Love in Bloom

by Brianna Sanchez, Elightened Edition (Editor), Greg Sanchez (Editor)

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[keisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

a charming, feel-good romcom with a well-written single dad trope, great chemistry, and cozy vibes, though I wish it slowed down a bit at times, but overall it was a fun and great read💫

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author



This book feels like stepping into spring after a long, gray winter—soft at first, then bursting into color when you least expect it.

Love in Bloom is the kind of romance that doesn’t rush you. It lets you linger. It builds heat slowly, like a kitchen warming before the dinner rush, until suddenly everything is alive—flavor, feeling, stakes.

Fallon Villanueva is sharp, ambitious, and just desperate enough to make a messy, very human choice. And oh, that choice? It sets off a chain reaction that makes this story impossible to put down. She’s not always likable—but she’s real, and that makes her magnetic.

Then there’s Derek Ellison… and wow. Gruff chef energy meets soft, devoted dad? That combination is lethal. His edges are rough, his priorities are clear, and watching those walls crack—inch by inch—is deeply satisfying. His relationship with his daughter adds this grounding sweetness that keeps the story from ever feeling too airy.

Their dynamic? Pure slow-burn magic.
Think sharp banter, reluctant respect, stolen moments over late-night tastings… and that tension that hums just beneath the surface like a barely contained secret. The kind that makes you grin at your book like you’re in on something.

But what really elevates this story is the conflict. It’s not just “will they or won’t they”—it’s what will it cost if they do? Careers, dreams, stability, identity. The choices feel weighty and real, and when the emotional hits land, they land hard.

And the setting? Silver Lake feels like a place you could drive to tomorrow—cozy, a little nosy, full of heart. You can practically taste the food, feel the crisp air shifting into spring, and hear the quiet buzz of a town watching everything unfold.

⭐ Why it’s a 5-star read:

* Rich, layered characters who feel human, not perfect
* A slow-burn romance that earns every moment
* Emotional stakes that actually matter
* Mouthwatering food descriptions that double as love language
* A setting that wraps around you like a warm breeze

By the final pages, this story doesn’t just bloom—it flourishes. And it leaves you with that lingering, satisfied feeling… like the last perfect bite of a meal you didn’t want to end.

If you love small-town romance with bite, heart, and just enough angst to keep your pulse up—this one is absolutely worth the savor. 🌷✨

[Vanessa Apodaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ **My thoughts on *Love in Bloom*!** ✨

Okay... I actually really enjoyed this one! 🥹💕

I loved getting to see Derek's life as a single dad while also trying to run a restaurant as the head chef. My man was STRESSED trying to balance parenting and work, and honestly, I was rooting for him the whole time. 👨‍🍳❤️

Now... Fallon? 🤨 It took me a minute to like her. The second I found out she was a journalist AND a food critic, I was like, *"Oh girl... you're about to ruin this man's life, aren't you?"* 😂 I definitely thought she was bad news at first.

Their relationship is definitely a slow burn. Derek has his walls way up, Fallon is dealing with her own insecurities, and watching them slowly fall for each other was really sweet. 🥹

Then Derek has a bad day, takes all his kitchen stress out on Fallon, and she does exactly what a food critic is supposed to do... she writes the review. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 She heads back home, Derek realizes he messed up BIG time, and literally tracks her down to apologize.

And can we talk about that elevator scene?? 👀🔥 They really said, "Let's make out first and deal with our problems later." 😂

Then Fallon ends up back in town, has to watch Delilah during an emergency, and that's when they really start getting closer. I'll admit... they got spicy pretty fast considering they barely knew each other. 🌶️😂 But if you've read the first book, you already know that's just Derek being Derek. The attraction between them was there from the very beginning.

Now here's where I was READY to throw my book... 😭 I seriously thought Fallon had written another article exposing Derek and his family. I was sitting there thinking, *"Girl... AGAIN?!"* 🤦🏻‍♀️

BUT PLOT TWIST!! 😱

It wasn't Fallon at all! Her boss hacked into her laptop and published the article without her permission! I did NOT see that coming, and I was so relieved because I really wanted these two to work things out.

I also loved learning why Fallon gave up her dream of becoming a chef. Her grandmother was the one who taught her how to cook, and after losing her, she couldn't bring herself to be in the kitchen anymore. That part honestly made me emotional. 🥹❤️

And the ending... STOP. 😭💕 I loved that Derek didn't rush into proposing. He waited a whole year, which made it feel so much more meaningful. And when Delilah called Fallon **"Mama"...** my heart absolutely melted. 🥹😭❤️

Overall, this was such a cute romance with lovable characters, family moments, a little drama, some spice 🌶️, and a plot twist I definitely wasn't expecting. If you love single dad romances, slow-burn chemistry, and happy endings that leave you smiling, I definitely recommend picking this one up! 📚💕

[Janine Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have to admit, there was a moment where I was like, wait… what just happened?! I was lowkey upset for a second, but that twist completely pulled me back in. I was like, okayyy I see you 👀

One line that really stuck with me was: “Just calling to say I’m proud of you, Mija…” That one hit home. It felt really personal and meaningful, and it’s something that stayed with me even after finishing the book.

I also loved the addition of Gen, Aspen, Lana, and Gio—it really helped tie everything together and made the story feel more complete. Each character brought something different, and I appreciated how their roles connected back to Fallon and Derek’s journey.

Overall, I loved the message of the story and the development of both Fallon and Derek. Their story felt real, emotional, and relatable, and I found myself really rooting for them. Definitely a read that sticks with you.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me !!!

“Because sometimes, home is not a place of person, but a feeling”

Love for every season and after two snowy, snowed in stories … it’s time for the hope of spring !! It’s time for grumpy sunshine. It’s time for the single dad trope and ngl, I’ve been waiting for Derek’s story! I knew he would have made me swoon and he did. The sweetness of him. The hotness of his obsession. The dedication to his daughter. And the fear of not being worth it. Of not deserving the love of someone who’s so different from you. And Fallon … she is so Andy from “How to loose a guy in 10 days” honestly! So true and so sparkly. And yet so so funny! I really enjoyed their romance. I loved every second of reading it! And when the spice hits … it was chef’s kiss (iykyk) !!! I’m so happy to dive straight into Everest’s story!

“My perfect Flower”

[lillian]

Happy release day to Love in Bloom! The third Seasons of Love book is here and the lovely Brianna Sanchez has done it again! This book is like dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, a picnic in the park, taking antihistamine because seasonal allergies are a bitch and we deserve to breathe while romanticizing spring. You get the idea, it’s spring.

Love in Bloom is just the kind of book you want to take outside and read in beautiful spring weather (after you take your antihistamine, of course) 💚🌼

P.S. Summer Ever After should be scared for the animal I will become once I get my hands on it *mischievous smile*

[Cherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series from the very first book, and Love in Bloom just made me love it even more! I really enjoy how each story follows different characters while still being beautifully interconnected—it keeps everything fresh but familiar at the same time.

And the twists?! I never see them coming! Just when I think I have it figured out, I’m completely surprised.

I’m already counting down the days until the next book… but honestly, can I just have it now, Brianna? 🙏🏼🤭❤️

[Sarah Cisnero · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating besties book a 5 star ⭐️ simply because i can hehe

but actuallyyyy… i’ve seen SO much growth in the writing since books 1 & 2 and it’s been so fun to watch 🥹🤍 i loved getting to see derek and fallon’s love story blossom while also getting more of all the other characters too!!

derek being the ultimate green flag & the best girl dad??? obsessed. the way he helped fallon learn how to love herself in a way she never had before was just amazing🌼🤍

can’t wait to see what’s next!!

[Morgan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm all for the slow burn trope! And then you add the single, hard-working dad into the mix? Say less. 👏
I loved the change of the season, the older, more mature main characters, and having a child in the story throughout. It was a refreshing switch from the first two books. It felt very warm and genuine to me. The characters seemed real - real problems, real feelings.
This book is *chef's kiss* 🤌... pun intended 👨‍🍳💋

[Sheleene Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the Seasons of Love Books with Brianna Sanchez. I absolutely loved Fallon and Derek's story. With little Delilah stealing the show with her personality all her own. Watching them become a beautiful little family is amazing and I can't wait to see what's next!

[Cordelia Youden · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I wake up wrapped in warmth that doesn’t feel temporary. It feels warm, like you can build a life inside, not just borrow for a night.” Go away this book was so cute!
I have been waiting for Dereks happy ending since the first book and I’m so glad he got it!

[Booksbetweenchaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

Love in Bloom was such a sweet and heartfelt read! 🌸

One of my favorite things about this book was Fallon. As a Latina reader, I loved seeing a character I could relate to, and there were so many moments where I saw pieces of myself in her. That connection made me even more invested in her story and had me rooting for her from beginning to end.

My favorite scene was when Fallon and Delilah were taken to the mountains. The dandelions, the scenery, and the overall atmosphere of that moment completely captured my heart. It was one of those scenes that made me pause and just soak it all in.

The characters were easy to care about, the romance was sweet, and the story provided the perfect escape from everyday life. While it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, it was still a wonderful story that left me smiling.

This was my first book by Brianna Sanchez, and I’m already looking forward to reading more of her work. Snowed in Love is already waiting on my Kindle, and Falling for You is definitely on my TBR!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. 💛📚

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 starts

I really enjoyed this book, especially because of how emotionally mature the characters are. Even though there are quite a few misunderstandings along the way, they don't drag out the drama unnecessarily. They communicate, forgive, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving forward, which was so refreshing to read.

When we first meet Fallon, she's feeling lost and frustrated with her life, unsure of what comes next. Because of that frustration and some outside pressure, she writes an article about Derek, a chef she's unexpectedly and intensely attracted to. The article ends up being much harsher than it should have been, and it creates a pretty rocky start between them. Even though the attraction is there from the beginning, both of them have to work through a lot before they can trust each other. I liked that Derek also recognizes he didn't handle everything perfectly, and together they slowly find their way.

Derek was such a great character. As a single father, his daughter is his priority, and opening up emotionally doesn't come naturally to him. He's also trying to figure out what he wants for his future, so choosing to follow his heart and take a chance on Fallon isn't an easy decision. Watching him slowly let people in and realize what truly matters was one of my favorite parts of the story.

By the end, Derek finds love and a clearer sense of what is most important to him, while Fallon finally finds a place where she feels safe, accepted, and at peace. Their relationship develops at a believable pace, and I loved seeing them grow both individually and together.

Overall, this was a sweet, emotional romance with lovable characters, great character growth, and a relationship that felt genuine and earned.

[Yesenia Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I feel like ive said this for the last 2, but I found alot of similarities with Fallon, not only being a Latina and being lactose intolerant (lol) but the feeling of not having a purpose, the feeling of not being enough, I also loved the small detail of her wearing glasses and empowering that, I to am blind and need glasses and never really feel my best with them on so just reading that tiny detail made me smile, this book definitely hit close to home for me and has become top of my list. I am also so happy Derek got his own happily ever after. Brianna has become one of my top authors to read and I am so thankful I found her on my fyp!

[ary ✩‧˚౨ৎ˚✩ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a very fast paced and easy read. I enjoyed the overall concept of the story and thought that it had a lot of potential. However, the overall pacing of the book felt rushed which made it difficult for me to really connect with the characters and their story. I would have loved to see more of a emotional buildup between them because their lack of friendship had me struggling to really get into the story.

[Brianna Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating my book 5 stars because I can🥹🙈

[Savannah Huntington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to spoil anything so I will come back on the release date to post my review! 💛💛 this is so perfect for spring! 👀💛

[Morgan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It’s rom-com that just makes you smile and giggle. I cannot wait to read the next one. 🫶🏻

[Madison Eichelberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Derek would find someone good for him🥹

Derek and Delilah deserve everything good in this world and I am genuinely so happy that Fallon became apart of their little family.

[Dayana Fiallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story itself was interesting, and I especially liked how everything came together at the end. I really appreciated the message behind the story. It highlights that there are more important things in life than money and fame, which is something that stuck with me after finishing the book.
Overall, it’s a meaningful read with a strong ending.

[Lexi Eller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Brianna just surprises me everytime I pick up one of her books.. 5/5 stars ⭐️ for sure, I love all the characters 🫣 I can’t pick a favorite lol, Fallon was definitely girl boss for sure.. I was feeling all the emotions in here laughing, angry and confused lmao 🤣 I love how he was a girl dad especially single just made him better expect I was extremely upset about how Derek’s baby mama passed 😞 I felt so bad for him and Delilah (hope I spelled that right) but over all loved it.. OHHH ALSO who was gonna tell me Brianna had a plan to make GEN AND LANA PREGNANT TOGETHER?!? I screamed and was so happy 😁 (so thank you for that Brianna 😘) can’t wait for book 4 😝😝

[Alexis Aurelio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

ARC Review — Thank you, Brianna, for the early copy!

This installment completely outshines books one and two for me. I really enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the pacing—it all felt more refined and engaging. It’s clear how much Brianna’s writing has grown since her debut; there’s a noticeable increase in depth across the characters, story line, and dialogue.

I especially loved the more mature tone compared to the earlier books. The chef/restaurant owner and food critic dynamic gave me vivid reminders of Ledger and Kenna’s first meeting in Reminders of Him. Brianna’s depiction of the restaurant and the town coming to life in spring was beautifully done and added such a rich sense of atmosphere.

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite book in the series!! I love the depth the characters had and this plot felt like there was a lot more to it besides the romance which I really appreciated. Brianna’s writing improved so much in this book compared to her previous two!