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The Society of Wanton Widows #2
The Viscountess in Bloom
Passion blooms when the viscountess falls for the gardener.
Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, adored her husband. When he died, a part of her heart remained with him. She mourned her loss while she raised their four children, but when her youngest finally leaves home, Hyacinth struggles to find purpose and companionship. She accepts her loneliness and tends to her flowers, pouring her heart and soul into her cherished gardens.
Oliver Blackwell returns from military service desperate to find employment. When he takes on the role of gardener at Viscount Corby’s country estate, he never expects to fall for the vivacious and passionate dowager viscountess. A dangerous prospect for a man hiding his heart as well as a sordid past.
Afraid to betray the memory of her first love, Hyacinth attempts to keep a distance from the handsome young gardener. But when a friend from her youth reappears seeking her affection, she realizes how much she truly cares for Oliver. Their passion blooms like a rare flower until a lifetime of secrets threatens to ruin not only their happiness—but end their lives.
Can they weather such a storm?
Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, adored her husband. When he died, a part of her heart remained with him. She mourned her loss while she raised their four children, but when her youngest finally leaves home, Hyacinth struggles to find purpose and companionship. She accepts her loneliness and tends to her flowers, pouring her heart and soul into her cherished gardens.
Oliver Blackwell returns from military service desperate to find employment. When he takes on the role of gardener at Viscount Corby’s country estate, he never expects to fall for the vivacious and passionate dowager viscountess. A dangerous prospect for a man hiding his heart as well as a sordid past.
Afraid to betray the memory of her first love, Hyacinth attempts to keep a distance from the handsome young gardener. But when a friend from her youth reappears seeking her affection, she realizes how much she truly cares for Oliver. Their passion blooms like a rare flower until a lifetime of secrets threatens to ruin not only their happiness—but end their lives.
Can they weather such a storm?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 15, 2026
I picked up The Viscountess in Bloom on NetGalley because I was intrigued by the premise. We have an older heroine who ends up falling in love with her younger gardener after years of widowhood. That was interesting to me. There was a lot of promise in the premise, but I ended up very disappointed with the execution.
Let's start with the elephant in the room with this book: much of our heroine's storyline reads as Bridgerton—specifically the TV show—fanfic. Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, reads as a stand-in for Violet Bridgerton. She married young for love, had four kids in quick succession, her husband died in a terrible accident, and she has spent more than a decade as a widow who was focused on her family and not love. Now, I can overlook similarities in situation or tropes because that happens all the time in romance. What I couldn't overlook were some of the lines in this book that were super close to the dialogue of the Bridgerton/Queen Charlotte TV shows. It was just too close to feel like a coincidence.
My biggest issue with this book was that so much of it felt half-baked. We had a real opportunity for some excellent external conflict, but it wasn't fully realized. I love an external antagonist in my romance, especially one who has been lying in wait for years. We had that here, but that character and their motivations weren't fully formed. We also had some really interesting dynamics with the hero and his military service that ended up being glossed over in favor of an extended denouement to the story. I wanted more from pretty much every element of this book.
The only thing I really enjoyed about this novel was the intimacy writing. I think Kirsten S. Blacketer did her best work in those scenes, showing us how physical connection really deepened the emotional bond between our main characters.
I finished this, so I'm going to give it 2 stars.
Thanks to Dragonblade and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
Let's start with the elephant in the room with this book: much of our heroine's storyline reads as Bridgerton—specifically the TV show—fanfic. Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, reads as a stand-in for Violet Bridgerton. She married young for love, had four kids in quick succession, her husband died in a terrible accident, and she has spent more than a decade as a widow who was focused on her family and not love. Now, I can overlook similarities in situation or tropes because that happens all the time in romance. What I couldn't overlook were some of the lines in this book that were super close to the dialogue of the Bridgerton/Queen Charlotte TV shows. It was just too close to feel like a coincidence.
My biggest issue with this book was that so much of it felt half-baked. We had a real opportunity for some excellent external conflict, but it wasn't fully realized. I love an external antagonist in my romance, especially one who has been lying in wait for years. We had that here, but that character and their motivations weren't fully formed. We also had some really interesting dynamics with the hero and his military service that ended up being glossed over in favor of an extended denouement to the story. I wanted more from pretty much every element of this book.
The only thing I really enjoyed about this novel was the intimacy writing. I think Kirsten S. Blacketer did her best work in those scenes, showing us how physical connection really deepened the emotional bond between our main characters.
I finished this, so I'm going to give it 2 stars.
Thanks to Dragonblade and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
July 4, 2026
The Viscountess in Bloom is a luscious tale about a widow with a penchant for plants and the gardener of unexpected origin who falls in love with her. Hyacinth Corby has been widowed over a decade and her children are now grown. Her passion is for her plants and gardens, and she needs a new gardener. Her son, Benjamin, hires Oliver Blackwell.
Oliver Blackwell intends to revive the Corby’s gardens to be sure, but he has ulterior motives. The Lord of Devil’s Acre has assigned him to watch this family and specifically protect Hyacinth. He’s close but doesn’t want to get too close because he has secrets of his own.
Oliver and Hyacinth are instantly attracted to each other with emotions advancing rapidly with little build up prior to their first encounter. This is not an issue per se, more of a preference on my part. Have no doubt Oliver falls first and hard! While Hyacinth is still wrestling with her attraction to him, he is thinking about all the things he wants to do to her! 🥵
Blacketer’s writing style and the commitment to the plant motifs I really enjoyed. I was engaged throughout this novel. There is a twist and a nasty villain to be disposed of, which are aspects I find immensely enjoyable.
I was rooting for Hyacinth to find love after loss, and I found this to be refreshing because I don’t usually read this kind of romance.
I was rooting for Hyacinth to find love after loss, and I found this to be refreshing because I don’t usually read this kind of romance. The scenes in the rain are most memorable. They gave me Liesl and Rolf vibes (The Sound of Music), and I loved it!! 🥰 There aren’t enough scenes with couples in the rain, Ms. Blacketer has me convinced of that! I’ve come into this mid-series, but The Viscountess in Bloom stands on its own with enough nuggets about the other widows to leave you wanting to explore their stories, too.
Thank you to NetGalley & Dragonblade for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4/5⭐️
Oliver Blackwell intends to revive the Corby’s gardens to be sure, but he has ulterior motives. The Lord of Devil’s Acre has assigned him to watch this family and specifically protect Hyacinth. He’s close but doesn’t want to get too close because he has secrets of his own.
Oliver and Hyacinth are instantly attracted to each other with emotions advancing rapidly with little build up prior to their first encounter. This is not an issue per se, more of a preference on my part. Have no doubt Oliver falls first and hard! While Hyacinth is still wrestling with her attraction to him, he is thinking about all the things he wants to do to her! 🥵
Blacketer’s writing style and the commitment to the plant motifs I really enjoyed. I was engaged throughout this novel. There is a twist and a nasty villain to be disposed of, which are aspects I find immensely enjoyable.
I was rooting for Hyacinth to find love after loss, and I found this to be refreshing because I don’t usually read this kind of romance.
I was rooting for Hyacinth to find love after loss, and I found this to be refreshing because I don’t usually read this kind of romance. The scenes in the rain are most memorable. They gave me Liesl and Rolf vibes (The Sound of Music), and I loved it!! 🥰 There aren’t enough scenes with couples in the rain, Ms. Blacketer has me convinced of that! I’ve come into this mid-series, but The Viscountess in Bloom stands on its own with enough nuggets about the other widows to leave you wanting to explore their stories, too.
Thank you to NetGalley & Dragonblade for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4/5⭐️
June 22, 2026
This is a new author for me. I only read book 1 in this series before this one. I saw she was with Dragonblade Publishing, Flame Division and so many of my favorite authors are with them. I really liked book 1 in this series so really looking forward to this one.
I loved this book. I loved Hyacinth and Oliver. I loved their personalities and their story. I loved their chemistry. I love that it had a bit of intrigue. All the secondary characters were written well. I loved how much Hyacinth loved love. I appreciate that she had a great love but open up to fining more. Oliver, for all his supposed troubles, seemed like a great guy. They were great together. Overall a really great read and I added it to my favorite books read for June, 2026.
I loved this book. I loved Hyacinth and Oliver. I loved their personalities and their story. I loved their chemistry. I love that it had a bit of intrigue. All the secondary characters were written well. I loved how much Hyacinth loved love. I appreciate that she had a great love but open up to fining more. Oliver, for all his supposed troubles, seemed like a great guy. They were great together. Overall a really great read and I added it to my favorite books read for June, 2026.
July 4, 2026
This second book in The Society of Wanton Widows was an exciting secret identity age gap historical romance. It was full of secrets, intrigue, emotional issues, strong passion, and many engaging twists. I enjoyed this steamy, entertaining, forbidden love with well developed and interesting characters. I recommend reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not your typical Historical Romance, The Viscountess in Bloom by Kirsten S. Blacketer follows Dowager Lady Hyacinth Corby and mysterious gardener, Oliver Blackwell.
Filled with sadness, yearning, and a dash of murder mystery, this book really kept me glued to the page.
Hyacinth struggles with feelings of loneliness, grief and guilt after the sudden passing of her husband and love her her life. Oliver comes into her life in the form of a gardener, but mostly hes there to fall in love with her. There also might be some secrets from the past and a gang leader!
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were all very fun and added a lot to it!
Hyacinth's eldest son, as well as her widow friends were so memorable. Her son, while he was the usual way men were to woman back then, he and his mother also had a very casual, jokey relationship that I really enjoyed. And Hyacinth's widow friends were wonderful! Everyone deserves some friends like them to support them no matter what!
And lastly Oliver Blackwell was such a great character! He has so much to him, hes been through so much, but he just wants to make his love happy, one secret message flower at a time!
You really feel for Hyacinth as she struggles to figure out if she can open her heart to love again - Oliver is there for her along the way.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars because it did verge of instalust, and the time jump helped, but I ultimately didnt like the time jump at the beginning. I wanted to know about what Hyacinth was doing with her new grandchild.
Kirsten is a new to me author, but I will be checking out some more of her books next time I'm in the mood for a Hustorical Romance, I really liked her writing a lot!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade for the ARC for my honest review.
Filled with sadness, yearning, and a dash of murder mystery, this book really kept me glued to the page.
Hyacinth struggles with feelings of loneliness, grief and guilt after the sudden passing of her husband and love her her life. Oliver comes into her life in the form of a gardener, but mostly hes there to fall in love with her. There also might be some secrets from the past and a gang leader!
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were all very fun and added a lot to it!
Hyacinth's eldest son, as well as her widow friends were so memorable. Her son, while he was the usual way men were to woman back then, he and his mother also had a very casual, jokey relationship that I really enjoyed. And Hyacinth's widow friends were wonderful! Everyone deserves some friends like them to support them no matter what!
And lastly Oliver Blackwell was such a great character! He has so much to him, hes been through so much, but he just wants to make his love happy, one secret message flower at a time!
You really feel for Hyacinth as she struggles to figure out if she can open her heart to love again - Oliver is there for her along the way.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars because it did verge of instalust, and the time jump helped, but I ultimately didnt like the time jump at the beginning. I wanted to know about what Hyacinth was doing with her new grandchild.
Kirsten is a new to me author, but I will be checking out some more of her books next time I'm in the mood for a Hustorical Romance, I really liked her writing a lot!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade for the ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, adored her husband. When he died, a part of her heart remained with him. She mourned her loss while she raised their four children, but when her youngest finally leaves home, Hyacinth struggles to find purpose and companionship. She accepts her loneliness and tends to her flowers, pouring her heart and soul into her cherished gardens. Oliver Blackwell returns from military service desperate to find employment. When he takes on the role of gardener at Viscount Corby’s country estate, he never expects to fall for the vivacious and passionate dowager viscountess. A dangerous prospect for a man hiding his heart as well as a sordid past. Their passion blooms like a rare flower until a lifetime of secrets threatens to ruin not only their happiness—but end their lives.
The second book in this very good series, it’s easily read on its own but the widows are close friends so they do appear. I loved both Hyacinth & Oliver, he fell for her on first sight, she was also attracted to him but felt disloyal to her late husband. I loved how their relationship grew & deepened. The flowers Oliver left for Hyacinth was touching as was the plaque he had made. I also loved the mystery, the villain wasn’t hidden but he was nasty. There were also surprises about Oliver’s backstory. Also Simon is an intriguing character who is a mystery & has hidden depths. An engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Hyacinth Corby, Dowager Viscountess Corby, adored her husband. When he died, a part of her heart remained with him. She mourned her loss while she raised their four children, but when her youngest finally leaves home, Hyacinth struggles to find purpose and companionship. She accepts her loneliness and tends to her flowers, pouring her heart and soul into her cherished gardens. Oliver Blackwell returns from military service desperate to find employment. When he takes on the role of gardener at Viscount Corby’s country estate, he never expects to fall for the vivacious and passionate dowager viscountess. A dangerous prospect for a man hiding his heart as well as a sordid past. Their passion blooms like a rare flower until a lifetime of secrets threatens to ruin not only their happiness—but end their lives.
The second book in this very good series, it’s easily read on its own but the widows are close friends so they do appear. I loved both Hyacinth & Oliver, he fell for her on first sight, she was also attracted to him but felt disloyal to her late husband. I loved how their relationship grew & deepened. The flowers Oliver left for Hyacinth was touching as was the plaque he had made. I also loved the mystery, the villain wasn’t hidden but he was nasty. There were also surprises about Oliver’s backstory. Also Simon is an intriguing character who is a mystery & has hidden depths. An engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“I love you. More than I should.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
I really wished I liked this more than I did.
Don't get me wrong there are a lot of things I really did enjoy about it, like I LOVED the gardening setting, and that mmc was tasked to take care of her precious garden.
The beginning of the book really made me think of Violet's character in Bridgerton, which was a great surprise. I also thought Oliver was a great character to explore, and Hyacinth's friendgroep was fun, but there were just things overall that made the experience not what I hoped it would be.
The biggest thing that threw me off was HOW insta-lovey it was. I don't mind them having some sort of crush or attraction towards each other at first glance, but they were a little too fast for me to really believe them. I mean the ‘I love you's’ were said when they knew absolutely nothing about each other. (That might be believable for some, but it felt a little too fast paced for me.🫣)
And the other thing that was a bit of a downside was that it was a little predictable. (But that could be totally a personal thing.)
Overall there were a lot of things I liked, but also a lot of things that I would have done differently. However I can absolutely see why other people would like this book.
So if you like age-gap romances, where she is older with a mmc who is her gardener then this book might be something for you.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
I really wished I liked this more than I did.
Don't get me wrong there are a lot of things I really did enjoy about it, like I LOVED the gardening setting, and that mmc was tasked to take care of her precious garden.
The beginning of the book really made me think of Violet's character in Bridgerton, which was a great surprise. I also thought Oliver was a great character to explore, and Hyacinth's friendgroep was fun, but there were just things overall that made the experience not what I hoped it would be.
The biggest thing that threw me off was HOW insta-lovey it was. I don't mind them having some sort of crush or attraction towards each other at first glance, but they were a little too fast for me to really believe them. I mean the ‘I love you's’ were said when they knew absolutely nothing about each other. (That might be believable for some, but it felt a little too fast paced for me.🫣)
And the other thing that was a bit of a downside was that it was a little predictable. (But that could be totally a personal thing.)
Overall there were a lot of things I liked, but also a lot of things that I would have done differently. However I can absolutely see why other people would like this book.
So if you like age-gap romances, where she is older with a mmc who is her gardener then this book might be something for you.
June 21, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4
Do you like age gaps where she's older? I don't see an older woman nearly as often as an older man age gap, which I think is a little bit of a shame given the number of widows that could be potentially be written into this trope. This is my first read by this author, and I found it a sweet, feel-good read about a widow finding happiness after her children all fly the coop.
Hyacinth loved her husband dearly, but he passed away over a decade ago, and now that her children have their own households, she's feeling a little at loose ends. She returns to her country estate and its gardens, only to be surprised by her attraction to the new gardener. Oliver is glad for work, despite his lack of experience, and can't help being attracted to Hyacinth despite the complications, because he has ~secrets~.
This is the type of book that I read when I just want sweetness and cute vibes. I enjoyed the aspects of finding love again after a beloved spouses death, and an older FMC finding love with a younger, mysterious MMC. There's a bit of mystery to break up the story, so it doesn't end up feeling cozy.
I think this would suit those looking for a light, heartwarming histrom.
Do you like age gaps where she's older? I don't see an older woman nearly as often as an older man age gap, which I think is a little bit of a shame given the number of widows that could be potentially be written into this trope. This is my first read by this author, and I found it a sweet, feel-good read about a widow finding happiness after her children all fly the coop.
Hyacinth loved her husband dearly, but he passed away over a decade ago, and now that her children have their own households, she's feeling a little at loose ends. She returns to her country estate and its gardens, only to be surprised by her attraction to the new gardener. Oliver is glad for work, despite his lack of experience, and can't help being attracted to Hyacinth despite the complications, because he has ~secrets~.
This is the type of book that I read when I just want sweetness and cute vibes. I enjoyed the aspects of finding love again after a beloved spouses death, and an older FMC finding love with a younger, mysterious MMC. There's a bit of mystery to break up the story, so it doesn't end up feeling cozy.
I think this would suit those looking for a light, heartwarming histrom.
June 15, 2026
4.5 stars
We have Lady Hyacinth Corby, Viscountess Corby and Oliver Blackwell who also has another alias!
Hyacinth is very melancholy since her youngest has gone off on his grand tour the youngest on her nest of four!
She heads to the country to tend her garden and she encounters one Oliver Blackwell who is instantly smitten!
They both fall in lust and are conscious of their station divide! But Oliver had orders from one Lord of Devils Acre who sent him there initially to keep Hyacinth safe! Certainly no one saw how events would unfold! This is one very steamy story with an older and wiser heroine with a much younger man who was keeping secrets!
They enemy is one Oliver aka Alistair saw coming but no one really saw it coming until it was too late! Bravo well done! Loving this series! I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review!
We have Lady Hyacinth Corby, Viscountess Corby and Oliver Blackwell who also has another alias!
Hyacinth is very melancholy since her youngest has gone off on his grand tour the youngest on her nest of four!
She heads to the country to tend her garden and she encounters one Oliver Blackwell who is instantly smitten!
They both fall in lust and are conscious of their station divide! But Oliver had orders from one Lord of Devils Acre who sent him there initially to keep Hyacinth safe! Certainly no one saw how events would unfold! This is one very steamy story with an older and wiser heroine with a much younger man who was keeping secrets!
They enemy is one Oliver aka Alistair saw coming but no one really saw it coming until it was too late! Bravo well done! Loving this series! I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of my favourite tropes. Love an older heroine. Loved the mystery element as well. This book kept me guessing throughout. A really good read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews