Anderson in Bloom

by Jennifer Dugan

From the author of Love at First Set , a hilariously sexy enemies-to-lovers, second-chance rom-com about a reclusive former child star turned florist whose quiet life is turned upside down when her annoyingly hot ex (and former costar) shows up in town, with plans to write a tell-all memoir.

Former child star Anderson “Andy” Ducharme is hiding—has been for a long time, if she’s honest with herself, which she isn’t.

When she suddenly cut off all ties and left LA six years earlier to work in a flower shop in coastal New England, she wasn’t just running away from toxic relationships, embezzling agents, and all the rest of her Hollywood life; she was running to something… sort of, if you squinted, and if you accepted that what she was running toward was little more than a vacation daydream she had made up with her (in)famous ex, and former costar, Nicole “Nikki” Price.

Then Nikki announces her plan to write a tell-all book about growing up in Hollywood and their tumultuous time on the Nik and Andy show, and Andy’s feelings of hurt and betrayal come rushing back. Emboldened by anger (and maybe one too many drinks), Andy does something very she texts her ex for the first time in years. No one’s more shocked than Andy when Nikki actually shows up to her small florist shop, looking for answers.

Andy is fully prepared to send Nikki away, but it seems Nikki has some unfinished business as well. Now that she finally knows where Andy’s been hiding, she’s not letting her go so easy. And with each passing encounter, Andy can’t deny the simmering physical attraction that threatens to boil over every time they get close.

But can the two of them really reunite without wrecking Andy’s carefully rebuilt life? Or is she setting herself up for a fresh heartbreak?

TROPES

second-chance celebrity small town fwb former exes

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Adult, Second Chance

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Jennifer Dugan is a writer, geek, and romantic who writes the kinds of stories she wishes she had growing up. In addition to being a young adult novelist, she is also the writer/creator of two indie comics. She lives in New York with her family, dogs, and an evil cat that is no doubt planning to take over the world.

Reviews

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes the rule of not going for a book based solely on its cover is true.(Will I make this mistake again? Absolutely.)
This was… not good. The idea was really good, but I don’t like the execution.
Almost everything boils down to the fact that I personally don’t think you can get better and heal if you are constantly around someone that reminds you of the worst part of your life. Especially not that soon and that fast after reconnecting.
The first 30% of the book was really fun, I have to admit that, and the characters' chemistry is fire, no doubts about that. Around 50% is when I started to get bored. 60% is when I realised they definitely shouldn’t be together and this would work perfectly as litfic and not romance. There’s a certain part where one of the characters says they are regressing to toxic behaviors and they are better off without being in a relationship and I have to agree.
I loved the part where we actually got to see a passage of the book, I wish we got more of that. It could really use flashbacks or something that gave us a better understanding of their situation, it’s a lot of telling and not enough showing.
I hate not enjoying arcs but I’ll always be truthful, and this one was definitely not for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the ARC.

[⋆｡°·☁︎ sydney ⋆｡°·☁︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really not for me.
The little dances these two played around each other left me with nothing but annoyance.
To preface, the cover of this book is the cutest. It was chosen off of cover vibes alone and nothing else.
Now onto the problems.
First of all, these two were toxic from the start. I found no redeeming qualities in their relationship, and I found that the sheer lack of growth was plain annoying. These two would never fit together. They couldn’t talk or function with any basic emotional awareness, instead they just bought each other coffee and PINED.
Only one thing can pull that plot off, and that would be Gilmore Girls.
Secondly, I somehow hated both of these characters and knew nothing about them.
Nikki, for starters, was just plain annoying with an appalling lack of boundaries.
Andy, was so frustratingly emotionally idiotic and self centered that my eyes spent most of this book rolling instead of reading.
Our side characters Regan and Johnny (?) carried, however, providing a nice refreshing reality check and a lot of cute moments.
Tysm netgalley for letting me give this one a shot!! Two stars.

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Jennifer Dugan for providing me with the eARC of “Anderson in Bloom”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: March 3rd, 2026

I ate this up!
Let me start off by saying that “Anderson in Bloom” is one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and it did not disappoint! An absolutely stunning cover, a fun plot AND written by Jennifer Dugan?
Sign me up.

Perfect for lovers of:
- Sapphic romance
- Second chance romance
- Celebrity romance

This story follows Andy. A former actress that has left Hollywood after a devastating split with her ex-girlfriend, Nikki.
Andy had sworn off contact with Nikki and wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
Until, in a moment of drunk weakness- she sends an angry text after discovering a new project she is working on.
What she doesn’t expect is a response…or for Nikki to randomly show up at the floral shop she is working at the next day, asking for her help.
Once to two reconnect, they must decide if they can fix everything- or if some things are better left broken.

I loved this. I just loved it.
I love Andy, I love Nikki, I love Andy and Nikki together.
This had all the intensity and tension that I would expect from a story like this one.
I was actually thrilled by their reconnection, and I was on the edge of my seat every time they had an almost-romantic encounter.

Their fights? Devastating. Consider me heartbroken.
I was begging two fictional characters to please just love each other again.

I love their stories and reading about their struggles with their previous relationship and individual Hollywood experiences.
This is one of those books where I really felt bad for both of them equally.
They both were hurting, being hurt by other people, and hurting each other all at the same time.
I was so glad they were able to get some healing.

Overall, this is for me. This is my thing. I am SO happy to have gotten to read and review this early. I will be patiently waiting to get a copy of this in March. Always looking forward to reading more Jennifer Dugan in the future!

[Lesbereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description had me very intrigued, and the first third and last third had me engrossed in their story. In the middle I was getting a bit tired of their lack of communication and started skimming some because I still very much wanted to know how things would end up. With the story being singular pov I was really glad we were able to understand Nikki’s side of things. To be honest, Nikki was the stand out character for me. The growth she had was incredible and had me rooting for her. Overall, I’d give this one 3.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[megan ◡̈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

as an absolute lover of second chance romances i am extremely bummed to say this was NOT for me at all. in all honesty i spent the majority of the book wanting to dnf it but decided to just stick it out, i cant say im happy i did but i can say that i did like the ending.

i liked the way this book started but it quickly lost me after nikki was introduced. these two were so toxic and not in the fun way. as a lover of toxic romance reads i think that says a lot lol. these two should not have tried to be together again, after all the time spent apart and what seemed like growth on both ends as soon as they tried to talk about anything real is was like they were completely different volatile characters. and this lasted through out the entire book… so when they came back together after the 3rd act breakup and everything was poised and mature it felt extremely unbelievable (no matter how much i liked how it ended, it wasnt believable).

the cover is beautiful, the writing is great, however the characters were just too immature and toxic which is a shame because i was so excited for a sapphic second chance 😭

2 stars feels too high but 1 feels too low because there were some enjoyable parts lol.

[RachelH · Rating 2 out of 5]

These two should have NEVER gotten back together.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

~thank you to the publisher, Avon, Jennifer Dugan & NetGalley for giving me an arc of this in exchange for an honest review~

I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it. The story was cute. The characters were mostly all love-able. I hated Nikki in the beginning but grew to love her as the story played out. I liked Andy in the beginning but then hated her and thought she was a b*tch but then ended up liking her at the end. So many feelings. Regan & Johnny were cool too. Nikki and Andy’s relationship was interesting to say the least. I truly don’t understand why they even broke up in the first place and what was so “toxic” about their relationship in the past. Something about what Nikki did was “so bad?” But I can’t even tell you what it was …. I feel like the story didn’t make it very clear. And Andy just up and leaving Nikki with no goodbye ?? I don’t get it. I feel like it could’ve been explained better but oh well. It had a good ending so.

[☆Laura☆]

1⭐


Cinco años después de desaparecer del ojo público, Andy Ducharme, exestrella de una serie juvenil y ahora florista bajo el nombre de Annie, lleva una vida tranquila en un pequeño pueblo costero de Maine. Alejada del caos de Hollywood y del corazón roto que le dejó su exnovia y coprotagonista, Nikki, Andy por fin ha encontrado un poco de paz… hasta que descubre que Nikki planea publicar unas memorias que podrían arrastrarla de nuevo al centro de atención.

Cuando el reencuentro entre ambas ocurre, Andy debe enfrentar heridas no sanadas, recuerdos dolorosos y sentimientos que creía enterrados. ¿Puede realmente dejar atrás el pasado si Nikki está empeñada en invadir su presente? ¿Y cómo proteger su nueva vida sin volver a perderse a sí misma?

---

Todo es sobre lo que Nikki quiere.

Se supone que Nikki lastimó profundamente a Andy. Estuvieron separadas por cinco años en los cuales jamos pensó en buscarla y disculparse. Y cuando escribe sus memorias, piensa que está bien utilizar a Andy para que la ayude. La tonta de Andy la acepta muy fácilmente porque sigue amándola. Nikki actúa como si nada hubiera pasado y como si fueran mejores amigas.

Nikki es una infiel traicionera y roba papeles, no merecía otra oportunidad. Ella dice que si otros la besaban o la tocaban no contaba como infidelidad porque nunca tuvo sexo con esas personas.

Andy tuvo que aguantar que Nikki se volviera adicta al alcohol y a las drogas, mientras los medios pintaban a Andy como la persona que la había metido en eso (cuando no fue así), o como si ella hiciera escándalos (tampoco era cierto: solo iba a recoger a Nikki, y los dramas los hacia N porque estaba drogada). Y, por supuesto, Andy fue la que cargó con todo. Sin olvidar que tuvo que ver videos y fotos de su novia con otras. Y al final, ¡ella misma se culpa por no haber cuidado mejor a Nikki! Me enoja, porque lo único malo que hizo fue esperar años para irse.

Y para terminar con broche de oro, cuando por fin hablan, Nikki sale con que tenía tres señales para saber si debía seguir intentando que Andy la perdonara, y que si se cumplía alguna se iría porque no quería perder su estabilidad. O sea, todo fue pensado en ella y en protegerse a sí misma. Pero le valió cuando Andy intentó alejarse (aunque duró poco, al menos lo intentó). Es decir, no cambió: solo ve por su bienestar. Andy sí o sí tenía que perdonarla, ¿qué más daba si su presencia lastimaba a la mujer que decía amar? ¿Qué importaba si Andy no quería verla? Ella la obligó a hacerlo y a reunirse, sin importarle la salud mental de Andy, pero A tiene que preocuparse y tener cuidado de lastimar a N.

Que Nikki haya trabajado sus adicciones está muy bien, y es importante. Pero eso no la hace una buena pareja, mucho menos para Andy. Al final, me molestó profundamente que la narrativa empujara al perdón como si fuera la única opción, cuando Nikki claramente no merecía otra oportunidad.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing The Ride of Her Life: A Novel yesterday, I was still jonesing for a good, solid romance that didn't rely on non-communication as a plot device. I wondered if deciding to jump into Anderson in Bloom right away was a massive mistake. Would my opinions be tainted by the less than stellar previous book? After looking around at other books on my ereader (my new Kobo Libra Colour - bye Kindle Color Soft) I couldn't decide on anything else. So Anderson in Bloom it was.

I ended up reading much later last night than I had anticipated and, had it been Friday night instead of Wednesday night I wouldn't have stopped at all. (This will be posted on TBR Reviews on the anticipated publication date so hello from the past!)

I'm not gonna lie, there were a few times when I thought we were going to have the same "run away instead of dealing with issues" thing from The Ride of Her Life but, in the end, it was sort of the opposite of that. We got maturity and communication. I don't think that's a spoiler and it didn't happen right away.

This was a story I could relate to after spending over a year apart from the love of my life. We were also very young when we got together and also had to hide because we were in the military. Not exactly the same but close enough for me to draw parallels and feel for both young Andy and Nikki and their current day counterparts.

Without going into much detail because you'll want to read it for yourselves, this was a second-chance romance that definitely makes it on my re-read list.

A nice bouquet of daisies for Jennifer Dugan. (Daisies are a cheerful and innocent flower that symbolize forgiveness and new beginnings.)

A huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley!

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyage, for the ARC!

Annie used to be a beloved child star. Her costar, Nikki, was more than just a friend as they aged. Annie, known as Andy then, navigated Hollywood and her queer identity while being overwhelmed by her relationship with Nikki. Andy left Hollywood, and Nikki, behind without even a goodbye. Five years later, she finds out Nikki is writing a tell-all book. Unblocking her number for an impulsive angry text, Andy suddenly is getting a phone call from Nikki. Andy isn’t sure how she feels about it and wrestles with her feelings while trying this new thing called boundaries.

What I enjoyed was the beauty of watching people learn to accept love and learn how to love in return. The writing felt authentic and believable. I did not feel like it was just a fluffy read. I enjoyed the depth of feeling conveyed by the author. I was able to believe that this kind of second chance romance was worth the time and effort for the characters. While I think that people don’t usually hang on as doggedly as these characters, especially after 5 years, without moving on with their lives and new partners, I think we would all like to believe that they would. This is the love story that we hope for with second chance romances. I also appreciate that queer love stories are important and that their struggles did not come from their queer identities in this book.

I would recommend for fans of Ashley Herring Blake and Abby Jimenez. I plan to keep reading more by this author.

[Rikki Ziegelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really charming, fun, very layered and unexpectedly sexy read. I really appreciated the nuance in Andy/Anne & Nikki’s relationship, and I thought they both did a lot of growing both together and apart. I think my only issue was that I felt like once they finally figured things out, everything was perfect and dandy and rainbows and sunshine - which usually works in a campy romance but in this case it felt unrealistic given how much history these 2 characters had and how much they still needed to work on. They spoke so much about progress and healing not being linear... but then they had linear progress and healing lol. But I still really enjoyed it and I appreciated what a good communicator Nikki was!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager for this eARC! This was a fascinating read with a lot of emotional layers. There was clearly so much hurt between Andy and Nikki and since we were in Andy's head, it was genuinely really hard to forgive Nikki, even as Andy felt herself falling back into her. It's always hard to disagree with the main character but I felt that happening for a good bit, but that didn't stop me from practically inhaling every chapter hoping I would change my mind. Then the hard work kicked in and I was SO happy to see them talk and fight and get it all out. It worked to make Andy, Nikki and me feel so much more open to this relationship. This was a really Un-Put-Downable read that made me want to get another flower tattoo.

[Brinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gets an extra star because the MC was a florist and also the cover was adorable. Seriously. Give me more books with flowers and plants and hobbies!! Because this was so cutesy. And the romance was so sweet and it was the perfect summer book. And the title reference at the end??? Im swooning. Me when they're in love and living happily <3

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for the ARC.

Anderson in Bloom completely stole my heart and my sleep. I read the entire thing in less than 24 hours, and I have zero regrets.

Andy, a former child star who disappeared from the spotlight after things spiraled, is now trying to quietly rebuild her life. Enter Nikki, her former co star turned ultra famous actress, who’s writing a tell all memoirone that includes the messy, beautiful, complicated truth of the time she fell in love with Andy.

Their reconnection? A total disaster. And yet, it’s impossible to look away. What unfolds is a raw, emotionally charged journey between two deeply flawed but painfully relatable women who are still figuring things out about love, about themselves, and about what it means to be honest when the past still hurts.

The side characters in this book feel like the kind of friends who’ll help you bury a body and tell you you’re being an idiot when you need to hear it. The emotional beats are spot on: I found myself cheering, yelling, sighing, and grinning like a fool. Jennifer Dugan has a real gift for writing imperfect characters you can’t help but root for.

This is, hands down, the best book I’ve read this summer. If you love second chances, emotional chaos, and queer romances full of heart, Anderson in Bloom is a must-read. 100% recommend just maybe don’t start it at night unless you're okay with being sleep-deprived.

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

DNF at 60%
Reading this book felt like a punishment. Definitely not what I want during this holiday season. Anyway, let’s get into the reasons that I gave this book two stars.

- The main character, Andy, was extremely unlikable. She didn’t know her own mind, constantly crossed her own boundaries, would say one thing and then do another, was completely baffled by the consequences of her poor choices, and yet somehow thought she was a healthy, happy person. In reality, she was toxic and annoyingly indecisive. Instead of facing her problems she was constantly running away from them.
- The love interest, Nikki. Nikki had a little more potential. She seemed to know that she’d fucked up in the past and wanted to do better. But on principle, I find people who are still in their twenties writing books about themselves very annoying. Your life still has a long way to go and you are still maturing. Maybe wait a bit and see where you end up first. Nikki also tended to ignore Andy when she asked her to stay away from her and was invasive and toxic in much of her behavior.
- The romance. It can’t even be called a romance. It’s more of a codependent relationship neither one of them has made any real effort to move on and heal from, mixed with nostalgia for the days they were close and things were simpler, and some good old-fashioned sexual attraction which does not mean you are romantically compatible. These two certainly are not good for each other and yet it’s probably best they stick together so they aren’t inflicting their toxic behavior on other unsuspecting, innocent people.
- I didn’t particularly like the plot either. I love rekindled romances but this just wasn’t enjoyable or romantic. And I’m not a big fan of stories involving celebrities. They all seem to follow the same sort of formula. This also says it’s an enemies-to-lovers story which is not true. It’s only ever Andy that sees Nikki as an enemy. Nikki never sees Andy as that.
- I also could not stand Andy’s friend Johnny. He reminded me of those men who call themselves feminists but have never worked through any misogynistic feelings they have towards women and secretly can’t wait to find a ‘bad’ woman to hate and treat poorly. The way he treated Nikki was gross. Also, he literally said ‘Human beings are not inherently worthy of respect and kindness.’ Like excuse me? Wtf. Yes, they are. Who makes you god that you think you get to choose which humans are worthy of basic respect and kindness? Our world would be a much better place if more people treated those around them with kindness and respect. We are all humans and none of us are better than anyone else. Anyway, I digress.
- I also found the sex scenes cringy but that’s neither here nor there.

What I did like:
- The setting. A flower shop in a small town in Maine is a delightful spot for a story.
- The cat, Gouda. I love cats.
- Andy’s best friend, Regan. She was a good friend and seemed to try her best to help Andy.
- The cover of this book is lovely.

All in all, I definitely didn’t find this book worth the read but I’m sure someone else will.

[Evangeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to say thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collin’s for giving me a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely loved this, I kept imagining the show ‘Sam & Cat’ for some reason but regardless I did enjoy this book. I could feel their longing and remaining love but I could also feel the turmoil. I will say I was originally going to give this 4.5 stars but the ending dropped my overall rating in the end. I liked how Niki was clearly wrong and accepted that and I liked how Annie was reflecting in her own ways and the concept handled that beautifully. However towards the end Niki plays off her bad behavior by ‘taking care of things’ and while I understand that angle I just feel like it needed to be played out better or not have been put in at all. Niki’s character was better with her being a faulted and growing person. Not a grey hero. I felt like the flower language was beautiful and I would’ve loved to see more of that. This is so romcom coded, I had such a good time reading this one!

[Jen Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Massive thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this e-ARC! I’m so grateful to have read this beautiful story.
4⭐️ this book is everything you want from a true sapphic romance book. The second chance romance trope of it all beautifully allows angst, pining, yearning, and depth in this story of two childhood actresses and their stories as a couple and as individuals. Dealing with self image, codependency, youth in the spotlight, and addiction are just some of the struggles that were fleshed out in this book. The characters are complex and compelling. The love story made me gush and blush somehow entangling adorable and steamy scenes in a captivating way. The side characters and friends were an incredible addition to the FMCs journey and the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this love story, however there were a few small issues I had with plot pacing and a trope a don’t like made an appearance. Which held this book back from 5 stars for me. Still a very enjoyable read!

Read if you like
- sapphic romance
- second chance romance
- yearning and angst
- messy and real characters
- cozy towns in Maine

[Shannon H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anderson in Bloom by Jennifer Dugan is a charming read with a lot of heart. I especially loved the floral shop setting, which added a fresh, vibrant atmosphere to the story and served as the perfect backdrop for the emotional moments that unfolded.

That said, the second chance romance, while sweet, felt a bit rushed. I was hoping for more time to see the relationship develop naturally, especially given the emotional weight behind their history. It left me wanting a deeper exploration of their reconnection and the complexities that come with it.

Still, I really enjoyed the overall vibe of the book. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and the kind of story that’s easy to get wrapped up in. Even though I wanted more from the romance, I’m glad I read it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a lot of charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Lindsay Ottens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!! I admit to putting this off longer than necessary. I really really enjoyed this! A quick, funny, and emotional read!! Nikki and Andy were so beautiful together. Between the hurt and the rebuilding of their relationship, you witness these two women mature on page!! I would love to read more on them!!

[Brandi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully adorable and poignant book about childhood stardom, second-chance romance, and how there are absolutely two sides to every relationship. Dugan had me giggling and crying throughout the book. I loved that everything wasn’t completely predictable and perfect, just like real life. Now I’m going to be daydreaming about a quiet costal life yet again!

Thanks to Harper Collins & NetGalley for this ARC!

[lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc! I can say this was my first and last try with books that focus on getting together with an ex. This was well written, but I was getting more annoyed with the Florist the more I read.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one left me pretty conflicted. The premise had potential and the characters had great chemistry at first, but the story lost its spark halfway through. Nikki and Andy’s relationship was messy in a way that felt more confusing than emotional, and I never fully understood what made their past so toxic. There were moments of genuine connection and a solid ending, but overall it didn’t quite land for me. The cover, though? Absolutely gorgeous, it’s what drew me in in the first place.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Nelly]

Please someone tell me this book is as good as the cover its gorgeousssssss <3

[liz ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book
Imagine you’ve escaped your old life of stardom and moved to a quaint coastal beach town in Maine, where you're working your dream job as a florist. Your life is simple, though you might think about your ex a little too much. You have friends, a routine, and stability.

Then, suddenly, the very person who pushed you to escape your old life shows up and flips your world on its axis. The old feelings you convinced yourself you'd forgotten never really went away.

➳ Anderson “Andy” Ducharme
Andy frustrated me a lot. It was hard to get past the fact that she was the reason their situationship became so toxic the second time around. While she was stuck on being petty and constantly bringing up the past, she also avoided communication and used sex as a distraction. That’s exactly what she kept claiming was the problem in their first go-around, according to her own inner monologue.

I was glad she eventually owned up to her actions, but I was disappointed we didn’t get to see her putting in the effort to change. It was mostly mentioned in passing or saved for the epilogue.

➳ Nicolette “Nikki” Colletti
I absolutely loved Nikki. She's mature, patient, and emotionally intelligent. Not only did she fight for Andy after being repeatedly pushed away, but she also worked on herself consistently after their breakup. She got sober, went to therapy, and returned with healthy communication skills and clear boundaries. She was the main reason I enjoyed this book so much, which says a lot considering we never even got her POV.

Overall
I thought this book was cute, and their relationship felt realistic. I do wish we had at least one chapter from Nikki’s perspective and a bit more description of the characters’ appearances. It was hard to envision them (thankfully, the cover helped a bit).

While the miscommunication and Andy’s constant push-and-pull with Nikki irritated me, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. It was a worthwhile read, and the way their relationship evolved after both characters worked on their issues was encouraging.

Tropes
second-chance, miscommunication, grumpy x sunshine, mental health/addiction rep, friends-with-benefits

ARC reader, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book by Jennifer Dugan. This is my second book by this author and I was not prepared for all the feels it gave me. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect going into this read and I wasn’t too convinced by the synopsis. I liked the idea of this being a celebrity romance (which I love) and then being a second chance (which I love even more); but I was more curious to see how the story was going to play out. I think it was done well and I ended up really enjoying this.

Our story follows Andy and Nikki as our lovely MCs, I loved Nikki honestly. I was rooting for her so hard and the way she was trying to get Andy to open up really made me swoon. I was pulled in by what their past was like, there were a lot of comments made about it and all I wanted was for their HEA. Watching them get to know one another again was sweet and was made even better by the kind of banter you can only have when you really know and love someone. There weren’t many characters in this book and I found that I really liked that; it let me focus on Andy and Nikki that much more.

Overall, this was a winner for me. I enjoyed the characters, the dialogue, the setting, and the spice that was sprinkled in. Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read an ARC for my honest feedback.

[Cassedega · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overall plot is something I haven’t heard before which is refreshing - I love the florist and starlet idea and it kept me reading the whole time.

I feel I wasn’t rooting for Andy and Nikki which defeats the point - I was more hoping they could peacefully be friends by the end than end up together. I think learning Nikki’s growth was great and got me to start liking her after spending most the book hating her. However I feel like Andy’s own growth at the end was glossed over quickly, her therapy; etc

Overall I enjoyed the book.

Thank you Netgalley and avon for this arc!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Andy was gone. Andy had to die. Long live Annie, future florist, instead.

Anderson Ducharme is to put it simply, a mess. Six years ago, she up and left her life in Hollywood to run away to a small town on the East Coast, the last place she really, truly felt happy. But that was a long time ago, and she's totally fine now, living her best life as a florist in that same small town.

She hasn't been Andy for years, having shed that Hollywood-stained skin for something without all the baggage. Now she's Annie, a quiet, simple florist. Everything is great, or at least, it's nowhere as terrible and confusing as it used to be.

Until Nikki Price shows up.

Anderson in Bloom is a silly, sexy, heartfelt lesbian rom-com about jaded former child star Anderson, her beautifully complicated ex-girlfriend Nikki, and how somehow, after all this time, they can't help but end up pulled into each other's orbits.

I won't lie, I am normally not the biggest fan of second-chance romance, but something about Anderson in Bloom locked onto my brain and wouldn't let go. Maybe the people who said right person, wrong time were onto something…

Now don't get me wrong, past Anderson and Nikki were messy and toxic as hell for all sorts of reasons, but they were also just… kids in love, still figuring themselves out and making (many, many) mistakes along the way and that love shines through.

That love is why Anderson leave in the first place, why she goes where she goes, why her better judgment goes out the window when it comes to Nikki Price.

It's also why Nikki is the way she is now (among other things), but those are more spoiler-y so I'll leave them out of this review.

Regardless, this is a first-person, solo POV story that centers around Anderson who is kind of an unreliable narrator. In the way that a broken-hearted young adult is.

At the start of the book, I really thought I'd hate Nikki, because our first know-how about Nikki is from Anderson's very complicated feelings about her. But through the novel, she really grew on me. She's not perfect by any means, but man… never let it be said that Nikki Price isn't trying.

Anderson's not that same girl from six years ago, and neither is Nikki. Maybe this time, it'll work out. You know, after they process everything that happened between them.

Dugan's writing style is nice and flowy, making this a super easy read. All the characters were fun and interesting, and even side characters were a joy (yay Regan and Johnny!). I picked it up and once it got rolling, I couldn't put it down. I'll definitely be picking up a hard copy when it comes out.

Anderson in Bloom mixes heart, grit, and spice into an incredibly enjoyable contemporary romance about two messy women that you cant help but root for. If you're like me, you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be patiently seated for Dugan's next book.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager and Jennifer Dugan for this great ARC! Happy to leave my honest review.

I must say the cover of this book grabbed my attention right away. It’s a stunning cover and I seriously hoped the book did it justice. For me, it definitely did! Anderson in Bloom is a heart wrenching, stomach churning, smile inducing and overall satisfying read. There was so much to unpack in this book! I love that. I love when a story sucks me in and doesn’t let go until the very end.

At core this is a second chance romance for two absolutely amazing women. Women that you want to root for, love and support. Anderson (aka Andy) and Nikki were childhood stars that worked together on a hit tv show. They were best friends who fell in love but had the misfortune of growing up on a tv set. Child stars too often suffer in a unique exploitative and toxic environment. They are forced to grow up too fast and live in a very adult world as kids. They are pulled in every direction and all too often poisoned by the lifestyle. Well, this is pretty much what happened with these girls. They found love in each other but were torn apart by the world they lived in. Anderson can’t handle it and quite literally checks out, a move I deeply respect. She chose her sanity, mental health and her well being. She chose to escape while Nikki remained. Nikki continues on to find stardom in its brightest form but remains scarred by her past. Andy rebuilds herself and runs her quaint floral shop which acts as the backdrop for a lot of the book.

