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A Flowering of Ink
One misdirected card ... and a chance at love.
Professor Burne Cameron loves his job and his environmental research. Unfortunately, three months of field work on a tiny island can get pretty lonely, especially when even his brother forgets his birthday. That is, until an unexpected letter arrives ... and Burne finds himself fascinated by the mysterious sender.
Devon Lilian lives alone in a house he’s designed, full of roses and ocean views. His architectural designs are famous, but Devon has reasons for not going out in public. But when a misdirected birthday card for a Professor Cameron turns up at his house, Devon has to send it on ... and can’t resist adding a note of his own, a gift for a scientist who might be equally alone.
As Burne and Devon trade letters across the sea, they fall for each other in ink and paper ... but now Burne’s research is nearly complete, so he’s coming home.
And Burne and Devon will have to decide whether they can write the rest of their love story together ... once they finally meet.
Professor Burne Cameron loves his job and his environmental research. Unfortunately, three months of field work on a tiny island can get pretty lonely, especially when even his brother forgets his birthday. That is, until an unexpected letter arrives ... and Burne finds himself fascinated by the mysterious sender.
Devon Lilian lives alone in a house he’s designed, full of roses and ocean views. His architectural designs are famous, but Devon has reasons for not going out in public. But when a misdirected birthday card for a Professor Cameron turns up at his house, Devon has to send it on ... and can’t resist adding a note of his own, a gift for a scientist who might be equally alone.
As Burne and Devon trade letters across the sea, they fall for each other in ink and paper ... but now Burne’s research is nearly complete, so he’s coming home.
And Burne and Devon will have to decide whether they can write the rest of their love story together ... once they finally meet.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 20, 2025
I am deeply touched and madly happy. The beauty of K.L. Noone's writing is second to none. The story is simple and light and yet has so much depth.
It can't really be described or put into words that would do it justice.
It is simply a chance encounter between two people who understand each other immediately and whose souls are in harmony.
Professor Burne Cameron had sent him a buttercup. Not rare, but radiant. Like gold on a hillside, the letter said. Devon knew it did, because he’d read it and reread it, since its arrival yesterday. He’d half-accidentally memorized most of it.
Cheerful gratitude. Unicorn jokes. Gentle reassurance. Equally gentle questions: are you an artist, have you seen flowery mythical beasts, everything light and playful, nothing too personal but an invitation. Beckoning. If Devon wanted to answer. 🌸🫠🌸
I was (past tense, I hope) in one of the worst slumps I've ever had. I think this poetic piece of literature cured me within the first few pages with its fantastically beautiful words. The love that radiates from this story just grabbed me emotionally in a way that finally put my mind back in a calm zone where I like it best.
Thanks especially to Angelika, your rereading triggered my desire for this book again and it was the perfect decision to try to get out of this low with this story.
It can't really be described or put into words that would do it justice.
It is simply a chance encounter between two people who understand each other immediately and whose souls are in harmony.
Professor Burne Cameron had sent him a buttercup. Not rare, but radiant. Like gold on a hillside, the letter said. Devon knew it did, because he’d read it and reread it, since its arrival yesterday. He’d half-accidentally memorized most of it.
Cheerful gratitude. Unicorn jokes. Gentle reassurance. Equally gentle questions: are you an artist, have you seen flowery mythical beasts, everything light and playful, nothing too personal but an invitation. Beckoning. If Devon wanted to answer. 🌸🫠🌸
I was (past tense, I hope) in one of the worst slumps I've ever had. I think this poetic piece of literature cured me within the first few pages with its fantastically beautiful words. The love that radiates from this story just grabbed me emotionally in a way that finally put my mind back in a calm zone where I like it best.
Thanks especially to Angelika, your rereading triggered my desire for this book again and it was the perfect decision to try to get out of this low with this story.
February 21, 2026
There is nothing I love more than watching two men fall in love through writing 🥹
We have Burne, a professor currently residing on a tiny island for his research on seaweed and Devon, an award-winning architect with a heart condition - and one wrongly delivered birthday card.
What follows is a love story unfolding first through witty, intelligent, soft letters, then texts, then calls, until they understand that they might just have found their person.
K.L. Noone’s writing was magnificent, rich and emotional. What a wonderful, wonderful novella!
We have Burne, a professor currently residing on a tiny island for his research on seaweed and Devon, an award-winning architect with a heart condition - and one wrongly delivered birthday card.
What follows is a love story unfolding first through witty, intelligent, soft letters, then texts, then calls, until they understand that they might just have found their person.
K.L. Noone’s writing was magnificent, rich and emotional. What a wonderful, wonderful novella!
Of everyone in the world, in an incredible chance, he’d been gifted this. Allowed to be here, because Devon Lilian had the kind of courage that’d open up and take a chance and invite someone in. I know you, Devon had said. You know me.
I do, Burne thought. And you know me. You saw me alone on an island, and you wrote to me, and you made me smile. 🩵🩶
February 25, 2026
This is one of those stories, that is just a very sweet, very romantic, pleasant sort of time. I dont think it’s the sort of story that will rewrite my DNA or leave a super long lasting impression but I dont regret my time with it at all.
Professor Burne Cameron is part way through a 3 month research expedition studying sea grasses on a small remote island off the coast of California. Burne loves his work and is passionate about his research, but wont deny that it’s also isolating and lonely at times. One day he receives a package that was addressed to him but incorrectly delivered to the mainland. Inside the package was the birthday card from his niece and also a letter from the stranger who mistakenly received it, the talented and renowned architect Devon Lilian.
A little bit insta-lovey but it was sweet to watch the romance spring up between Burne and Devon through their letters as they find kindred spirits in their experiences of loneliness and sharing their passions. The way they navigated the difficulties with Devons heart condition felt genuine for two people who have fallen in love quicker than they have actually gotten to know each other (I feel like too many of us have been in this boat lol).
3.5 stars. Clocking in at 99 pages, I was surprised at the amount of character depth and plot the Noone was able to weave here. Noone has a way of writing romances that evoke a real sense of whimsy for me. A sweet romance if you want to escape and read something that wont take more than an hour or two to read ❤️
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Professor Burne Cameron is part way through a 3 month research expedition studying sea grasses on a small remote island off the coast of California. Burne loves his work and is passionate about his research, but wont deny that it’s also isolating and lonely at times. One day he receives a package that was addressed to him but incorrectly delivered to the mainland. Inside the package was the birthday card from his niece and also a letter from the stranger who mistakenly received it, the talented and renowned architect Devon Lilian.
A little bit insta-lovey but it was sweet to watch the romance spring up between Burne and Devon through their letters as they find kindred spirits in their experiences of loneliness and sharing their passions. The way they navigated the difficulties with Devons heart condition felt genuine for two people who have fallen in love quicker than they have actually gotten to know each other (I feel like too many of us have been in this boat lol).
3.5 stars. Clocking in at 99 pages, I was surprised at the amount of character depth and plot the Noone was able to weave here. Noone has a way of writing romances that evoke a real sense of whimsy for me. A sweet romance if you want to escape and read something that wont take more than an hour or two to read ❤️
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April 8, 2025
Reread 04/2025
Loved it (again).
All time favorite.
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Reread 02/2024
Imagine a warm and comforting hug, that makes you smile and makes you feel happy to be where you are. That's how this reread felt. Love everything about this novella.
5 stars.
-------
Read 12/2023
5 stars.
Stunning, beautiful writing.
I loved the storyline, loved so much that towards the end it didn't get sappy.
I know I couldn't do this book justice, so I'll leave a few quotes.
There aren't spoilers but you'll see where the book is going (no mistery there, though, it's a romance).
"“Comb your hair!” Mike yelled at his back, laughing. Burne contemplated the relative dignity of PhD candidates versus associate professors, and finally just ran away. He did try to run hasty fingers through his hair, in his office. And then he wondered why—not as if he were about to have a video chat—and cleared his throat and sat down. Professorial. In charge of the situation. His chair creaked, snickering at him."
" Devon had sent him a book. A gorgeous book. And a letter. He pounced on it. He read it. And then read it again, slowly. He put his feet up on his desk, in the corner that was used to that, and read it a third time."
" Home. Devon sat bolt upright. He’d said—before falling asleep, during the flower-discussion, he’d said— He’d offered to show Burne his house. Which would imply— He wanted that, as soon as he pictured it, with an amount of want that left him breathless. He flopped dramatically back into his pillows. Amused, they held him up. His bedroom ceiling, deep blue with tiny silver flecks, smirked down at his emotions.
"I’d like that", Burne had said."
This was my first book by the author, but I'll look more deeply into their work now.
Loved it (again).
All time favorite.
----------------
Reread 02/2024
Imagine a warm and comforting hug, that makes you smile and makes you feel happy to be where you are. That's how this reread felt. Love everything about this novella.
5 stars.
-------
Read 12/2023
5 stars.
Stunning, beautiful writing.
I loved the storyline, loved so much that towards the end it didn't get sappy.
I know I couldn't do this book justice, so I'll leave a few quotes.
There aren't spoilers but you'll see where the book is going (no mistery there, though, it's a romance).
"“Comb your hair!” Mike yelled at his back, laughing. Burne contemplated the relative dignity of PhD candidates versus associate professors, and finally just ran away. He did try to run hasty fingers through his hair, in his office. And then he wondered why—not as if he were about to have a video chat—and cleared his throat and sat down. Professorial. In charge of the situation. His chair creaked, snickering at him."
" Devon had sent him a book. A gorgeous book. And a letter. He pounced on it. He read it. And then read it again, slowly. He put his feet up on his desk, in the corner that was used to that, and read it a third time."
" Home. Devon sat bolt upright. He’d said—before falling asleep, during the flower-discussion, he’d said— He’d offered to show Burne his house. Which would imply— He wanted that, as soon as he pictured it, with an amount of want that left him breathless. He flopped dramatically back into his pillows. Amused, they held him up. His bedroom ceiling, deep blue with tiny silver flecks, smirked down at his emotions.
"I’d like that", Burne had said."
This was my first book by the author, but I'll look more deeply into their work now.
February 24, 2026
Being the heathen that I am, I couldn't stand Noone's writing style. It's about as pleasant as fingernails scraping against a chalkboard. (Too old-school? How about styrofoam squeak-rubbing against itself?)
The author tries so hard, TOO hard. Noone's style has been described as "beautiful" by some reviewers, which I guess, if I were reading a 19th century ode? But in a contemporary romance novel, the abstractness and flowery prose, the constant breaking of stylistic conventions because LOOK AT ME, is off-putting and exhausting. I couldn't stop noticing the angsty, emo poetry of it all.
One MC is sick, and the way the narrative goes on and on about his weak constitution reminds me of tuberculosis being historically glamorized as a symbol of artistic genius, spiritual refinement, and tragic passion. (To be clear, Devon does not have TB, but a heart condition.)
The mutual adoration (after exchanging a couple letters and immediately switching to texts) is so insta, I got whiplash. The MCs have sex approximately 32.8 seconds after meeting in person for the first time.
The pseudo-conflict, scripted and pointless, comes next. No epilogue, obviously; the author is too cool and artsy-fartsy for something so banal.
The story is too precious for this world. I loathed it, but it deserves more than 1 angry star. (2 angry stars it is.)
The author tries so hard, TOO hard. Noone's style has been described as "beautiful" by some reviewers, which I guess, if I were reading a 19th century ode? But in a contemporary romance novel, the abstractness and flowery prose, the constant breaking of stylistic conventions because LOOK AT ME, is off-putting and exhausting. I couldn't stop noticing the angsty, emo poetry of it all.
One MC is sick, and the way the narrative goes on and on about his weak constitution reminds me of tuberculosis being historically glamorized as a symbol of artistic genius, spiritual refinement, and tragic passion. (To be clear, Devon does not have TB, but a heart condition.)
The mutual adoration (after exchanging a couple letters and immediately switching to texts) is so insta, I got whiplash. The MCs have sex approximately 32.8 seconds after meeting in person for the first time.
The pseudo-conflict, scripted and pointless, comes next. No epilogue, obviously; the author is too cool and artsy-fartsy for something so banal.
The story is too precious for this world. I loathed it, but it deserves more than 1 angry star. (2 angry stars it is.)
December 9, 2023
This is the most wholesome book I’ve read this year. Not the best, nor the most romantic or the most fabulous or the sweetest or the smuttiest, no, absolutely the most wholesome. From the “meet-cute” to the actual meet-cute and to the 80% “conflict”. Every bit of it. 😍
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How is this possible? This has 110 pages. And somehow it has everything I wanted? Devon and Burne. I wish I had more of you because I’m greedy!
I have a thing for letters, handwritten letters. It’s so intimate and it allows your imagination to see between the lines. The mystery, all the questions that it raises. I love it. I missed it. Today everything is so immediate, we don’t even allow ourselves the luxury of waiting, or the thrill of waiting for a response. In these letters we did. God I sound old af, but I do miss it. And it’s also super romantic 🥰
This did not have to go anywhere, it did not have to mean anything, and of course it wouldn’t; they barely knew each other. Letters in passing. Silly and old-fashioned.
But nevertheless his heart did a ridiculous hop and bounce when he considered picking up a pen.
This book had all that. I fell in love with it before starting, Sandy’s review made me so curious and I ignored my huuugeeeee tbr full of arcs to read this.
I’m so glad I did. The writing is beautiful, just the simplest of sentences calls to all five senses. I really wish I had more eloquent words, because this book deserved it. So this is just rambling 🥹🥰
He left the letter and the flower on the kitchen island in a tiny act of colorful rebellion—yellow, in his kitchen; oh, if any of his clients could see that—and took his tea out to the house’s balcony amid the familiar rhythms of waves, cool ocean-crisp breezes, the distant sounds of a sleepy coastal resort town waking up.
And Devon draws flowers and cats in the margins of the letters 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
At this point Devon had drawn a series of tiny kittens along the margin of the letter, and between paragraphs: tumbling, pouncing, leaping on yarn, batting at the ends of his own handwriting. Burne had the wildest impulse to kiss someone he’d never met.
Devon had drawn a tiny flower here, switching to green ink for the leaves and teal for the petals, and added in smaller writing, flower for emphasis!
He’d signed it, Devon, in that familiar flowing signature. And added a rolling ball of yarn, skidding under his name: batted by one of the tumbling marginalia kittens.
I will forever remember these babies, I’m so happy and emotional right now, I will be digging into K.L. Noone backlist because how could I not?
“I’m so glad you wrote to me,” Burne said. “I’m just—I’m so glad you did. You were right, I was lonely, and you found me.”
“That’s both of us,” Devon said, and leaned down, letter still on one hand, to brush a kiss across Burne’s mouth, which answered with delight. “I’m so very glad you wrote back.”
THE END
How is this possible? This has 110 pages. And somehow it has everything I wanted? Devon and Burne. I wish I had more of you because I’m greedy!
I have a thing for letters, handwritten letters. It’s so intimate and it allows your imagination to see between the lines. The mystery, all the questions that it raises. I love it. I missed it. Today everything is so immediate, we don’t even allow ourselves the luxury of waiting, or the thrill of waiting for a response. In these letters we did. God I sound old af, but I do miss it. And it’s also super romantic 🥰
This did not have to go anywhere, it did not have to mean anything, and of course it wouldn’t; they barely knew each other. Letters in passing. Silly and old-fashioned.
But nevertheless his heart did a ridiculous hop and bounce when he considered picking up a pen.
This book had all that. I fell in love with it before starting, Sandy’s review made me so curious and I ignored my huuugeeeee tbr full of arcs to read this.
I’m so glad I did. The writing is beautiful, just the simplest of sentences calls to all five senses. I really wish I had more eloquent words, because this book deserved it. So this is just rambling 🥹🥰
He left the letter and the flower on the kitchen island in a tiny act of colorful rebellion—yellow, in his kitchen; oh, if any of his clients could see that—and took his tea out to the house’s balcony amid the familiar rhythms of waves, cool ocean-crisp breezes, the distant sounds of a sleepy coastal resort town waking up.
And Devon draws flowers and cats in the margins of the letters 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
At this point Devon had drawn a series of tiny kittens along the margin of the letter, and between paragraphs: tumbling, pouncing, leaping on yarn, batting at the ends of his own handwriting. Burne had the wildest impulse to kiss someone he’d never met.
Devon had drawn a tiny flower here, switching to green ink for the leaves and teal for the petals, and added in smaller writing, flower for emphasis!
He’d signed it, Devon, in that familiar flowing signature. And added a rolling ball of yarn, skidding under his name: batted by one of the tumbling marginalia kittens.
I will forever remember these babies, I’m so happy and emotional right now, I will be digging into K.L. Noone backlist because how could I not?
“I’m so glad you wrote to me,” Burne said. “I’m just—I’m so glad you did. You were right, I was lonely, and you found me.”
“That’s both of us,” Devon said, and leaned down, letter still on one hand, to brush a kiss across Burne’s mouth, which answered with delight. “I’m so very glad you wrote back.”
THE END
February 27, 2026
What a gem this one is for when one is in need of something soothing, comforting, pure. I’ve been searching for that kind of read since the results of the 2024 US presidential election and while I’ve found some really fabulous reads, the search for truly gentle comfort reads that are go-tos for when I’m feeling really down, has been a challenge. A Flowering of Ink meets that criteria PERFECTLY.
I borrowed this one from the library but enjoyed it enough to buy so that it’s a permanent addition to my library.
Nothing earth shattering or even that exciting, but if you’re looking for something light and lovely, like sunshine on a warm day, consider checking this one out 💛
I borrowed this one from the library but enjoyed it enough to buy so that it’s a permanent addition to my library.
Nothing earth shattering or even that exciting, but if you’re looking for something light and lovely, like sunshine on a warm day, consider checking this one out 💛
December 8, 2023
Such a lovely letters to texts to calls to meeting in person progression. Beautiful and lyrical and just so soft. I loved it!
May 15, 2026
DNF at 36%. Lovely premise, but their prose is annoying me. Pretentious and careful and not appealing.
Did Not Finish
May 9, 2024DNF @ 53%. No rating.
I should have known this wasn't for me because this author's storytelling style wasn't my thing when I read The Hermit Of Aldershill Manor but the premise of this one drew me in. Unfortunately, I ended up having the exact issues I knew I would so I'm not going to rate it.
I liked both MCs (Burne is a scientist doing a multi-month project while living on a remote island off the coast of California and Devon is a introverted architect who struggles with a heart condition) and their accidental pen pal relationship was cute. I loved the idea of them exchanging letters and little handmade gifts because it brought back my own memories of writing and mailing letters to my friends aboard when I was young. Unfortunately, since this is a contemporary romance, it wouldn't have made sense for the MCs to restrict their communication to handwritten letters and sure enough, they switch to text messages, exchanging digital photos and phone calls close to the halfway mark. The handwriting premise would only really work in a historical setting and I should have known that it wouldn't be a permanent thing with this being a contemporary romance. Once the communication style changed to the instant methods common in today's world, the story lost that sense of uniqueness it had and I got bored.
My other issue is that the book perfectly represents this author's style. There's tons of internal monologuing by both MCs, there's barely any plot, the MCs have no chemistry and there's instalove. The writing is gorgeous (as usual) but not as beautiful as it was in The Hermit and beautiful writing or not, this was way too low angst for me and I got bored very quickly.
I should have known this wasn't for me because this author's storytelling style wasn't my thing when I read The Hermit Of Aldershill Manor but the premise of this one drew me in. Unfortunately, I ended up having the exact issues I knew I would so I'm not going to rate it.
I liked both MCs (Burne is a scientist doing a multi-month project while living on a remote island off the coast of California and Devon is a introverted architect who struggles with a heart condition) and their accidental pen pal relationship was cute. I loved the idea of them exchanging letters and little handmade gifts because it brought back my own memories of writing and mailing letters to my friends aboard when I was young. Unfortunately, since this is a contemporary romance, it wouldn't have made sense for the MCs to restrict their communication to handwritten letters and sure enough, they switch to text messages, exchanging digital photos and phone calls close to the halfway mark. The handwriting premise would only really work in a historical setting and I should have known that it wouldn't be a permanent thing with this being a contemporary romance. Once the communication style changed to the instant methods common in today's world, the story lost that sense of uniqueness it had and I got bored.
My other issue is that the book perfectly represents this author's style. There's tons of internal monologuing by both MCs, there's barely any plot, the MCs have no chemistry and there's instalove. The writing is gorgeous (as usual) but not as beautiful as it was in The Hermit and beautiful writing or not, this was way too low angst for me and I got bored very quickly.
December 14, 2023
Will put up review later.
September 3, 2023
A gorgeous novella about a kind of pen pal relationship although the label 'pen pal' is a touch too simple for the beautiful letters going to and fro here. Two educated men meet by mail due to a birthday card delivery gone wrong. This is a truly lovely tale, almost poetic.
December 10, 2023
This was very sweet, but I couldn‘t warm up with the writing style.
February 22, 2026
3.5 stars
lovely story, but the writing style wasn't really my thing.
lovely story, but the writing style wasn't really my thing.
May 14, 2026
I was casting around for something utterly cozy and this is absolutely it. Who said that stories need conflict? Not K.L. Noone. (Not Guillory Jasmine either, I might add.) This is a beautiful, gentle, kind m/m romance that does not hesitate to pull All The Stops: scruffy just-the-right thirty-something age, breezy calm architecture with sea views and roses, scientific research on a wind-buffeted island (no climate crisis or extinction here, worry not, my cozy-seeking friends), an exchange of devastatingly cute love tokens, epistolary delight moving to texts to phone calls to in person (a nice change from the old first base - second base - etc. progression), discreetly woven in diverse representation, kittens, flowers, heart-shaped stones (what did I say about All The Stops?), tea AND coffee, bookstores, supportive secondaries, and some peril wrapped up in the softest of blankets (literally; there are many blankets in different scandi colours in this novella). The sex is on-screen but not too much for my sensitive eyes.
Unexpectedly, this also fitted into one of my challenge rubrics, either MC has had major surgery or MC has invisible disability (acyanotic heart disease; this may sound ominous but see my note about blankets above!).
Here are some lines that sum up the entire book's sheer coziness: "like adventure, but safely so" (p.55). And "cinnamon vanilla tea" (p.57). This is about actual tea (or should I say 'infusion') but yes, the guys are cinnamon rolls, and yes, the sex is vanilla.
And re All The Stops (reminding me of Francesca Coppa's long-ago observation that sometimes "more is more": "Devon had sent him [Burne] a detailed sketch of a rose, petals opening, with a tiny kitten napping in the centre." (p.67) I mean argh. I mean eeeeeep. This is so over the top but just what I wanted from this book. A rose! Plus a kitten! Plus an arty cinnamon roll love interest! Because OF COURSE he is arty!
"Burne knew he was crying". (p.92) By this point, I was, too. Absurd. And lovely.
Unexpectedly, this also fitted into one of my challenge rubrics, either MC has had major surgery or MC has invisible disability (acyanotic heart disease; this may sound ominous but see my note about blankets above!).
Here are some lines that sum up the entire book's sheer coziness: "like adventure, but safely so" (p.55). And "cinnamon vanilla tea" (p.57). This is about actual tea (or should I say 'infusion') but yes, the guys are cinnamon rolls, and yes, the sex is vanilla.
And re All The Stops (reminding me of Francesca Coppa's long-ago observation that sometimes "more is more": "Devon had sent him [Burne] a detailed sketch of a rose, petals opening, with a tiny kitten napping in the centre." (p.67) I mean argh. I mean eeeeeep. This is so over the top but just what I wanted from this book. A rose! Plus a kitten! Plus an arty cinnamon roll love interest! Because OF COURSE he is arty!
"Burne knew he was crying". (p.92) By this point, I was, too. Absurd. And lovely.
October 22, 2023
This is very much a quirky, artful love bouquet, in words.
October 16, 2023
This has been the best offering by the author I've read to date ... the 'adorableness' factor was almost too much! I'd read this again just for a M-M romance pick-me-up any day - 4.5 stars.
December 20, 2024
I have to be in the right mood for this author because the prose is flowery and lyrical and really pretty, and that’s not always what I want. I needed something pretty and nice and this was perfect. I loved it so much, I wish it had been longer but also it was perfect as is. I love epistalory romance and this one did not disappoint. So many lovely parts, the “crisis” was realistic and handled realistically (for this couple), the tension was right on, it’s just a warm hug of a book. Also many references to lichen.
September 11, 2023
This was such a sweet, gentle, comforting read. It’s softness and lazy days and cozy storms with a kind and gentle love mixed in.
December 8, 2023
gorgeous
January 30, 2025
Beautifully written short story. Really enjoyed it. Such a sweet book.
January 31, 2025
Short and sweet has never been more appropriate in describing a novel[la]! And of course, less is more. Lovely. Delightful. Kinda perfect.
September 5, 2023
Oh my gosh!
That was the cutest, sweetest thing I’ve ever read!
Falling in love with words and art, with compassion and personality, with a stranger alone out there in this world 💕💕💕
And the honesty, the fragility, the confessions they made each other from the beginning. Caring so much about someone 💖💖💖
A novel I read with a beaming smile, some laugh and maybe even a little tear…
That was the cutest, sweetest thing I’ve ever read!
Falling in love with words and art, with compassion and personality, with a stranger alone out there in this world 💕💕💕
And the honesty, the fragility, the confessions they made each other from the beginning. Caring so much about someone 💖💖💖
A novel I read with a beaming smile, some laugh and maybe even a little tear…
September 10, 2023
4.25 heartfelt ⭐ (rounded off)
September 19, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
A Flowering of Ink is a contemporary get-together from author K.L. Noone. The story swaps between Burne and Devon as narrators, building a strong sense of who these two men are, as well as showing how they develop feelings for each other. While not strictly an epistolary story, these two do kick off their relationship by exchanging letters and we, the readers, get to experience all that content. Sometimes, those letters explore what the author feels as he writes; sometimes, those letters explore what the recipient feels as he reads. Letters are also the vehicle through which our MCs overcome the defining hardship of this story.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
A Flowering of Ink is a contemporary get-together from author K.L. Noone. The story swaps between Burne and Devon as narrators, building a strong sense of who these two men are, as well as showing how they develop feelings for each other. While not strictly an epistolary story, these two do kick off their relationship by exchanging letters and we, the readers, get to experience all that content. Sometimes, those letters explore what the author feels as he writes; sometimes, those letters explore what the recipient feels as he reads. Letters are also the vehicle through which our MCs overcome the defining hardship of this story.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
November 14, 2023
DNF: 40% Eh, I couldn’t really get into it. Again, this is one of those mlm novels where there is no conflict at all other than ‘will they get together?’
Which is really no conflict at all because being a romance, you know they do. So then it just becomes reading how it happens, but really nothing beyond that driving it forward.
Which is really no conflict at all because being a romance, you know they do. So then it just becomes reading how it happens, but really nothing beyond that driving it forward.
March 21, 2024
Epistolary form is one of my absolute favorites. This was very romantic and lovely. A warm hug of a book. I wanted more than 94 pages.
September 4, 2025
Sweep me away in your enchanted idealistic romantic fantasy-fairy-tales-come-true love stories, KL Noone. No, this is not a fantasy or a fairy tale, apart from, it is yet another poignantly beautiful enchanting romance, fully contemporary, showing two people brought together through words and hearts that align and embrace each other’s flaws and strengths and joy in the loveliest ways.
Sigh.
Two men who fall into an accidental exchange of letters, falling in love through words, then phone calls, then finally meeting in person, full of the scent of the sea and fresh ocean grass, tea and roses, passion for their different and fascinating careers, and kindness. All the kindness. KL Noone’s stories are steeped in it like the best, most flavorful cups of tea with delicious sugared biscuits.
The author wrote it in honor of World Letter Writing Day, and oh, how I wish old-fashioned letter writing would come back in style. It’s so classy. And letters include pressed flowers and thoughtful clever artwork and love.
Just read it. Fall into it. Let yourself drift away with Burne and Devon and their two souls that were meant to meet and be together always.
Loved it.
HEA, pen pals who fall in love before they even meet, scientist and architect, manageable health condition. Absolutely no others (just brief, unremarkable mentions of exes), entirely safe for me. Truly beautiful. Highly recommended, as is everything this author writes.
Sigh.
Two men who fall into an accidental exchange of letters, falling in love through words, then phone calls, then finally meeting in person, full of the scent of the sea and fresh ocean grass, tea and roses, passion for their different and fascinating careers, and kindness. All the kindness. KL Noone’s stories are steeped in it like the best, most flavorful cups of tea with delicious sugared biscuits.
The author wrote it in honor of World Letter Writing Day, and oh, how I wish old-fashioned letter writing would come back in style. It’s so classy. And letters include pressed flowers and thoughtful clever artwork and love.
Just read it. Fall into it. Let yourself drift away with Burne and Devon and their two souls that were meant to meet and be together always.
Loved it.
HEA, pen pals who fall in love before they even meet, scientist and architect, manageable health condition. Absolutely no others (just brief, unremarkable mentions of exes), entirely safe for me. Truly beautiful. Highly recommended, as is everything this author writes.
October 25, 2023
Well, I've found another author and, if more of her books are as enjoyable as this one, she will be added to my favourite authors list. And, yes, I do have one!
I consider this story to be very poetic. :) You don't like poetry? Well, neither do I unless it's Jabberwocky or nursery rhymes.
Here are a few examples to show what I mean:
1) A rocky island shore, in black ink and creamy paper, billowed into joyous detailed life. Lacy ruffles of foam on the water. Tall sea grass rustling in wind he could all but feel. A tumble of pebbles, shining. A flirtation of outgoing tide. Only a few slim curving brushstrokes, to make a whole scene practically leap off the page.
2) “I love you,” Burne said. “I said it in the letter. And now. Out loud. I’ll text it if you want. Every way I can say it.” “With heart-shaped sea-stones, and buttercups, and learning how to know each other.” Devon’s eyes danced like stars. His hair was getting into his face, a curve of dark seashell, a curlicue, a line of ink.
3) The rain sang, splashing beyond glass, pouring into the ocean. Sea and sky, the balcony and the windows, his work and Devon’s.
If that's not poetic prose, I don't know what is!
Now to obtain more of her books....
I consider this story to be very poetic. :) You don't like poetry? Well, neither do I unless it's Jabberwocky or nursery rhymes.
Here are a few examples to show what I mean:
1) A rocky island shore, in black ink and creamy paper, billowed into joyous detailed life. Lacy ruffles of foam on the water. Tall sea grass rustling in wind he could all but feel. A tumble of pebbles, shining. A flirtation of outgoing tide. Only a few slim curving brushstrokes, to make a whole scene practically leap off the page.
2) “I love you,” Burne said. “I said it in the letter. And now. Out loud. I’ll text it if you want. Every way I can say it.” “With heart-shaped sea-stones, and buttercups, and learning how to know each other.” Devon’s eyes danced like stars. His hair was getting into his face, a curve of dark seashell, a curlicue, a line of ink.
3) The rain sang, splashing beyond glass, pouring into the ocean. Sea and sky, the balcony and the windows, his work and Devon’s.
If that's not poetic prose, I don't know what is!
Now to obtain more of her books....
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