Making Her Bloom

by Rebecca Norinne

When I moved back to my home town and came face-to-face with the first boy I ever loved, I finally understood why they say you can’t go home again.

But with a new business to manage, I have better things to do with my time than obsess about the way Tucker Langham fills out his Levi’s, or how his eyes heat with longing whenever our paths cross.

Except our paths keep crossing, and I keep remembering the way his lips felt pressed against mine while he kissed me senseless. Or how he made me feel more alive than I’d ever felt before.

Unfortunately, I also remember how he promised to love me forever, but then broke my heart one balmy August evening more than a decade ago.

Thankfully, I’m older and wiser now, and I know better than to fall for his lies again. At least that’s what I tell myself every time he begs for a second shot at forever.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Novella, Contemporary Romance

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, playing board games, or drinking a pint of craft beer.

Originally from California, she now resides in New England with her husband and two cats where she is renovating a house built in the 1700s and trying valiantly not to be eaten alive by mosquitos.

For more information, please visit http://www.rebeccanorinne.com.

Reviews

[Paula (In & Out) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is this Author a teenage girl? Does she have a teen age girl mentality to write this teeth grinding annoying story?

On the off chance anyone decides to read this, consider a double dose of brandy or better yet my favorite cocktail of "The Zombie" - and a bottle of Tylenol handy (though don't mix it together *sigh*) because you will need it!

Story goes like this:

Twit heroine: He broke my heart but he is so hot and I want to get in his pants.

Twat hero: I'm no good for her. Is she looking at me? I should just leave 'cause I don't want her to see me.

Twit: Why isn't he talking to me & ignoring me? I just want to know why he broke up with me over a decade ago!

Twat: Why does she have to be everywhere I go? I'm just gonna run away like a scary-cat 'cause I'm afraid if I say hello to her then it's GAME OVER for me!

Twit: God, he's so HOT and my lady parts are wet for him!

Twat: Even when I f**d so many OW, she is still the love of my life, but you know....I'm still not good for her 'cause her daddy told me so!

My opinion, my review ... and now my headache. Thanks so much Author!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/15/2020)! 🎁

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kacey and Tuckers story is a sweet second chance story with some hurdles thrown in! I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the Weddings Ever After series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Tucker and Kacey

Romance trope: second chance
Length: 155 pages

Plot: Kacey is back in town, running a successful business with her two best friends, but the one thing bringing her down is Tucker, her high school boyfriend who broke her heart. She thinks she could move on, but she needs closure: she wants to know why he broke up with her when and how he did. He has no answers for her though, until their friends conspire to convince them that maybe they need a second chance.

Commentary: Very low angst. The thing with the loan sharks and her dad didn't even seem like a real part of the plot. It was very weak. And then a secret baby at the end? Also low angst when it probably shouldn't have been. I don't know - there just wasn't a lot there. Minimal conflict. They were both a little annoying (what with the pining for 10 years and all) but all in all, seemed like completely regular people. Maybe the stuff I normally read is too much unrealistic drama. This wasn't a clean read, but would be great for those looking for something less steamy.

[Jolanda Gelissen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful second chance romance, and a perfect read for a lazy Sunday.

Kacey Bloom is a successful wedding florist, running her wedding planning business with her two best friends. However, she is still hung up on her high school boyfriend Tucker Langham. Since he also moved back to their hometown the year before, she keeps running into him, and finds it increasingly more difficult to suppress her lingering feelings.

A series of run-ins force Kacey and Tucker to finally talk about what happened when he suddenly broke up with her the summer after high school. It might seem like they fall back into a relationship rather quickly, but considering all they’ve been through, it makes sense. They recognize that they’re not the same people they were at 18, though, and make a conscious effort to get to know the people they’ve become.

Our main couple has some nice chemistry, and Kacey’s relationships with her friends are also fun to read. Some of the scenes and development do feel a bit rushed, though, and I wouldn’t have minded seeing the author stretch out the reacquainting. I’m also still curious about the whole background and aftermath of the secret that forced Tucker to break up with Kacey.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I love Kacey and Tucker….Kacey and Tucker were high school sweethearts, they were the “it” couple of their community. Then something happened and Tucker broke Kacey’s heart. Now 10 years later Kasey and Tucker are back in the same town, feelings are still strong, but can they overcome the past.
IT was truly amazing to feel the love these two have for each other. It takes a game of pool to finally get Tucker to explain himself. But is it enough for Kacey? She has been harboring her love for him for years. I just can’t stop smiling about this book.

Gone was the girl I’d loved as a kid, and in her place was a woman I barely recognized. Any yet I still harbored complicated, confusing feelings for her

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by this author for me and I enjoyed it. I loved second chances at love and trying to get it right. I loved Kacey and Tucker, I was drawn in by their story and couldn’t put this down. First time around didn’t go so well, they were young and dumb, too much too fast, but now years later will these two be able to conquer their hurdles? I look forward to more in this series. I received an advanced copy of this book through BookSprout.

[Jen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a series!

I love Rocky Cove and the characters within this little town. Small town feel, with a happily ever after. I can’t wait to see where all of these characters end up!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful story focused on love and a second chance.

I loved how the relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways they never expected.

It is the type of story that clutches you at once and does not release you until you get to the end - then you find yourself pining over the fact that the book has ended.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Norinne has penned an enjoyable second chance romance featuring Kayce and Tucker, who have a chance to set things right from a misunderstanding that part of them 10 years before.

Tucker return to town a year ago having been away for 10 years. After avoiding each other during the past 12 months, he decides that enough is enough and he and Kayce have to figure out a way to exist in the same town with each other. Old mistakes have to be forgiven, though, before they can achieve their happiness. Kayce has to decide if she can give the man she's never forgotten a second chance,

This quick, easy read is a surprisingly emotional and satisfying read. I highly recommend it.

Thanks Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review this title. Best yet, this is the start of the series about these friends who have a wedding planning service, so I look forward to reading more!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Rebecca Norinne and I have to say I really enjoyed the book. It's an awesome second chance romance book about Tucker and Kacey. It's a fast paced quick read with twists and turns, with plenty of drama and romance. Tucker and Kacey were high school sweet hearts until the summer before college. Ten years have passed and Kacey has tried to bury the past with all the memories and move on but now Tucker is back. Can they get their second chance or is it to painful to overcome the past? Will they get their HEA? Grab a copy and find out for your self it's a definite must read, and I'll definitely be reading more form this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Time Around by Rebecca Norinne is a great read, interesting,cute, sexy ,sweet and enjoyable. A second chance romance story of and Tucker, well written, interesting characters with great chemistry, well done! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book via Booksprout
Thank you for your review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author a d I was impressed. The story was very well written with great characters. I got drawn in to the story and had it was in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Savannah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kacey and Tucker they were so good together even when a wrench was thrown in the way of their happily ever after. Lacey handled it amazingly. I can't wait to read Bryan and daniels book next! I am loving this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kacey and Tucker they were so good together even when a wrench was thrown in the way of their happily ever after. Lacey handled it amazingly. I can't wait to read Bryan and daniels book next! I am loving this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this Author that I have read, the first book in the Weddings Ever After series. This is Tucker Langham and Kacey Bloom's story of a second chance, I like her friends Brynn Jacobs and Rhee O’Leary as they tried to bring them together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayce and Tucker were high school sweethearts until he broke her heart and left town. Ten years later he's back in town and the spark is still there. This second chance love story is filled with drama, angst, unexpected twists, humor, steam and a great ending. Believable characters and great writing make this an entertaining read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is a really good second chance story. Kacey and Tucker were too young to withstand what life would throw at them the first time. Can ten years make a difference? Loved these two as well as their friends and family. Can't wait for the rest of the series!

[Paige Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ever after

Rebecca knows how to write to make you feel like you are one of the characters. You feel the love and the heartache. Best of all you feel the happiness when it comes. What a great story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second chance romance! It's a sweet story with heartbreak and romance. The story is nicely developed and an overall good plot. Tucker and Kacey were high school sweethearts when he broker her heart and left town. Now he is back! Interesting story and nice twists.

[CL Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story. It was an incredible story that I was happy to not put down. Loved the characters and the story line. You will love this story so much. A must read xx

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll fall in love

If you love stories second chance romances like I do, Second Time Around is for you!! Don’t miss this great story. You’ll fall in love. Happy reading!!

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kacey and Tucker—high school sweethearts who end up together again 10 years later. It’s not all easy sailing, but they get their HEA. While both characters are affable enough, they’re not as fully fleshed out as I’d like them to be and they went from having nothing to do with each other to being back together in the blink of an eye. And later, it’s the same kind of thing when Daisy enters the picture. It just doesn’t feel realistic. It would also probably help character development if the story were longer.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Happens for a Reason -
This is a fantastic romance story, that I found easy to follow, even though it was slightly stressful at times with the back and forth between the characters and life changing news. It is a love story that you’ll be thinking about long after you finish reading it, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Just grab a copy of this book now and experience it for yourself.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Teixeira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Its a small town , second chance romance , low on the spicy level . Basically an Hallmark movie in a book . Cute and not cringy , it's kind of a "makes you feel good" book .

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many of us see our first lost loves and wonder what if? What if life gave you a second chance. Maybe not a do over but a chance to get answers like “What happened” or just “Why”. Kacey and Tucker have this second chance, it hasn’t been an easy road to get there but now is their chance.

About 10 years ago Tucker broke Kacey’s heart and promptly left town. The forever and ever she’d imagined went up in a puff of smoke. She has always carried a touch for her ex, even when a boyfriend proposed he noticed she was still pining for Tucker. She doesn’t know if she is still in love with him or just holding on to the past. Trying to figure out exactly what made their happily ever after explode.

Tucker ran, ran like a punk and he knows it. He was 18 years old and what could he do, he’d never be good enough for a girl like Kacey. But that’s only half the truth, the other half very few people including Kacey, knows. He came back to town after his father died and knows he will run into her now and then. Can they just be friends after all this time?

I’ve read some other reviews regarding this book and was honestly quite surprised. While not the adult romance we are used to reading from the author I guess, this lends a little more toward the YA side of romance even though the main characters are pushing 30. That being said, I thought this story was very sweet and very much something any one of us could have gone through.

Teenage brains work differently than adult brains but sometimes an event that happened to us as teenagers will shape how we respond to certain stimuli in our later years. This isn’t some grand love story, or maybe it is but in much simpler terms. The epic grandiose romance novels we’re used to with great depths of tragedy and angst, is not this read. It is something I think more people can relate to overall than not. Simple, real, love, with a bit of old feelings thrown in.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. The author has my attention with her writing and I will continue to grab her novels as they are written. I’m intrigued with Rocky Cove and loved the cameo of Miranda and Hank from The Worst Man in Second Time Around. 3 ¾ stars for this read.

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU* - formerly titled Making Her Bloom

I absolutely love second chance romances especially when the hero has to work for forgiveness; however, that isn’t what happened here.

First in this book you get to see the Miranda and Hank from The Worst Man.

I did love the friendships in this book especially the crazy fun trio Brynn, Rhee and Kacey. I really wanted to love this book, but it fell a little flat for me because I just didn’t like Tucker and Kacey. Everyone is supposedly 28 years old but they both act like immature teenagers, it took me a while to realize they were in fact adults.

Kacey was I’m not even sure I can describe her, but she was very whiny, dramatic and at some points acted self-righteous. Tucker was annoying if I’m being honest, broke up with Kacey never explained why, wanted forgiveness never did anything to make things right and yet would get jealous when guys approach Kacey.

I truly loved Rhee’s reaction to Kacey and Tucker getting back together, it was the only realistic response and of course Kacey was mad about her reaction. Rhee has to watch Kacey fall apart for years over Tucker and in one night he gets complete forgiveness and she expects her friends to fall in line.

I am interested in Brynn and Daniel’s story, I need to know what happened between them and I’m pretty sure Daniel was a buttmole.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second chance romance between Kacey and Tucker. They were high school sweethearts until Tucker broke up with Kacey and refused to tell her why. Now ten years later, Kacey now owns a wedding planning company with her two best friends and she gets flowers from Tucker's family's farm. Kacey is still in love with Tucker and she can't move on, but she also hates him because he never explained why he broke her heart. Tucker loves Kacey and wishes he could tell her why he hurt her, but he thinks he isn't good enough for her. When they are out one night at a local bar, they talk and Kacey admits she still has feelings for him. Tucker knows he has to tell her the truth if he wants a chance to be with her again. I liked this book, i enjoyed their story. I thought Kacey was a little too whiny at the beginning, but i think she redeemed herself. I felt she needed to grow up and talk to Tucker, which she did. Tucker also needed to grow up a bit and stop worrying if he was good enough. I think Kacey loved him and he should have known that. Good one.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tucker and Kacey were highschool sweethearts until Tucker broke her heart the summer before college. Ten years have past and Kacey has tried to move on but it's hard to do now that Tucker has moved back home to run the family farm. In a last ditch attempt to get over her past she asks Tucker why he left her behind. When she learns the truth and he asks if there is any chance for them to try again she agrees. Everything is going perfect until Tuckers past comes back to haunt them and they need to decide if they can get through it together or move on from one another. While I think this little drama/surprise was unnecessary and kind of over played it was still overall a good book. It was fast paced and a quick read so there was not alot of depth in the story but it was still a nice light read. Ready to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When they were teenagers Tucker and Kacey fell in love and were planning a future together until he ended their relationship and left town with no explanation or further contact. Kacey moved on with her life but she has never truly gotten over Tucker.

Ten years later he has returned to town and brought back all the memories she has tried to supress with him. Will this be their second chance or is the pain of the past too much to overcome?

This is a sweet and sexy story about two people who fell in love and were unable to handle the obstacles that life threw at them until they gained the maturity and strength to face them head on.