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Blooming Rose
A fresh start
That’s all I wanted. So I snuck out in the dead of night, trading the last name of my abuser for one of a nobody. It was all going as planned; I found a place to live and a simple job in a tiny, no-name town deep in the forest. Here, my past would never find me, and I finally have the chance to be truly free. Until a chance encounter with my sullen, reclusive neighbor sets me on a path I never expected.
Solitude, interrupted
After my encounter with the Dollmaker forced me into early retirement, I moved out to the middle of nowhere to escape. Escape the stares, the people, the whispers… my life. I was content to live the rest of my days in loneliness and self-loathing. Until she came along. The beautiful, mysterious stranger invaded my quiet town and refused to leave me to my isolation. Now I'm being forced to face my own insecurities for a chance at a new beginning.
Will Rose manage to thaw the ice encasing my heart, or will I be pricked instead by the thorns of her past?
That’s all I wanted. So I snuck out in the dead of night, trading the last name of my abuser for one of a nobody. It was all going as planned; I found a place to live and a simple job in a tiny, no-name town deep in the forest. Here, my past would never find me, and I finally have the chance to be truly free. Until a chance encounter with my sullen, reclusive neighbor sets me on a path I never expected.
Solitude, interrupted
After my encounter with the Dollmaker forced me into early retirement, I moved out to the middle of nowhere to escape. Escape the stares, the people, the whispers… my life. I was content to live the rest of my days in loneliness and self-loathing. Until she came along. The beautiful, mysterious stranger invaded my quiet town and refused to leave me to my isolation. Now I'm being forced to face my own insecurities for a chance at a new beginning.
Will Rose manage to thaw the ice encasing my heart, or will I be pricked instead by the thorns of her past?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
210 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 14, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author, but my opinions are my own.
An absolutely delightful read. So good in fact that I stayed up most of the night to finish it. I seriously forgot I was reading, and just disappeared into a world where the bad guy lost and the dogs are extra cute.
An absolutely delightful read. So good in fact that I stayed up most of the night to finish it. I seriously forgot I was reading, and just disappeared into a world where the bad guy lost and the dogs are extra cute.
February 15, 2025
🌹Honest Review for an Advanced Copy
Follow Rose as she escapes a violent marriage and does her best to navigate small town life. Meet Hunter, a former FBI agent who seen it all and now lives in said small town. Blooming Rose is a dual POV, slow burn, with a vibe of 'Beauty and the Beast'. See CW at bottom.
No spoilers, but if you love grumpy, growly men and women who grow strong and confident through trial and fire, you'll like this book. I enjoyed the plot a lot, but get ready for a slowwwww burn to get to the spice. It's fast once it happens.
I never cried, but I did laugh out loud. If you read this, just know Lottie is my favorite. Followed up very closely by Hellboy.
Favorite Quotes:
💀"Who hurt you?"
🗡️"What's wrong? Use your words, you're a grown ass man, you don't get to sulk like this anymore."
🍩"Good morning, Rose. Got anything sweet for me today?"
🏃➡️"Good grief, not only had I upset Rose, but now, apparently, I was on the shit-list of the town's own personal mafia. Sure, the mafia don was pushing eighty-five and I could probably outrun her, but I believed her when she said she'd run me out of town."
😡"The sound of a gun cocking drew a collective silence. I peeked around the corner to see Lottie gripping a large shotgun, pointing it right at Marcus. 'I do not appreciate that kind of language in my establishment,' she snapped."
😠"Get the fuck off my lawn"
🔫"I even saw Lottie in the crowd, clutching her shotgun and looking like a Valkyrie, ready to reap vengeance upon the unworthy."
***
There are several content warnings to heed to, so please beware of (list by author in beginning of book): Graphic Sexual Content, Abusive Ex, Running Away, Mentions of Torture, Fire, Graphic Violence, Physical/Verbal Abuse/Domestic Violence (not between MC, previous marriage), Trauma/PTSD, Mention of Parental Death, Alcohol Use.
Follow Rose as she escapes a violent marriage and does her best to navigate small town life. Meet Hunter, a former FBI agent who seen it all and now lives in said small town. Blooming Rose is a dual POV, slow burn, with a vibe of 'Beauty and the Beast'. See CW at bottom.
No spoilers, but if you love grumpy, growly men and women who grow strong and confident through trial and fire, you'll like this book. I enjoyed the plot a lot, but get ready for a slowwwww burn to get to the spice. It's fast once it happens.
I never cried, but I did laugh out loud. If you read this, just know Lottie is my favorite. Followed up very closely by Hellboy.
Favorite Quotes:
💀"Who hurt you?"
🗡️"What's wrong? Use your words, you're a grown ass man, you don't get to sulk like this anymore."
🍩"Good morning, Rose. Got anything sweet for me today?"
🏃➡️"Good grief, not only had I upset Rose, but now, apparently, I was on the shit-list of the town's own personal mafia. Sure, the mafia don was pushing eighty-five and I could probably outrun her, but I believed her when she said she'd run me out of town."
😡"The sound of a gun cocking drew a collective silence. I peeked around the corner to see Lottie gripping a large shotgun, pointing it right at Marcus. 'I do not appreciate that kind of language in my establishment,' she snapped."
😠"Get the fuck off my lawn"
🔫"I even saw Lottie in the crowd, clutching her shotgun and looking like a Valkyrie, ready to reap vengeance upon the unworthy."
***
There are several content warnings to heed to, so please beware of (list by author in beginning of book): Graphic Sexual Content, Abusive Ex, Running Away, Mentions of Torture, Fire, Graphic Violence, Physical/Verbal Abuse/Domestic Violence (not between MC, previous marriage), Trauma/PTSD, Mention of Parental Death, Alcohol Use.
February 14, 2025
I've been waiting for Hunter's book for forever.
This year has been ridiculously good to me. I found my favourite of the year right off the batt in January. A girl can only be so lucky.
My favourite fairytale growing up is Beauty and The Beast. Now all grown up, I'm all about those wonderful retellings.
Blooming Rose shows us it's not about the curse other people put on ourselves as a punishment or tool for growth. It's all about the curse we put on ourselves. Sure, some ingredients are self-provided, while others come from those around us.
Rose has cursed herself. Nature and nurture both conspired against her, trapping her in a curse of her own making. And she's determined to unravel it all, layer by layer, and find a way out. There's nothing better to keep a curse away than a hellhound and the comforting love of a small town.
Hunter cursed himself. Or he himself is the curse? In one heroic act with catastrophic results he's lost his career, his identify and sense of self. All that's left? A dusty library in which he has no interest and a remote cabin where he can hide the curse he is on the world from every one else.
What does it take to break the curse? A hellhound, a Rose who's all thorns, and a recluse who's all petals.
The chemistry between the two is off the charts, the flirting masterclass, and the pain... well, isn't the pain always worse just as you start healing?
Hunter and Rose are going to stay with me for a long time. I've rooted for them every step of the way, I've cheered with every flirt, and swooned with every petal that got hooked in a thorn.
I cannot possibly recommend this book enough. Perfect read for Valentine's Day. Perfect read for every day you need to be reminded there's no curse worse than the one you put on yourself, and all it takes to break it is for you to love yourself.
This year has been ridiculously good to me. I found my favourite of the year right off the batt in January. A girl can only be so lucky.
My favourite fairytale growing up is Beauty and The Beast. Now all grown up, I'm all about those wonderful retellings.
Blooming Rose shows us it's not about the curse other people put on ourselves as a punishment or tool for growth. It's all about the curse we put on ourselves. Sure, some ingredients are self-provided, while others come from those around us.
Rose has cursed herself. Nature and nurture both conspired against her, trapping her in a curse of her own making. And she's determined to unravel it all, layer by layer, and find a way out. There's nothing better to keep a curse away than a hellhound and the comforting love of a small town.
Hunter cursed himself. Or he himself is the curse? In one heroic act with catastrophic results he's lost his career, his identify and sense of self. All that's left? A dusty library in which he has no interest and a remote cabin where he can hide the curse he is on the world from every one else.
What does it take to break the curse? A hellhound, a Rose who's all thorns, and a recluse who's all petals.
The chemistry between the two is off the charts, the flirting masterclass, and the pain... well, isn't the pain always worse just as you start healing?
Hunter and Rose are going to stay with me for a long time. I've rooted for them every step of the way, I've cheered with every flirt, and swooned with every petal that got hooked in a thorn.
I cannot possibly recommend this book enough. Perfect read for Valentine's Day. Perfect read for every day you need to be reminded there's no curse worse than the one you put on yourself, and all it takes to break it is for you to love yourself.
February 14, 2025
4.25 stars⭐️
Blooming Rose is certainly my favorite book in the Constrained Bouquet series! It had my attention from the beginning. From the life Rose was running from to the trauma that Hunter had to deal with and live with to their ending was such page turning story. I could not put it down and Hellboy was such a great bonus. If you’re looking for trauma filled story with a great ending this book is for you. Please check trigger warnings but this is definitely a book I recommend!
Blooming Rose is certainly my favorite book in the Constrained Bouquet series! It had my attention from the beginning. From the life Rose was running from to the trauma that Hunter had to deal with and live with to their ending was such page turning story. I could not put it down and Hellboy was such a great bonus. If you’re looking for trauma filled story with a great ending this book is for you. Please check trigger warnings but this is definitely a book I recommend!
February 13, 2025
This book pulled me in quickly and never let go! From the mutt at the beginning to the unfolding romance, this was a great read, just the right amount of angst and spice. I received an advance copy and this is my honest review
February 13, 2025
I loved this book so much
The story line, the characters, the BANTER and seeing them help each other to heal without even realising it at the beginning - BEAUTIFUL
Hunter and Rose and can’t forget Hellboy🥹🖤🐶
The story line, the characters, the BANTER and seeing them help each other to heal without even realising it at the beginning - BEAUTIFUL
Hunter and Rose and can’t forget Hellboy🥹🖤🐶
March 23, 2025
I devoured this book.
April 30, 2025
I read Blooming Rose even before it was released (author friend perks) and I read it again once it was released. Normally I would do a review straight away, but with this phenomenal story, I couldn't. I had to let Hunter and Rose's story sit so I could find the words to say how amazing it is.
I don't know how it's possible, but it was better the second time around.
Hands down the best retelling I have read and will stay with me forever. One I will recommend to anyone that will listen and who loves Beauty and the Beast.
There is nothing I would change about it. Everything was chef's kiss perfection.
Hunter is the beast in more ways than one. He is gruff, and standoffish. He keeps himself hidden but after what happened to him (read Blossoming Delilah) it's understandable but he has a heart of gold which Rose - the Belle, the beauty of the story - brings out.
She has her own secrets and story to tell. She's brave, and feisty and someone Hunter can't say no to. Did I mention she also has a dog!!!
The drama, the chemistry, the smexy scenes, the emotion and the lighthearted moments were spot on. Bella nails it every time, but she outdid herself on this one.
But I lied. There was one thing that I didn't like and that was it had to come to an end!!!
Blooming Rose will be a book. I will reread again and again.
Do yourself a favour and read this incredible book. You won't regret it.
I can't wait for the next installment in The Constrained Bouquet series.
I don't know how it's possible, but it was better the second time around.
Hands down the best retelling I have read and will stay with me forever. One I will recommend to anyone that will listen and who loves Beauty and the Beast.
There is nothing I would change about it. Everything was chef's kiss perfection.
Hunter is the beast in more ways than one. He is gruff, and standoffish. He keeps himself hidden but after what happened to him (read Blossoming Delilah) it's understandable but he has a heart of gold which Rose - the Belle, the beauty of the story - brings out.
She has her own secrets and story to tell. She's brave, and feisty and someone Hunter can't say no to. Did I mention she also has a dog!!!
The drama, the chemistry, the smexy scenes, the emotion and the lighthearted moments were spot on. Bella nails it every time, but she outdid herself on this one.
But I lied. There was one thing that I didn't like and that was it had to come to an end!!!
Blooming Rose will be a book. I will reread again and again.
Do yourself a favour and read this incredible book. You won't regret it.
I can't wait for the next installment in The Constrained Bouquet series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews