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Pursuit of Love #1
The Flower Arrangement
alternate cover edition of ASIN B0B4P3ZGJR
After a bitter divorce leaves him heartbroken, Brendan finds solace in running his beloved flower shop. Wary of being burnt again, he vows never to jump into another relationship. Until he visits a hair salon and meets a man with skilled hands and a cheeky smile. Intrigued, Brendan returns to the salon on the first Wednesday of every month, hoping that their slowly-blooming friendship may one day turn into something more.
Hugh’s always dreamed of having his own salon. But when he finally achieves his goal, he realises there’s something still missing in his life—a man to share it with. After a disastrous date with a client, Hugh swears he will never go down that road again. His resolve begins to crumble when he meets Brendan: six-foot-three of solid muscle, brandishing a large bouquet of flowers. With his kind eyes, chequered shirt, and dad-next-door appeal, Hugh can’t help but doubt Brendan will be interested in his advances.
Slowly, but surely, Brendan and Hugh emerge from their shells. Sparks fly as their carnal desires are let loose, plunging them headlong into wild pleasures, heady passion, and dizzy highs, all wrapped in a warm cocoon of tenderness and laughter.
A story of second chances, idiots in love, steamy jacuzzi scenes, and explicit descriptions.
This is a 20k novella introducing the series of stand alone MM books from the contemporary Pursuit of Love series.
See the front matter for mild TW/CW.
The novella was in a giveaway in June 2022 and there is no additional content.
After a bitter divorce leaves him heartbroken, Brendan finds solace in running his beloved flower shop. Wary of being burnt again, he vows never to jump into another relationship. Until he visits a hair salon and meets a man with skilled hands and a cheeky smile. Intrigued, Brendan returns to the salon on the first Wednesday of every month, hoping that their slowly-blooming friendship may one day turn into something more.
Hugh’s always dreamed of having his own salon. But when he finally achieves his goal, he realises there’s something still missing in his life—a man to share it with. After a disastrous date with a client, Hugh swears he will never go down that road again. His resolve begins to crumble when he meets Brendan: six-foot-three of solid muscle, brandishing a large bouquet of flowers. With his kind eyes, chequered shirt, and dad-next-door appeal, Hugh can’t help but doubt Brendan will be interested in his advances.
Slowly, but surely, Brendan and Hugh emerge from their shells. Sparks fly as their carnal desires are let loose, plunging them headlong into wild pleasures, heady passion, and dizzy highs, all wrapped in a warm cocoon of tenderness and laughter.
A story of second chances, idiots in love, steamy jacuzzi scenes, and explicit descriptions.
This is a 20k novella introducing the series of stand alone MM books from the contemporary Pursuit of Love series.
See the front matter for mild TW/CW.
The novella was in a giveaway in June 2022 and there is no additional content.
111 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2022
168 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Carmine
20 books259 followersK.C. Carmine loves writing about people falling in love with a focus on characters and their (very spicy) journey to HEA. As a member of the queer community, it is important to her that her writing reflects the diversity of voices around her. While she is a lover of romance, she also enjoys horror, paranormal and mystery stories. When she’s not writing, she likes travelling, playing the guitar, video games, and reading.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
April 13, 2023
A quit simple and cute story. These are two mature men, who are into each other but are too shy to communicate it. Well, this could be annoying, but it’s not dragged out and the whys are beautifully explained. When they collide … wowsies 😋
I loved that they jumped right into it and did not talk too much. This sounds dumb … they talked, but they did not need to drool over the new relationship. I’m not sure, if I made sense …
Anyway … lovely 😍
How would Hugh’s hand feel, his graceful fingers wrapped around his cock? Would he be as gentle as he was when he touched Brendan’s hair? Or would he be rough and demanding? Either way, Brendan was sure he would love every second of every touch. 🤩
And flowers babies, flowers …
“Did he just tell you that he’s in love with you in flowers and you completely ignored it?” Millie snickered. 🙄 🤣
So, and I can't leave the hot sexy moments unmentioned.
“On my face,” Brendan gasped, licking his lips. “I want your load on my face.” 🤤 me too baby, me too 🤤
Okay, so one problem: I think it’s a me-problem, but I really would want to know if it is good for guys to have their dick referred to as a "knob". Every time I read this, everything cringed in me.
Moaning, Hugh took it all. Swallowing around the knob just barely reaching his throat, he hollowed his cheeks, feeling his saliva dripping down his chin. 😩
I loved that they jumped right into it and did not talk too much. This sounds dumb … they talked, but they did not need to drool over the new relationship. I’m not sure, if I made sense …
Anyway … lovely 😍
How would Hugh’s hand feel, his graceful fingers wrapped around his cock? Would he be as gentle as he was when he touched Brendan’s hair? Or would he be rough and demanding? Either way, Brendan was sure he would love every second of every touch. 🤩
And flowers babies, flowers …
“Did he just tell you that he’s in love with you in flowers and you completely ignored it?” Millie snickered. 🙄 🤣
So, and I can't leave the hot sexy moments unmentioned.
“On my face,” Brendan gasped, licking his lips. “I want your load on my face.” 🤤 me too baby, me too 🤤
Okay, so one problem: I think it’s a me-problem, but I really would want to know if it is good for guys to have their dick referred to as a "knob". Every time I read this, everything cringed in me.
Moaning, Hugh took it all. Swallowing around the knob just barely reaching his throat, he hollowed his cheeks, feeling his saliva dripping down his chin. 😩
June 15, 2024
After so long, he felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet, in Hugh’s hands, worshipped.
I didn’t had much expectations but it really surprised me in the best way possible!
Brendan and Hugh had such a great chemistry together, both of them were just a bit shy in communicate and not really able to read the signs that the other signaled, right. But once they caught up they weren’t able to stop.
Their dynamic were so sensual, hot, steamy and with so much devotion and worship. And the piercings Hugh had were such a nice surprise (I’m an absolute sucker for piercing).
„Push out.”Brendan did as told with resolve, his body and mind still in a daze. His eyes blew open in shock when he felt Hugh lapping into his arse.“
„Hugh glided in and out slightly and Brendan could feel Hugh’s piercing teasing the edge of his sphincter underneath. So good. So new. So erotic“
At this point i have to say i can definitely see myself reread this story again and again.
July 29, 2022
The plot is so interesting!
The story is linear and I really enjoyed reading it
The story is linear and I really enjoyed reading it
July 9, 2024
“So beautiful.” He reached to cup Brendan’s face, smearing his seed on reddened cheeks."
The jacuzzi. The flower dildo. The hidden piercings!! Kinky mfers 🤭 I love oblivous friends to lovers. The way Hugh waited outside Brendans hotel room with roses. So melty.
I won't lie, tho I cringed multiple times and had paused bc I was embarrassed.
Admitting during sexytime you bought a dildo that LOOKS like his dick imprint...
Yikes.
"Hugh took hold of Brendan’s hand and licked a wet stripe from palm to fingertips."
Goddamn 🥵
No cheating/OM
Cute epilogue
The jacuzzi. The flower dildo. The hidden piercings!! Kinky mfers 🤭 I love oblivous friends to lovers. The way Hugh waited outside Brendans hotel room with roses. So melty.
I won't lie, tho I cringed multiple times and had paused bc I was embarrassed.
Admitting during sexytime you bought a dildo that LOOKS like his dick imprint...
Yikes.
"Hugh took hold of Brendan’s hand and licked a wet stripe from palm to fingertips."
Goddamn 🥵
No cheating/OM
Cute epilogue
June 15, 2022
Super cute and super sexy, all packaged in an easily readable page count. K.C. has my reading loyalty forever.
December 25, 2023
reading this just made me feel awkward. it's bad, so so bad lmfao
January 4, 2026
It was ok, but also meh.
June 7, 2022
The Flower Arrangement is a stunning example of what a romance novella should be. KC Carmine beautifully describes the relationship of two men who, in their hearts, wish to be more than friends, but each cannot make the move closer, until others intervene.
This sweet story will hold a special place in your heart !
This sweet story will hold a special place in your heart !
May 18, 2022
"The Flower Arrangement" tells the tale of Brendan, a lonely, shy, rugby-playing florist recovering from an acrimonious divorce, and Hugh, a fiercely independent hairdresser with insecurities of his own. After dancing around each other for a year, things finally come to a head and their passion explodes.
KC manages to pull off an extremely difficult manoeuvre: crafting a sweet, fluffy romance with appealing, charmingly awkward characters, then sending the story hurtling into a scorching erotic inferno. Yet at all times, she handles the raw vulnerability of these men with sensitivity, letting their blossoming love unfold with a gentle tenderness.
This little story is packed with so much romance, raunch and heart, it's positively brimming with flavour.
KC manages to pull off an extremely difficult manoeuvre: crafting a sweet, fluffy romance with appealing, charmingly awkward characters, then sending the story hurtling into a scorching erotic inferno. Yet at all times, she handles the raw vulnerability of these men with sensitivity, letting their blossoming love unfold with a gentle tenderness.
This little story is packed with so much romance, raunch and heart, it's positively brimming with flavour.
June 15, 2022
Brendan is a florist, passionate about flowers and their meanings, divorced and living for a year every first Wednesday of the month, enchanted by his hairdresser...😍
Brendan is sensitive and tries to express feelings, especially passion, through flowers even with fear and not knowing if the man who makes him overflow with sensations is interested...😬🥰
Hugh...humm... doesn't understand why that beautiful and big man brings flowers, he needs his friend and aunt to translate and explain, since his own insecurities don't allow him to understand... but when that happens, my gosh, It's hot, incredibly hot! ❤️🔥🥵
This book is small but nothing is missing, it's concise, romantic, light, funny and so sensual...Brendan and Hugh are a wonderful couple!!!💙💙
Highly recommended! 5 ⭐
Brendan is sensitive and tries to express feelings, especially passion, through flowers even with fear and not knowing if the man who makes him overflow with sensations is interested...😬🥰
Hugh...humm... doesn't understand why that beautiful and big man brings flowers, he needs his friend and aunt to translate and explain, since his own insecurities don't allow him to understand... but when that happens, my gosh, It's hot, incredibly hot! ❤️🔥🥵
This book is small but nothing is missing, it's concise, romantic, light, funny and so sensual...Brendan and Hugh are a wonderful couple!!!💙💙
Highly recommended! 5 ⭐
June 9, 2022
It’s hard to believe such a well-rounded story could be told in so few pages, but K.C. Carmine has done it! I loved both characters and how, despite their shyness with each other as friends, they were completely comfortable with each other once they became lovers. Just lovely.
June 11, 2022
A very well written Novella. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers story line and with a little bit of spice. Even with it being a short story you get some good character development. If your looking for a sweet, spicy with a little bit of family meddling this quick read is one for you. Brendan and Hugh will hold a place in my book loving heart. This was my first book by K.C. Carmine and I will be eagerly awaiting her next release.
June 13, 2022
Super cute and sexy. The Flower arrangement by K.C. Carmine is a gem of a story and a great start for the next book. The sweet novella is about Brendan a florist who was completely heartbroken from his divorce. He found his way into the sights of Hugh who cuts his hair every first Wednesday of the month. It’s just a very romantic and spicy 🥵 story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. . I got this book from prolific works. One can get lots of free mm novellas from them. I’m a fan of both!!
June 26, 2022
That was a fun read - I agree with another reviewer super cute & super sexy. It amazes me how such well-rounded characters can be created so quickly. Loved their early shy interactions!
December 17, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
This little novella is definitely sweet and brought the heat. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite buy into the MCs connection, and therefore the spice didn’t work as well as it could have for me. The MCs are friends, but because all of their one-year-long-history happens off page, and it quite quickly jumps to spice, it felt a bit icky to me. Instead of ‘pining after my friend’ being the vibe, it came off as ‘sprouting wood every time my hair dresser (whom I barely know) breathes in my direction’.
Supposedly they had seen each other every month and texted in between, but that didn’t really come through. They felt like strangers.
It *was* hot though, and nothing really wrong with it I suppose (I’m feeling very critical and trying to reel it back in lol), it just wasn’t what I expected after reading the blurb. It’s surely perfect if you’re looking for something short and sweet with spice (and dick piercings!)
I thought the narrator (Freddie Wills) did a good job with it. The narrating bits between dialogue did sound a bit like a wildlife documentary at times, but that’s probably just the ‘formal’ vibe of the writing shining through.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Divorced MC
Florist MC
Hair dresser MC
Friends to lovers
Novella
Cock piercing (and others)
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Brief mention of parent death (cancer, past),
31 and 32
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 31 and 32
Pages: 125
This little novella is definitely sweet and brought the heat. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite buy into the MCs connection, and therefore the spice didn’t work as well as it could have for me. The MCs are friends, but because all of their one-year-long-history happens off page, and it quite quickly jumps to spice, it felt a bit icky to me. Instead of ‘pining after my friend’ being the vibe, it came off as ‘sprouting wood every time my hair dresser (whom I barely know) breathes in my direction’.
Supposedly they had seen each other every month and texted in between, but that didn’t really come through. They felt like strangers.
It *was* hot though, and nothing really wrong with it I suppose (I’m feeling very critical and trying to reel it back in lol), it just wasn’t what I expected after reading the blurb. It’s surely perfect if you’re looking for something short and sweet with spice (and dick piercings!)
I thought the narrator (Freddie Wills) did a good job with it. The narrating bits between dialogue did sound a bit like a wildlife documentary at times, but that’s probably just the ‘formal’ vibe of the writing shining through.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Divorced MC
Florist MC
Hair dresser MC
Friends to lovers
Novella
Cock piercing (and others)
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Brief mention of parent death (cancer, past),
31 and 32
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 31 and 32
Pages: 125
July 25, 2024
A really sweet and steamy novella to take you away from real life for an hour.
This short brings us Brendan, a gentle giant and flower shop owner who has been helplessly in love with his hair stylist since they first met a year ago.
Both men have had their heart broken in the past and this was just one for those extra sweet stories to
make you feel good.
This was also a set up for Brendan's brother's book "The Blindfold Date", I'm very excited to meet Brian!
This short brings us Brendan, a gentle giant and flower shop owner who has been helplessly in love with his hair stylist since they first met a year ago.
Both men have had their heart broken in the past and this was just one for those extra sweet stories to
make you feel good.
This was also a set up for Brendan's brother's book "The Blindfold Date", I'm very excited to meet Brian!
June 9, 2022
Low angst short story that starts of sweet and ends sizzling hot! I love the characters 💛 and the storyline!
If this was a normal length story I definitely would have wanted lots of pining and longing, maybe a bit more angst.. as a short story I really didn’t miss anything…
If this was a normal length story I definitely would have wanted lots of pining and longing, maybe a bit more angst.. as a short story I really didn’t miss anything…
June 21, 2022
Sweet with a dash of heat.
Brendan and Hugh's romance was so sweet and fun. After a misunderstanding these two both go after what they want, not realizing they both have had feelings for eachother. Brendan's love language displayed through flowers was so sweet, I absolutely adore him.
This novella also mentions Brendan's brother who is currently going on a date in his book: The Blindfold Date!!
I definitely loved this short story and can't wait to read more from this author.
Brendan and Hugh's romance was so sweet and fun. After a misunderstanding these two both go after what they want, not realizing they both have had feelings for eachother. Brendan's love language displayed through flowers was so sweet, I absolutely adore him.
This novella also mentions Brendan's brother who is currently going on a date in his book: The Blindfold Date!!
I definitely loved this short story and can't wait to read more from this author.
July 6, 2022
A well written short love story that I enjoyed a lot. Well written characters who you want to know and meet. I’d love to go for a pint with Brendan and Hugh.
The steam takes off later in the book, but it’s good. KC is a definitely writer to watch.
The steam takes off later in the book, but it’s good. KC is a definitely writer to watch.
June 21, 2022
Cute, short and hot. I will never look at schampoo the same way again 😂 Can't wait for the next book 😊
June 26, 2022
Hot fantasies turned real in Amsterdam😉
This short MM romance paired a brawny florist with a lively but not too savvy hair salon owner. Say it with flowers, but only after you educate the recipient about the meaning of each bloom. Otherwise, you may as well keep mum! (Pun definitely intended). I enjoyed it and thought the brevity was fine for this easy-to-read, upbeat story of fantasies fulfilled.
The heat here is extensive and doesn't rely on Hugh's handy blow dryer😁. We're talking toys, piercings, bubble baths and some serious action. Yes, the underlay is attraction and romance, even bouquet offerings laced with poetry, but this is a steamy read, make no mistake. And it even includes an offside mention of cute corgis🐶.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the novella; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This short MM romance paired a brawny florist with a lively but not too savvy hair salon owner. Say it with flowers, but only after you educate the recipient about the meaning of each bloom. Otherwise, you may as well keep mum! (Pun definitely intended). I enjoyed it and thought the brevity was fine for this easy-to-read, upbeat story of fantasies fulfilled.
The heat here is extensive and doesn't rely on Hugh's handy blow dryer😁. We're talking toys, piercings, bubble baths and some serious action. Yes, the underlay is attraction and romance, even bouquet offerings laced with poetry, but this is a steamy read, make no mistake. And it even includes an offside mention of cute corgis🐶.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the novella; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 2, 2024
I didn’t really care much for this story. I gave it three stars because I recognize that K. C. Is a very competent writer. It’s just that the writing style doesn’t work for me. In the beginning there was too much telling instead of getting to know the characters through their interactions with other characters. Then after they got together about half way the rest was sex. This was my first book by this author and I don’t know if I’ll read any others. 😫
June 23, 2022
Sweet & Steamy
This is a sweet story of love found in the unlikeliest of places with the help of a fairy Godmother. Mrs. Banks is a very loyal customer of Brendan’s flower shop, Wisteria Dreams, and she knows what he went through when his husband up and left him. She craftily recommended he go get his haircut by a gentleman named Hugh at Rainbow Cuts Salon. Little did Brendan know that Mrs. Banks was actually Auntie Polly to Hugh and she thought they would make a great couple.
I think this was the sweetest story!! This is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing. They way she wrote this couple, their meeting, becoming friends, all the way to Brendan’s kiss. It was completely intriguing. I was invested in their coupledom. As this is a prequel to The Blindfold Date with Brendan’s brother Brian, I’m looking forward to reading more of her writing and seeing Brendan and Hugh again. 😉
This is a sweet story of love found in the unlikeliest of places with the help of a fairy Godmother. Mrs. Banks is a very loyal customer of Brendan’s flower shop, Wisteria Dreams, and she knows what he went through when his husband up and left him. She craftily recommended he go get his haircut by a gentleman named Hugh at Rainbow Cuts Salon. Little did Brendan know that Mrs. Banks was actually Auntie Polly to Hugh and she thought they would make a great couple.
I think this was the sweetest story!! This is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing. They way she wrote this couple, their meeting, becoming friends, all the way to Brendan’s kiss. It was completely intriguing. I was invested in their coupledom. As this is a prequel to The Blindfold Date with Brendan’s brother Brian, I’m looking forward to reading more of her writing and seeing Brendan and Hugh again. 😉
July 1, 2022
5⭐️
Super sexy and cute. It was a nice short story and even tho it was so short it didn't really feel like it. Loved it.
Super sexy and cute. It was a nice short story and even tho it was so short it didn't really feel like it. Loved it.
June 19, 2022
This tender tale is utterly adorable, Brendan's sweet attempts to woe Hugh are so cute with his carefully made bouquets. Hugh, just as cautious, misunderstands it all and confusion abounds. A truly steller story that hits you in the heart and the feels, wonderful work.
June 12, 2022
Super sweet story.
Enjoyed it very much 😊
Enjoyed it very much 😊
June 8, 2022
If this is the level of steam that we'll get in The Blindfold Date, then sign me up!
Steamy and sweet from the get go, I really liked both MC's and am grateful that we get the pov each of them.
There's enough background in each to get a sense of their background and make me curious for the coming book.
I felt the connection between them and the epilogue was so cute
Steamy and sweet from the get go, I really liked both MC's and am grateful that we get the pov each of them.
There's enough background in each to get a sense of their background and make me curious for the coming book.
I felt the connection between them and the epilogue was so cute
June 12, 2022
If you're looking for a nice, zero angst reading to relax tis is just it. I liked the story and the fact that the characters don't fall into the usual stereotype of top/bottom, plus the aunt is very funny. I think this novel as the potential to become a whole book one day.
Enjoy
Enjoy
January 5, 2023
This was a fast read! I liked it overall. It had some sweetness, some spice, and I liked both main characters a lot. Brendan was a big adorable cuddly teddy bear, and Hugh was more flamboyant and outrageous at times. They made a good match. I understand why it took so long for them to get together, but also I was a little like “pull your heads out of your bums” at times. Aunt Polly was great, and I’m glad she played matchmaker without them knowing. I would have liked seeing a little more of the side characters like Millie and Brian. 4 out of 5 stars.
July 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Short.Cute.Friend to lovers.Pining.Piercings 👀.Steamy AF.Toys with decoration.Surprisingly dirty AF.
A florist and a hairdresser, what could go wrong? Love their dynamic, absolutely adore it.
Only complaint to short. I know it’s a novella, my famous last words will always be “ I will never ever read another novella because I need plot and relationship growth”, yet here iam. Well it didn’t have any of that but it was a good read overall.
Short.Cute.Friend to lovers.Pining.Piercings 👀.Steamy AF.Toys with decoration.Surprisingly dirty AF.
A florist and a hairdresser, what could go wrong? Love their dynamic, absolutely adore it.
Only complaint to short. I know it’s a novella, my famous last words will always be “ I will never ever read another novella because I need plot and relationship growth”, yet here iam. Well it didn’t have any of that but it was a good read overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews