kate’s house, she moved in Parker’s guest room. This really turned out to be a good thing as Parker and Kate were able to get closer. Parker was such a sweet guy, it was so hard to imagine he had married his ex wife. Parker couldn’t seem to get rid of her and her craziness. Kate was such a sweet person who always wanted to make everyone happy and feel good. The awful things that was done to her as a child should never happen to anyone. It broke my heart to hear what happened. Now it’s like someone is after her but she doesn’t know why. Kate had the best friends along with Parker who always was there for her. This is another great book in this series, and I strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Reclaiming, an incredible romantic thriller by Christina Sol, the second book in her The Spotted Dog series. Who does not love a friends-to-lovers romantic thriller with a happily ever after ending? It was an incredible story and I loved reading every moment on every page and could not put it down. She provided her readers with the amazing characters, that I loved, who feel like close friends! Christina Sol is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters in Reclaiming are so believable and charming, they share great chemistry, lots of laughs, and steamy romance. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. I love that she wrote Reclaiming from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Reclaiming is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Reclaiming is filled with all those things that I have come to love in a romantic thriller love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Reclaiming is the story of Kate Peterson, bookkeeper and her best friend Parker Cunningham, chef, and co-owner of The Spotted Dog. Kate and Parker have known each other since they were younger, Kate’s adoptive parents, Anna, and Henry, are Parker’s aunt and uncle. Kate and her current boyfriend, Scott attend a Mariners baseball game with Raven, Blake, Parker, Jake, and Scott’s friend, Dave. Kate and Scott are on the Kiss Cam and Scott never realizes it. So, Parker decides to kiss Kate, which causes everything to change between them. Days later Raven, Blake, and Kate plan to ride out the Storm of the Century at Parker’s house, but Blake and Raven do not make it because of a power outage. The storm causes a tree to destroy Kate’s home and then another tree falls on her car outside of Parker’s house. Parker invites Kate to move into his extra bedroom and Kate takes Parker up on his offer. I love the chemistry between Kate and Parker, how the sparks fly when they are near one another and that it was more than chemistry, it was love. As Parker and Kate continue to spend time together, they each realize that they have feelings for one another, and things quickly heat up between them. Mysterious events are occurring at Parker’s house and the bar, and they eventually involve the police. I love everything that Parker does for Kate. I love that Kate shares secrets about her past with Parker that she has not told anyone before not even her best friend, Raven, and that Parker shares his own secrets with Kate, especially about his marriage and divorce to Courtney. I love the reason that Kate does not call Anna and Henry, Mom, and Dad. It is truly heartbreaking. I love Parker and Kate’s love story, and how Kate shows her vulnerable side to Parker. Then an unexpected plot twist changes things between them, puts Kate’s life in danger, and truly shows her vulnerable side, and all that Parker is willing to do for Kate to prove his love and that he will put her first. I love all the changes that both Kate and Parker are willing to make in their lives because of their love for one another. My favorite part of the story was the epilogue and how it went above and beyond a happily ever after, especially Parker’s proposal and the location of the proposal. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Reclaiming, the characters feel like family and friends. I loved catching up with Raven and Blake. I enjoyed all the interactions between Kate, Parker, and their friends, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Reclaiming is filled with all those things that I love in a romantic thriller, incredible characters, amazing story, poignant and bittersweet moments, and surprise plot twists. Christina Sol did not disappoint in her delivery of those things. I love how she resolved the surprise plot twist; it was truly a heartwarming moment. I am so looking forward to reading the other books in the series. It was an amazing story and I highly recommend Reclaiming if you love a romantic thriller.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reclaiming is a very pleasant surprise! My first from Christina Sol and definitely not my last. I loved her writing style and the easy flow of this story. I went in completely blind and was extremely pleased with how Sol combined a friends-to-more kind of love story with a bit of mystery as well. The book dives right into Kate Peterson's world as she realizes she's dating the wrong guy as the right one is never too far from her side. That one very wonderful and unexpected kiss from her bestie Parker Cunningham could be the start of a happiness she never even considered. Thus beginning their delicate dance towards a forever for both of them.

Parker is a dream and a half and consistently helps Kate no matter what. I loved the way he took care of her when her house got destroyed and how he simply knew what she needed before she could even ask. And Sol didn't do the usual where it takes forever and a day for our couple to see the light and realize they each have feelings for each other. On the contrary, Kate channels her brazen bestie, Raven, and goes all in not even halfway through the book. With Parker a willing participant since he's always had a thing for her knowing all the men before him were never good enough for his girl, these two are perfect together. They have great chemistry and can open up to one another like no one else. And that important quality is definitely helpful as parts of Kate's past decide to rear their ugly heads in a twist I did not see coming.

Sol presents the mystery part of this book beautifully as I was completely taken aback by the secrets very carefully revealed that Kate has been harboring for the past 20 years or so. I was completely engrossed by all that she had been through and the crazy that started to show itself little by little. I was thrown for a loop at how all of this might thwart the relationship between Parker and Kate but couldn't look away even when my stomach was in my throat during the last few chapters. Sol takes her time and doesn't rush all that transpires which I really appreciated. And I was rewarded with an ending that was heartwarming and all kinds of sigh-worthy. I even admit to shedding a tear or two.

I do need to go back and read Raven and Blake's story since they are true standouts in the book and provide humor, support, and the push that both Kate and Parker needed more than once. This is a great group of characters that Christina Sol has created and I look forward to more from Carmen and Jake in the next installment.

I'm so very glad I took the chance on this new-to-me author and happily give Reclaiming a big 4.25 stars!!!

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book runs you through all the emotions and then some. It’s got the same kind of ups and downs as the first book, Redemption, with an added flare all its own. This is Parker and Kate’s story, though all the characters from the previous book are also included, and it can standalone even though there are overlapping factors.

We are introduced to Kate in book one; she’s Raven’s childhood friend from foster care and they survived many horrors together, though Kate has a lot of added grief and trauma that’s hers alone and has kept that part of her past secret from everyone including Raven. Just when things are going well, her past crashed down on her in the darkest, most horrible way. It will take strength she never thought she had to fight her way back to the light.

Parker has always been interested in Kate, but he was friend-zoned early on and didn’t know how to change his status. An inopportune moment with a Kiss Cam at a game hopefully changes all that, but first he has to get Kate to see him as more than a friend. He also must earn her trust. She’s got shadows hidden in her eyes and he wants to banish them but he needs her to open up. He knows she’s got secrets and something dark from her past. He worries she’ll never take him seriously, especially with his ex-wife suddenly showing up. But when coincidences turn into panic and fear, he breaks through her walls. Staying by her side and being her support when she needs comfort and strength.

These two are so cute together, even when they’re trying to ignore their attraction. There are several funny moments and conversations between themselves and with their friends tiptoeing around the inevitable. I loved the care and attention Parker showered on Kate. It was so sweet. The sparks fly between these two in a good way.

This book has light and dark moments, humor, witty banter, suspense, danger, mystery, angst, fear, trauma, romance, steam, love, and lots of friends and found family moments.

As with the first book, there are trigger warnings to be aware of if you are sensitive to certain content. There is explicit language, graphic sex, physical violence, stalking, mention of rape/sexual abuse, and cruelty/torture of animals. Some parts were hard to read and I admit to skimming the animal stuff, but overall it was a great book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Kate and Parker's friends to romance story, but it's not all lollipops and rainbows. Like the first book in the series, Redemption (which you don't really need to read to enjoy this one, but I like to read all books in a series), Reclaiming deals with some serious issues that can be triggers for some.
A simple kiss at a ballgame, while of the jumbotron, pivots longtime friends Parker and Kate on a journey neither one expected...but both are definitely open for. Parker would be lying to himself if he said he never thought of Kate "that way" He's always thought she was special, but the girl has crap luck with guys. Kate, for her part, never thought of Parker as anything other than a friend until he laid that lip-lock on her. And now she can't think of anything else.
So while there's an underlying mystery with some possible dangerous undertones, the book is really about Kate and Parker navigating this new relationship of theirs. It's fun but also sweet and hella sexy. This is a friends to lover's story done right. The angst and drama are coming from outside their twosome, rather than between our leads. I liked that. And the circumstances that lead to the danger are from Kate's childhood...and it's heartbreaking.
Ms. Sol does a great job of keeping much of the book light, despite the heavier undertones of the danger lurking. The addition of Kate and Parker's friends and family adds support and love, as well as a few laughs, to the book. I enjoyed this couple from page one and look forward to visiting with them again, because it looks like someone else from this gang of friends will be getting their story told very soon.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has a terrible childhood that made me super emotional because no child should ever have to go through that. These days she's living a cautious life in her professional & personal life & it suits her just fine. Parker is a co-owner of The Spotted Dog, and after a terrible marriage he now keeps women at arms length which is completely understandable as his ex is simply insane. He & Kate became best friends after his parents took her in, but it's not gone past that until a kiss happened. They have intense chemistry but until storm damage to her place has her staying at his place, it didn't get too far. Now they're in close quarters so the sparks are really flying & it's only a matter of time. These two are absolutely perfect together but with each of their pasts, it's taken a bit for them to see that fact. Just as things get going, it seems like someone has it out for her so all of a sudden the twists are coming in hot & I'm on the edge of my seat but that's all I'm going to say about that. I LOVED every minute of this story & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Asmaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and apparently this is the second in the series. I had no problem reading this book without reading the first book so even if you haven’t read the first you can read this book. I will now be reading the first book now because I love all the characters.

Parker and Kate are friends in the same friend group and when they kiss after knowing each other for so long they are both surprised by the chemistry. Parker is all in from the beginning but Kate is very worried about her past. The story of Kates past is very interesting and really does add to the novel by making it suspenseful. There can definitely be triggers though because there is talk about child abuse and cults.

I really loved the way the relationship came together and all of the friend group was also intricately involved in the story. Parker is such a strong hero and Kate is so strong for getting through what she went through in her past. All in all I enjoyed this book so much that I am eagerly looking forward to reading more books by Christina Sol..

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Parker and Kate’s story. Parker is sweet, caring, and laid back, and is a co-owner of The Spotted Dog and Irish pub. Kate is kind, caring, and friendly, and when her home is demolished during a story, she moves into Parkers’ guest room. A kiss between two long time friends, and the sparks fly. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. When Kate’s past comes back to haunt her, her life is titled on its axels, but will Parker and her relationship survive? This is a well written friends / lovers’ romance, with trauma, emotions, tension, intrigue, humor, witty banter, heartbreak, and love, which leads to a steamy and heartwarming page turner, which pulls at the heartstrings throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker and Kate have been friends for a long time and hang out with the same friend group. These two have feelings for each other, but neither of them are ready to make the first move. One thing leads to another and Kates luck in not where you would want it to be. To add on to her bad luck streak, her past is coming to haunt her in the worst possible way. Parker will do absolutely everything he can to help and protect Kate. With these two finally on the right track, can they figure out what is going on before it’s to late? When Kate tells him all about her past, will he still help her fight for her future? This was an emotional read with a few laugh out loud moments. It enjoyed this story and the characters were amazing.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! The latter part of this story really hit me emotionally. Kate and Parker have known each other for years are part of the same friend circle. Then one day when her negligent boyfriend ignores her on the Kiss Cam, Parker steps in to save the day. Will this be the first step from their status as just friends? Will they realize that they are attracted to each other? Or will they both get stuck in their heads trying to analyze their reaction to the kiss?

These two are so adorable together, even when they are fighting their attraction. Then there's Kate's background, Parker's failed marriage, great cast of characters, and the suspense that all add to making this a hard to put down story. I can't wait to read Jake and Carmen's story next.

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inopportune Kiss Cam moment changes everything between besties Parker and Kate. When Kate's date fails to follow through on the smooch, Parker obliges right away. Not that he hadn't thought kissing Kate before, because he has. Now that kiss has changed the trajectory of their friendship. In a really good way.

This book has really light moments, dark moments and deep diving into a bad past for our heroine. At first I wasn't really sure about the ups and downs, but then I really enjoyed it!

This is my first read from this author, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read, it was sort of a bit over the top as far as romances go. It’s a friends to lovers trope which I usually am ok with.

Kate’s been through a lot, but just seems immature in some parts of the book, so, I, personally struggled with the character of Kate. Parker is ok too, but honestly questioned the family structure given that Kate was adopted and through that adoption became Parker’s cousin.

It’s a lot of Parker being unsure of having a relationship and then he’s over protective. Kate is 100% the damsel in distress; not my favorite trope.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends To Lovers Adventure!!

Kate had a tough childhood and escaped from a cult at age twelve. Parker is a friend and co-owner of The Spotted Dog Irish Dog. He “saves” her from her careless “ex”, and offers her space when a storm takes out her home.

From here we have a detailed backstory for both characters and the impact on their lives today. Emotional, romantic with a twisty turn of events which will keep the reader glued to the page!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the spotted dog series! I will say that Kate drove me nuts at times as I thought she was a little too immature for my tastes, but I so loved Parker. His love for Kate showed in all his actions. To me, he was more mature and would take charge when times warranted it. Also, there should be trigger warnings about the first two incidents in my opinion that people should be aware of as well. I received an advanced copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn of friends to lovers with danger and angst.
The friendship between Kate and Parker took a turn when they shared a kiss on the Mariner’s kiss cam. The kiss surprised both of them. There is some mental bs k and forth with both characters but they eventually get out of their own way.
Kate’s dark part comes back to add an angst to the story. Parker’s ex come to add drama.
Friends to lovers, angst, drama, danger and great characters.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker & Kate are the sweetest–it was clear from book one that there was a spark between these two, and I loved their story. These two have built quite the friendship through the years, and I loved watching them become more. I loved Parker’s patience, the way he kept showing up for her, and I loved Kate finally letting her walls down. I was completely shocked by some of the twists and couldn’t put this one down!

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has a lot of abuse and then Pregnant at 12 years old by the cult leader and the parents don't believe her and then the girls father takes her and leaves her at this place and walks away, she has a lot of challenges and was told the baby died and she was put in foster care,this is a must read story and will make you proud of all the challenges, looking forward to reading more books from this author

[M Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, very well written. Great, realistic, and mostly loveable characters. Awesome romances. This reader felt a part of the story! Complex plot, plenty of action, drama. Keeps the reader on their toes. More twists and turns than a corkscrew!
I couldn’t put this book down, once I started reading, and whilst the eventual HEA was expected, the pathway was far from predictable. Great victory of good over evil!

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF @ 15%

I wanted to give this one a try even though I didn't really enjoy book 1, but I can already tell this is going to have the same level of over the top drama and that's just not my thing.

Kate was sweet but Parker, while always nice to Kate, was actually kind of a jerk in how he treated other people. Including the woman he was casually dating when he decided to kiss Kate. But it's ok because they weren't serious and she was "crazy" anyway....yeah ok, I see the real you Parker.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book. A 5 star all the easy except for a few certain parts that I just can't let go hence the 4 star. I've walked out of movies for that sort of thing.
But a good read otherwise though heart breaking in spots.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reclaiming by Christina Sol is book Two in The Spotted Dog Series. This is the story of Parker and Kate. This was a good friends to lover story. I really enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.

[Miranda Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

The content was very good. It definitely had a few serious twists that I didn’t see coming they solidified the story!

But first ,the many grammatical errors were hard to gloss No

[Tara Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book didn’t disappoint! Looking forward to Returning to come out and then follow her to see what’s next!

[Shirin Rasheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Loved reading Reclaiming by Christina Sol. Finished it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down.

Highly Recommend it to all Readers.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book , really liked it 😁

[Deitra Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!

While you know, being a romance novel, that the guy would get the girl. But, the twists, turns and drama that ensued along the way makes this a page turner.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Co-owner and chef of The Spotted Dog, Parker Cunningham has known Kate Peterson since she was adopted by his aunt and uncle as a young teen. He has always cared about her but now the feelings have evolved and he wants more than friendship.

[Christina Sol]

* Gritty & suspenseful romance
* A swoony hero that's given up on love
* A sweet heroine finding her strength
* Friends to lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Tragic Past
* HEA & no cliffhangers