“It’s a nasty kind of love. The kind you can’t escape from even if you want to.” Petra should've known better. But her heart has always beaten for the one man that she can't her beloved godfather, Alexander Van Dieren. And despite the firm disapproval from her mother, the rising politician and activist, Tess Hagen, Petra is determined to take her life into her own hands and fight for him, no matter the price. But she can only do so if Alexander will go just as far for her. So after waking up from her coma, she asked him one question. He gave her one answer. And from there, nothing will ever be the same... This book is for mature audiences.
Melanie Martins is a digital entrepreneur, travel influencer, and the author of the series "Blossom in Winter", a forbidden love story between a young heiress and her godfather. Her debut novel has been labeled as "wrong", "immoral", and by others as a "masterpiece", "phenomenal" and a "must-read" creating a dedicated, loyal fan base of lovers and haters.
When she is not behind her laptop writing, she can be found globetrotting, reading, daydreaming, and sharing her adventures on Instagram and Facebook
Born in France and raised in Portugal, she currently lives on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta and can't get enough of it.
Don’t bother with this author. She is the worst writer I’ve ever read and these books are an egregious waste of money. Not only are the characters extraordinarily unlikable, but the actual plot is rambling and nonsensical, the writing is stilted and awkward. The reason the writer has made a dime off of any book is because she has a popular travel blog where she promotes her work. I also have a hunch she has paid for some of these reviews. Stick to travel blogging honey. You can’t write!
I’m a bit frustrated tbh. Given the opulence and highbrow context of the series I was quite surprised with Petras ignorance in many areas including her own at inheritance as well as her lack of knowledge about sex. I completely understand and I’m not judging that she was innocent upon entering her relationship however, I figured given her family history and status that for example she would’ve been put on birth control immediately once she was a teen. Separate from this, I was dumbfounded at how nonchalantly she ignored respectful communication with her partner regarding her lack of birth control. And then in this book when it is finally discussed and her partner is understandably upset she seems offended. And then all is well? And the fact that they don’t really talk about her accident or the loss of their child.
On another note, as a psychologist, the lack of following HIPAA here is outrageous. I understand this is a story but it’s ridiculous. Not to mention this obsessive love disorder she’s slapped with doesn’t actually exist. Ugh. I realize I’m being nit picky but can’t help it. It really impacted my ability to resonate with the story. I mean they are obsessed which is frustrating but nothing like serious codependency (eye roll)
I can’t believe someone so supposedly smart as Petra would not demand to be told this secret everyone is hiding from her. She’s not a child and yet definitely acts like one. Especially in the end on the boat where she can’t seem to let go of the desire to contact her friends etc. I continually sat holding my breath reading that assuming she was gonna call her friends like a moron and get caught.
And the ending was obviously no surprise given the seriousness of the rest of the book. Yet still all the character seems surprised. Like why can’t he tell her this secret. Obviously she’s going to find out. And does he expect her to go through all of this never to see her parents again without knowing why? And if she’s ok with that, she’s dumb.
Obviously I’ll read the other books in the series. I just really want Petra to grow a pair of ovaries and not be soooooo naive. Ugh. On a final note, if a girl was killed based on sexual play and this is the big kahuna secret, I’m offended. Also, as As a kink / BDSM inclusive therapist the lack of open communication and power play here is bad. Both partners need to truly truly consent and discuss these dynamics. It often feels like Petra just gets into these situations with minimal discussion or understanding of her inner desires. Which is particularly interesting as we get her perspective.
Ok end rant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
I was so excited for book 2 of Blossom On Winter and let me tell you Melanie didn’t disappoint me. If you loved book 1 you’re definitely gonna enjoy this as well. The character developments, the chemistry between Petra and Alex, the drama, everything got even better in this book.
So book 1 Blossom in Winter finished with a really big cliff hanger. This book starts off right from that point and it’s crazy how I could remember all the little details while reading this. First of all Alexander Van Dieren owns my heart. This man could not get any more perfect. He has many flaws of course but those are just what adds to his charm. “I know I’m risking losing everything, but everything is worth nothing if I can’t be with you.”
I was able to connect with Petra pretty quickly in book 1 and I’m really pleased I had the same experience on this book. She’s just one of those relatable heroines you can’t help but fall in love with. “This is the real world, after all, where princesses are caught and brought back to their golden prisons to live some sort of happily ever after they didn’t choose.”
There could never be a world where Petra and Alex could find better matches. They’re the yin and yang that compliment each other and make this book magical. They go through a lot in this book as they did in book 1 and I’m rooting for them so hard. Let’s just say all the obstacles they had to face just made them more relatable and I could feel every single emotion. I cried with them. I laughed with them and I kept hoping for a better ending, a happy ending for them. Of course, there are still 2 more books so there’s more hardship in the way for them. Overall this was a pretty amazing ride with lots of drama that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for book 3.
I can’t even with this book. The first one so was good! I couldn’t wait to start the second. I got half way through chapter 29 and I’m not even going to finish it. I mean come on! Petra is 18 will be 19 in December and her parents treat her like she’s 5. And even worse she goes along with it! It you feel like you’re mature enough to be engaged you should be mature enough to put your foot down. Ugh so frustrating!
Today is Valentine's Day and 𝘓𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 is LIVE on all retailers! The paperback is currently available only in the official store of the series: blossominwinter.com
I published the very first book of this saga in October 2019, just as an ebook to see if people would enjoy it or not. After all, it was my first novel and, truthfully, I had no clue what I was doing. By February 2020, I was hosting a book launch event in Malta and launched the paperback. One year later, and here I am finally releasing the sequel. Yuppi!
Thank you so much to everyone who has been with me since the beginning. It has been a wild journey and I'm so glad for your outstanding support!
I'm sorry it took me so long to release the sequel but I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I just finished Blossom in. Winter. OMGOSH.... I want to start Lured into Love NOW! Blossom is one of the best books I have read in a long time! Had me from page 1! I love the author, Melanie Martins writing style. So easy to follow and not get the number of characters confused with each other! I can’t find Lured into Love to purchase it. Is it not published and ready for purchase? —Lorena
So what can I say about this book um wtf like how can her parents do that their daughter like who care who she fall in love with as long as she happy that should all that matter but no they did not want to see their daughter happy because yes the age difference and because of what he did in the past and they all cover it up before she was an adult. Like honestly if you did not want him and her life the parents should’ve of made him her godfather but they did and now the father does want them together because of his pass and the information that mother has on them like grow up and move on and just let the pass come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sorry, this didn’t deliver. I was hoping to find something likeable about Alex but the second book has just reconfirmed what I had originally thought - I don’t think this is love at all, seems like child’s play. Nothing remotely likeable about Petra or Alex.
These endings are brutal. We get lots of information and updates in book 2.
I kinda see exactly what Tess sees. However, you are only young and dumb once right? lol. I am going to pause before I jump into book 3. But this series has held my interest.
How do I find the words to describe what I just read, this story, there story no matter how dark or twisted was perfect, the blurb did this story absolute justice.
It was captivating, wrought with happiness, intertwined with love, but also despair and heartbreak, Alex moved on, or so Petra thought, but she held on, not only for herself, but for them. Underestimating the intensity of the story will have your heart in your throat and leave you gasping for air.
Knowing there relationship is still wrong, highly forbidden, there love and desire for each other is undeniable, there passion a flame, they would let the world burn before they are denied each other. They will fight each other as they fight themselves, to seek the truth, but with truth comes trust, and if there is not truest, how will they seek what they truly desire, the one thing they both want, there happily ever after.
The decisive control Petra’s family have over her, the conflict that ensues is nothing short of shocking, yet depraved. The shocks just keep on coming, the twists, a long buried truth, a secret so damning, ready to break and destroy, a hand so wielding, so powerful, won’t be denied.
Such a roller coaster of emotions, a page turner, you literally will not be able to put it down. This author clearly knows how to write, exploring dark and intense themes that will have you saying what the f@#$. Readers will be ensnared from the get go and will have you coming back for more. And if you thought this author was done, she is not, so hold on as we anticipate what book three and there story will bring us!
And those s€x scenes in and out of the bedroom were erotic, dark, twisted, forbidden, emotional , wrong, intense, captivating, deliciously wicked, dirty, hot, steamy, passionate, wet and ferociously wild.
"Lured into Love" picks up right where "Blossom in Winter" left off with Petra recovering from her accident. It was entertaining to see that COVID was really incorporated into this story; We get to see how it affects all the character's lives and their stances on it. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks into the early relationship of Petra and Alex when Petra was a small child.
After giving "Blossom in Winter" 5 stars, I was a little disappointed that I didn't like this one more. However, if you enjoyed the first one I think you'll also enjoy this! The darkness, the love, and the suspense are all there. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hated it! I got so tired of all the thoughts the women in this book had but then let the dominant character control their reactions. I don't relate to "hatred" and then suddenly happier than ever before. I did not finish the book because I just got soooo annoyed. Also, the delay of what was promised was not being brought into fruition already halfway into the book? Why even put it in there?! Done. Don't care how the series ends.
I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. From not wearing a mask during the pandemic because it bothers Petra that her friend is wearing one, to accepting her parents’ rule over her, agreeing to cut all ties to friends and New York then having problems with that later on. Then, to the sexual acts that she questions but doesn’t. Also, the fact that her godfather will not tell her the truth and being so naive during therapy and making contact with Mathew once Alex and Petra leaves NY I’m just not sure. I guess it just shows that she’s not ready for that relationship. The story was entertaining and the characters were great. I could say that much. I am going to read the rest of the books so that says enough right there. Actually, I can’t wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 starts right where book 1 ended with Petra proposing to Alex after waking up from her coma.
I can't believe how much this girl suffered in this book. I mean the whole book 2 is a misery and angsty fest and she's in the center of it and her parents are the instigators. My heart broke for her 💔
The level of anxiety in this book was super high...so it needed to be dozed a little.
Even though I like so much second characters like Emma or Alex's sisters, I wanted more Alex and Petra in this book. I couldn't care less for Matthew to be honest. He's so unlikable...😖 I mean even for friend material!!
I wanted to see the mama bears fight each other. I wanted to see Alex outsmart them. I didn't understand Alex's strategy tbh. I understand the first time when he didn't have time to react and make a plan but fuck...the 2nd time he should have been prepared. He could have married Petra and remove her parents possibility to claim her life and freedom or use the mental health card ...but no he goes in a Caribbean vacation without a strategy...
I hope book 3 doesn't disappoint and comes out soon.
Ok where to begin. I got hooked with the 1st book so I continue on. This book just made me dislike everyone even more. Petra is 18/19 in this book. Why she puts up with her parents is insane. Money? Leave. Her mom knows what her father and Alex did. The book eludes that a virgin was strangled to death having kinky sex with Alex while Dad and maybe others watched I deducting since we still don't heve the whole story yet. Why not just tell her? That may just make her rethink Alex. Now I know people like all kinds of kink whatever. My issue here is that Petra was a virgin. Nothing to compare it to. It's hard not to think that Alex is preparing her for him being her dom and her as a sub. At one point when he is having rough anal and making her watch she says they are so connected they both feel the pain and pleasure and dominance and submission. I am like hell to the power no! Only person enjoying himself is Alex. I say make him feel what it feels like to get an anal rough ride . He wants to control her and making her wear a butt plug after all that . Jeez. Whatever floats your boat but all the sisters in his family have this weird dichotomy. I honestly feel it is manipulation of a naive girl for total male dominance. So lust yes but not love. She gets all the pain and he gets all the pleasure. I might even give Alex a break if he would just confide in her but he doesn't cuz he knows he has done wrong. Anyway I know it is crazy but I am going to continue and read the rest to see what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay now this particular book just had me so bothered! Don't get me wrong it's a good book but the constant outcome of all the chain of events throughout the book just had me heated, vexed, and irritated at Petra's parents! Now I could understand the concern but damn she's 18 years old!!!! Sometimes you have to let them find out for themselves and just be there for them every step of the way if needed..but what pissed me off is the fact that would go to the extreme from keeping Petra away from Alex!?! Why not just tell Petra the damn truth then??? Why put her through all the bullshit! Nobody got time for all that! I do believe that Alex truly love Petra. I hope it's not a twist in the next book breaking that bond! I will soon find out😏
Again....OMG!!! I seriously hate Petra's mother Tess. That heffa needs to go. I don't know why she keeps interfering with her daughters love life. Umm, now I get that it may be a little bit awkward for a Godfather to be interested in his Goddaughter in a sexual way, but damn, shit (excuse my language) happens and sometimes for a reason. Now with that rant out of the way, I can get to what the book is about. Once again the Mrs. Martins has out done herself on Book #2. Petra and Alex are the true definition of love. They are taking a big risk running away together (but I am here for it). Again, Petra's mother Tess needs to mind the business that pays her and stay out of her daughters business. I just don't understand for the life of me why Roy (Petra's father) would be all for her and Alex's relationship in the beginning, and then when Tess gets involved, now he's like "OMG!! this is not right, you have to end the relationship" --smacking my lips and rolling my eyes-- I just can't with fake Roy and the nosy mama. I pray that Petra and Alex can live happily ever after without all the unnecessary bullshit from her nosy parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A while ago I read Blossom in Winter by Melanie Martins and really enjoyed it. When I saw the next book in the series called Lured Into Love was soon to be released, I contacted Melanie and requested to be one of her reviewers. I've already expressed an interest in the next two books due out later this year. I had to!
I'll tell you right off there are some explicit sex scenes in her books. The author tells you that right up front. I don't think she wants to shock anyone. I don't find the scenes to be crude. I think in her books they are there for a purpose. If you can't tolerate that, then these books won't be for you. I think they are an added dimension to the tale she weaves. We are reading about a young woman named Petra who falls deeply in love with her godfather Alex. For her age, I think she is quite mature and I don't doubt the relationship although, there are many who do.
Her characters are believable and well rounded. Her writing style is a little different and I find it easy to follow. I felt the heartache, love and angst of the characters. When I picked up this book after reading Blossom in Winter so long ago, I fell right back into the story line. She didn't constantly remind you of the previous plot and who everyone was but, the author somehow made it so easy to remember everything and everyone.
I can't wait to continue the love story of Petra and Alex! I am a little jealous of Petra. I've fallen head over heals in love with Alex. Yum. What's not to love?
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you for the experience Melanie Martins!
Holy Crap! This series can’t get any better than it already has!!! So we have a rebellious teenager Petra turned into an adult and we have parents that just don’t know how to let go and want to be in control of everything! Then there’s the guy that it’s all centered around Alex. He’s the god-father/lover and best friend to the father but the mother hates him for unknown reasons! Now the parents are claiming Alex has brainwashed their daughter and her friend has turned against her! I can’t wait for book 3 Lured into Lies
The second book of the Blossom in Winter series keeps in the same tragic love line, the cliffhanger in the first book was one of the most angsty ever. And this time Melanie delivered an amazing continuation of Petra and Alex’s story.
Once again, they are facing the inevitable judgment from the entire world, and the promise that Alex made to Petra’s mother is hanging over his head, but he won’t let Petra go. And now that he just found what he craved in Petra, there’s not a chance he will let he go.
This story is told from Multiple Points of View, ends in a cliffhanger and just to keep it clear, this is a taboo romance, age gap between a Godfather and Goddaughter, and this story touches so much more than just the taboo topic, so brace yourself for the ride that Melanie created.
Okay, so yes this one was written WAY BETTER than the first one. There were some questionable things, but the story did have me hooked to where I finished it pretty quickly