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Edgewater Romance #2
The Blooming Tide
He knows better than to mess with fire.
She wants to see what’s under the surface when she burns him open.
Nina Calloway is chaos, trouble, bite. She’s been his sister’s ride-or-die and the thorn in JD Tucker’s side for over twenty years.
But when his nanny suddenly bails, leaving JD solo with a five-year-old, it’s Nina who steps in.
…Mostly because her apartment just split in half like the goddamn apocalypse.
Now she’s living in JD’s guest house, helping with his kid, and trying really hard not to notice her best friend’s brother got hot.
JD Tucker is still an ass. He’s always been an ass. And she’s pretty sure he has the emotional depth of a shot glass.
Until she sees the cracks.
A panic attack behind closed doors.
The man who still believes the worst things his ex ever said about him.
Twenty-five years of avoiding the flames—now it’s time to play with fire.
The Blooming Tide is a steamy childhood frenemies-to-lovers, coastal small town romance with sizzling spice and achy angst, with a sweet HEA to heal you after.
This book contains explicit content and potentially triggering material, including past domestic abuse, on page panic attacks, and ignorance about neurodivergence. Trigger warnings are detailed within, and are also available on the author’s website.
She wants to see what’s under the surface when she burns him open.
Nina Calloway is chaos, trouble, bite. She’s been his sister’s ride-or-die and the thorn in JD Tucker’s side for over twenty years.
But when his nanny suddenly bails, leaving JD solo with a five-year-old, it’s Nina who steps in.
…Mostly because her apartment just split in half like the goddamn apocalypse.
Now she’s living in JD’s guest house, helping with his kid, and trying really hard not to notice her best friend’s brother got hot.
JD Tucker is still an ass. He’s always been an ass. And she’s pretty sure he has the emotional depth of a shot glass.
Until she sees the cracks.
A panic attack behind closed doors.
The man who still believes the worst things his ex ever said about him.
Twenty-five years of avoiding the flames—now it’s time to play with fire.
The Blooming Tide is a steamy childhood frenemies-to-lovers, coastal small town romance with sizzling spice and achy angst, with a sweet HEA to heal you after.
This book contains explicit content and potentially triggering material, including past domestic abuse, on page panic attacks, and ignorance about neurodivergence. Trigger warnings are detailed within, and are also available on the author’s website.
- GenresRomanceEnemies To Lovers
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
33 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Evita Wren
9 books27 followersEvita Wren is an indie romance author.
She writes heartfelt, spicy, and occasionally funny contemporary (for now!) romance designed to hurt your feelings a little before you get to that sweet HEA.
She enjoys crafting relatable and realistic emotional conflict, character-driven intimacy, and the odd suspense-adjacent twist here and there.
Evita’s favorite things to write are witty banter, well-earned spice after a good slow burn, emotionally resonant character arcs, and realistic bodies (you won’t find washboard abs here unless it fits a character’s lifestyle, which is almost never, sorry!).
She mostly writes MF contemporary, but also MM, FF, and MMF triad/poly relationships (throuples, if you don’t dislike the term like she does).
Her current project is the Edgewater Romance series, beginning with Harper's Landing!
She writes heartfelt, spicy, and occasionally funny contemporary (for now!) romance designed to hurt your feelings a little before you get to that sweet HEA.
She enjoys crafting relatable and realistic emotional conflict, character-driven intimacy, and the odd suspense-adjacent twist here and there.
Evita’s favorite things to write are witty banter, well-earned spice after a good slow burn, emotionally resonant character arcs, and realistic bodies (you won’t find washboard abs here unless it fits a character’s lifestyle, which is almost never, sorry!).
She mostly writes MF contemporary, but also MM, FF, and MMF triad/poly relationships (throuples, if you don’t dislike the term like she does).
Her current project is the Edgewater Romance series, beginning with Harper's Landing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 16, 2025
Single dad x nanny, you say? Sign me up!
It took me a while to get into the story, but once there, I found myself enjoying the characters' journey and all but flew through the pages. Following the characters as they healed, grew and fell in love was, while sad at times, heartwarming and sweet.
Nina, our fmc, cares deeply about the opinions of others, even though she acts as though other people's words and the town gossip don't bother her. I found this to be a very relatable trait of hers. My feelings about the male lead, JD, are somewhat mixed, though. I struggled to fully relate to or make sense of some of his actions and words. That said, I found that his love for his son and Nina, and his willingness to become better for their sake, really endeared him to me.
I quickly grew fond of their relationship, which was full of banter, tension, and sweet little moments, and especially the last 25% of the book had me hooked and emotionally invested.
3.5 ⭐️ ARC Review
It took me a while to get into the story, but once there, I found myself enjoying the characters' journey and all but flew through the pages. Following the characters as they healed, grew and fell in love was, while sad at times, heartwarming and sweet.
Nina, our fmc, cares deeply about the opinions of others, even though she acts as though other people's words and the town gossip don't bother her. I found this to be a very relatable trait of hers. My feelings about the male lead, JD, are somewhat mixed, though. I struggled to fully relate to or make sense of some of his actions and words. That said, I found that his love for his son and Nina, and his willingness to become better for their sake, really endeared him to me.
I quickly grew fond of their relationship, which was full of banter, tension, and sweet little moments, and especially the last 25% of the book had me hooked and emotionally invested.
3.5 ⭐️ ARC Review
August 5, 2025
The Blooming Tide is book two in the Edgewater Romance series and is the story of Nina and JD. This is a close proximity, single dad/nanny, best friend's brother romance.
Nina has been friends with Emma her entire life, which means she has been at odds with Emma's brother JD for just as long. JD has always had a way of getting under Nina's skin and pushing her buttons. Nina is all fire and spunk and gives it back to JD just as good as he gives it.
When JD's nanny quits unexpectedly, he is scrambling to find someone to help care for his five year old son. What JD was not expecting was for his sisters best friend to offer her assistance, although with her apartment and flower shop split in half, literally, she needs the job just as much as JD needs her. Now Nina is living in JD's guest house, nannying for his son and learning there is much more to JD than she thought. Seeing the panic attacks he tries to hide, the moments of doubt as a single dad, the fear of failing his son makes Nina feel things she didn't know possible when looking at JD.
Evita paints such a beautiful picture with her words in this storyline, the depth of feelings that JD feels for his son and how his ex-wife left emotional scars on his heart and mind. The way she explains Nina's ADHD is perfect and how her diagnosis has affected her life and those around her. You could feel the way that Nina and JD had been trading barbs throughout their lives and how those seemingly innocent digs hit harder than either ever realized. As their close proximity brought them together, they were able to see that they had more than just heated arguments between them, there was realization and deeper understanding as they spent more time together. Nina's fierceness to protect JD's son from the same hard life she had was perfect and how Nina fought for Jack and wanted JD to understand his son and realize that he was not failing him or even himself in the process. Then entire story invoked emotions and the eventual "F-it" moment was steamy and will make you sweat. I recommend this romance to anyone, it is a well written book with banter, spicy and emotional moments with a groveling to HEA that nearly breaks you.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Nina has been friends with Emma her entire life, which means she has been at odds with Emma's brother JD for just as long. JD has always had a way of getting under Nina's skin and pushing her buttons. Nina is all fire and spunk and gives it back to JD just as good as he gives it.
When JD's nanny quits unexpectedly, he is scrambling to find someone to help care for his five year old son. What JD was not expecting was for his sisters best friend to offer her assistance, although with her apartment and flower shop split in half, literally, she needs the job just as much as JD needs her. Now Nina is living in JD's guest house, nannying for his son and learning there is much more to JD than she thought. Seeing the panic attacks he tries to hide, the moments of doubt as a single dad, the fear of failing his son makes Nina feel things she didn't know possible when looking at JD.
Evita paints such a beautiful picture with her words in this storyline, the depth of feelings that JD feels for his son and how his ex-wife left emotional scars on his heart and mind. The way she explains Nina's ADHD is perfect and how her diagnosis has affected her life and those around her. You could feel the way that Nina and JD had been trading barbs throughout their lives and how those seemingly innocent digs hit harder than either ever realized. As their close proximity brought them together, they were able to see that they had more than just heated arguments between them, there was realization and deeper understanding as they spent more time together. Nina's fierceness to protect JD's son from the same hard life she had was perfect and how Nina fought for Jack and wanted JD to understand his son and realize that he was not failing him or even himself in the process. Then entire story invoked emotions and the eventual "F-it" moment was steamy and will make you sweat. I recommend this romance to anyone, it is a well written book with banter, spicy and emotional moments with a groveling to HEA that nearly breaks you.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 4, 2025
This book was soooooo freaking CUTE!!!! Everything about this book was chefs kiss!! The tension between Nina and JD, the chemistry between them, the frenemies to lovers, literally everything was so good!! I’m completely obsessed with JD and Nina!! I think they might be my favorite couple…
JD was such a complex character but Nina brought out the best in him! She helped him see that everything Iris told him wasn’t the truth! Nina was literally the woman he needed! But I will say what he said to her…👊🏼 no absolutely not but the way he made it up to her warmed my heart. As I was reading it I was literally this emoji: 🥹!! And Nina!!!! I loooooved her in Harper’s Landing and I love her EVEN MORE after reading The Blooming Tide!!! She is such a great character and I loved ADHD rep! It’s something that a lot of people go through and doesn’t really get shown in books that often and to see it in Nina was rlly cool! The way Evita writes and describes things rlly shows how much it impacts her but she doesn’t let it define her. And I loooove that!!! Ughhh I loved Nina so so much!!
Omgggg I can’t not talk about Jack!!! He was the sweetest kid ever!!!! I loved him!! He was so adorable!!! I loooooved “brain to full” and I loved his relationship with Nina! They were so cute together!!!
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for their little family!! ☺️🥰
Thank you so so much Evita for giving me this arc!! I’m completely obsessed!!! 😆🥰
JD was such a complex character but Nina brought out the best in him! She helped him see that everything Iris told him wasn’t the truth! Nina was literally the woman he needed! But I will say what he said to her…👊🏼 no absolutely not but the way he made it up to her warmed my heart. As I was reading it I was literally this emoji: 🥹!! And Nina!!!! I loooooved her in Harper’s Landing and I love her EVEN MORE after reading The Blooming Tide!!! She is such a great character and I loved ADHD rep! It’s something that a lot of people go through and doesn’t really get shown in books that often and to see it in Nina was rlly cool! The way Evita writes and describes things rlly shows how much it impacts her but she doesn’t let it define her. And I loooove that!!! Ughhh I loved Nina so so much!!
Omgggg I can’t not talk about Jack!!! He was the sweetest kid ever!!!! I loved him!! He was so adorable!!! I loooooved “brain to full” and I loved his relationship with Nina! They were so cute together!!!
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for their little family!! ☺️🥰
Thank you so so much Evita for giving me this arc!! I’m completely obsessed!!! 😆🥰
July 28, 2025
Nina and JD.
The Blooming Tide is going to take you on an emotional ride.
JD is just trying to raise his son and being a single dad is hard. JD also runs his own business in this small down and just lost his nanny. Could things get worse? Yes, yes it could. & it does, but for Nina.
Nina made a mistake.. well, it wasn't even really her mistake. She had relations with a married man and didn't find out until after. P.S. It is not always a takes two to tango situation. In this situation, Nina did nothing wrong because the man appeared to be single. Anyway, his wife comes into her flower shop and is mean as a snake to her, which Nina does not deserve.
JD is left with scars from his ex and also from his childhood. Always feeling like he is going to fail people because everyone always seems to leave. Throughout this book JDs character evolves and changes for the better with help from Nina.
Nina and JD are perfect for one another and if they will get out of each other's way and just be... it might actually work out.
Evita, you did it again. I loved this story so much and the depiction of ADHD and JDs panic attacks were spot on.
If you all are looking for a small town romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance put The Blooming Tide on your list, you will not regret it.
This book is going to make you FEEL things.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Blooming Tide is going to take you on an emotional ride.
JD is just trying to raise his son and being a single dad is hard. JD also runs his own business in this small down and just lost his nanny. Could things get worse? Yes, yes it could. & it does, but for Nina.
Nina made a mistake.. well, it wasn't even really her mistake. She had relations with a married man and didn't find out until after. P.S. It is not always a takes two to tango situation. In this situation, Nina did nothing wrong because the man appeared to be single. Anyway, his wife comes into her flower shop and is mean as a snake to her, which Nina does not deserve.
JD is left with scars from his ex and also from his childhood. Always feeling like he is going to fail people because everyone always seems to leave. Throughout this book JDs character evolves and changes for the better with help from Nina.
Nina and JD are perfect for one another and if they will get out of each other's way and just be... it might actually work out.
Evita, you did it again. I loved this story so much and the depiction of ADHD and JDs panic attacks were spot on.
If you all are looking for a small town romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance put The Blooming Tide on your list, you will not regret it.
This book is going to make you FEEL things.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2025
“Frenemies-to-lovers is a totally underrated romance trope.”
“Blooming Tide” by Evita Wren is the second book set in the cozy coastal town of Edgewater. This steamy forced proximity, frenemies-to-lovers story follows Nina and JD, who grew up together in Edgewater and share a long history of misunderstandings and teasing. JD is a single dad juggling a busy life as a small business owner, mechanic, and sole parent to a lively 5-year-old named Jack. When Nina’s boutique flower shop and home become uninhabitable due to structural damage, she ends up working as a nanny for Jack and JD.
I love how much depth Wren invests in her characters, and how thoughtfully the Edgewater series is plotted. As the relationship develops, the struggles between Nina and JD feel very genuine—showing their nervousness and insecurities, their fight against attraction, and especially their pet names “Pretty Girl” and “Jake.” Wren dives deep into themes around mental health and neurodiversity—covering ADHD, panic attacks, anxiety—including finding diagnoses, late diagnoses, self-discovery, advocating for loved ones, accepting help, therapy, internalized biases, ableism, and loving someone whose brain is wired differently.
With each new Edgewater book, I become more convinced that I need ‘Evita Wren’s small town cookbook.’ Hopefully, Fox Sinclair from Fox Yard Bakery will get his story, and we’ll see recipes like Garlic Swirls, Cheese Straws, and Sable Cookies.
“Blooming Tide” by Evita Wren is the second book set in the cozy coastal town of Edgewater. This steamy forced proximity, frenemies-to-lovers story follows Nina and JD, who grew up together in Edgewater and share a long history of misunderstandings and teasing. JD is a single dad juggling a busy life as a small business owner, mechanic, and sole parent to a lively 5-year-old named Jack. When Nina’s boutique flower shop and home become uninhabitable due to structural damage, she ends up working as a nanny for Jack and JD.
I love how much depth Wren invests in her characters, and how thoughtfully the Edgewater series is plotted. As the relationship develops, the struggles between Nina and JD feel very genuine—showing their nervousness and insecurities, their fight against attraction, and especially their pet names “Pretty Girl” and “Jake.” Wren dives deep into themes around mental health and neurodiversity—covering ADHD, panic attacks, anxiety—including finding diagnoses, late diagnoses, self-discovery, advocating for loved ones, accepting help, therapy, internalized biases, ableism, and loving someone whose brain is wired differently.
With each new Edgewater book, I become more convinced that I need ‘Evita Wren’s small town cookbook.’ Hopefully, Fox Sinclair from Fox Yard Bakery will get his story, and we’ll see recipes like Garlic Swirls, Cheese Straws, and Sable Cookies.
July 5, 2025
*4.5 stars*
This was just so good. The neurodivergent rep really hit home for me, but the story was more than that... it was about getting what it means to truly understand and accept someone.
And the MMC JD was a bit of a dickhead, ridiculously hot and somehow still the softest cinnamon roll ever!!!
*ARC courtesy of BookSirens and Evita Wren*
This was just so good. The neurodivergent rep really hit home for me, but the story was more than that... it was about getting what it means to truly understand and accept someone.
And the MMC JD was a bit of a dickhead, ridiculously hot and somehow still the softest cinnamon roll ever!!!
*ARC courtesy of BookSirens and Evita Wren*
July 10, 2025
This was done so well!!
I do love a book that has a bit of neurodivergence!
This one flowed well and the plot kept me invested from start to finish.
The characters were well done— Nina was absolutely fabulous, though my feelings on JD were a little over the place, but it all worked well together.
Great read for anyone who loves a good single dad X nanny trope with some ‘best friend’s brother’ action chucked in the mix.
I do love a book that has a bit of neurodivergence!
This one flowed well and the plot kept me invested from start to finish.
The characters were well done— Nina was absolutely fabulous, though my feelings on JD were a little over the place, but it all worked well together.
Great read for anyone who loves a good single dad X nanny trope with some ‘best friend’s brother’ action chucked in the mix.
August 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book tremendously. It was nice to read a book about ADHD that explained what it was like to live with it but did not go into too much scientific discourse. It hurts when people think you are too much and/or not enough. I loved JD and Nina, they worked well together even when they were at odds. Loved little Jack. He was so special. The friend/family circle they had was so supportive that it made me warm inside. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️.75
I wrote my review while reading the book and I started it twice because I wanted to DNF early on because the MCs were not all that likeable. I received a free copy from the author and I think that's why I stubbornly finished this book. Also, potential spoilers at the end of the review.
Attempt 1 – 17% completed:
I'm not sure about this one. I like the idea of it and even like the author's writing, but something about the MCs irritates me and I don't like either of them. JD is a jerk to Nina for no good reason (his non-apologies don't excuse his behavior), and understandably, Nina is a jerk in response.
I understand Nina is neurodivergent, but her constant inner monologue on ADHD, how an ADHD brain works, and her symptoms got really annoying to read very quickly and I just wanted to shake her and say, “That's not all ADHD. You might need to be assessed for autism as well.”
I feel like Nina’s friends infantilize her. Everyone tiptoes around her feelings and lets her pretend stuff isn't happening.
Attempt 2 – 100% completed:
I actually took a break while reading to see if it was just my mood not being right for this type of book, but even after a little over a week break with multiple other books started and finished, I still didn't like the MCs much (I could never figure out why I didn't like JD, and Nina is too much like myself that it annoyed me and defeated the purpose of reading to escape the real world for me). 🤷🏻♀️
And the moment Nina lost it on the teacher because she was feeling defensive and like it was her childhood all over again is the moment that I knew there would likely be no redeeming her as a likeable character in my mind. She overstepped, got defensive, and refused to see how her behavior was inappropriate and antagonistic. I should have DNF at that point but I stupidly kept reading…
In the real world, JD and Nina would not have a happily ever after. Nina’s friends would've convinced her to cut him off and never speak to him again, if they hadn’t convinced her to get a restraining order against him for the crazy, stalker behavior after the 3rd act breakup. Nina’s softening and giving JD the chance to win her back was super relatable and something I've stupidly done, which is why I cannot accept that they have a HEA.
I wrote my review while reading the book and I started it twice because I wanted to DNF early on because the MCs were not all that likeable. I received a free copy from the author and I think that's why I stubbornly finished this book. Also, potential spoilers at the end of the review.
Attempt 1 – 17% completed:
I'm not sure about this one. I like the idea of it and even like the author's writing, but something about the MCs irritates me and I don't like either of them. JD is a jerk to Nina for no good reason (his non-apologies don't excuse his behavior), and understandably, Nina is a jerk in response.
I understand Nina is neurodivergent, but her constant inner monologue on ADHD, how an ADHD brain works, and her symptoms got really annoying to read very quickly and I just wanted to shake her and say, “That's not all ADHD. You might need to be assessed for autism as well.”
I feel like Nina’s friends infantilize her. Everyone tiptoes around her feelings and lets her pretend stuff isn't happening.
Attempt 2 – 100% completed:
I actually took a break while reading to see if it was just my mood not being right for this type of book, but even after a little over a week break with multiple other books started and finished, I still didn't like the MCs much (I could never figure out why I didn't like JD, and Nina is too much like myself that it annoyed me and defeated the purpose of reading to escape the real world for me). 🤷🏻♀️
And the moment Nina lost it on the teacher because she was feeling defensive and like it was her childhood all over again is the moment that I knew there would likely be no redeeming her as a likeable character in my mind. She overstepped, got defensive, and refused to see how her behavior was inappropriate and antagonistic. I should have DNF at that point but I stupidly kept reading…
In the real world, JD and Nina would not have a happily ever after. Nina’s friends would've convinced her to cut him off and never speak to him again, if they hadn’t convinced her to get a restraining order against him for the crazy, stalker behavior after the 3rd act breakup. Nina’s softening and giving JD the chance to win her back was super relatable and something I've stupidly done, which is why I cannot accept that they have a HEA.
October 28, 2025
This book completely stole my heart. It was beautifully written, sweet, and full of depth. While it absolutely delivers on the romance and tension between Nina and JD, it’s also a powerful story about healing, self-acceptance, and learning to love yourself.
Nina and JD’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. Their frenemies to lovers dynamic was full of sharp banter, tension, and genuine emotion. JD is such a layered character. He is a single dad trying to hold everything together while quietly battling the scars left by his past. His struggles with panic attacks and self-worth were written with such empathy. And Nina… I adored her. She was vibrant, chaotic in the best way, and had such a big heart. Her ADHD representation was honest, respectful, and incredibly meaningful. It showed both the challenges and the beauty of the way her mind works, without reducing her to a stereotype.
What really stood out to me was the emotional evolution of both characters. Nina helps JD realize he’s not defined by his past or by what others have said about him, and in return, JD gives Nina a space where she can just be, without apology. Their connection felt raw and real, built on understanding and mutual growth.
And I have to mention Jack (JD’s son), because he added so much warmth and heart to this story. His “brain too full” moments and his bond with Nina were some of my favorite parts. Watching all three of them slowly become a family was so touching.
Evita Wren handled sensitive topics, like ADHD, panic attacks, childhood trauma, self-doubt with so much care and authenticity. Her writing captures emotion in a way that lingers. This story isn’t just about falling in love with another person, but also about learning to love yourself through your imperfections and past pain.
This is a must read for anyone who loves small town romances with emotional depth, realistic mental health representation, and characters who feel genuinely human. It’s tender, raw, and ultimately so healing. I can’t wait to see where the Edgewater series goes next for Emma’s story!
Nina and JD’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. Their frenemies to lovers dynamic was full of sharp banter, tension, and genuine emotion. JD is such a layered character. He is a single dad trying to hold everything together while quietly battling the scars left by his past. His struggles with panic attacks and self-worth were written with such empathy. And Nina… I adored her. She was vibrant, chaotic in the best way, and had such a big heart. Her ADHD representation was honest, respectful, and incredibly meaningful. It showed both the challenges and the beauty of the way her mind works, without reducing her to a stereotype.
What really stood out to me was the emotional evolution of both characters. Nina helps JD realize he’s not defined by his past or by what others have said about him, and in return, JD gives Nina a space where she can just be, without apology. Their connection felt raw and real, built on understanding and mutual growth.
And I have to mention Jack (JD’s son), because he added so much warmth and heart to this story. His “brain too full” moments and his bond with Nina were some of my favorite parts. Watching all three of them slowly become a family was so touching.
Evita Wren handled sensitive topics, like ADHD, panic attacks, childhood trauma, self-doubt with so much care and authenticity. Her writing captures emotion in a way that lingers. This story isn’t just about falling in love with another person, but also about learning to love yourself through your imperfections and past pain.
This is a must read for anyone who loves small town romances with emotional depth, realistic mental health representation, and characters who feel genuinely human. It’s tender, raw, and ultimately so healing. I can’t wait to see where the Edgewater series goes next for Emma’s story!
July 12, 2025
I don’t know where Evita Wren came from with this but I am floored and in awe. 😍🥰 She writes in a way that draws you in and has you right there experiencing the world with all the feels, submerging you into it with your body and soul.
The Freinemies trope was just what I needed. Single dad x nanny and best friend’s brother to top it off and you had me.
The way Nina is captured in perfect detail of the workings of her mind and heart. The complexity that is ADHD and all the neurospicy hurtles that come along with it trying to live in a neurotypical world was written in such a way that I really connected with her. I could feel every emotion and thought that she had. I was in it like I was standing right there with her. Mad with her, outraged, battling it out and loving with all the feels or when our “Brains were too full”! I am not ashamed to admit crying when the emotions ran high or having a headache because the tension in the situations with her. Wanting to kick or hit someone when they were being jerks.
JD.. well let’s just say he is human. His way of thinking and feeling caught me as well. I could feel his turmoil. See why he did and thought the way he did and hurt when he was hurting. Him having a past and carrying the baggage that came with it but willing to adjust made him so relatable. He wasn’t always my favorite person but his redemption made it that much sweeter.
The tension between Nina and JD was there and man so was I! I screamed and gasped more times than I counted. Reading their reactions to each other the way they made the other feel and realizing they were having an effect on the other just as badly.
Let me say, I was honored with this as an e-ARC read by the Author and I cannot thank them enough with trusting me with their hard work. This review is voluntary and of my own accord.
The Freinemies trope was just what I needed. Single dad x nanny and best friend’s brother to top it off and you had me.
The way Nina is captured in perfect detail of the workings of her mind and heart. The complexity that is ADHD and all the neurospicy hurtles that come along with it trying to live in a neurotypical world was written in such a way that I really connected with her. I could feel every emotion and thought that she had. I was in it like I was standing right there with her. Mad with her, outraged, battling it out and loving with all the feels or when our “Brains were too full”! I am not ashamed to admit crying when the emotions ran high or having a headache because the tension in the situations with her. Wanting to kick or hit someone when they were being jerks.
JD.. well let’s just say he is human. His way of thinking and feeling caught me as well. I could feel his turmoil. See why he did and thought the way he did and hurt when he was hurting. Him having a past and carrying the baggage that came with it but willing to adjust made him so relatable. He wasn’t always my favorite person but his redemption made it that much sweeter.
The tension between Nina and JD was there and man so was I! I screamed and gasped more times than I counted. Reading their reactions to each other the way they made the other feel and realizing they were having an effect on the other just as badly.
Let me say, I was honored with this as an e-ARC read by the Author and I cannot thank them enough with trusting me with their hard work. This review is voluntary and of my own accord.
January 23, 2026
Overall this was a decent book with a solid plot line, characters, and story arch. The biggest problems I had were:
1.) I am not a huge fan of the pet names "babe" or "baby" and boy is it used a lot. Granted this is my own personal taste so I don't hold it against the author or anything.
2.) In like almost every chapter with Nina and JD besides spicy scenes, JD seems to fuck something up and not listen to what Nina is saying. Then immediately regrets it and tries to beg for understanding. Granted I get he's been through a lot of emotional turmoil because of his ex-wife's emotionally abusive words and personality, but like...I just felt the communication could have gone better.
3.) This was my biggest issue right here: Nina took him back too quickly after they got into an argument about ADHD children and JD said that 'those types of kids' often use ADHD as an excuse, that they are lazy and will amount to nothing, that they can't hold down a job, and more. He didn't realize (somehow) that Nina has ADHD. She only brought up the topic because JD's child, who she is nannying, has signs of ADHD and Nina wants to be his advocate. Anyway Nina ends up in a car crash and hospitalized and then JD is all like, "Oh no! I can't lose her!" and for like a month he begs to see her, talk to her, and apologize. In the end she takes him back. I just, I didn't like that part. I felt like Nina gave in to easily and I felt like JD really only realized his thinking was wrong because Nina has ADHD and not of his own merit or thoughts. On one hand that's great that he changed for his loved one, but on the other hand if Nina like never brought ADHD up, I would hate to think about how his child would also view people with ADHD not knowing he is one of them. I know it's all hypothetical but this is my opinion.
In the end this book was like a 6/10.
1.) I am not a huge fan of the pet names "babe" or "baby" and boy is it used a lot. Granted this is my own personal taste so I don't hold it against the author or anything.
2.) In like almost every chapter with Nina and JD besides spicy scenes, JD seems to fuck something up and not listen to what Nina is saying. Then immediately regrets it and tries to beg for understanding. Granted I get he's been through a lot of emotional turmoil because of his ex-wife's emotionally abusive words and personality, but like...I just felt the communication could have gone better.
3.) This was my biggest issue right here: Nina took him back too quickly after they got into an argument about ADHD children and JD said that 'those types of kids' often use ADHD as an excuse, that they are lazy and will amount to nothing, that they can't hold down a job, and more. He didn't realize (somehow) that Nina has ADHD. She only brought up the topic because JD's child, who she is nannying, has signs of ADHD and Nina wants to be his advocate. Anyway Nina ends up in a car crash and hospitalized and then JD is all like, "Oh no! I can't lose her!" and for like a month he begs to see her, talk to her, and apologize. In the end she takes him back. I just, I didn't like that part. I felt like Nina gave in to easily and I felt like JD really only realized his thinking was wrong because Nina has ADHD and not of his own merit or thoughts. On one hand that's great that he changed for his loved one, but on the other hand if Nina like never brought ADHD up, I would hate to think about how his child would also view people with ADHD not knowing he is one of them. I know it's all hypothetical but this is my opinion.
In the end this book was like a 6/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
I really related to the MCs, Nina and JD. Nina has ADHD like me, and even though I was diagnosed from a young age, unlike her, I understand how it is to have your, "brain too full," worry about other people's opinions, being seen as lazy, or overly sensitive.I also relate to J.D. because he always has to be the strong one, sometimes he doesn't know how to handle his emotions so he has panic attacks, he feels like he's not allowed to show emotions, and he has insecurities regarding his son, Jack.
Nina was so good to them. She understood Jack from the start and they connected. Nina brought a light to JD and Jack's life, and they did the same for her.
I loved seeing Nina and JD’s moments, their banter, and the slow burn. I laughed, I yelled, I cried, and felt so many emotions with these characters. The spice was good, both characters got to explore and feel confident in their own bodies with each other.
Nina was Jack and JD's biggest cheerleader and advocate. It's hard to let go of misconceptions and prejudices, and that's what we see with JD. I don't justify his actions towards Nina, but I am glad that they solved their issues in the end, and they really make a cute couple.
If you love a small-town romances, childhood frenemies to lovers, opposites attract, a single dad, and a mental health representation well done, I suggest you grab this book. I didn't know this was the second in a series. I hope I can pick up Harper's Landing soon and get to know more about Lexi and Cole's beginning.
And I cannot wait for the third book, because Emma, JD's sister and Nina's best friend, is getting her own book next. Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the advance reader copy. I really loved this story, and I hope to read more about these characters.
Nina was so good to them. She understood Jack from the start and they connected. Nina brought a light to JD and Jack's life, and they did the same for her.
I loved seeing Nina and JD’s moments, their banter, and the slow burn. I laughed, I yelled, I cried, and felt so many emotions with these characters. The spice was good, both characters got to explore and feel confident in their own bodies with each other.
Nina was Jack and JD's biggest cheerleader and advocate. It's hard to let go of misconceptions and prejudices, and that's what we see with JD. I don't justify his actions towards Nina, but I am glad that they solved their issues in the end, and they really make a cute couple.
If you love a small-town romances, childhood frenemies to lovers, opposites attract, a single dad, and a mental health representation well done, I suggest you grab this book. I didn't know this was the second in a series. I hope I can pick up Harper's Landing soon and get to know more about Lexi and Cole's beginning.
And I cannot wait for the third book, because Emma, JD's sister and Nina's best friend, is getting her own book next. Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the advance reader copy. I really loved this story, and I hope to read more about these characters.
August 7, 2025
I received a digital ARC of this book for my honest opinion
The Blooming Tide is the second story in the Edgewater Romance series, but can be read as a stand alone romance. This is how I read this story and will be reviewing it. Our story looks at Nina Calloway, owner of the Blooming Tide who is forced out when her store and home literally split in half, and JD Tucker, single father of Jack and older brother of Emma, who happens to be Nina’s best friends. After JD’s nanny quits Nina takes the job and the place to live, even if it means living with the man who bullied her throughout her childhood.
When it comes to reading a small town romance I can always be hit or miss. I am truly a mood reader, because usually the small town romance can be too sweet for my taste and it feels too far from reality. When reading the world Evita Wren this was not the case. The relationship between our couple had so much emotional charge, tension, and grit that I kept coming back for more. Both Nina and JD felt like very complex characters. When it came to any of their choices the motivations, even if I didn’t agree with them, did make sense for the character. Along with this Wren does an amazing job with attention to detail. Every little piece felt meaningful and well put together.
The Blooming Tide has definitely pulled me in and I will have to go back for book one. I will warn readers that Wren does talk about hard topics and be ready to have your heart wrenched but it is soooooo worth it. I can confidently say that this is a 4.5/5 read and I will thinking about this book for a while.
The Blooming Tide is the second story in the Edgewater Romance series, but can be read as a stand alone romance. This is how I read this story and will be reviewing it. Our story looks at Nina Calloway, owner of the Blooming Tide who is forced out when her store and home literally split in half, and JD Tucker, single father of Jack and older brother of Emma, who happens to be Nina’s best friends. After JD’s nanny quits Nina takes the job and the place to live, even if it means living with the man who bullied her throughout her childhood.
When it comes to reading a small town romance I can always be hit or miss. I am truly a mood reader, because usually the small town romance can be too sweet for my taste and it feels too far from reality. When reading the world Evita Wren this was not the case. The relationship between our couple had so much emotional charge, tension, and grit that I kept coming back for more. Both Nina and JD felt like very complex characters. When it came to any of their choices the motivations, even if I didn’t agree with them, did make sense for the character. Along with this Wren does an amazing job with attention to detail. Every little piece felt meaningful and well put together.
The Blooming Tide has definitely pulled me in and I will have to go back for book one. I will warn readers that Wren does talk about hard topics and be ready to have your heart wrenched but it is soooooo worth it. I can confidently say that this is a 4.5/5 read and I will thinking about this book for a while.
September 18, 2025
What it’s about…
All JD sees when he looks at Nina Calloway is trouble, she is his sister’s ride-or-die and a major thorn in his side. But when life throws him a curveball and he needs help with his five year old, Nina is the one who jumps in to be his nanny.
Nina is desperate, her apartment looks like a scene from a dystopian movie, split right down the middle. What’s a girl to do? JD is the last person she wants to help but his kid isn’t so bad and she needs a place to live. Now she just needs to not notice that her best friend’s brother got hot.
My thoughts…
It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did it was an enjoyable read.The only thing that was frustrating me about this book was the slow burn was slow burning! The author did a great job with this and I know because I was screaming in my head, one of you cross the line already!!
I have just realised I am not a fan of the third act break up, let the characters be together!! Getting to know each other is tough enough as it is, do we have to have an extra challenge?
Ok tad dramatic and yes this “ break up” is very much inline with the characters getting to know each other and probably not that unrealistic considering the topic - adhd - and hitting the nail on the head inserting what is a common societal view. But they had a tough enough time throughout the rest of the book.
The author has done a fantastic job at portraying the hardship someone with adhd can face and it’s a good thing to put a spotlight on, I’m just frustrated for Nina. It felt almost like a letter from/to the author - I’m hoping this book helped the author work through her late diagnosis of adhd because no one should have to face that stigma.
There was character development, snarky banter, TENSION, heartwarming moments and spice, this book has everything for an emotional rollercoaster and leaves you with a HEA.
— thank you to Evita Wren for the e-arc to review!
All JD sees when he looks at Nina Calloway is trouble, she is his sister’s ride-or-die and a major thorn in his side. But when life throws him a curveball and he needs help with his five year old, Nina is the one who jumps in to be his nanny.
Nina is desperate, her apartment looks like a scene from a dystopian movie, split right down the middle. What’s a girl to do? JD is the last person she wants to help but his kid isn’t so bad and she needs a place to live. Now she just needs to not notice that her best friend’s brother got hot.
My thoughts…
It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did it was an enjoyable read.The only thing that was frustrating me about this book was the slow burn was slow burning! The author did a great job with this and I know because I was screaming in my head, one of you cross the line already!!
I have just realised I am not a fan of the third act break up, let the characters be together!! Getting to know each other is tough enough as it is, do we have to have an extra challenge?
Ok tad dramatic and yes this “ break up” is very much inline with the characters getting to know each other and probably not that unrealistic considering the topic - adhd - and hitting the nail on the head inserting what is a common societal view. But they had a tough enough time throughout the rest of the book.
The author has done a fantastic job at portraying the hardship someone with adhd can face and it’s a good thing to put a spotlight on, I’m just frustrated for Nina. It felt almost like a letter from/to the author - I’m hoping this book helped the author work through her late diagnosis of adhd because no one should have to face that stigma.
There was character development, snarky banter, TENSION, heartwarming moments and spice, this book has everything for an emotional rollercoaster and leaves you with a HEA.
— thank you to Evita Wren for the e-arc to review!
January 25, 2026
.
REREAD:
OVERALL: ⭐️
THE GOOD:
AVERAGE:
THE BAD:
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
STORY SUMMARY: Nina has been friends with Emma her entire life, which means she has been at odds with Emma's brother JD for just as long. JD has always had a way of getting under Nina's skin and pushing her buttons. Nina is all fire and spunk and gives it back to JD just as good as he gives it.
When JD's nanny quits unexpectedly, he is scrambling to find someone to help care for his five year old son. What JD was not expecting was for his sisters best friend to offer her assistance, although with her apartment and flower shop split in half, literally, she needs the job just as much as JD needs her. Now Nina is living in JD's guest house, nannying for his son and learning there is much more to JD than she thought. Seeing the panic attacks he tries to hide, the moments of doubt as a single dad, the fear of failing his son makes Nina feel things she didn't know possible when looking at JD.
TROPES, THEME:
READABILITY, WRITING, PACE: 📖
FEELS: 🦋
CLOSURE: 🚪
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
CHARACTER/PLOT FOCUSED:
PERSPECTIVE POV:
CHARACTERS:
HERO:🧍♂️
HEROINE:🧍♀️
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
ROMANCE, RELATIONSHIP: 💞
INSTA LOVE:
PUSH/PULL:
SEPARATION:
SAFETY:
STEAM SCALE (AMOUNT, DESCRIPTION, LENGTH, BUILDUP): 🔥
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
QUOTES:
REREAD:
OVERALL: ⭐️
THE GOOD:
AVERAGE:
THE BAD:
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
STORY SUMMARY: Nina has been friends with Emma her entire life, which means she has been at odds with Emma's brother JD for just as long. JD has always had a way of getting under Nina's skin and pushing her buttons. Nina is all fire and spunk and gives it back to JD just as good as he gives it.
When JD's nanny quits unexpectedly, he is scrambling to find someone to help care for his five year old son. What JD was not expecting was for his sisters best friend to offer her assistance, although with her apartment and flower shop split in half, literally, she needs the job just as much as JD needs her. Now Nina is living in JD's guest house, nannying for his son and learning there is much more to JD than she thought. Seeing the panic attacks he tries to hide, the moments of doubt as a single dad, the fear of failing his son makes Nina feel things she didn't know possible when looking at JD.
TROPES, THEME:
READABILITY, WRITING, PACE: 📖
FEELS: 🦋
CLOSURE: 🚪
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
CHARACTER/PLOT FOCUSED:
PERSPECTIVE POV:
CHARACTERS:
HERO:🧍♂️
HEROINE:🧍♀️
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
ROMANCE, RELATIONSHIP: 💞
INSTA LOVE:
PUSH/PULL:
SEPARATION:
SAFETY:
STEAM SCALE (AMOUNT, DESCRIPTION, LENGTH, BUILDUP): 🔥
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
QUOTES:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
Now that my emotions have calmed down, I can give you proper insight, ha! Get the tissues for this book.
Nina and JD have been at each other's throats for 25 years. Her best friend is his sister (Emma), and Cole is best friends with both, so they were never able to avoid each other.
He needs a new nanny for Jake, and she needs a place to live and work after her flower shop/apartment crumbles. Seeing how Nina can give Jack the attention he needs, and little Jack is the first to fall for Nina (in a guardian/child way, don’t be weird). This leads to Nina spending more time around JD. Then we get to see them finally give in to the emotions that have been there between them.
I wasn’t sure how they would come together, but watching both slowly break down their walls, their connection becomes deeper than a physical one. Due to Nina’s ADHD and JD’s Panic Attacks, the two have to learn to navigate each other through their struggles. Then they pulled apart... that was tough...and then I spent 30 minutes sobbing. My heart broke for these two as they learn to navigate through these new struggles. They get their HEA, and I couldn’t have been happier, which was needed after having my heart wrung out. This is a fantastic book, and I can't wait to see what other stories come from Edgewater.
Nina and JD have been at each other's throats for 25 years. Her best friend is his sister (Emma), and Cole is best friends with both, so they were never able to avoid each other.
He needs a new nanny for Jake, and she needs a place to live and work after her flower shop/apartment crumbles. Seeing how Nina can give Jack the attention he needs, and little Jack is the first to fall for Nina (in a guardian/child way, don’t be weird). This leads to Nina spending more time around JD. Then we get to see them finally give in to the emotions that have been there between them.
I wasn’t sure how they would come together, but watching both slowly break down their walls, their connection becomes deeper than a physical one. Due to Nina’s ADHD and JD’s Panic Attacks, the two have to learn to navigate each other through their struggles. Then they pulled apart... that was tough...and then I spent 30 minutes sobbing. My heart broke for these two as they learn to navigate through these new struggles. They get their HEA, and I couldn’t have been happier, which was needed after having my heart wrung out. This is a fantastic book, and I can't wait to see what other stories come from Edgewater.
August 1, 2025
I absolutely loved the author’s first book in the series, “Harper’s Landing”, so I was really looking forward to reading her next book. We had glimpses of Nina and JD in that first story, so their pairing was somehow both surprising and expected. The two have had a love/hate relationship for decades. They trade barbs and banter like old pros. It isn’t until JD is caught in a bind and needs someone to look after his young son that he and Nina really start to see beyond their animosity and find something really special. Just like the first book, this one is filled with imperfect people finding one another and falling in love and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Nina and JD are both dealing with multiple issues. In other words, life. Slowly they learn to trust themselves and one another and open up to something wonderful. I also loved that once again the author wrote about mental health, and in a real and honest way. As someone who lives with anxiety and has had her fair share of panic attacks, I appreciated her depiction of JD’s struggles. Ultimately this is a book of resilience, openness and love. I definitely recommend it.
August 2, 2025
This book. It had all the feelings: sadness, happiness, anxiety and stress, anger, hurt, regret, and most of all love. The love in this book wasn’t just romantic love like Nina & JD, it had platonic love, like Nina & Emma, it had motherly love between Nina & Jack, and it had sibling love, like JD & and Emma, and Nina & Cole (even though they aren’t related by blood).
Even though they were an unlikely pairing at the start of their story, Nina and JD blended well together. As the book progressed, you could tell how Nina calmed and grounded JD, and how reassuring and patient she was with him. Not only that, but you could tell how much trust JD had with Nina, especially when he wasn’t her biggest fan, yet still let her be present in Jack’s life.
I think that without Jack in this story, Nina and JD wouldn’t have found each other as well as they did (or maybe even at all), and it was obvious how much the two cared for Jack through their actions and decisions. Even when things between the pair were rocky, they didn’t let their opposing feelings come between them and Jack.
This book was really sweet, and I think that if you took a chance reading it you wouldn’t be disappointed!
Even though they were an unlikely pairing at the start of their story, Nina and JD blended well together. As the book progressed, you could tell how Nina calmed and grounded JD, and how reassuring and patient she was with him. Not only that, but you could tell how much trust JD had with Nina, especially when he wasn’t her biggest fan, yet still let her be present in Jack’s life.
I think that without Jack in this story, Nina and JD wouldn’t have found each other as well as they did (or maybe even at all), and it was obvious how much the two cared for Jack through their actions and decisions. Even when things between the pair were rocky, they didn’t let their opposing feelings come between them and Jack.
This book was really sweet, and I think that if you took a chance reading it you wouldn’t be disappointed!
August 18, 2025
ARC Review. Thank you to Evita for the opportunity to ARC this book, it was an incredible experience and you have a fan for life. This book had it all! FMC and MMC you can connect to you, it was so easy to fall in love with both of them. All the mental health representation was stunning, I love it when I feel seen in a book, talks about panic attacks and ADHD made me and I’m sure others feel seen and validated within the pages of this story.
There was so much emotional depth in this book, so many moments of joy, laughter and love, but also many moments of utter heartbreak, fear, sadness and despair. I know a book is well written when I loose count of how many times it gave me goosebumps.
The book mentioning our school system and how it continues to fail our children was something that really hit home, especially for children with special needs and having these kids feel less than.
Thank you again Evita, this book is a real gem and I’m so grateful that I had the pleasure to read. Thank you for making me feel seen and validated and for making me feel understood.
There was so much emotional depth in this book, so many moments of joy, laughter and love, but also many moments of utter heartbreak, fear, sadness and despair. I know a book is well written when I loose count of how many times it gave me goosebumps.
The book mentioning our school system and how it continues to fail our children was something that really hit home, especially for children with special needs and having these kids feel less than.
Thank you again Evita, this book is a real gem and I’m so grateful that I had the pleasure to read. Thank you for making me feel seen and validated and for making me feel understood.
July 10, 2025
This book is so beautifully written and the characters will steal your heart!!
Nina is a free spirited sweetheart to everyone except her best friends brother. They have known each other for many years and he has always given her crap. She knows he hates her so she just avoids him. That works until his son needs someone to watch him and her best friend is out of options.
JD never saw what everyone else saw in Nina. He did enjoy teasing her though because she always rose to the occasion. To say he was stunned that she was watching Jake is putting it mildly. Then she said she saw him being human and well that just wouldn’t do so he riles her up again.
When she is in need of a place to stay and he is in need of a nanny for his son they come to an arrangement that puts them in close proximity and that’s one of my favorite tropes! Add in best friends brother and kinda enemies to lovers and I was sold!
Nina is a free spirited sweetheart to everyone except her best friends brother. They have known each other for many years and he has always given her crap. She knows he hates her so she just avoids him. That works until his son needs someone to watch him and her best friend is out of options.
JD never saw what everyone else saw in Nina. He did enjoy teasing her though because she always rose to the occasion. To say he was stunned that she was watching Jake is putting it mildly. Then she said she saw him being human and well that just wouldn’t do so he riles her up again.
When she is in need of a place to stay and he is in need of a nanny for his son they come to an arrangement that puts them in close proximity and that’s one of my favorite tropes! Add in best friends brother and kinda enemies to lovers and I was sold!
July 27, 2025
The perfect small town romance 💕
I absolutely fell in love with Nina, her flower shop, and all her delightful "woo woo" magic. The ADHD representation in this book is genuinely fantastic, Nina’s description about how her brain works felt so accurate and validating. It was refreshing to see neurodivergence portrayed with such authenticity and care.
Then there’s JD… this man is complicated, wounded, and absolutely irresistible. He’s been shaped by the things people have said to him, and you can feel the weight he carries, but oh, when he opens up and that dirty talk kicks in? Melt. City. Population: me. 🔥
I also adored the bond between Nina and JD’s son, Jack. The way she sees and understands him is so touching, it brought so much heart to the story.
This is a beautiful, emotional, and spicy small town romance filled with humor, healing, and swoon worthy moments. If you love romance with heart and heat, this one's for you.
I absolutely fell in love with Nina, her flower shop, and all her delightful "woo woo" magic. The ADHD representation in this book is genuinely fantastic, Nina’s description about how her brain works felt so accurate and validating. It was refreshing to see neurodivergence portrayed with such authenticity and care.
Then there’s JD… this man is complicated, wounded, and absolutely irresistible. He’s been shaped by the things people have said to him, and you can feel the weight he carries, but oh, when he opens up and that dirty talk kicks in? Melt. City. Population: me. 🔥
I also adored the bond between Nina and JD’s son, Jack. The way she sees and understands him is so touching, it brought so much heart to the story.
This is a beautiful, emotional, and spicy small town romance filled with humor, healing, and swoon worthy moments. If you love romance with heart and heat, this one's for you.
Read
August 5, 2025Engaging enemies-to-lovers romance. I loved the foundation of this story: Nina & JD have been at odds for years, each sparking off the other. I really liked that the story highlights the plight of Nina who is an adult with a late diagnosis of ADHD & how few people understand what this actually means. Disaster strikes when Nina’s apartment suffers subsidence and she has to move out. I loved that, despite their differences, JD comes to the rescue offering her somewhere to live in exchange for being his cute son’s nanny. The story engages as these two likeable people have been at odds so long, neither really knows how to cope with their growing feelings for each other. This is an enjoyable read despite what may be triggers for some people and is well written. It is a second book in a series but is a stand-alone story; I will definitely be going back & reading the first book in the series.
December 18, 2025
Astonishing masterpiece
I just have to count myself lucky to have stumbled across this most beautiful gem of a book. It didn’t have many reviews yet but I took a chance and read the excerpt and I was hooked. I haven’t stopped reading it and to say it was exceptional doesn’t feel like enough.
I LOVE real people. Real mess ups. Real make ups. And this story has it all in droves. It’s very close to perfect and even though I am generally quite generous in rating books, I rarely have this feeling of imperfect perfection.
I have cried and loved with all of these people for the duration of the book and I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love with them.
The writing is flawless, the timings on pointe and every single piece of the puzzle just fits.
I can’t force anybody to read this but I can promise you that you won’t regret it!
I just have to count myself lucky to have stumbled across this most beautiful gem of a book. It didn’t have many reviews yet but I took a chance and read the excerpt and I was hooked. I haven’t stopped reading it and to say it was exceptional doesn’t feel like enough.
I LOVE real people. Real mess ups. Real make ups. And this story has it all in droves. It’s very close to perfect and even though I am generally quite generous in rating books, I rarely have this feeling of imperfect perfection.
I have cried and loved with all of these people for the duration of the book and I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love with them.
The writing is flawless, the timings on pointe and every single piece of the puzzle just fits.
I can’t force anybody to read this but I can promise you that you won’t regret it!
July 3, 2025
I knew I would like this book based of the blurb alone. A single dad x nanny trope and a siblings best friend trope will get me every time.
I did not expect it to make me cry (2 times!!).
I love Nina's character. The way she handled that teacher in the one scene! Loved that. The way she got so defensive over JD, and wanting to protect him. She was just unapologetically herself, and she was an amazing FMC.
JD, I had to grow on his character. There are parts that I loved him... "Thank you, Darlin." and the book scene, and there are times I wanted to punch him. But he really made up for it in the end.
My heart broke for Nina in a few scenes of the book, and I am so happy she got her HEA. I really enjoyed their story.
I did not expect it to make me cry (2 times!!).
I love Nina's character. The way she handled that teacher in the one scene! Loved that. The way she got so defensive over JD, and wanting to protect him. She was just unapologetically herself, and she was an amazing FMC.
JD, I had to grow on his character. There are parts that I loved him... "Thank you, Darlin." and the book scene, and there are times I wanted to punch him. But he really made up for it in the end.
My heart broke for Nina in a few scenes of the book, and I am so happy she got her HEA. I really enjoyed their story.
July 29, 2025
The Blooming Tide completely swept me away. Evita Wren delivers peak small-town romance with everything I love: slow-burn tension, forced proximity, and just the right amount of spice to keep things deliciously steamy. Nina and JD’s chemistry had me clinging to every page—lingering touches, repressed feelings, and that perfect, inevitable snap when it all spills over. So. Damn. Good.
What really set this book apart, though, was the emotional depth. Nina’s neurodivergent representation felt so authentic and lovingly written. It was never dramatised —just a real, nuanced part of who she is. Watching her open up and find connection on her terms made the romance hit even harder.
Tender, hot, and deeply moving—this is a story that made me feel everything. Highly recommend if you love your romance with heart, heat, and characters you want to hug (and maybe push into a closet together).
What really set this book apart, though, was the emotional depth. Nina’s neurodivergent representation felt so authentic and lovingly written. It was never dramatised —just a real, nuanced part of who she is. Watching her open up and find connection on her terms made the romance hit even harder.
Tender, hot, and deeply moving—this is a story that made me feel everything. Highly recommend if you love your romance with heart, heat, and characters you want to hug (and maybe push into a closet together).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
This is my first read from Evita Wren and I am in love! Nina & JD are our main characters, and this book is the cutest!
This book represented ADHD well and I found myself able to relate to this, being ADHD myself!
JD is a single dad and when his current nanny takes off, Nina steps in! Nina is JD’s sisters bfffffff so we have a bit of a “forbidden” romance here 🥵 Nina’s is moved into JD’s guest house due to problems at her current place which forces them into close proximity!
Both Nina and JD have mental health struggles so it is refreshing to find a book that represents both struggles well and seeing how they cope with them.
Thank you Evita for the ARC! I absolutely loved this!
This book represented ADHD well and I found myself able to relate to this, being ADHD myself!
JD is a single dad and when his current nanny takes off, Nina steps in! Nina is JD’s sisters bfffffff so we have a bit of a “forbidden” romance here 🥵 Nina’s is moved into JD’s guest house due to problems at her current place which forces them into close proximity!
Both Nina and JD have mental health struggles so it is refreshing to find a book that represents both struggles well and seeing how they cope with them.
Thank you Evita for the ARC! I absolutely loved this!
August 19, 2025
The Blooming Tide is the second book in the Edgewater Romance series by Evita Wren.
Nina agrees to help JD and becomes his nanny when she leaves. They have known each other forever because Nina is JD’s sister’s best friend. They can’t put up a good front around each other. After years of knowing each other will they finally give into the feelings and fall?!
Contemporary Small Town Romance
Childhood Frenemies-to-Lovers
Best Friend's Brother/Sister's Best Friend
Single Dad/Nanny with Forced Proximity
Secret Soft/Sad Boy
Opposites Attract
ADHD and Panic Attack Rep
Realistic Body Types/Shapes
Open Door Spice
Nina agrees to help JD and becomes his nanny when she leaves. They have known each other forever because Nina is JD’s sister’s best friend. They can’t put up a good front around each other. After years of knowing each other will they finally give into the feelings and fall?!
Contemporary Small Town Romance
Childhood Frenemies-to-Lovers
Best Friend's Brother/Sister's Best Friend
Single Dad/Nanny with Forced Proximity
Secret Soft/Sad Boy
Opposites Attract
ADHD and Panic Attack Rep
Realistic Body Types/Shapes
Open Door Spice
July 18, 2025
This was so good!
The rep for neurodivergent and ADHD is so on point. This is such a heartfelt read. It addresses quite a few difficulties people go through to trauma and mental health.
The main characters Nina and Jake are written with so much rawness and great character development. I just loved reading each of their POV.
This is not a sappy romance. It is a beautiful, touching complication of what human emotions and what life does to us.
I read to 4.30 in the morning with this, I could not put it down. Total binge read!
The rep for neurodivergent and ADHD is so on point. This is such a heartfelt read. It addresses quite a few difficulties people go through to trauma and mental health.
The main characters Nina and Jake are written with so much rawness and great character development. I just loved reading each of their POV.
This is not a sappy romance. It is a beautiful, touching complication of what human emotions and what life does to us.
I read to 4.30 in the morning with this, I could not put it down. Total binge read!
July 24, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
Frenemies to lovers gets me every single time 😩
Add in the sweetest 4 year old boy and I’m a goner.
Nina is JD’s little sister, Emma’s, best friend. When Nina’s shop and apartment literally split down the middle, she’s left homeless and jobless until Cole can fix it up. She offers to nanny Jack in exchange for a place to live.
There is soooo much tension between these two but they both have deeper things to deal with first.
Nina and JD’s story was anything but perfect but it was real and beautiful. The ADHD rep made me feel so seen😭😅
Frenemies to lovers gets me every single time 😩
Add in the sweetest 4 year old boy and I’m a goner.
Nina is JD’s little sister, Emma’s, best friend. When Nina’s shop and apartment literally split down the middle, she’s left homeless and jobless until Cole can fix it up. She offers to nanny Jack in exchange for a place to live.
There is soooo much tension between these two but they both have deeper things to deal with first.
Nina and JD’s story was anything but perfect but it was real and beautiful. The ADHD rep made me feel so seen😭😅
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