After a drunk message brings Nikki back into Andy’s life and the true drama ensues. I want to say they instantly kiss & make up but nope! They are a train wreck together! It’s a lot of hurt wrapped in anger and fear coated in pain. I found myself grinding my teeth & shaking my head. Both Andy & Nikki are extremely flawed and have been through the wringer. But they are both fighters and tough as nails when necessary. They are both wonderfully deep characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them both. They do complement each other beautifully once they get out of their own way, so to speak. A lot of healing must be done…perhaps even more than we witness throughout their journey. But sure enough the explosions turn into fireworks!

In the end, Andy and Nikki manage to embrace the spark that never quite burned out. They forgive each other and forgive themselves. Though perhaps not all of their wounds are healed, they chose to love each other and I my heart sang with joy. The writing is deep, funny, soulful and sometimes almost lyrical. Dugan’s prose was evocative and I was glued to each page. I had to force myself to put the book away to go to sleep and couldn’t wait to get back to it the next day. That is precisely what I want from any story I spend my time with.

I highly recommend this second chance wlw romance & I intend to look for more by Jennifer Dugan.

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anderson in Bloom is a second-chance romance that delivers its emotional punches with surprising depth and endearing humor. It’s a story about messy people trying their best—fumbling through old wounds, awkward reunions, and the chaos of healing—with a tone that balances levity and sincerity in a way only Jennifer Dugan can pull off.

Andy is guarded, sharp-edged, and carrying a quiet ache she hasn’t quite figured out how to name. Her voice is clear and raw—she’s someone who pretends to have it together while fraying at the seams, and the book lets her be that without judgment. Watching her slowly crack open was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Nikki, what could’ve been the stereotypical ex becomes a luminous, multi-layered character in her own right. She’s warm, persistent, and knows when to push and when to let go. Her presence re-centers Andy’s world in ways that feel earned and intentional. Their chemistry never feels forced, but rather like something old and unfinished finding its shape again.

The side characters are just as charming—especially Regan and Johnny, who bring balance and loyalty into the narrative without feeling like background dressing. And Gouda, the cat (and undeniable scene-stealer), is the kind of small joy that makes a story like this even better.

This book thrives in the emotional realism of its characters—their regrets, their softness, their choices—and that’s what makes it hit home. The pacing is brisk, but not rushed, and they didn’t take away from the experience.

For readers who like:
- Sapphic love stories
- Second-chance romance
- Exes with unresolved tension

Final Verdict
Anderson in Bloom is the kind of book that earns your attention. A quietly heartfelt, delightfully messy story about growing up, letting go, and reaching out for what you still want.

Grateful to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Jennifer Dugan for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Scott Cutlip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anderson Ducharme and Nikki Price were childhood stars together on a show that (at least with some of the behind the scenes events) seems to bear a passing similarity to Sam and Cat, the Nickelodeon show. Although the description says this is an enemies to lovers story, that’s not entirely accurate; it’s honestly more of a second chance romance. The two young stars get together, and the work and the lifestyle tear them apart, so much so that Anderson leaves with pretty much no notice. Years later she is quietly working in a flower shop, going by Andy, and occasionally checking on her ex’s social media. Which is where she finds out that Nikki is writing a book. Anderson, perhaps a little altered by alcohol, sends a message.

There is a tendency in romance stories to show one person as the one who did something wrong and the other as the one who has to go through hoops to make things right. Luckily, although it certainly seems like it at first, this is not the way with this book. Neither Andy or Nikki is perfect, and the mistakes they make along the way seem like mistakes people would make, not “we got to have them apart at this point, so throw this wild thing in there and have a big communication breakdown for no reason.” Not that there isn’t communication breakdown, but you could see how it gets there.

I like my Happily Ever After in my romances, but more than anything I like when they feel earned, and that is the case here. It’s a limited cast--which is a slight mark agains the book-- in this book, but every character makes sense, and even though it’s pretty much told from Andy’s point of view, we still get to see a pretty good glimpse of who Nikki is. This is only my second Jennifer Dugan book (Love at First Set was the first–it’s a good book, but this one shows marked improvement and confidence). I plan to read more.

Thanks to NetGalley and Jennifer Dugan for access to this ARC.