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Van Den Bosch #3
Elise.
"Of all the women in the world, why did I have to fall for her?" - DanElise Van Den Bosch.
She’s calculated, cold, ambitious, and manipulative. To summarize, she's the perfect Van Den Bosch and is the precise opposite of her older brother, Andries, who just so happens to be my best friend.
The day I first laid eyes on her I knew I was in trouble, but it was also the day my best friend made me swear to never look at her in that way again.
Years later, the impact she has on me hasn’t changed, I've just gotten better at living with it.
After all, Elise is the only woman I can never have. She’s my best friend’s sister and she must remain that way for the sake of our friendship.
Even when I know I don’t leave her indifferent either, I owe him to keep my oath.
Or do I? This is a forbidden romance, with friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend tropes, for mature audiences.
She’s calculated, cold, ambitious, and manipulative. To summarize, she's the perfect Van Den Bosch and is the precise opposite of her older brother, Andries, who just so happens to be my best friend.
The day I first laid eyes on her I knew I was in trouble, but it was also the day my best friend made me swear to never look at her in that way again.
Years later, the impact she has on me hasn’t changed, I've just gotten better at living with it.
After all, Elise is the only woman I can never have. She’s my best friend’s sister and she must remain that way for the sake of our friendship.
Even when I know I don’t leave her indifferent either, I owe him to keep my oath.
Or do I? This is a forbidden romance, with friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend tropes, for mature audiences.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2022
89 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Martins
22 books2,164 followersMelanie Martins is a digital entrepreneur, travel influencer, and the author of the series "Blossom in Winter", a forbidden love story between a young heiress and her godfather. Her debut novel has been labeled as "wrong", "immoral", and by others as a "masterpiece", "phenomenal" and a "must-read" creating a dedicated, loyal fan base of lovers and haters.
When she is not behind her laptop writing, she can be found globetrotting, reading, daydreaming, and sharing her adventures on Instagram and Facebook
Born in France and raised in Portugal, she currently lives on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta and can't get enough of it.
To get a copy of Blossom in Winter, you may visit blossominwinter.com
When she is not behind her laptop writing, she can be found globetrotting, reading, daydreaming, and sharing her adventures on Instagram and Facebook
Born in France and raised in Portugal, she currently lives on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta and can't get enough of it.
To get a copy of Blossom in Winter, you may visit blossominwinter.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 20, 2025
Love the ending.
April 8, 2026
This novel delivers a compelling forbidden romance built on tension, loyalty, and impossible choices. Centered around Dan and Elise Van Den Bosch, the story immediately pulls you in with its emotional conflict—Dan is hopelessly drawn to his best friend’s sister, the one person he’s sworn to never pursue.
Elise is a fascinating character: calculated, ambitious, and emotionally guarded—the embodiment of her family’s expectations. In many ways, she contrasts sharply with her brother Andries, which adds depth to both the family dynamic and the central conflict. Her internal struggle is one of the most prominent aspects of the story. She constantly wavers between pleasing her father, staying loyal to her brother, and doing what she knows is right. While this back-and-forth felt repetitive at times, it also highlighted the immense pressure she’s under and made her choices feel more realistic.
The relationship between Dan and Elise is easily the strongest part of the book. Their chemistry is intense, and the slow-burning tension between them is incredibly well done. Every interaction feels charged, making their connection believable and engaging. However, one drawback is how quickly Dan confesses his love. It feels rushed compared to the otherwise carefully developed buildup, and his expectation that Elise would immediately reciprocate doesn’t quite align with the complexity of their situation.
Despite these minor issues, the story succeeds in delivering an emotional and captivating romance. The forbidden nature of their relationship, combined with the friends-to-lovers and brother’s best friend tropes, creates a gripping narrative that keeps you invested throughout.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read with strong emotional tension and memorable characters. Even with a few pacing and characterization flaws, it’s a book I thoroughly loved and would recommend to fans of angsty, forbidden romance.
Elise is a fascinating character: calculated, ambitious, and emotionally guarded—the embodiment of her family’s expectations. In many ways, she contrasts sharply with her brother Andries, which adds depth to both the family dynamic and the central conflict. Her internal struggle is one of the most prominent aspects of the story. She constantly wavers between pleasing her father, staying loyal to her brother, and doing what she knows is right. While this back-and-forth felt repetitive at times, it also highlighted the immense pressure she’s under and made her choices feel more realistic.
The relationship between Dan and Elise is easily the strongest part of the book. Their chemistry is intense, and the slow-burning tension between them is incredibly well done. Every interaction feels charged, making their connection believable and engaging. However, one drawback is how quickly Dan confesses his love. It feels rushed compared to the otherwise carefully developed buildup, and his expectation that Elise would immediately reciprocate doesn’t quite align with the complexity of their situation.
Despite these minor issues, the story succeeds in delivering an emotional and captivating romance. The forbidden nature of their relationship, combined with the friends-to-lovers and brother’s best friend tropes, creates a gripping narrative that keeps you invested throughout.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read with strong emotional tension and memorable characters. Even with a few pacing and characterization flaws, it’s a book I thoroughly loved and would recommend to fans of angsty, forbidden romance.
February 6, 2023
I liked this story just not as much as Roxanne and Adries. Why is Andries so jealous and worried about Elise and Dan? Did he not have trouble when he announce he was in love and wanted go marry Roxanne. I can understand why his parents would be upset about Roxanne,but disowning him extreme. Why does Elise have to get all the dirt on Roxanne? Why does dad want to protect that guy who works for him. Not a review really ,sorry. Just things I do not understand.
October 13, 2023
This book was good, although at points I found myself annoyed with the main character, Elise. The more I got into the book the better I liked it. It was clear that this family is dysfunctional, and it is also clear on why Elise acts the way that she does.
I did feel that the two previous books from the series, Roxanne and Andries overpowered this book at points.
Overall it is a fantastic read.
I did feel that the two previous books from the series, Roxanne and Andries overpowered this book at points.
Overall it is a fantastic read.
October 16, 2023
Not what I expected
January 21, 2024
I enjoyed the boo! Oh the joys of growing up and your first love 💗 always a journey.
September 12, 2024
love all of the story
February 25, 2025
I love how Dan sees past her debauchery. He loves her in spite of everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
This book has definitely been my favorite of the series so far. I am amazed that the editing is much better in this book with not as many grammatical errors.
January 17, 2023
Great read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews