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Caribbean Blossom
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
246 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Elaine
1 book16 followersJosephine has been daydreaming about stories and characters all her life and is a self-proclaimed, incurable, hopeless romantic. Forever caught up in the twisted raptures of her imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 7, 2024
Available December 27th!! Excited for the world to read Dove’s story.
December 27, 2024
This book left me completely baffled at times I genuinely couldn’t pin down the genre. At first it felt historical, then it veered into mafia territory, and suddenly there was magic! I found myself thinking, What is even happening here? 😭😭😭😭
That said, reading this was an absolute roller coaster. The author’s ability to write tension was flawless👏👏
I was equal parts terrified and captivated by Meroveo. He took obsession to a whole new level, even ensuring she could only dream of him and the snake iykyk 💀
One thing that really threw me off though: did he actually cheat on her with the other woman? He mentioned hooking up with her out of boredom but it’s unclear if this happened after he and the protagonist met. Some clarification would have helped.
And that ending? So unfair! Is there a sequel, or was that the ending? Because if it’s the latter, I might just riot. 😭
The author truly knows how to hook the audience right from the prologue, I was hooked. I genuinely gasped while reading it and couldn’t put the book down. I devoured the entire thing in one sitting! 🤭
That said, reading this was an absolute roller coaster. The author’s ability to write tension was flawless👏👏
I was equal parts terrified and captivated by Meroveo. He took obsession to a whole new level, even ensuring she could only dream of him and the snake iykyk 💀
One thing that really threw me off though: did he actually cheat on her with the other woman? He mentioned hooking up with her out of boredom but it’s unclear if this happened after he and the protagonist met. Some clarification would have helped.
And that ending? So unfair! Is there a sequel, or was that the ending? Because if it’s the latter, I might just riot. 😭
The author truly knows how to hook the audience right from the prologue, I was hooked. I genuinely gasped while reading it and couldn’t put the book down. I devoured the entire thing in one sitting! 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
Is this book paranormal or has magical realism?
Is it a thriller or a dark romance?
I fear the author couldn't decide herself so it ended up somewhere in between these genres confusing the reader. The story builds up so much anticipation from the start for things to happen but won't deliver in the end.
It could be a great story but it needs big decisions and a lot of editing.
Is it a thriller or a dark romance?
I fear the author couldn't decide herself so it ended up somewhere in between these genres confusing the reader. The story builds up so much anticipation from the start for things to happen but won't deliver in the end.
It could be a great story but it needs big decisions and a lot of editing.
January 17, 2025
Okay, I am still very much confused as to what genre this story is under😭 Respectfully, it is very much NOT giving dark romance😕 I think the single POV definitely leaves a lot to be desired bc we’re not getting Meroveo’s thoughts, feelings, etc., and it’s detrimental to the romantic plot line in this story, which is what makes it so confusing to pin point the genre. We only really get bits and pieces of him being soft with her (to an extent) but all of that is completely done away with after the incident in the greenhouse and we never recover from that. I also think the age gap was too big for this as well bc even though Dove swears she wasn’t groomed she was just forced into this marriage, a 16 year old fiancé and 17 year old bride is actually wild when the man is 29-30 years old himself🙃 I also think the story felt very surface level a lot of the time and did much more telling than showing. Like we continued to be fed the whole “oh I hate you, I don’t want this” from Dove and sexual chemistry aside, she appeared to be standing on business and then when she was ready to dip she all of a sudden loved him? AND DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH THE FACT THAT SHE MADE A WHOLE ARGUMENT WITH THIS MAN BC SHE WAS TOO AFRAID TO ASK HIM TO ENROLL IN CLASSES JUST FOR HIM TO BRING IT UP IN THE NEXT CHAPTER AND SHE SAY NO! The time jumps with the chapter changes were disorienting and the story just seemed really two dimensional which SUCKED bc I loved the blend of magical realism and this curse on Meroveo’s family but again we LITERALLY LEARN NOTHING ABOUT ANYTHING! The writing style was good, the characters were interesting (Samara and Meroveo’s family especially), but none of it was fleshed out enough unfortunately☹️ I’m hoping for a book 2 in this same world with Samara and maybe in that one more will be explained and explored!!
January 2, 2025
If you’re looking for a swoony dark romance, this isn’t it!
Told from Dove’s POV, the story begins with her in witness protection, only for Meroveo, the MMC, to track her down. It then flashes back to when Dove was 17, sold into a forced marriage by her uncle. Despite her mother’s desperate efforts to stop it, the union is inevitable. Dove is painfully aware of her reality—she’s treated as property, subjected to abuse, and knows that Meroveo doesn’t love her.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story was their so-called “love story.” Most of the time, it felt like there wasn’t any love at all. However, the magnetic energy between the main characters was undeniable, even if it often overshadowed deeper emotional connections.
While the narrative didn’t deliver on the romantic elements I expected, I appreciated the way Caribbean culture and lore were woven into the story. The author also effectively highlights the outdated and barbaric practice of treating marriage as a transaction, adding a layer of cultural critique to the book.
Told from Dove’s POV, the story begins with her in witness protection, only for Meroveo, the MMC, to track her down. It then flashes back to when Dove was 17, sold into a forced marriage by her uncle. Despite her mother’s desperate efforts to stop it, the union is inevitable. Dove is painfully aware of her reality—she’s treated as property, subjected to abuse, and knows that Meroveo doesn’t love her.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story was their so-called “love story.” Most of the time, it felt like there wasn’t any love at all. However, the magnetic energy between the main characters was undeniable, even if it often overshadowed deeper emotional connections.
While the narrative didn’t deliver on the romantic elements I expected, I appreciated the way Caribbean culture and lore were woven into the story. The author also effectively highlights the outdated and barbaric practice of treating marriage as a transaction, adding a layer of cultural critique to the book.
January 4, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.8
Caribbean Blossom is the kind of book that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. I was immediately plunged into a lush, suspenseful, and hauntingly beautiful world filled with secrets, folklore, and heart-wrenching emotions. Elaine’s prose captures the spirit of the Caribbean with such vividness and authenticity that it feels like stepping into another realm—one where tradition, mysticism, and raw human emotions collide.
Dove’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her determination, vulnerability, and courage will make you root for her with every twist and turn. The storytelling is enriched by spiritual and cultural elements that weave seamlessly into the plot, making the characters’ relationships and struggles even more profound.
This isn’t just a dark romance—it’s an evocative and powerful tale about resilience and finding light even in the darkest corners. The side characters? Absolute scene-stealers. And the suspense? Let’s just say I didn’t sleep until I hit the last page, and even then, my brain was still reeling😫.
If you’re into dark romance, folklore, age-gap dynamics, or beautifully layered storytelling, this book is a must-read. Josephine Elaine has crafted a masterpiece that is equal parts tragic, beautiful, and unforgettable. Consider me obsessed!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.8
Caribbean Blossom is the kind of book that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. I was immediately plunged into a lush, suspenseful, and hauntingly beautiful world filled with secrets, folklore, and heart-wrenching emotions. Elaine’s prose captures the spirit of the Caribbean with such vividness and authenticity that it feels like stepping into another realm—one where tradition, mysticism, and raw human emotions collide.
Dove’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her determination, vulnerability, and courage will make you root for her with every twist and turn. The storytelling is enriched by spiritual and cultural elements that weave seamlessly into the plot, making the characters’ relationships and struggles even more profound.
This isn’t just a dark romance—it’s an evocative and powerful tale about resilience and finding light even in the darkest corners. The side characters? Absolute scene-stealers. And the suspense? Let’s just say I didn’t sleep until I hit the last page, and even then, my brain was still reeling😫.
If you’re into dark romance, folklore, age-gap dynamics, or beautifully layered storytelling, this book is a must-read. Josephine Elaine has crafted a masterpiece that is equal parts tragic, beautiful, and unforgettable. Consider me obsessed!
January 22, 2025
This was such a sweet little book. I feel so sad, angry and frustrated. Our poor FMC Dove is sold to a "man" by her horrible uncle in an attempt to save the family's rum business. At times, I must admit, I found myself rolling around with laugher the MMC was sooo freaking demoniccc. What do you mean he sent a snake to bite her childhood crush, This book makes the spinster life look rather attractive.
My roses:
The humongous amount of culture the author included exploring topics like juju and spirituality
The writing stile was so personal yet not childish
The extracts of poetry included
The epilogue (I'm still crying)
My thorns:
THE AGE GAPPP 15 and 29???? (mama im scared)
It was too short
Read this book if you want to feel vindicated over the complete and utter lack of romance in your full 18 years of life
My roses:
The humongous amount of culture the author included exploring topics like juju and spirituality
The writing stile was so personal yet not childish
The extracts of poetry included
The epilogue (I'm still crying)
My thorns:
THE AGE GAPPP 15 and 29???? (mama im scared)
It was too short
Read this book if you want to feel vindicated over the complete and utter lack of romance in your full 18 years of life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Wow!!! This book held me in its clutches and refused to let me go similar to how Meroveo latched unto Dove.
"It's impossible to break the tie that binds you together."
I waited for a long time to read this book, and it's so satisfying to know that the wait was so, so worth it. This story is complex, beautiful, and sometimes haunting. On the surface, it's a story about a young girl who gets caught up in the financial and political games of the powerful men around her. On a deeper level, it's about a girl's journey into womanhood, fighting to make her own voice heard, while battling against unknown spiritual forces that have conspired to determine her fate.
What I loved most about this story were the elements of Caribbean based spirituality whose potency and complicated nature were so vibrant on the pages. There are some unexplained occurrences within these pages that only serve to deepen the mysteries surrounding the lore and strengthen its authenticity. I also appreciated the way that misogyny is portrayed in this book and the ease with which it can be accepted by those not as harmed by it, versus the varying ways the women choose to fight back or accept their fate.
Another great aspect of the story was the relationship between Dove and Meroveo, the main protagonists. The start of their relationship had me seething with anger at the wrongness of it all and the quiet acceptance that was expected of Dove. But then, as time went on, I got sucked into the multilayered nature of the position that Dove was put in and had no choice but to root for every decision, action, and emotion she felt. Meroveo was also presented with multiple layers, and I appreciated that even as the villainous monster, there was also some care in his interactions with Dove, twisted as they were.
I also really liked the way the story ended with the little epilogue. All stories dont have a happy ever after, and some people have to make the best of the hands they were dealt. There were so many other characters and elements that I loved in this story, but I don't want to spoil it for others. Just know that the women in this story are exceptional and all deserve their flowers. Meroveo, his brothers, and Dove's tio can all eat rocks and drink latrine water.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-arc of this novel.
"It's impossible to break the tie that binds you together."
I waited for a long time to read this book, and it's so satisfying to know that the wait was so, so worth it. This story is complex, beautiful, and sometimes haunting. On the surface, it's a story about a young girl who gets caught up in the financial and political games of the powerful men around her. On a deeper level, it's about a girl's journey into womanhood, fighting to make her own voice heard, while battling against unknown spiritual forces that have conspired to determine her fate.
What I loved most about this story were the elements of Caribbean based spirituality whose potency and complicated nature were so vibrant on the pages. There are some unexplained occurrences within these pages that only serve to deepen the mysteries surrounding the lore and strengthen its authenticity. I also appreciated the way that misogyny is portrayed in this book and the ease with which it can be accepted by those not as harmed by it, versus the varying ways the women choose to fight back or accept their fate.
Another great aspect of the story was the relationship between Dove and Meroveo, the main protagonists. The start of their relationship had me seething with anger at the wrongness of it all and the quiet acceptance that was expected of Dove. But then, as time went on, I got sucked into the multilayered nature of the position that Dove was put in and had no choice but to root for every decision, action, and emotion she felt. Meroveo was also presented with multiple layers, and I appreciated that even as the villainous monster, there was also some care in his interactions with Dove, twisted as they were.
I also really liked the way the story ended with the little epilogue. All stories dont have a happy ever after, and some people have to make the best of the hands they were dealt. There were so many other characters and elements that I loved in this story, but I don't want to spoil it for others. Just know that the women in this story are exceptional and all deserve their flowers. Meroveo, his brothers, and Dove's tio can all eat rocks and drink latrine water.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-arc of this novel.
December 27, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
2.5🌶️
This book was written so beautifully. It was like a was submerged into the world from the moment I read the first chapter.
As an Afro-Latina from a Caribbean country this was a breath of fresh air. Everything about this made up country felt somehow SO FAMILIAR. From the food, the culture, the scenery, religion… I just felt so at home reading it.
Now… The characters. Wow 🤯
Their love story was so interesting because most of the times it felt like there wasn’t any love at all.. but the magnetic energy between the main characters was undeniable.
I think my favorite part is the magical element, because we don’t actually know if it’s real or not but it’s constantly present.
My only complaint (but it’s not really a complaint) is that I wanted their happy ending to be more clear, and less ambiguous.
Also are we getting a Hector and Samara book? Because sign me up 😂
Thank you to Loves Notes PR for the ARC.
2.5🌶️
This book was written so beautifully. It was like a was submerged into the world from the moment I read the first chapter.
As an Afro-Latina from a Caribbean country this was a breath of fresh air. Everything about this made up country felt somehow SO FAMILIAR. From the food, the culture, the scenery, religion… I just felt so at home reading it.
Now… The characters. Wow 🤯
Their love story was so interesting because most of the times it felt like there wasn’t any love at all.. but the magnetic energy between the main characters was undeniable.
I think my favorite part is the magical element, because we don’t actually know if it’s real or not but it’s constantly present.
My only complaint (but it’s not really a complaint) is that I wanted their happy ending to be more clear, and less ambiguous.
Also are we getting a Hector and Samara book? Because sign me up 😂
Thank you to Loves Notes PR for the ARC.
January 3, 2025
This book was something else. I don’t even totally know how to rate it to be honest - probably a 4.25? 4.5?
It was the lore of the island, the magic, the tension between Dove and Meroveo. The WITSEC ELEMENT.
I read this and it was like a romance thriller mystery alchemy vibe? Like I don’t even KNOW. but it was really good and you should read it
It was the lore of the island, the magic, the tension between Dove and Meroveo. The WITSEC ELEMENT.
I read this and it was like a romance thriller mystery alchemy vibe? Like I don’t even KNOW. but it was really good and you should read it
December 31, 2024
Thank you to love notes pr and Josephine Elaine for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine is a captivating tale of love, loss, and self-discovery set against the lush, vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. With its atmospheric storytelling and deeply layered characters, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, toxic relationships, and the resilience required to forge one’s path amidst chaos.
Tropes ( honestly every trope I could have asked for was in this book )
Dark Romance
Age Gap Romance
Arranged Marriage
Mafia/Underworld
Coming-of-Age
Caribbean Blossom, follows Dove Solomon, a 19-year-old aspiring artist living on the fictional Caribbean island of Salamanca. Dove dreams of leaving her small-town life behind to attend an art school in Europe. However, her plans are upended when her manipulative uncle forces her into an arranged marriage with the enigmatic and much older Meroveo Santiago, a wealthy businessman with shadowy ties to the underworld.
Dove initially resists the union, but her family’s financial struggles and cultural expectations leave her with no choice. As she becomes entangled in Meroveo’s dark and complicated world, she struggles to reconcile her desires with her demands. The novel chronicles her tumultuous relationship with Meroveo, her growing self-awareness, and her fight for autonomy amidst the chaos.
Elaine’s descriptions of the Caribbean setting are breathtaking. They immerse readers in the island’s vibrant culture, rich landscapes, and intricate social dynamics, which makes the characters complex and well-developed, with nuanced motivations and emotional arcs that keep readers invested. The novel tackles difficult subjects such as familial obligation, power imbalances in relationships, and personal growth with sensitivity and depth.
Josephine Elaine’s lush prose and rich characterizations make the story a deeply emotional and unforgettable read.
This book is perfect for fans of dark romance who appreciate morally gray characters and the exploration of complex relationships. While not for everyone, particularly those who prefer lighthearted love stories, Caribbean Blossom offers a gripping and rewarding narrative for readers willing to embrace its emotional intensity.
Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine is a captivating tale of love, loss, and self-discovery set against the lush, vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. With its atmospheric storytelling and deeply layered characters, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, toxic relationships, and the resilience required to forge one’s path amidst chaos.
Tropes ( honestly every trope I could have asked for was in this book )
Dark Romance
Age Gap Romance
Arranged Marriage
Mafia/Underworld
Coming-of-Age
Caribbean Blossom, follows Dove Solomon, a 19-year-old aspiring artist living on the fictional Caribbean island of Salamanca. Dove dreams of leaving her small-town life behind to attend an art school in Europe. However, her plans are upended when her manipulative uncle forces her into an arranged marriage with the enigmatic and much older Meroveo Santiago, a wealthy businessman with shadowy ties to the underworld.
Dove initially resists the union, but her family’s financial struggles and cultural expectations leave her with no choice. As she becomes entangled in Meroveo’s dark and complicated world, she struggles to reconcile her desires with her demands. The novel chronicles her tumultuous relationship with Meroveo, her growing self-awareness, and her fight for autonomy amidst the chaos.
Elaine’s descriptions of the Caribbean setting are breathtaking. They immerse readers in the island’s vibrant culture, rich landscapes, and intricate social dynamics, which makes the characters complex and well-developed, with nuanced motivations and emotional arcs that keep readers invested. The novel tackles difficult subjects such as familial obligation, power imbalances in relationships, and personal growth with sensitivity and depth.
Josephine Elaine’s lush prose and rich characterizations make the story a deeply emotional and unforgettable read.
This book is perfect for fans of dark romance who appreciate morally gray characters and the exploration of complex relationships. While not for everyone, particularly those who prefer lighthearted love stories, Caribbean Blossom offers a gripping and rewarding narrative for readers willing to embrace its emotional intensity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine | ARC Review
Thank you Josephine Elaine and LoveNotesPR for this ARC! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and it kept me on my toes until the very last page! 🖤🤍🖤🤍
4.5⭐️//2.5 🌶️
A medley of folklore, tradition, contemporaneity, and a heavy dose of familial duty - all brought together to create this Caribbean Gothic dark romance. Josephine Elaine blends the old with the new, the illusion of choice, with the responsibilities that come of being a part of a traditional family.
Dove Solomon is being raised by a strong and fiercely independent mother, who teaches her all about botany and the flora growing on the island of Salamanca. Dove has her own aspirations and dreams for her future - go to school for ethnobotany, to live her own life, and most importantly, to marry someone she loves. All her dreams come to a halt when she is introduced at a family wedding to a mysterious man, Meroveo De Los Santos. His aura is wrapped in darkness, and everyone both reveres and fears him. Dove's uncle arranges a marriage between her and Meroveo, under the expectations that Meroveo will help Dove family's business that has been there for generations. Dove soon learns that Meroveo's life is shrouded in mystery and secrets, and even after marrying him, she feels like her husband is still a stranger.
Throughout this entire book, I was trying to wrap my head around the suspense and secrets. I was hooked and could not put this book down until I saw it through. 😲🫢The writing style and pace of the story have left me wanting more, and trying to unravel what was what left me in a catatonic state. This has been one of the most intriguing books I have read this year, and I absolutely loved the folklore elements to the story-telling, particularly how it influenced the characters' relations to one another.
Read this if you like:
🥀 Dark romance
🥀 Caribbean Gothic
🥀 Folklore & Mysticism
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Age gap
Favourite scene: Dove and Meroveo meeting in the church 💒🎀
Thank you Josephine Elaine and LoveNotesPR for this ARC! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and it kept me on my toes until the very last page! 🖤🤍🖤🤍
4.5⭐️//2.5 🌶️
A medley of folklore, tradition, contemporaneity, and a heavy dose of familial duty - all brought together to create this Caribbean Gothic dark romance. Josephine Elaine blends the old with the new, the illusion of choice, with the responsibilities that come of being a part of a traditional family.
Dove Solomon is being raised by a strong and fiercely independent mother, who teaches her all about botany and the flora growing on the island of Salamanca. Dove has her own aspirations and dreams for her future - go to school for ethnobotany, to live her own life, and most importantly, to marry someone she loves. All her dreams come to a halt when she is introduced at a family wedding to a mysterious man, Meroveo De Los Santos. His aura is wrapped in darkness, and everyone both reveres and fears him. Dove's uncle arranges a marriage between her and Meroveo, under the expectations that Meroveo will help Dove family's business that has been there for generations. Dove soon learns that Meroveo's life is shrouded in mystery and secrets, and even after marrying him, she feels like her husband is still a stranger.
Throughout this entire book, I was trying to wrap my head around the suspense and secrets. I was hooked and could not put this book down until I saw it through. 😲🫢The writing style and pace of the story have left me wanting more, and trying to unravel what was what left me in a catatonic state. This has been one of the most intriguing books I have read this year, and I absolutely loved the folklore elements to the story-telling, particularly how it influenced the characters' relations to one another.
Read this if you like:
🥀 Dark romance
🥀 Caribbean Gothic
🥀 Folklore & Mysticism
🥀 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Age gap
Favourite scene: Dove and Meroveo meeting in the church 💒🎀
December 27, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Dove Solomon is raised by her strong, independent mother, who teaches her about the plants and flora of their island, Salamanca. Dove dreams of living her own life, and marrying someone she loves. But her plans change when she's introduced to Meroveo at a family wedding. With an aura of darkness, Meroveo is both revered and feared by everyone.
Dove’s uncle arranges a marriage between them, expecting Meroveo to help with the family business that has been passed down through generations. However, as Dove gets to know him, she realizes that Meroveo’s life is filled with mystery and secrets. Even after marrying him, she feels like she doesn't truly know her husband.
Tropes Include:
💌 Dark Romance
💌 Arranged Marriage
💌 Age Gap
💌 Mafia
💌 Interracial Romance
💌 Romantic Suspense
Blurb~ Dove Solomon's fateful encounter with a mysterious stranger changes the trajectory of her life forever.
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine. I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its nectar turned to poison in my veins.
Josephine Elaine’s writing is truly captivating. She seamlessly blends local folklore with the supernatural, creating a vivid and immersive setting that feels almost like its own character.
Thank you Josephine Elaine and LoveNotesPR for this ARC! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and it kept me on my toes until the very last page
#lovenotespr #caribbeanblossom #josephineelaine #authorjosephineelaine #josephineelaineauthor #books #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #reader #newbooks #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #romanceauthor #darkromance #arrangedmarriage #agegap #mafia #interracialromance #romanticsuspense
Dove Solomon is raised by her strong, independent mother, who teaches her about the plants and flora of their island, Salamanca. Dove dreams of living her own life, and marrying someone she loves. But her plans change when she's introduced to Meroveo at a family wedding. With an aura of darkness, Meroveo is both revered and feared by everyone.
Dove’s uncle arranges a marriage between them, expecting Meroveo to help with the family business that has been passed down through generations. However, as Dove gets to know him, she realizes that Meroveo’s life is filled with mystery and secrets. Even after marrying him, she feels like she doesn't truly know her husband.
Tropes Include:
💌 Dark Romance
💌 Arranged Marriage
💌 Age Gap
💌 Mafia
💌 Interracial Romance
💌 Romantic Suspense
Blurb~ Dove Solomon's fateful encounter with a mysterious stranger changes the trajectory of her life forever.
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine. I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its nectar turned to poison in my veins.
Josephine Elaine’s writing is truly captivating. She seamlessly blends local folklore with the supernatural, creating a vivid and immersive setting that feels almost like its own character.
Thank you Josephine Elaine and LoveNotesPR for this ARC! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and it kept me on my toes until the very last page
#lovenotespr #caribbeanblossom #josephineelaine #authorjosephineelaine #josephineelaineauthor #books #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #reader #newbooks #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #romanceauthor #darkromance #arrangedmarriage #agegap #mafia #interracialromance #romanticsuspense
January 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes
💌 Dark Romance
💌 Arranged Marriage
💌 Age Gap
💌Mafia
💌Interracial Romance
💌Romantic Suspense
This authors writing had me completely transfixed into the world of Dove Blossom. I had to know what was going to happen to her when she is forcefully placed into Meroveo's world. I disliked Meroveo alot during this story as he was such a bad guy, there seemed to be no redeeming qualities about him whatsoever. I really wished that Dove stood up for herself more but then placed in her situation would I have done the same... probably not. I did enjoy the strange chemistry that they did have together as it was almost like he wanted to be a better person but the environment that he grew up in moulded him into the person that he is now. The scene with the mistress was strange and came out of nowhere as it didn't seem to add anymore to the story and was never really expanded on. She was their for one small chapter and then nothing.
I did really enjoyed the elements of local folklore throughout the story and the blend of magic. The ending killed me as it was a grey area of what really happened, the reader has to come to their own conclusion of how things panned out between them both during the scene at the very beginning of the book. I wanted a particular ending for Dove and it doesn't seem that that happened **without giving away spoilers**
I thought it was very clever to have the ending of sorts at the start of the book and then read through how Dove came to that point in her story.
I would like to thank Josephine Elaine and PR Notes for the early ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is now available to purchase and is on KU
Tropes
💌 Dark Romance
💌 Arranged Marriage
💌 Age Gap
💌Mafia
💌Interracial Romance
💌Romantic Suspense
This authors writing had me completely transfixed into the world of Dove Blossom. I had to know what was going to happen to her when she is forcefully placed into Meroveo's world. I disliked Meroveo alot during this story as he was such a bad guy, there seemed to be no redeeming qualities about him whatsoever. I really wished that Dove stood up for herself more but then placed in her situation would I have done the same... probably not. I did enjoy the strange chemistry that they did have together as it was almost like he wanted to be a better person but the environment that he grew up in moulded him into the person that he is now. The scene with the mistress was strange and came out of nowhere as it didn't seem to add anymore to the story and was never really expanded on. She was their for one small chapter and then nothing.
I did really enjoyed the elements of local folklore throughout the story and the blend of magic. The ending killed me as it was a grey area of what really happened, the reader has to come to their own conclusion of how things panned out between them both during the scene at the very beginning of the book. I wanted a particular ending for Dove and it doesn't seem that that happened **without giving away spoilers**
I thought it was very clever to have the ending of sorts at the start of the book and then read through how Dove came to that point in her story.
I would like to thank Josephine Elaine and PR Notes for the early ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is now available to purchase and is on KU
December 22, 2024
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I am completely obsessed with Caribbean Blossom. It's a dark romance, unlike anything I've ever read before. I have tried dark romances before, and they weren't my cup of tea, but THIS BOOK has me hooked, and I will be checking out other dark romances from now on.
Caribbean Blossom, like I said is a dark romance that is full of Caribbean gothic, Mafia vibes, folklore, and an intense arranged marriage with an age gap. It's been a while since a book had me hooked from the first chapter and this one did.
Josephine's writing is amazing. I love how she made the setting of the book so vivid with the mixture of local folklore and the supernatural. I can't wait to read more from her.
Coming close to the end, I was like, "Ten minutes remain, and we still have more to unwrap," and then bam, a cliffhanger. I don't mind a cliffhanger; it gives me something to look forward to, and I can't wait for her to release book 2.
I need this book injected into my veins.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you to Josephine Elaine and LoveNotePR for this ARC.
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I am completely obsessed with Caribbean Blossom. It's a dark romance, unlike anything I've ever read before. I have tried dark romances before, and they weren't my cup of tea, but THIS BOOK has me hooked, and I will be checking out other dark romances from now on.
Caribbean Blossom, like I said is a dark romance that is full of Caribbean gothic, Mafia vibes, folklore, and an intense arranged marriage with an age gap. It's been a while since a book had me hooked from the first chapter and this one did.
Josephine's writing is amazing. I love how she made the setting of the book so vivid with the mixture of local folklore and the supernatural. I can't wait to read more from her.
Coming close to the end, I was like, "Ten minutes remain, and we still have more to unwrap," and then bam, a cliffhanger. I don't mind a cliffhanger; it gives me something to look forward to, and I can't wait for her to release book 2.
I need this book injected into my veins.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you to Josephine Elaine and LoveNotePR for this ARC.
December 28, 2024
**Received this book as an ARC from Lovenotes PR**
"Nothing is ever as black or white as it may seem. What you call the good and evil are one and the same. Interchangeable, constantly molding and growing into one."
After reading the synopsis, my expectation starting this book - should I have been lucky enough to be chosen - was absolutely high. And yet, the book delivered on every level and then some.
We start off the story meeting Dove, a young girl on the brink of becoming sixteen living with her mother who is known as a healer on their side of Salamanca. As she's grown up from a young teen to the age of a young woman, she's been learning everything about plants and it's priorities, following in the footsteps of her Mami.
While on a day out in town celebrating their sacred Lady of The Sea, she once again captures the attention of the devil, the diablo known as Meroveo De Los Santos, a man with a soul as black as night, who she both feels drawn to and utterly despises.
But already Meroveo has found a way to wrap his dark shadows around her, through dealings with her uncle and compromising with her mother, despite her mother's best efforts to prevent him from getting to her, she is set to marry him.
There are many players in this game of manipulation and evil and when Dove finds a way out, she grabs it with everything she has.
But can she outrun the devil?
Josephine's storytelling is absolutely flawless, she captures the magic of the Caribbean and the culture and beauty of the people in a way that has you longing to visit a place you have never been.
"Nothing is ever as black or white as it may seem. What you call the good and evil are one and the same. Interchangeable, constantly molding and growing into one."
After reading the synopsis, my expectation starting this book - should I have been lucky enough to be chosen - was absolutely high. And yet, the book delivered on every level and then some.
We start off the story meeting Dove, a young girl on the brink of becoming sixteen living with her mother who is known as a healer on their side of Salamanca. As she's grown up from a young teen to the age of a young woman, she's been learning everything about plants and it's priorities, following in the footsteps of her Mami.
While on a day out in town celebrating their sacred Lady of The Sea, she once again captures the attention of the devil, the diablo known as Meroveo De Los Santos, a man with a soul as black as night, who she both feels drawn to and utterly despises.
But already Meroveo has found a way to wrap his dark shadows around her, through dealings with her uncle and compromising with her mother, despite her mother's best efforts to prevent him from getting to her, she is set to marry him.
There are many players in this game of manipulation and evil and when Dove finds a way out, she grabs it with everything she has.
But can she outrun the devil?
Josephine's storytelling is absolutely flawless, she captures the magic of the Caribbean and the culture and beauty of the people in a way that has you longing to visit a place you have never been.
December 27, 2024
Received as an ARC. Not what I was expecting - I expected a book where the heroine falls for the dark mafia man, and you know he does bad things, but you excuse him because of his love for her. And their love conquers all. This was not that! Spoilers ahead: the book starts with her in witness protection, and him finding her. And then flashes back to when they met. She was 17, just coming of age. He was 29, and involved in bad things. Her uncle essentially sells her. Her mom tries everything humanly possible to stop the union, but it can’t be stopped. And Dove knows it. She knows that the first time she has intercourse, it’s rape. She knows he’s responsible for the bad things happening to her family, but she can’t do anything about it, because she is property. She knows he doesn’t love her. She’s eventually approached by a DEA agent and offered witness protection. She spends close to six years and witness protection, raising her children before he finds her. The book then jumps 10 years, and it’s Dove’s daughter’s POV. It never says if Meroveo is dead. Or if Dove is dead.
Woven masterfully throughout the book is the wonderful mythology and mythical charm of her Caribbean culture. The characters were well thought out, albeit slightly mysterious at times. I didn’t like Meroveo from the start. I wanted him dead.
Woven masterfully throughout the book is the wonderful mythology and mythical charm of her Caribbean culture. The characters were well thought out, albeit slightly mysterious at times. I didn’t like Meroveo from the start. I wanted him dead.
December 23, 2024
This book was definitely a palette refresher for me, I have not read a dark book in a while and felt like I needed to, and this book definitely was it. I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down and just needed to know what on earth was going to happen to Dove and any of the other characters involved.
Caribbean Blossom follows only Dove's perspective who is around the age of 16/17 and her uncle has just offered her up to one of the most dangerous men alive on their island (this man is like 30 and went a teenager yes perfect), I think more than anything this book brings awareness to such outdated culture that arranged marriages between children and dangerous people do still happen, even if concealed well.
I really enjoyed seeing how strong Dove got across the book as it progressed, and although the book was fairly quick, it did have a good plot line. I believe the only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I would have loved to have seen what had actually happened at the end of the book and a more aligned ending as although we have abit at the start by the time you get to the end it did not make too much sense. I think it's a brilliant first book, and I am looking forward to seeing how this authors books change over time!
Caribbean Blossom follows only Dove's perspective who is around the age of 16/17 and her uncle has just offered her up to one of the most dangerous men alive on their island (this man is like 30 and went a teenager yes perfect), I think more than anything this book brings awareness to such outdated culture that arranged marriages between children and dangerous people do still happen, even if concealed well.
I really enjoyed seeing how strong Dove got across the book as it progressed, and although the book was fairly quick, it did have a good plot line. I believe the only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I would have loved to have seen what had actually happened at the end of the book and a more aligned ending as although we have abit at the start by the time you get to the end it did not make too much sense. I think it's a brilliant first book, and I am looking forward to seeing how this authors books change over time!
December 31, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Dove and Meroveo. Dove is being raised by one heck of a strong mother. She teaches Dove so much about Botany and the flora growing on the island of Salamanca that they live on in the Caribbean. Dove has dreams of her own that include going to college to study ethnobotany. She wants to live her life freely, and one day fall in a man who is head over heels for her. However, when she meets Meroveo she knows that this man has darkness living inside of him. He is equally respected and feared by everyone. She just never expected her Uncle to arrange a marriage between the two of them. This is so that Meroveo will help Dove's family business which has been running on the island for generations. However, it doesn't take long for Dove to figure out that his life is full of mysteries and secrets. She never even after being married tho I'm feels like she really knows the man at all. There is so much suspense and secrets flying around this book. Once you pick this book up you are so drawn in that it is hard to lay it down. I loved that this book has all kinds of folklore in it that your going to love reading about.
This is the story of Dove and Meroveo. Dove is being raised by one heck of a strong mother. She teaches Dove so much about Botany and the flora growing on the island of Salamanca that they live on in the Caribbean. Dove has dreams of her own that include going to college to study ethnobotany. She wants to live her life freely, and one day fall in a man who is head over heels for her. However, when she meets Meroveo she knows that this man has darkness living inside of him. He is equally respected and feared by everyone. She just never expected her Uncle to arrange a marriage between the two of them. This is so that Meroveo will help Dove's family business which has been running on the island for generations. However, it doesn't take long for Dove to figure out that his life is full of mysteries and secrets. She never even after being married tho I'm feels like she really knows the man at all. There is so much suspense and secrets flying around this book. Once you pick this book up you are so drawn in that it is hard to lay it down. I loved that this book has all kinds of folklore in it that your going to love reading about.
January 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
When I say I lost sleep over this book, like I was running on fumes. Caribbean Blossom was hauntingly beautiful and tragic. I felt for Dove at every second and was rooting for her at every moment, even in the end. This story shows the terrifying reality of being a in abusive relationship and misogyny.
The way misogyny showed up in the story was so realistic, like how Dove was given no choice but to marry Meroveo, a dangerous man who was older than her and someone she didn’t know. It was even shown in how they prepared for their celebrations, the women typically cooking, or how Dove's cousin (a guy) was allowed to go off with girls and do what he wanted.
My favorite part about this book was that there were parts when it truly felt almost paranormal. The characters in the book are so cultural and spiritual, and that shows up in the beautiful prose and how they would go about their traditions. Dove's mother was so powerful on the page that you could tell she fought hard for her daughter, even when she knew she had lost the battle.
The ending left me stunned, and I hope there's a book two, even if it focuses on Samara and what happened with her (iykyk), but I am curious about what happened after Meroveo found Dove.
When I say I lost sleep over this book, like I was running on fumes. Caribbean Blossom was hauntingly beautiful and tragic. I felt for Dove at every second and was rooting for her at every moment, even in the end. This story shows the terrifying reality of being a in abusive relationship and misogyny.
The way misogyny showed up in the story was so realistic, like how Dove was given no choice but to marry Meroveo, a dangerous man who was older than her and someone she didn’t know. It was even shown in how they prepared for their celebrations, the women typically cooking, or how Dove's cousin (a guy) was allowed to go off with girls and do what he wanted.
My favorite part about this book was that there were parts when it truly felt almost paranormal. The characters in the book are so cultural and spiritual, and that shows up in the beautiful prose and how they would go about their traditions. Dove's mother was so powerful on the page that you could tell she fought hard for her daughter, even when she knew she had lost the battle.
The ending left me stunned, and I hope there's a book two, even if it focuses on Samara and what happened with her (iykyk), but I am curious about what happened after Meroveo found Dove.
December 23, 2024
Josephine Elaine is a new to me author. The blurb had me intrigued to read this one. The story was great, but I felt like there were holes in the storyline, moments when I needed more to understand what was happening. I feel like if we'd had more back story of Dove's family and her life, it would have helped immensely. It's pretty straightforward and easy to see that Meroveo is a horrible excuse for a human being. I wish we could have gotten more backstory on Dove and Samara's relationship. Two strong and determined women who had plans after graduation wanted more out of their lives than their own mothers got. There were moments when my heart ached for Dove, and there were moments I was biting nails in anger for her. You can't help but want to protect these fictional characters from the villains. I loved how Josephine showed how Dove was determined to stand up to Meroveo in every aspect of their relationship. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes. I'm still processing, so I may update this later as I've had more time to think about it.
Thank you, Josephine Elaine and Love Notes PR, for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, Josephine Elaine and Love Notes PR, for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2024
📚ARC REVIEW📚
Thank you so much to the author, Josephine Elaine, and to Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book in exchange for an honest review!
ARC Review: Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine
I will say, this book was very well written, which allowed me to read it until the end. I do look forward to reading more of this author's work, however, with that said, this book was not for me at all.
I personally would not have labelled this a romance book. It is marketed as a dark romance book, however I personally felt there wasn't really a romantic aspect at all to this story. Although, it was quite dark. I was extremely uncomfortable reading the non consensual adult scenes between a 17 year old, and a 30 year old. I felt like the scenes were twisted and skewed to appear as consensual but to me, it was not consensual, and the age gap was just incredibly disturbing.
I do feel like the ending was rushed. Dove ultimately made the decision I was hoping she would make, however the ending was abrupt, and rushed, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Thank you so much to the author, Josephine Elaine, and to Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book in exchange for an honest review!
ARC Review: Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine
I will say, this book was very well written, which allowed me to read it until the end. I do look forward to reading more of this author's work, however, with that said, this book was not for me at all.
I personally would not have labelled this a romance book. It is marketed as a dark romance book, however I personally felt there wasn't really a romantic aspect at all to this story. Although, it was quite dark. I was extremely uncomfortable reading the non consensual adult scenes between a 17 year old, and a 30 year old. I felt like the scenes were twisted and skewed to appear as consensual but to me, it was not consensual, and the age gap was just incredibly disturbing.
I do feel like the ending was rushed. Dove ultimately made the decision I was hoping she would make, however the ending was abrupt, and rushed, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
January 2, 2025
I am so grateful to have received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dove Solomon is a 17 year old girl in a seemingly wealthy family. Her mother raised her to know the importance of plants in healing and in harming. Her world is suddenly turned upside down when her uncle sells her to a very dangerous man who takes her away and traps her in his home.
I enjoyed the writing style and the way the author could bring the scenes to life. There was a pretty good plot going but a couple of things kept me from giving more stars in my review.
I wasn’t super comfortable reading forced spicy scenes between an eighteen year old and a thirty year old.
The dark romance aspect of the story was lost to me. There didn’t seem to be any romance, he never really warmed up to her, just showed her a little care when she started hating him to get her to stay.
The ending wasn’t super clear on what happened. I’m still not entirely sure if Dove survived or not, and she definitely didn’t return to him willingly if she is alive.
I will still read other books this author writes because I love her writing style and she has an excellent talent.
January 2, 2025
(ARC) Caribbean Blossom by Josephine Elaine
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Genre: Dark Romance, Suspense
Spice: 2.5/5
Age rating: 18+ (explicit scenes)
✨Dark Romance
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Age Gap
✨Maria
✨Suspense
Is it for you?
Great for fans of mafia romance like The Kiss Thief!
A quick rundown:
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
My rating:
4⭐️I really enjoyed this book! It’s not your typical romance story, and this is considered a dark romance. That said, I was really invested in the couple’s story throughout, and the energy was just electric. Really beautifully written! Thank you so much to the author and @lovenotes.pr for the ARC!💖 Caribbean Blossom is OUT NOW!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Genre: Dark Romance, Suspense
Spice: 2.5/5
Age rating: 18+ (explicit scenes)
✨Dark Romance
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Age Gap
✨Maria
✨Suspense
Is it for you?
Great for fans of mafia romance like The Kiss Thief!
A quick rundown:
I was given to him as a gesture of goodwill behind the guise of matrimony. Trapped in an opulent cage as shackles of gold held me prisoner in his underworld empire.
Tormented by a cruel smile, gentle kisses, and honeyed lies, subduing me into a hope that he would be mine.
And I bit into the fruit he offered, giving him my flowers.
But the enchantment of his gentlemanly facade faded into the black sea of his atrocities. Engorged on the ripe fruit of love, its sweet nectar turned to poison in my veins.
My rating:
4⭐️I really enjoyed this book! It’s not your typical romance story, and this is considered a dark romance. That said, I was really invested in the couple’s story throughout, and the energy was just electric. Really beautifully written! Thank you so much to the author and @lovenotes.pr for the ARC!💖 Caribbean Blossom is OUT NOW!
December 12, 2024
It has been a while since I had an anxious feeling after reading a book. The last time I had it was with Verity and it didn’t go well 😭
Alright. Here’s my thought about this book
Overall, it’s a well-crafted story. There’s some part of this book where I feel slightly lost/off, like, we can move to the next part without having it in. But I understand the needs to have a ‘peace’ moment before jumping into mind-fuck plot.
I love the family drama. I love the Dove’s character growth in this book. But I hate that I don’t see enough Meroveo in this book. Like, now he’s here and suddenly he’s gone doing god knows what’s going on outside the book. I mean, I kind of get the gist that this man must be on something but I am not sure what. I think this is when the situation is slightly off. And frankly speaking, it makes me feel anxious. I feel anxious for Dove and her babies.
To find out this book is a cliffhanger book, it’s going to ruin my night. But I am expecting book number brewing now while we’re talking about this here.
All and all, good job!
Alright. Here’s my thought about this book
Overall, it’s a well-crafted story. There’s some part of this book where I feel slightly lost/off, like, we can move to the next part without having it in. But I understand the needs to have a ‘peace’ moment before jumping into mind-fuck plot.
I love the family drama. I love the Dove’s character growth in this book. But I hate that I don’t see enough Meroveo in this book. Like, now he’s here and suddenly he’s gone doing god knows what’s going on outside the book. I mean, I kind of get the gist that this man must be on something but I am not sure what. I think this is when the situation is slightly off. And frankly speaking, it makes me feel anxious. I feel anxious for Dove and her babies.
To find out this book is a cliffhanger book, it’s going to ruin my night. But I am expecting book number brewing now while we’re talking about this here.
All and all, good job!
December 23, 2024
Dove a sixteen year old girl who catches the eye of a much older Meroveo is sold to him by her uncle much to the anger of her mother who will do everything in her power to stop the union taking place.
Meroveo, charming and captivating but also with an air of danger and mystery about him, is feared by all. People seem to question if he is a man or the devil himself. Willing to go to any lengths to make sure that Dove becomes his and willing to dispose of anyone who gets in his way.
Caribbean Blossom, I would say, is my favourite book I have read all year. This book literally had me on the edge of my seat, and i couldn't get enough of Dove and Meroveo's story. Trying to imagine how it would feel to be so young and to be left with no family in a strange place with a man you barely know.
A Caribbean gothic novel of betrayal, heartache, secrets, and determination mixed with folklore that i loved. I really do hope that there will be a second book coming out.
Meroveo, charming and captivating but also with an air of danger and mystery about him, is feared by all. People seem to question if he is a man or the devil himself. Willing to go to any lengths to make sure that Dove becomes his and willing to dispose of anyone who gets in his way.
Caribbean Blossom, I would say, is my favourite book I have read all year. This book literally had me on the edge of my seat, and i couldn't get enough of Dove and Meroveo's story. Trying to imagine how it would feel to be so young and to be left with no family in a strange place with a man you barely know.
A Caribbean gothic novel of betrayal, heartache, secrets, and determination mixed with folklore that i loved. I really do hope that there will be a second book coming out.
January 2, 2025
Oooo Meroveo was such a mystery. He radiated dominance and i was here for it excluding his cigarette.
Samara is a person anyone needs to have. She was amazing and enjoyed how outspoken she can be. Sometimes what she would say had me laughing especially when speaking about the potion.
When we got to the intimacy, I couldn’t be more happy. I was waiting for this moment since the beginning.
I’m not going to lie and say the ending was perfect because in all honesty, it left me confused and having me re read the last few pages with the beginning of the book to make sure I understood the ending. It’s as if we are to leave it to the imagination and the way I put it, it wasn’t a very happy ending, if that makes sense. I wanted so bad for this book to go on with Dove and Meroveo.
Overall, I did love the book and it’s secret mysteries that had me trying to guess. It was mind blowing throughout. Loved the writing.
Samara is a person anyone needs to have. She was amazing and enjoyed how outspoken she can be. Sometimes what she would say had me laughing especially when speaking about the potion.
When we got to the intimacy, I couldn’t be more happy. I was waiting for this moment since the beginning.
I’m not going to lie and say the ending was perfect because in all honesty, it left me confused and having me re read the last few pages with the beginning of the book to make sure I understood the ending. It’s as if we are to leave it to the imagination and the way I put it, it wasn’t a very happy ending, if that makes sense. I wanted so bad for this book to go on with Dove and Meroveo.
Overall, I did love the book and it’s secret mysteries that had me trying to guess. It was mind blowing throughout. Loved the writing.
December 31, 2024
Okay, so this was my first book by Josephine Elaine, but it will definitely not be my last! I don’t know what I was expecting with this one, but it surpassed any expectations I could’ve had in ways I never could’ve dreamed possible.
This book is told from the POV of Dove Solomon, a young woman whose innocence and beauty catches the eye of a terribly dangerous older man, Meroveo De Los Santos.
Dove’s story is filled with vulnerability, sadness, hatred, self-loathing, witchy vibes, and so much pain that I just wanted to give her a hug. This book was very unique and utterly addicting, and I was hooked from the very first page.
“Caribbean Blossom” was utterly breathtaking and hauntingly tragic, and I devoured it in the span of a few hours because it was just that good. I highly recommend this book!
This book is told from the POV of Dove Solomon, a young woman whose innocence and beauty catches the eye of a terribly dangerous older man, Meroveo De Los Santos.
Dove’s story is filled with vulnerability, sadness, hatred, self-loathing, witchy vibes, and so much pain that I just wanted to give her a hug. This book was very unique and utterly addicting, and I was hooked from the very first page.
“Caribbean Blossom” was utterly breathtaking and hauntingly tragic, and I devoured it in the span of a few hours because it was just that good. I highly recommend this book!
January 1, 2025
This book left me with a strange feeling because i really loved some things like how Dove and her mother use plants and some rituals like some "white witches" or how the author presents the unique culture in the islands.
But the ending being so vague and open? It's like i needed like 2-3 more chapters.
I enjoy the age gap trope but when they first met and Meroveo starts to be obsessed with Dove she is only 16 and he is 28-29 years old. He is a powerful grown man and she is an innocent girl with a crush on a boy her age.
It says it's dark romance but I didn't see the romance on her part, and we only got her pov, she is a girl sold as a bride by her family to a dark man who want her submision.
This book it's a 3.75 ⭐ so i'll round it to a 4, and it's because it has great potential and was well written but it leaves me with so much questions unanswered.
- ARC read-
But the ending being so vague and open? It's like i needed like 2-3 more chapters.
I enjoy the age gap trope but when they first met and Meroveo starts to be obsessed with Dove she is only 16 and he is 28-29 years old. He is a powerful grown man and she is an innocent girl with a crush on a boy her age.
It says it's dark romance but I didn't see the romance on her part, and we only got her pov, she is a girl sold as a bride by her family to a dark man who want her submision.
This book it's a 3.75 ⭐ so i'll round it to a 4, and it's because it has great potential and was well written but it leaves me with so much questions unanswered.
- ARC read-
January 3, 2025
🌼ARC REVIEW🌼
What a wonderful, fast read!
Our MC’s, Dove and Meroveo, are in a loveless ‘arranged marriage’ so to speak. He is controlling and abusive, treating Dove as his property. She is so strong though! 🫶
I found myself angry at times because everything felt so wrong with these two. They have a connection deeper than the book describes and you can feel it. But Meroveo is just a d*ck.
Ends on a cliffy and I was sad to say goodbye (for now) to these characters. I feel Dove had so much growth to do and I just knew Meroveo was gonna come around, but I guess we’ll see in the next book! 🫣
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Josephine’s writing is 🤌so good! I got mafia/mob vibes, and a little sprinkle of magic tossed in.
✨✨✨
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Josephine for trusting me with this gem 🖤
What a wonderful, fast read!
Our MC’s, Dove and Meroveo, are in a loveless ‘arranged marriage’ so to speak. He is controlling and abusive, treating Dove as his property. She is so strong though! 🫶
I found myself angry at times because everything felt so wrong with these two. They have a connection deeper than the book describes and you can feel it. But Meroveo is just a d*ck.
Ends on a cliffy and I was sad to say goodbye (for now) to these characters. I feel Dove had so much growth to do and I just knew Meroveo was gonna come around, but I guess we’ll see in the next book! 🫣
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Josephine’s writing is 🤌so good! I got mafia/mob vibes, and a little sprinkle of magic tossed in.
✨✨✨
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Josephine for trusting me with this gem 🖤
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