Late Bloomer

Man from Yesterday #4

by Barbara Lohr

Ten years ago, Brody failed Carolyn’s class. Studying wasn’t his thing in high school. Girls and sports were. A real behavior problem, he set a record for detentions. He made Carolyn miserable that first year of teaching.

When she runs into him in Santa Fe, she hardly recognizes him. Who’s the student this time? Brody teaches her that spontaneity trumps lesson plans. But he was such a player. Can she take him seriously? Brody might just drive his favorite teacher crazy again.

Genres: Romance

ebook

First published June 21, 2017

About the author

Barbara Lohr writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, often with a humorous touch. Her series include Windy City Romance, Man from Yesterday, Best Friends to Forever and Romancing the Royals. In addition to romance, her work often explores family relationships. She believes that no man or woman falls in love without family influence, for better or for worse. Dark chocolate is her favorite food group and she makes a mean popover. When she's not writing, she loves to bike, kayak or golf. Barbara lives in the South with her husband and a cat that claims he was Heathcliff in a former life. Visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barbaralohrauthor.

Reviews

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late Bloomer by Barbara Lohr
Man from Yesterday #4

Teaching 18 year olds fresh out of college can’t be easy. I remember one such teacher from my high school days and a ride from Los Angeles to the Colorado River for a skiing trip with classmates. What I remember more than her teaching was her reaching over to take the hand of one of my male classmates and feeling very uncomfortable as he snuggled against his shoulder when he was driving. Sure, there wasn’t much age difference but even then it seemed…wrong. And then with all the talk of young men taken advantage of by their teachers being in the news recently… Okay…that is NOT what this book is about at all…not really…but it did bring these memories to mind as I read.

So, THIS book is about a woman who has been teaching for ten years. She has gone from Michigan to Arizona to care for her grandmother and is offered a ride from the airport by someone she taught her first year out of college. Carolyn sort of remembers Brody but, having been a teacher myself, I doubt she remembers much about him. Anyway, they talk, he remembers his “crush” on her when he was 18, there is chemistry of a sort, they end up dating and of course the age difference is mentioned but with him now 28 and her 32 the age gap is not so great BUT the distance between their homes and potential for a future together is iffy at best. How they work it out, the ways they spend time together, the problems they have to overcome – all work together to build a very enjoyable read. AND, there is a second romance that is added in – one between Carolyn’s grandmother and someone she met in Santa Fe ;)

Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is book four, the story stands on its own, but it really was great having read the first three stories. Late Bloomer is about old…let’s say acquaintances…who meet up after time has moved on. Carolyn was a first year high school teacher to Brody’s senior student. They meet up at baggage claim, at an airport of all places, when Carolyn comes to visit her Grandmother, far away from the high school class where they first met. Their first “meeting” is funny and sweet and made me laugh. No spoilers from me!

It’s a rough start, considering Carolyn is very cautious and Brody has changed, grown up, into a “hotty”. And Mama V is about the hippest “grandma” I’ve ever met. Reading their story, and journey, had ups and downs and the cutest bit is how they learn how to make their relationship change from teacher/student into adults and a relationship. All in all, a really good story that will keep you reading until you read ‘The End’!

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I loved Brody and Carolyn and Mama V! Mama V was actually pretty amazing! I love reading books where I can enjoy a great romance, as well as learn something interesting, and this book had it all!
I can remember driving through New Mexico every summer on our way to my grandparents in southern Colorado, and stopping to look at the beautiful jewelry laid out on beautiful blankets at the rest stops. Now that I'm much older, I have wished that I could go back and learn more. And now I know much more about the weaving and patterns, and even museums!
This book was wonderful all the way around!!! So glad to have found this great author, and I'm looking forward to reading more from her! I was fortunate enough to get this book for free for my honest review, but I'm now willing to pay to read more from Barbara Lohr!

[Wild_irish_rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told mostly from the heroine's point of view, it's the story of a woman who falls in love with a former student. She realizes she has cut off the part of herself that has a zest for life and adventure. A good read.

[Patricia Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about a teacher and student meeting up years later and the sparks and lessons they both learn

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good read in the series. I enjoyed the characters in it. I loved her Grandma. she was a great person and I liked how she was always there to encourage her. My only complaint is with the MC. She had a hard time with the age difference. Yet it was only 4 years or something like that. I'm just glad that they got everything worked out in the end.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story from the plot to the emotions, I really liked how it was an older woman and younger man. I bet all of us has had a crush on a teacher in school, and I am guessing a few might have even hooked up with one in college, maybe even a fewer have made that relationship work. The author does a great job of how trying that can be from the day you met until the day you met again and remembering just all the pranks you pulled to even how child like you were at times. She gives you conflict of not only the here and now but things that have happened to you in the past that makes you whatt you are today, along with facing your fears and overcoming them.

Oh Carolyn remembers him well from her first year of teaching, the play boy, prankster, the funny boy he was and could always make her smile. Now she is left wondering if he has changed and just what those changes will mean to her. I really liked this character she is strong but has her weakness. There are things in her past that makes her question every man, as well as things she fears.

Brody has always had a crush on Carolyn so much, so he did just about anything to get her attention in class. I can’t say that was a good impression he made. There is no doubt he has grown up but one must ask is he still a player or is he ready to settle down to the one woman and if so where does Carolyn stand in all this.

I loved how these two met again, the fun and humor as they start their journey together. There are many laughs and smiles throughout but also some very trying times. I really loved how he helped her work over her fear of heights. My heart broke for her when she told the story about how her mother tried to help her. I had mixed feeling about them but her mother pulled me around by the end. The characters and supporting characters were great. I just adored her grandmother how strong she was but my heart broke for her when Howard told of her recovery. This is really a very powerful emotional read as well as humorous and fun. It was a story that held my attention from the first page. At times my mind wondered a little but the author always pulled me back. I did think the ending was rushed but it is such a sweet wonderful ending it is easy to over look the rushed part.

There are a lot of issues that have to be worked out, the age different, Carolyn’s hang-ups (there are more than one), other men and women, friends and those that will be lost. There is a very touching scene about a military family that just broke my heart. I had to laugh at her grandmother and the things she found out about her. I laughed and smiled a lot but also was sad a few times. It was very emotional but a great read. I thought it had great fun characters, was well written, and totally delightful with just enough humor to keep it interesting.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story, Late Bloomer delighted me from the opening chapter right up to the end. The last person Carolyn expected to see on her arrival at Santa Fe was her recalcitrant pupil Brody. However, the class clown and hell raiser has changed and he is no longer the teasing trouble maker she remembers so well. Carolyn depicts so many woman who have allowed life to pass them by, resulting in them missing out on building relationships, having family and enjoying the gift of children. As competent as she is in her teaching profession, Carolyn exhibits cautious behaviour, and even more so when confronted with her fears. Brody on the other hand, is far more handsome than Carolyn ever expected, but he too has been through experiences that have made him rethink his lifestyle and choices. Together they have a dynamic connection, one that transcends time and their age difference. Added to the mix, Mama V's new love interest has brought about unprecedented changes, to that extent that Carolyn almost doesn't recognise her grandmother. There were a few hilarious moments when Carolyn is confronted by just how much her grandmother has changed and it makes her take a long, hard look at herself. I loved every moment of this book, the descriptions of the area and the unusual personalities with their quirks and phobias. As a woman I could identify with Carolyn and her insecurities. The fact that Brody could change as much as he did, makes him irresistible as a man. I highly recommend this book.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A teacher meets a former student by chance in the airport. He offers her a ride to her destination, which also happens to be the town he lives in. They have chemistry, but is it going to be a fling or forever?

What I didn't like: The teacher/student storyline - not my personal favorite, so anyone reading this review can take my opinion with a grain of salt because you may like that type of storyline. It seemed that every time I was getting into the relationship building between the two, the teacher/student circumstance was mentioned (and it is frequently) and it took me away from focusing on the romance aspect.

what I liked: I liked both Brody and Carolyn as characters. I felt that both of them grew tremendously throughout the story, learning to trust each other and reach out beyond their comfort zones, especially Carolyn who became quite confident by the end of the book.

Although this book didn't happen to be my favorite written by this author, I am by no means giving up on her and am looking forward to her next one!

Note: I received an ARC of this book - my review was voluntary.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of the books in the Man From Yesterday series but Carolyn and Brody's romance will always be my favorite one for many reasons. Because the teacher/student relationship is generally interpreted in a negative way this genre of romance is sorely neglected and I thought the author handled the subject realistically and quite responsibly. Obviously these two characters are former teacher and former student but even Carolyn is initially uncomfortable with the tide of emotions Brody inspires within her. But thanks to her free spirited grandmother's encouragement and Brody's irresistible charm Carolyn slowly undergoes a complete transformation that totally changes the way she looks at her life. Brody has undergone a transformation of his own in the intervening years since high school, finding his true passion and success as an architect in the wide open spaces of Santa Fe. The sexual chemistry between these two characters is heart pounding and guaranteed to melt your heart with a very satisfying and sexy happily-ever-after. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A teacher meets a former student by chance in the airport. He offers her a ride to her destination, which also happens to be the town he lives in. They have chemistry, but is it going to be a fling or forever?

What I didn't like: The teacher/student storyline - not my personal favorite, so anyone reading this review can take my opinion with a grain of salt because you may like that type of storyline. It seemed that every time I was getting into the relationship building between the two, the teacher/student circumstance was mentioned (and it is frequently) and it took me away from focusing on the romance aspect.

What I liked: I liked both Brody and Carolyn as characters. I felt that both of them grew tremendously throughout the story, learning to trust each other and reach out beyond their comfort zones, especially Carolyn who became quite confident by the end of the book.

Although this book didn't happen to be my favorite written by this author, I am by no means giving up on her and am looking forward to her next one!

Note: I received an ARC of this book - my review was voluntary.

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late Bloomer (Man from Yesterday Book 4) by Barbara Lohr
This is Brody and Carolyn's story.

What an amazing May/December story where the women is older. Carolyn taught Brody during his senior year and her first year teaching high school. It's been ten years and ran into each other when traveling to see her grandmother. Brody is no longer a high school boy. He is all man. I loved his character. There was so much depth to Brody. It was fun and sweet watching their relationship change.

Some seemed concern about the student/teacher relationship. There was nothing inappropriate between them during the time Brody was her student. It's been ten years since they have seen each other so you are talking about a woman in her early thirties and a man in his late twenties getting together. Ten years changes a lot of things. The story was done very tastefully.

This was a fun and entertaining read. I really enjoyed Brody and Carolyn's story. A May/December romance with humor, chemistry, and lots of emotion with the woman being the older one. We need more stories like Late Bloomer.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When high school teacher Carolyn travels to Santa Fe to visit her grandmother, the last person she expects to run into is Brody, a former student. She also can't help noticing how he's changed over the past ten years. For his part, Brody always liked Carolyn, even though she flunked him.

The age difference between the two is only four years, so it doesn't fall into the creepy and inappropriate category. Carolyn jumped to conclusions a little too quickly without even trying to find out the facts, which I didn't care for. Other than that, I enjoyed the characters.

Readers are also treated to a second romance between Mama V, Carolyn's grandmother, and Howard. I was a little iffy on Howard until he does something really sweet and considerate that proved how much he really cared about her.

I found the book moved a little slowly in spots, but it wasn't enough to take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I would recommend giving it a read.

**I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy**

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Late Bloomer" (Man From Yesterday series novel) by Barbara Lohr


"Late Bloomer" is an interesting addition to the Man From Yesterday series. I enjoyed this novel as it was light and breezy, for the most part, and the characters were interesting and enjoyable, particularly Carolyn's grandmother. The plot line was was interesting, but for me a bit off-putting. I loved the location of Santa Fe and the friendship Carolyn and Brody develop, but the romance between the two was not one I was fond of. The issue for me was not the age difference, the older female vs younger male, it was the teacher/past student relationship.

Otherwise, like all of Ms Lohr's novels, this was a good read and a novel I would recommend.


Rating: 3.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy Link: http://amzn.to/2tlKpBW

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts are my own

(Any links in this post may be affiliate links leading to a small commission for me at no cost to you.)

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of trying to reinvent yourself and taking new chances. It shows insecurities and passion and will make you think about what you would do in a similar situation. The story will make you realize it is never to late to change or find love at any age.
I loved the characters in the story. Carolyn is stubborn in her ways and stuck in her own comfortable world teaching where she grew up. She has a very close relationship with her Grandma who she spent a lot of time with while growing up. Her parents relationship was shaky while she grew up and so Carolyn is very cautious in her own relationships. Brody is dealing with his past too and being a former student of Carolyn's. You will need to read the book to find out what happens. You will love Grandma V!
I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through Goodreads.
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Oh Mama V! She certainly has taught Carolyn how to live again and enjoy life. It has only been a few short years since Carolyn was the eager and fresh new teacher at Brody's high school, but it seems she may have lost certain spark. But in comes Brody, who has blossomed into a mature guy who never stopped thinking about Carolyn.

Carolyn and Brody's interactions are cute and sweet. I love how we took time to get to know Brody's background and what he went through (family history) to become the person he is today. I enjoyed reading how Carolyn slowly opened her eyes to what is in front of her and really started to live! And that setting, it sounds so romantic and stunning that I myself want to visit this intoxicating place full of adventures and wonder.

[Lisa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn is headed to Santa Fe to check on her Grandma Mama V while she is on break from her high school teaching position. Waiting on luggage at the air port she runs into a student she had her first year teaching. He offers to take her to her Grandmas instead of renting a car. Brody crushed on Carolyn in high school and wants to spend time with her. When she arrives at Mama V's she realizes Grandma has been doing better than she thought. She is surprised that Mama V has a new beau. Carolyn struggles with her feelings for Brody for a couple of reasons. One he was a former student and his age. Brody struggles with his family's past and if Carolyn will accept him. Both have to fight thru fears and insecurities. There are a lot of situations the characters in this book have to clear up to move forward. Love will find a way . Thanks for a great read Barbara

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn runs into "His Hotness" at the airport on the way to visit her grandmother in Santa Fe. Her former high school English student in Gull Harbor, he was a trouble maker that made her first year difficult for her. Well he's grown up now into a very sexy man. Carolyn wonders is it taboo to want a younger man and former student. But she doesn't want boring Alan, her grandmother's boyfriend's staid balding son in his forties. And there's no one for her back in Gull Harbor. Brody makes her happy and helps her overcome her fears. Can she trust that he's put his playboy ways behind him? Is she willing to risk moving away from friends and a secure job in Gull Harbor to be with him? Sexy romance with lots of humorous moments.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Well some may call this a May\December romance, I don't. There is only 4 years between them. I do love that fact that she is older. Brody had certainly grown up and Carolyn was starting to realize how young she still was. The book did have a dual POV but it was mainly written from Carolyn's. I wish Brody's had a bigger part of the story. There were times when the conversation took a turn and was hard to follow for my poor pea brain but it was generally a great read. I had a hard time putting it down.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a twist and wants to read romance about an older woman with a younger man.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Barbara! I enjoy reading Barbara’s books as she is so good at what she writes and that is a good beautiful romance. Barbara can weave a story where you can picture it all, wonderful places, beautiful people and a crazy loveable grandma.

Brody is no longer the goofy boy in school. He is now one hot grown up sexy man who has so much depth to him. Now is only he can get Carolyn to see past what he was.

This book is full of longing, understanding and second chances. The sexual chemistry between the characters will leave you wanting more. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next.

[Tarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

First year teacher meets student ten years later and sparks fly. I liked the book, but I think Carolyn, the teacher, was more of a late bloomer than Brody, the student. It was also a little off putting how Carolyn would "school" Brody on things, like she was still the teacher and he was her student. Or like the people on Facebook who feel the need to correct the grammar of other people, including strangers.

Still this was a good love story, if a little slow at time, and Carolyn and Brody seem good together.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely captivated by this fresh take on May/December romance and didn't want the book to end when I got to the last page. Ms. Lohr writes with so much love and emotion, you can put yourself completely in the book and feel like you are in beautiful Santa Fe and sharing the experiences of the relatable characters. I loved the attraction, chemistry, and repartee between Carolyn and Brody as the tables were turned and the student became the teacher. This is a beautiful contemporary romance that will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late Bloomer was a very interesting read. Even though this book was # 4 in the Man from Yesterday Series, it stands well on its own. I loved the storyline Old woman younger man former teacher vs former student 10 years later. The story was very well written and written responsibly. I was hooked right from page one. The transformations that took place with the characters was so well written. I love how Grandma V encourages the May – December romance. I had a hard time getting any work done in my house because I didn’t want to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late Bloomer is a fresh take on the May/December romance. I have never really been a fan of those, but Ms. Lohr opened my heart and eyes to all the possibilities. When the student becomes the teacher both individuals realize they still have a lot to learn about life, love and new beginnings. Barbara Lohr gives readers what they want, a chance to relax and escape with some feel good fun.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions. Barbara is an awesome writer, witty banter, deepening of the characters along with twists and a loveable quirky supporting cast kept me hooked. I jumped into the pages with Carolyn and Brody, was captivated to the end. I can honestly say I recommend this book.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and fun romance. They meet cute after being in a teacher/student relationship several years later. Student is all grown up and hot. Both locations sound delightful. I have been to Santa Fe and area, but never to the small town in Michigan. Nice to see the how family stories play into their lives. The author provided an advance reader copy.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The characters, Carolyn, Brody and especially Mama V, are well developed. Even the secondary characters stand out. The vivid descriptions whisk the reader to Santa Fe. The story draws you in. Late Bloomer could be applied to both Brody and Carolyn. I was sorry to reach the end. It is harder to say goodbye to some characters than to others. I highly recommend this book.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late Bloomer

I really enjoyed Carolyn & Brody's story, but, I was left wanting more. Their banter was really good and Brody made her want to get over her fears. A part that was missing from the story was Carolyn's previous love life, she's been in the earlier books, but we know very little about her.

[Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note to Author:
I love it when my home state of New Mexico is in a book
However
Nothing will earn a one star rating as fast as incorrect info about NM
They are the Sangre de Cristo mountains and not Cristo de Sangre
But wait! There's more...the name of the stretch in Albuquerque are called the Sandia Mountains

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody and Carolyn are an interesting couple in this book. Carolyn goes to visit her grandma to take care of her she thinks and finds her grandma has a new beau. Book keeps you interested from beginning to end.