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Bloom: A Monster Love Novella
Every winter a mysterious portal appears in her family's barn. Nothing has ever come out of it, and she barely pays it any mind. Until a woodland nymph named Nia steps through it and into her life.
Holly is vehemently opposed to her sticking around, not wanting her family play host to a monster, but eventually Nia grows on her in a way she never expected.
Over the course of three months, the two fall in love. Despite them both knowing, come spring, Nia will have to return to her world through the portal, and she can never return.
Book One in the Monster Love Novella series.
Holly is vehemently opposed to her sticking around, not wanting her family play host to a monster, but eventually Nia grows on her in a way she never expected.
Over the course of three months, the two fall in love. Despite them both knowing, come spring, Nia will have to return to her world through the portal, and she can never return.
Book One in the Monster Love Novella series.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
talls doe
4 books52 followersI WRITE SINS & TRAGEDIES
talls doe is a queer science fiction & fantasy author living in the Bay Area and writing stories about love, loss, and the human condition while exploring fantasy, urban fantrasy, and SciFi settings.
She currently has 3 published novels. Bloom: A Monster Love Novella, a teratophilia novella that follows a trans woman falling in love with an otherworldly nymph. Marjorie Diaz's Unfortunate Introduction to Magical High Society, the first book in the Marjorie Diaz Series that follows her introduction to the magical realm by way of falling in love with a vampire prince. And finally, Marjorie Diaz's Unfortunate Introduction to Ancestral Politics & Foul Play, the second book in the Marjorie Diaz series that follows her impending demise at the hand of the man she thought she loved.
Sometimes she writes under the pseudonym Valentina Voom
talls doe is a queer science fiction & fantasy author living in the Bay Area and writing stories about love, loss, and the human condition while exploring fantasy, urban fantrasy, and SciFi settings.
She currently has 3 published novels. Bloom: A Monster Love Novella, a teratophilia novella that follows a trans woman falling in love with an otherworldly nymph. Marjorie Diaz's Unfortunate Introduction to Magical High Society, the first book in the Marjorie Diaz Series that follows her introduction to the magical realm by way of falling in love with a vampire prince. And finally, Marjorie Diaz's Unfortunate Introduction to Ancestral Politics & Foul Play, the second book in the Marjorie Diaz series that follows her impending demise at the hand of the man she thought she loved.
Sometimes she writes under the pseudonym Valentina Voom
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
Review:
This was a quick but sweet romance with a really fun, unique take on nymphs---a supernatural creature you don't find very often in books! I also seem to have stumbled upon the "sweet and fluffy about a lonely MC who lives on a farm/in the middle of nowhere, meets a supernatural creature, and falls in love" genre, and I'm digging it.
Holly, our human main character, was really believable and a character whose struggles with doubt and fear as a new adult (relationships, college) will probably be relatable to a lot of people. And Nia, our nymph love interest, was a sweetheart who was accepting and curious and just wanted to learn about the human world and spend time with Holly.
Speaking of Nia, the nymph aspect was super unique! I feel like I say this in every review anymore, but I really do love uncommon supernatural creatures, and I loved this totally nature-y portrayal of nymphs with bark-like skin and flower mouths and everything. It was a lot of fun.
There was also lots of positivity around the queer rep in the book. Holly was trans, the relationship was F/F, Holly and Nia had a whole discussion or two about gender when Holly was concerned that Nia would be bothered by her being trans (which of course Nia wasn't), and Holly's family was also super supportive and accepting.
I did feel, however, that the book was heavy on the messages/lessons. That's not what I look for when it comes to books, but I try to let it slide because, with the way things in our world have been lately, it's probably good to have some books like this, and it might be exactly the kind of book someone needs.
As for plot, it was really just the two characters getting to know each other and spending time together. There was one brief sex scene. There was some planting and farm work to be done. I'm not complaining though; despite its bittersweet premise, the author managed to keep the tone light and make this a subdued, stress-free kind of book.
Overall, as I said, this was quick, sweet read about two characters falling in love and leaving an impact on each others' lives---one of whom just so happened to look kind of like a tree ;-)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes novellas, sweet F/F romance, and uncommon supernatural creatures.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This was a quick but sweet romance with a really fun, unique take on nymphs---a supernatural creature you don't find very often in books! I also seem to have stumbled upon the "sweet and fluffy about a lonely MC who lives on a farm/in the middle of nowhere, meets a supernatural creature, and falls in love" genre, and I'm digging it.
Holly, our human main character, was really believable and a character whose struggles with doubt and fear as a new adult (relationships, college) will probably be relatable to a lot of people. And Nia, our nymph love interest, was a sweetheart who was accepting and curious and just wanted to learn about the human world and spend time with Holly.
Speaking of Nia, the nymph aspect was super unique! I feel like I say this in every review anymore, but I really do love uncommon supernatural creatures, and I loved this totally nature-y portrayal of nymphs with bark-like skin and flower mouths and everything. It was a lot of fun.
There was also lots of positivity around the queer rep in the book. Holly was trans, the relationship was F/F, Holly and Nia had a whole discussion or two about gender when Holly was concerned that Nia would be bothered by her being trans (which of course Nia wasn't), and Holly's family was also super supportive and accepting.
I did feel, however, that the book was heavy on the messages/lessons. That's not what I look for when it comes to books, but I try to let it slide because, with the way things in our world have been lately, it's probably good to have some books like this, and it might be exactly the kind of book someone needs.
As for plot, it was really just the two characters getting to know each other and spending time together. There was one brief sex scene. There was some planting and farm work to be done. I'm not complaining though; despite its bittersweet premise, the author managed to keep the tone light and make this a subdued, stress-free kind of book.
Overall, as I said, this was quick, sweet read about two characters falling in love and leaving an impact on each others' lives---one of whom just so happened to look kind of like a tree ;-)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes novellas, sweet F/F romance, and uncommon supernatural creatures.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
March 20, 2018
I have to say this book isn’t one I would usually have bought, if I read fantasy I can be fussy, but I was so glad I did and I can’t I wait to read the next one in the series.
I didn’t read the blurb when I bought this book I just jumped in. I usually love an Alpha male but can I say I loved Nia, who is so patient and caring while Holly deals with her feelings for her and whether to take the risk on letting Nia into her life.
The fantasy storyline which we are introduced to here, is already making me look forward to book 2 as I can't wait to see where this goes.
I didn’t read the blurb when I bought this book I just jumped in. I usually love an Alpha male but can I say I loved Nia, who is so patient and caring while Holly deals with her feelings for her and whether to take the risk on letting Nia into her life.
The fantasy storyline which we are introduced to here, is already making me look forward to book 2 as I can't wait to see where this goes.
March 21, 2018
Pleasant surprise
This isn't my usual kind of read. I stick to the non magical realm a majority of the time. But something about this book drew me to it. I was not disappointed. This story is sweet and magical and I can't wait to read more by this author.
This isn't my usual kind of read. I stick to the non magical realm a majority of the time. But something about this book drew me to it. I was not disappointed. This story is sweet and magical and I can't wait to read more by this author.
January 9, 2019
The only complaint I have about this book is I want more.
April 25, 2022
I found this book at goodwill and it seemed interesting. I picked it up and just now got to reading it. For what I paid for it, it was a good read, and from what I understand, this was the authors first book.
When doing a bit more research into the author I could only find her Facebook, as the other social medias mentioned in the book had ceased to exist. Their Facebook hasn’t been updated since 2019, so I assume they have given up on writing. It would have been nice to see how their writing would have progressed further in this series, since it seems it was going to be one.
This mind mind: SPOILERS
Again, for what I paid for it, it wasn’t a bad quick read. It was very much a fluffy sort of read. If you like that sort of thing, this is the book for you, BUT if not, you’ll be like me and find it a bit juvenile and boring. I wish it would have been a bit longer and wouldn’t have mentioned that the author was writing a second book, it would have been interesting to see how the character, Holly, would have faired after Nia left back to her world. Instead? We get a short letter written by the main character 2 years after and it ends in a rather cheesy, unfinished way. Not even going to mention all the things that seem like a sloppy attempt to get green lit for a second book thrown in at the end.
If you’re into that and seemingly unfinished series, go ahead and read, but if you have other choices, PLEASE READ THEM FIRST.
When doing a bit more research into the author I could only find her Facebook, as the other social medias mentioned in the book had ceased to exist. Their Facebook hasn’t been updated since 2019, so I assume they have given up on writing. It would have been nice to see how their writing would have progressed further in this series, since it seems it was going to be one.
This mind mind: SPOILERS
Again, for what I paid for it, it wasn’t a bad quick read. It was very much a fluffy sort of read. If you like that sort of thing, this is the book for you, BUT if not, you’ll be like me and find it a bit juvenile and boring. I wish it would have been a bit longer and wouldn’t have mentioned that the author was writing a second book, it would have been interesting to see how the character, Holly, would have faired after Nia left back to her world. Instead? We get a short letter written by the main character 2 years after and it ends in a rather cheesy, unfinished way. Not even going to mention all the things that seem like a sloppy attempt to get green lit for a second book thrown in at the end.
If you’re into that and seemingly unfinished series, go ahead and read, but if you have other choices, PLEASE READ THEM FIRST.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2019
I typically don't read romances but who couldn't resist one with a female trans protagonist who is completely relatable as a 'youngin' in love? Not to mention in love with a Nymph who is the coolest looking nymph I've ever heard described.
On a more serious note, you root for Holly the whole time, she's insecure, she's shy and drawn into herself from the world and you want her to know she's worth so much more than she thinks, and Nia does just that and it's so palpable the way Holly's insecurities and fears are written. It's also written in a nice easy going style, you read it as if someone is orally telling it, the dialogue that you would hear from people of that age group. And I love how much that Holly's family supports her and clearly love her. Great quick and adorably fluffy read!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
On a more serious note, you root for Holly the whole time, she's insecure, she's shy and drawn into herself from the world and you want her to know she's worth so much more than she thinks, and Nia does just that and it's so palpable the way Holly's insecurities and fears are written. It's also written in a nice easy going style, you read it as if someone is orally telling it, the dialogue that you would hear from people of that age group. And I love how much that Holly's family supports her and clearly love her. Great quick and adorably fluffy read!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
April 13, 2019
I never read
A book about transgender people and it’s open my eyes about certain things . I really enjoyed reading this book and the story of Nia and Holly it was a really sweet love story and it’s about not letting people bring you down and to stand strong , be yourself.
P.s. can’t wait until the next book.
A book about transgender people and it’s open my eyes about certain things . I really enjoyed reading this book and the story of Nia and Holly it was a really sweet love story and it’s about not letting people bring you down and to stand strong , be yourself.
P.s. can’t wait until the next book.
June 13, 2018
Beautifully magical
A beautifully magical story about finding love and acceptance despite their many unconventional differences. Would definitely recommend reading and can't wait for Nighthawks!
A beautifully magical story about finding love and acceptance despite their many unconventional differences. Would definitely recommend reading and can't wait for Nighthawks!
December 5, 2019
Very good and interesting
Great book. Usually not the type book I would read but sounded interested. Indeed it was. The last few chapters were the best. The sex with aliens was great to read.
Great book. Usually not the type book I would read but sounded interested. Indeed it was. The last few chapters were the best. The sex with aliens was great to read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews