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The Beauty In What Was Ours: Bloom
Noa Jade Wilson is twenty-two, heartbroken, and quietly falling apart. Just months after losing her mother, she boards a plane to Bellagio, Italy with her best friends not to heal, but to escape.
The laughter, the sun, the glittering water — none of it can quiet the ache inside her. Until him.
Aldo Ferraro is the kind of man whispered about in backrooms and buried in headlines. At twenty-nine, he leads one of Italy's most powerful and violent mafia families with an iron will and a soul long since numbed. But when he meets Noa— all fire, grief, and unexpected softness
— something inside him shifts. She doesn't flinch. She doesn't fear him. And for the first time in years, he remembers what it feels like to breathe.
What starts as a collison of opposite becomes something deeper, darker, and dangerously beautiful. As Aldo pulls Noa into his world of loyalty, betrayal, and bloodshed, their bond grows
— fierce, fragile, and forbidden. She softens him. He steadies her. But love like theirs doesn't go unnoticed. And in the world they're in, love is never safe.
They only have three years.
Three years to love.
Three years before it's all ripped away.
The Beauty in What Was Bloom is the beginning of a tragic, intoxicating trilogy about grief, power, and the kind of love that doesn't change you — it haunts you.
The laughter, the sun, the glittering water — none of it can quiet the ache inside her. Until him.
Aldo Ferraro is the kind of man whispered about in backrooms and buried in headlines. At twenty-nine, he leads one of Italy's most powerful and violent mafia families with an iron will and a soul long since numbed. But when he meets Noa— all fire, grief, and unexpected softness
— something inside him shifts. She doesn't flinch. She doesn't fear him. And for the first time in years, he remembers what it feels like to breathe.
What starts as a collison of opposite becomes something deeper, darker, and dangerously beautiful. As Aldo pulls Noa into his world of loyalty, betrayal, and bloodshed, their bond grows
— fierce, fragile, and forbidden. She softens him. He steadies her. But love like theirs doesn't go unnoticed. And in the world they're in, love is never safe.
They only have three years.
Three years to love.
Three years before it's all ripped away.
The Beauty in What Was Bloom is the beginning of a tragic, intoxicating trilogy about grief, power, and the kind of love that doesn't change you — it haunts you.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
49 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 24, 2025
Urban. Mafia. Love. Betrayal. Spicy. It has it all.
This story hooked me from the first page and never let go. Noa Jade has faced more heartbreak than most: losing her mom, a dad who dipped when life got rough, and an ex who left her scarred inside and out. On a graduation trip to Italy, she meets Aldo, a powerful mafia boss, and the spark between them is instant and impossible to ignore. It’s a love that feels dangerous and safe all at once, and I enjoyed every second. The romance is a slow burn, and the build-up makes every glance and touch worth it.
The supporting cast is just as addictive. Aldo’s parents are stuck on old traditions, but his twin sister Caterina is a gem, and her growing bond with Noa quickly became a favorite part of the story. Aunt Giada, housekeeper Greta, and driver Luca add warmth and quiet strength that make Aldo’s world feel alive. Caterina’s love life takes a turn I didn’t see coming, and I’m dying to see where that fire goes next.
Betrayal hits from more than one direction. Stephanie, now living in Italy after marrying into Aldo’s family, proves how messy friendships can get. Belize is a ride or die who fumbled, but I get why, and I want to see if she finally leaves her past behind and faces the tension with Massimo in book two. Then there’s Dulce, Caterina’s best friend and Massimo’s ex-fiancée, back with messy history and hoping for a second chance, while Massimo seems completely taken with Belize. Aldo’s friends bring their own energy too, and I’m excited to watch them evolve.
The only thing I didn’t love was a little too much bluffing in a few paragraphs, but nothing that stopped me from tearing through the drama.
This book is a perfect mix of danger, passion, and intrigue. The romance is fiery, the friendships are messy in the best way, and the betrayals keep you guessing. The ending left me wide-eyed and desperate for the sequel.
This story hooked me from the first page and never let go. Noa Jade has faced more heartbreak than most: losing her mom, a dad who dipped when life got rough, and an ex who left her scarred inside and out. On a graduation trip to Italy, she meets Aldo, a powerful mafia boss, and the spark between them is instant and impossible to ignore. It’s a love that feels dangerous and safe all at once, and I enjoyed every second. The romance is a slow burn, and the build-up makes every glance and touch worth it.
The supporting cast is just as addictive. Aldo’s parents are stuck on old traditions, but his twin sister Caterina is a gem, and her growing bond with Noa quickly became a favorite part of the story. Aunt Giada, housekeeper Greta, and driver Luca add warmth and quiet strength that make Aldo’s world feel alive. Caterina’s love life takes a turn I didn’t see coming, and I’m dying to see where that fire goes next.
Betrayal hits from more than one direction. Stephanie, now living in Italy after marrying into Aldo’s family, proves how messy friendships can get. Belize is a ride or die who fumbled, but I get why, and I want to see if she finally leaves her past behind and faces the tension with Massimo in book two. Then there’s Dulce, Caterina’s best friend and Massimo’s ex-fiancée, back with messy history and hoping for a second chance, while Massimo seems completely taken with Belize. Aldo’s friends bring their own energy too, and I’m excited to watch them evolve.
The only thing I didn’t love was a little too much bluffing in a few paragraphs, but nothing that stopped me from tearing through the drama.
This book is a perfect mix of danger, passion, and intrigue. The romance is fiery, the friendships are messy in the best way, and the betrayals keep you guessing. The ending left me wide-eyed and desperate for the sequel.
September 25, 2025
3.5 Stars
Noa, is trying to heal, trying to celebrate, and trying to figure out who she is after graduating. What better way to do that than a girls’ trip to Italy with her best friends, Stephanie and Belize? What starts as a carefree two week celebration quickly becomes something so much deeper and more life changing than any of them expected. One thing a girl’s trip will always do is expose the envious friend.
Aldo, he’s intense, mysterious, and desperate for a sense of peace in his chaotic world. When he meets Noa, there’s an instant spark. He wants her and doesn’t back down from what he wants. I like it went the lead male is labeled as powerful and his actions back up that label.
Noa and Aldo have a passionate romance but it’s not all sunshine. Where there’s love, there’s also jealousy, heartbreak, and loss. The friendships are put to the test, loyalties shift, and nothing is as simple as it first seems.
It’s a story about the kind of love that changes everything, and it poses a powerful question: is love worth the pain it sometimes brings? If the answer means finding a happiness you can’t live without, then maybe… yes, it is.
*I received a free copy of this book from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: miscarrage mentioned, drug use, sexual assault, physical abuse
Interracial relationship: Noa-22-African American and Aldo-29-Italian
Noa, is trying to heal, trying to celebrate, and trying to figure out who she is after graduating. What better way to do that than a girls’ trip to Italy with her best friends, Stephanie and Belize? What starts as a carefree two week celebration quickly becomes something so much deeper and more life changing than any of them expected. One thing a girl’s trip will always do is expose the envious friend.
Aldo, he’s intense, mysterious, and desperate for a sense of peace in his chaotic world. When he meets Noa, there’s an instant spark. He wants her and doesn’t back down from what he wants. I like it went the lead male is labeled as powerful and his actions back up that label.
Noa and Aldo have a passionate romance but it’s not all sunshine. Where there’s love, there’s also jealousy, heartbreak, and loss. The friendships are put to the test, loyalties shift, and nothing is as simple as it first seems.
It’s a story about the kind of love that changes everything, and it poses a powerful question: is love worth the pain it sometimes brings? If the answer means finding a happiness you can’t live without, then maybe… yes, it is.
*I received a free copy of this book from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: miscarrage mentioned, drug use, sexual assault, physical abuse
Interracial relationship: Noa-22-African American and Aldo-29-Italian
September 25, 2025
With The Beauty In What Was Ours: Bloom, you can expect tension, danger, and a love story that feels both fragile and unstoppable. You’ll find yourself torn between craving more and fearing what comes next.
Noa has been dealt a hand that would make many crumble. To the outside world she appears meek, but beneath the surface lies a woman with quiet strength—one who refuses to break, no matter how tough the road becomes.
Aldo is a man about his business: organized, focused, and driven, with a loyal team behind him. Yet the one thing missing from his life was something he never imagined he could find.
When Noa and Aldo cross paths on a girls’ vacation, neither expects that a single glance would spark a bond strong enough to defy all odds. But with passion colliding against lifestyle, their journey will be nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions, mayhem, and desire.
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.
Do I recommend? Yes!
Disclaimer: This is an ARC copy of With The Beauty In What Was Ours: Bloom from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Grand Penz Publications for providing early access to this book!
Noa has been dealt a hand that would make many crumble. To the outside world she appears meek, but beneath the surface lies a woman with quiet strength—one who refuses to break, no matter how tough the road becomes.
Aldo is a man about his business: organized, focused, and driven, with a loyal team behind him. Yet the one thing missing from his life was something he never imagined he could find.
When Noa and Aldo cross paths on a girls’ vacation, neither expects that a single glance would spark a bond strong enough to defy all odds. But with passion colliding against lifestyle, their journey will be nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions, mayhem, and desire.
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.
Do I recommend? Yes!
Disclaimer: This is an ARC copy of With The Beauty In What Was Ours: Bloom from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Grand Penz Publications for providing early access to this book!
September 25, 2025
Getting left on the edge of beautiful Cliff Hanger
I recieved a free copy of this book from Grands Penz Publications in exchange for this review .
Where do I begin, so much happened in this first part of wonderful series. I cant believe how these two different culturally different individuals connected in such a beautiful way. Their love didnt BLOOM without tears,joy, and a little bit of bloodshed. Aldo and Nao had such a great bond from the very beginning watching them grow and go through things together was beautiful. And the family and friend dynamics were one of a kind. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store. Because whose storyline ended in this book. I dont know and no context clues was given for me to make an educated guess. Where is book 2, Im ready,nowwww!
I recieved a free copy of this book from Grands Penz Publications in exchange for this review .
Where do I begin, so much happened in this first part of wonderful series. I cant believe how these two different culturally different individuals connected in such a beautiful way. Their love didnt BLOOM without tears,joy, and a little bit of bloodshed. Aldo and Nao had such a great bond from the very beginning watching them grow and go through things together was beautiful. And the family and friend dynamics were one of a kind. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store. Because whose storyline ended in this book. I dont know and no context clues was given for me to make an educated guess. Where is book 2, Im ready,nowwww!
September 25, 2025
This story started out a little slow for me but I am so glad that I kept reading. The things that Noa Jade had to endure was heartbreaking. On a graduation trip to Italy she meets Aldo who she finds out is a powerful mafia boss. The interest sparks immediately between the two. The romance was a slow burn but its worth it.
The betrayal from a friend is the reason people say keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Stephanie was definitely her enemy and I hope she gets what's coming to her. I love the relationship she has with Belize tho.
Aldo he's this intense person who's is looking for a sense of peace in his chaotic world. Once he finds that peace in Noa he will do everything in his power to keep it and her safe.
Looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds. Hopefully Belize and Massimo can get the love they both are looking for.
The betrayal from a friend is the reason people say keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Stephanie was definitely her enemy and I hope she gets what's coming to her. I love the relationship she has with Belize tho.
Aldo he's this intense person who's is looking for a sense of peace in his chaotic world. Once he finds that peace in Noa he will do everything in his power to keep it and her safe.
Looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds. Hopefully Belize and Massimo can get the love they both are looking for.
September 24, 2025
Secrets & Lies
A ride is what this book takes you on. It was a ride I was not prepared for. The amount of times my mouth dropped. Like damn people. Let be the first to say that I was able to get this before the public for free from Grand Penz Publications. Imagine going on vacation to catch a break falling in love and then falling into a world wind a lies, betrayal, secrets and so much more. Imagine falling in love but it only last long enough to create a child , wonderful memories and also a pain you aren’t sure you can overcome. Imagine falling for a mafia man who offers love and protection in ways you can’t imagine. Though it starts out slow… this is a page turner for sure.
A ride is what this book takes you on. It was a ride I was not prepared for. The amount of times my mouth dropped. Like damn people. Let be the first to say that I was able to get this before the public for free from Grand Penz Publications. Imagine going on vacation to catch a break falling in love and then falling into a world wind a lies, betrayal, secrets and so much more. Imagine falling in love but it only last long enough to create a child , wonderful memories and also a pain you aren’t sure you can overcome. Imagine falling for a mafia man who offers love and protection in ways you can’t imagine. Though it starts out slow… this is a page turner for sure.
September 25, 2025
A grief-soaked spiral of mafia kings, forced-proximity slow burns, and heroines who land in foreign cities already cracked open by loss.
Noa Jade’s heartbreak is palpable, and her escape to Bellagio sets the stage for a collision with Aldo Ferraro—a mafia heir whose soul has long been buried beneath violence and power.
What holds this back from a full five stars is the pacing in parts some scenes feel rushed while others linger a bit too long.
Still, the emotional depth and high stakes romance more than make up for it. This is not just a love story; it’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the kind of love that leaves scars.
Noa Jade’s heartbreak is palpable, and her escape to Bellagio sets the stage for a collision with Aldo Ferraro—a mafia heir whose soul has long been buried beneath violence and power.
What holds this back from a full five stars is the pacing in parts some scenes feel rushed while others linger a bit too long.
Still, the emotional depth and high stakes romance more than make up for it. This is not just a love story; it’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the kind of love that leaves scars.
September 24, 2025
yessssss!
Just finished The Beauty in What Was Ours by Bloom Renee and whew… what a ride!
The story follows three besties—Noa, Belize, and Steph—celebrating their college graduation with a trip to Italy. This trip was full of surprises y’all! O MG! Flabber was gasted, pearls were clutched and the edge of my seat I SAT!
Noa’s situation had me hooked—after dealing with her crazy ex because ALDO is theeeeeeee man!!!!!!
This book has it ALL: action, romance, chaos, and those “wait, WHAT?!” moments that keep you turning pages. If you’re looking for a juicy, drama-filled read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it.
Just finished The Beauty in What Was Ours by Bloom Renee and whew… what a ride!
The story follows three besties—Noa, Belize, and Steph—celebrating their college graduation with a trip to Italy. This trip was full of surprises y’all! O MG! Flabber was gasted, pearls were clutched and the edge of my seat I SAT!
Noa’s situation had me hooked—after dealing with her crazy ex because ALDO is theeeeeeee man!!!!!!
This book has it ALL: action, romance, chaos, and those “wait, WHAT?!” moments that keep you turning pages. If you’re looking for a juicy, drama-filled read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it.
September 25, 2025
This book will take you through it!! Just a roller coaster of emotions. You’ll be mad, happy, crying, proud, mad again, then back sad towards the end. Noa was the greatest friend & she got treated like dirt & was walked over. Loved how Aldo made sure she was treated like the queen she was even when his family felt like she didn’t deserve it, he didn’t care. He put her on a pedestal & dared that someone try to come along & remove her.
I’m really excited for the next book to see who did what & why!! I almost cried when I tapped to go to the next page & it said TBC. Can’t wait!! But I’m really scared bc I want Alexi & Massimo to stayyyyy.
I’m really excited for the next book to see who did what & why!! I almost cried when I tapped to go to the next page & it said TBC. Can’t wait!! But I’m really scared bc I want Alexi & Massimo to stayyyyy.
December 30, 2025
I absolutely love when Urban meets Mafia. This is a BWWM story with all the things - love, betrayal and spice.
Noa Jade is our FMC and baby,the girl has seen more heartache than most. An ex who ain’t worth a damn, losing her mom, and a no good dad who gets ghost as soon as times gets rough. On a graduation trip to Italy with her friends, Noa collides with Aldo, a mafia boss, and chile the sparks are sparking!
This book was so well written and I’m completely intrigued with supporting charters. I can’t wait to see how these relationships unfold in book 2, because wtf was that ending?!
Noa Jade is our FMC and baby,the girl has seen more heartache than most. An ex who ain’t worth a damn, losing her mom, and a no good dad who gets ghost as soon as times gets rough. On a graduation trip to Italy with her friends, Noa collides with Aldo, a mafia boss, and chile the sparks are sparking!
This book was so well written and I’m completely intrigued with supporting charters. I can’t wait to see how these relationships unfold in book 2, because wtf was that ending?!
September 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I loved how the author developed the character- Noa and Jade and all of their surrounding circle. She created a story that allows you to experience a gamut of emotions: joy, fear, excitement and ultimately grief and heartbreak. I love vivid stories and this one did not disappoint!
September 26, 2025
This was a good read. It started off slow but quickly became a page turner to see what happened next. I loved the love story between Aldo and Noa and can’t wait to read part 2 of this series.
This is an ARC copy of this book from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
This is an ARC copy of this book from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2025
Emotinal Rollercoaster
The book was so good, literally all the characters had me feeling like i was with them Noa and Aldo’s love ???? Honestly is unmatched, now Renee the cliffhanger ? I need the second book like yesterday
The book was so good, literally all the characters had me feeling like i was with them Noa and Aldo’s love ???? Honestly is unmatched, now Renee the cliffhanger ? I need the second book like yesterday
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews