Thank you to the publisher who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Winning the lottery has ruined Opal Devlin’s’s life. After quitting her dead-end job where she’d earned minimum wage and even less respect, she’s bombarded by people knocking at her door for a handout the second they found out her bank account was overflowing with cash. And Opal can’t seem to stop saying yes.
With her tender heart thoroughly abused, Opal decides to protect herself by any means necessary, which to her translates to putting almost all her new money to buying a failing flower farm in Asheville, North Carolina to let the flowers live out their plant destiny while she uses the cabin on the property to start her painting business.
But her plans for isolation and self-preservation go hopelessly awry when an angry (albeit gorgeous) Pepper Smith is waiting for her at her new farm. Pepper states she’s the rightful owner of Thistle and Bloom Farms, and isn’t moving out. The unlikely pair strike up an agreement of co-habitation, and butt-heads at every turn. Can these opposites both live out their dreams and plant roots? Or will their combustible arguing (and growing attraction) burn the whole place down?
Late Bloomer is a fun, cosy and steamy romance novel that I had a lot of fun reading. It is the perfect book to pick up as the weather turns warmer and we head through Spring. If you are a romance lover, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one.
Winning the lottery has ruined Opal’s life. People begin bombarding her for a handout as soon the word gets out she now has some money. The problem is she can’t seem to stop saying yes. So, Opal decides she needs to protect herself however possible. That means putting all her new money into buying a failing flower farm and start her painting business.
But, her plans for self-preservation and isolation go away when Pepper is waiting for her at her new farm. Pepper states she is the rightful owner of Thistle and Bloom Farms and is not moving out. So, the pair strike up an agree to co-habit but seem to butt-head at every turn. Can they live in harmony or will they end up burning the whole place down?
Late Bloomer is told from dual POVs which I loved. I’m always a fan of a book that is told from the perspectives of both main characters and it works excellent in this book. Opal and Pepper are both so chaotic yet so calming and joyful to read about.
Throughout the book both of the characters go on quite the development journey. We watch them get stronger as people both separately and together. They are both so caring and tender with each other too which I loved. Each of them brings something unique to the book and are main characters you’ll fall in love with.
There are some amazing side characters in this book who are all unique and easy to distinguish between. My favourites had to be Opal’s sisters and if you read this book you will find out why. This book has a real diverse cast of characters alongside some excellent neurodivergent representation.
Thistle and Bloom Farms is where I would like to live when I get older! It sounds like the most beautiful place. I would have loved a little bit more of a description of the wider settings in the story aside from the farm though as I feel that would have enhanced the story even further.
I feel like the romance in this book was so cute to read and at times it got rather steamy. Add that to the forced proximity and it makes for a wonderful sapphic romance. Plus, this book covers some quite heavy topics including grief and healing. The author weaves this into the story in a delicate way whilst keeping it raw and real. Despite discussing these heavier topics this book still feels upbeat and hopeful throughout.
Mazey Eddings is an author whose books I’ve read before and whose books I have enjoyed. I will certainly be picking up the others by her that I have yet to read. Her writing is very easy to get into and provided me with a much needed escape.
Overall, Late Bloomer is the perfect sapphic romance to read this spring. It is heart-warming, hopeful and all round wonderful. I would highly recommend giving this one a read!
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