I was this close to making my dreams come true. Hightailing it out of small-town Florida for the Big Apple, I went to art school and was in the running for the perfect job when the aunt who raised me died. Good She left me everything she had. Bad That includes her flower shop, which I have to run successfully for a year before I’m allowed to sell it. So now, I’m back where I don’t want to be, trying to fix up a business that seems to be better at providing shelter for raccoons and cockroaches than making money. And that’s when he shows Kade Maverick. The guy who bullied me in high school. Owner of the sparkling green eyes I’ve never been able to ignore. He’s changed somehow. It’s not just that he’s got a scar on his face from a motorcycle accident. He’s… vulnerable? He has a four-year-old niece he’s caring for, and he’s willing to do anything to help me fix up the store. As business starts to boom, we’re getting close. Too close. Everything feels perfect. But I’m going back to NYC when my year is up, and he’s just not a part of those plans. Right? Bloomed to Be Messy is the delightful first book in the Messy Love on Mango Lane closed door romantic comedy series. If you like heroines in over their heads, broody scarred men, and discovering you can go home again, then you’ll adore Dineen Miller’s happily-ever-after hijinks.
Dineen Miller is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author who writes closed-door romantic comedies filled with swoony moments, snappy banter, and just enough awkward flirting to feel real. When she’s not writing happily ever afters, she’s hoarding yarn like a dragon, crocheting her way through a Netflix binge, or laughing at her husband’s punniest jokes (even when she pretends to roll her eyes). Life at home includes two quirky dogs, a yarn collection with its own zip code, and a husband who thinks he's hilarious (and he kind of is).
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Never have I read a romance where two people tried so hard to NOT be together. They both seemed so completely put out by love. It felt like the characters were sentient, didn't want to be together in any capacity, but the dreaded author forced their love into being 😂 Any little difficulty or perceived hardship in life and they were ready to put it all back. It's like "Oh, it rained hard today. Guess I should leave the man I 'love' and go back to New York." I'm not sure how they even got together in the first place! She hated him for tormenting her for YEARS by calling her...root beer? She was furious because he called her root beer?! That was what made him the BANE of her existence? 🤔 Ummm, okay, so anyways, after being mad at him for like 2.75 minutes, suddenly she was now mad that she was attracted to him. He was hot for her, and pissed about it. But they didn't really talk or have any concrete reason for any of it. I think she decided to like him because he built her a shelf? It's really unclear. Then they kissed and after 1 make out session and one date on the beach they were in love. Then IMMEDIATELY love was not enough and she was just gonna leave to live her "dream" Which was completely undefined. There was no sex, not even closed door sex. How did this book even get on my radar! Somebody's algorithm somewhere failed. I can't believe I finished this book, I was giving it the stink eye the majority of the time. Probably one of the least enjoyable books FOR ME PERSONALLY that I've ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dineen did it again! I am never disappointed with her books. She knows how to keep you turning the page, ending each chapter with a captivating one liner. This story is light-hearted but also goes deep at times. Like when Amanda is thinking about Kade and his unspoken grief. "Crawling into someone's grief is like a silent promise that you're committed to walking through it with them." She brings you into the story where you feel you are actually living in Sarabella, and you want to visit Amanda's flower shop and buy yourself some mangos. No, I am not talking about the fruit, but Amanda does have more than flowers in her shop. Get your copy today and enjoy!
Why I picked it up: Emma St. Clair recommended it in her newsletter yesterday so I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited to read in the future – then I was looking for something to read while eating dinner last night and picked it up.
How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited in an evening after the kids I was watching went to bed – staying up a little too late to finish because “just one more chapter.”
What it’s about: Amanda is called back home when her aunt passes. She’s inherited her shop and her condo – with the condition that she can’t sell it until she’s run it for a year – only problem is her dream is being a designer in New York. So she takes a break from her dream for a year to set up in this small, coastal Florida town. Then the plagues begin and she thinks her new flower shop might be doomed. Kade, her high school nemesis, ends up being quite helpful in all of the rebuilding situations and worms his way into her heart. She’s torn now between pursuing her dreams and following her heart – should she stay or go?
What I liked: Kade’s niece, Eliana, was a delight!! His relationship with her was so precious. She’s so precocious and a gal I’d love to have in my life!
What I disliked: It was a little annoying hearing her declare her dream could only be fulfilled in NYC when she was actually doing it in Florida, but when the mind’s made up, it’s made up.
Genre: Chaste love story, finding oneself, small town.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it was a sweet read – there’s a sequel coming out in the next year I’ll probably read too!
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Amanda and Kade were two heartbroken, lonely souls existing but not truly living. A meddling aunt from beyond the grave and the most adorable 4 year old come along side a delightful cast of characters to help these two sweet people learn to live again. I felt like I was a townsperson as I read as it was so vividly written. I’ll definitely reread this book many times in the years to come!
Another awesome romance by Dineen Miller! I have read & loved several other of her books & this one did not disappoint! Multiple disasters, hopes & dreams kept you guessing & wanting to read more! Loved it!
Charming and fun story. I read it in one sitting and loved it. Mandy was amazing with kade’s niece eliana and kade was a bit of a tortured hero. Was sweet and clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just finished reading Bloomed to be Messy. I loved this uplifting romance. Amanda is a mess as she arrives back in Sarabella. As soon as she hits town, she runs into her nemesis from high school. But boy has he changed. Sparks fly and her dream to go back to New York might change. Hunky Kade and his green eyes starts to take over her new world. Add orphaned raccoons and a hurricane. The book kept me smiling and cozy all the way through.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s one most people can relate to how your dreams can change in an instance when the unexpected happens even if you tell your heart the change you’re making is only temporary!
It’s a type of enemies to friends and then more as Amanda returns to the small town she was raised in by her aunt after her aunt passes and she inherits her flower shop. According to her aunt’s will she needs to run it for a year before she can sell it. She finds people willing to help her and one in particular who was her nemesis in high school because of a stupid nickname he gave her that she never understood until the end of the book though we readers discovered the meaning earlier!
She is beset by problems, however, in the forms of raccoons first and then cockroaches and just when she gets those taken care of what should come next is something all too common in Florida where this book takes place- a hurricane of devastating proportions!
Is this the final straw to make Amanda return to The Big Apple where she was living or have the people and a new perspective she develops while there entice her to give her hometown one more try!
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book as one I truly enjoyed and think you will too! When it seems the world is conspiring against you do you give up or do you pick yourself up and try one more time!
I think you’ll enjoy this story of second chances and redemption, of clearing up a misunderstanding of long ago and the need to move past the reason that drove her away from her hometown in the first place!
Get this book today and see if you can’t see yourself in these main characters either wholly or partly! I did for sure!
This was easy to read as the story flowed and the two leads: Amanda Wilde and Kade Maverick were well crafted. Amanda returns home to Sarabella on the passing of her Aunt Paula only to discover she's inherited her aunt's flower shop and condominium. She didn't expect to stay long, now being based in New York, but her aunt stipulated in her will that Amanda must stay for a year before selling the shop.
Amanda reacquaints herself with an old school acquaintance, Kade, and it's not long before the sparks begin to fly. Both Amanda and Kade have family history that impacts their decisions and their budding friendship. Amanda has a great roommate in New York, Sasha, who really helps her sort through some of her stuff which was well written.
There are a number of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and the ending is delightful.
This is a really good start to a new series and Miller may have herself on a winner. I look forward to reading Zane and Callie's story in the future.
I was fortunate to receive an ebook copy from the author, however, this has had no bearing on my review.
When Amanda Wilde's beloved Aunt Paula dies and leaves her flower shop to Amanda, it seems like a quick trip from NYC to Sarabella, Florida will be in order. Imagine Amanda's surprise when she's legally attached to the shop for a year before it can be sold. Who knew this product designer could switch gears and return to her home town and be happy-possibly permanently.
In a story full of supportive friends, changes, hard work, and hilarious disasters (ok, some not so hilarious ones as well), Amanda slowly changes and comes to love and appreciate the new life afforded her by Aunt Paula. But is it forever? Love in many forms bombard Amanda, from a 4 year old girl to her Aunt's best friend, and romance from an unexpected childhood nemesis.
This fast paced fun story had moments that caught me unaware, and kept me reading late into the night. I loved Amanda's creativity and vision, and how well she worked with Kade to make things work in her shop. It's a story that left me with a satisfied sigh, and a desire for more. What a terrific book! I loved it.
When I settle down with a good rom com, I am in my happy place, and Ms Miller always does a great job in getting me there. This is the first book of the Messy Love on Mango Lane series and is an absolutely delightful start! Amanda has a great life going in the Big Apple, but she has to leave that all behind when her aunt passes away and she is called back to her hometown. Turns out she has inherited her aunt's flower shop. She has no desire to run a flower shop, but she's not allowed to sell it until she's run it for a year. Things don't really go well until her high school nemesis Kade shows up. He was such a bully in high school, but he seems to have changed for the better and ends up really helping her out. And somewhere along the way, he works himself into her heart. With a smooth flowing storyline and endearing characters, this was such a fun and charming read. A great story that left me with a smile on my face at the end. I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is one of my favorite books I've read in a while. I was planning to read it over a couple of days but stayed up into the early morning hours finishing it! It was amazing 😀! Amanda finds her life path detoured when her beloved aunt leaves her her flower shop and condo in her will. Surprise, she has to stay and successfully run it for a year before she can sell it! What?? Amongst the turmoil of losing her aunt, who was more like a mom, trying to get the shop cleaned up, and figuring out the fastest way to get back to NY, she runs into her HS nemesis, Kade! Has he changed? She doesn't think so until she sees him with his sweet niece, Eliana. Eliana is the cutest 4-year-old that melts Amanda's heart. I loved the interaction between Amanda and Kade. There was a lot to work through for these two. There was lighthearted banter, sarcasm, heartbreaking moments, and swoony moments. It was just a great combo of everything, making their story feel real. I was so invested in them by the end. I just want another epigolgue to know more. I love them!!
Sweet romantic comedy with all the feels. Loved Amanda and Kade. Amanda comes back to her small town when her Aunt dies leaving her everything,which includes her flower shop. Amanda is close to achieving her dreams in NYC,but she has to put all that aside for a year. She has to work in the flower shop for a year before she can sell it,which is her plan. Enter her high school nemesis Kade Maverick and everything changes. He helps her with the flower shop and they start to get close.Kade is also looking after his neice Eliana. Amanda wants to go back to NYC,but will love make her stay? Absolutely enjoyed this small town romance with the small town feels of everyone helping and supporting each other.The romance,laughter,adorable little girl,cute critters,all the emotions and a happily ever after.loved Mango Lane and its residents. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bloomed to be Messy by Dineen Miller Messy Love on Mango Lane Series Book One Amanda Wilde’s life has just changed. She’d escaped Sarabella, Florida, for her dream in New York City, away from memories of her mom. When Aunt Paula, the woman who raised her, passes away…she leaves the next year of Amanda’s life in turmoil. She’s been given the flower shop and can’t sell it for a year. Kade Maverick was carrying a burden around. After his father left when he was young, he became the man of the house. So when asked to take care of his niece for a while, he finds it’s a burden he enjoys. His business is going great, and if he could get his mom to see him as worthwhile, life would be good. Loved this story! Some teary moments but so good. Looking forward to more in this series. https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
She inherits a flower shop from her aunt and can’t sell it for a year. The LAST thing she wants is live her for a year!!! She loves New York — not this little town in Florida!! She grew up here and was happy to leave. But now she has to run the shop for a year. So her aunts best friend gives her ideas, and an old friend does as well. Blown glass mangos - whoever heard of such a thing? And yet, they are a hit once she figures out what to do with them. This is a lovely book, Totally enjoyed it!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Cute, clean, small town romance, a long ago misunderstanding, cute niece, grief, persistent are some words that could be used to describe the story. I liked that Amanda worked so hard and continued to do so after all the setbacks excepting the last one. Then she needed to withdraw and regroup. It was a biggie. I liked how tender and caring Kade was even as he was dealing with his grief. The story dealt with grief quite a bit but it wasn't bogged down by it.
Good, clean read.
Potential trigger: Loss of a loved one. No sex, language or violence *I received a complimentary ARC of this book through StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to review it.
Amanda moved from Sarabella Florida to NYC to attend art school. After Amanda's Aunt Paula dies and leaves Amanda her flower shop and condo; she finds herself in Sarabella again. Amanda must run the flower shop for one year before she can sell it. Amanda meets up with Zane a friend from when she lived there; also Kade who was her high school nemisis. Does Amanda stay in Sarabella, or move back to NYC? What happens with Zane and Kade? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters.
Death of a loved one, dreams that don't happen the way we think they should, meddling loved ones, unexpected romance, and hard decisions are all in this delightful story. Upstate New York in the fall is one of my most favorite things and colors. Florida during hurricane season is not any of my favorite things. All the above are factors in this story of love and healing in the lives of Kade and Amanda. I love small towns, family and friend dynamics and happy endings. All are here. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
This was such a sweet book, with realistic expectations for a relationship and life itself. I feel that I got to know the characters throughout the book farely well and it was gut-wrenching when something bad happened, even through I knew that everything was predetermed to work out in the end. Though, the book moved at what felt like a snail's pace and I wouldn't consider this a rom-com because nothing particularly comedic happened. Because of those reasons, I can't rate this any higher than a 4/5, nor can I say it was a bad book either.
Miller takes us on a very realistic journey with Amanda and Kade about relationships, dreams, sacrifices, and joys. One of my favorite people is Sasha (Amanda's roommate in NY), as she helps Amanda with perspective more than once in the story. She makes really good observations and challenges Amanda to really see what is in front of her, not just look at what's there.
Amanda believes her dreams lie anywhere but in her hometown. Kade can't let go of his guilt & grief over the death of his brother. Can these two former school mates help each other to become the people they are meant to be? This clean romance has all the feels with humor, tears, swoony kisses and a sweet little girl to round it all off!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amanda moved from her hometown of Sarabella Florida to NYC for art school. After her Aunt Paula dies and leaves Amanda her flower shop and condo, she finds herself in Sarabella again. She must run the flower shop for one year before she can sell it. As this temporary new life begins, she makes friends and forms relationships that make her life plans possibly change. Whatever can go wrong does. This was a cute story with endearing characters.
This is a new author for me, and I can’t wait to read more of her books. Kade and Mandy have a history, not a great one, though she misunderstood a lot of things from their past. All the things happening with the flower shop Mandy’s aunt left her…I was afraid to keep reading not knowing what other disaster would strike her! But I loved the townspeople and how they came together to help - what a great community. This was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it.
Dineen Miller's books just keep getting better and better. I've followed her for quite a few years and this style of rom-com writing she's onto is hard to put down. I've read this 1st book and can't wait for the second of this series. I didnt think Kade and Amanda would ever figure out that this was love. Such a good read. No pun!!
This is a really lovely small town/romantic comedy.. I liked it so very much! It is super sweet and charming... with the most endearing characters.. Loved Kade! He's such a sweetie! I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a heartwarming romantic story. I enjoyed the humor and the slow friends to more romance. The characters were a great mix and the story line realistic. This was an awesome book, filled with drama, a budding romance, great friendship and most of all a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the first book by Dineen's I'd read. Love her style of writing, especially how the story moves along seamlessly! I love the plot and POV, and really became involved with each of the believable characters. I'm so happy to have discovered this talented author and will probably be reading all her books! Judy Welden, author: An Unstoppable Survivor
I loved watching Amanda find herself, resolve her past, create the moment and decide her future. Kade had his own issues to resolve, explanations to offer, and decisions for the future. The little girl was perfect, and I really wish I could have known Aunt Paula a little better. Between festivals, hurricanes and opportunities – this was the perfect read.
I feel like this is a coming of age story where both of the leads finally overcome the biggest obstacle within their life: which is themselves. I like how the misunderstanding is quickly resolved within the story and that they respect each other's space until they can come together again. A sweet read for around springtime!
Thank you Dineen Miller for the ARC and I voluntarily give my review