“The tragedy of life is not death… but what we let die inside of us while we live.” –Norman Cousins
Jamison Jareau has suffered a terrible loss. His wife of eighteen years passed away the day she gave birth to their son. Consumed with grief and guilt over her death, Jamison has thrown himself into work and raising his four children without her. Two and a half years have passed since he lost his soulmate. The kids are growing up and Jamison realized he needs a little more help with them than he wants to admit. At the urging of his mother-in-law, he seeks a live in nanny to alleviate some of the stress of being a single parent.
In walks Aleviyah Sandifer, a beautiful, vibrant breath of fresh air. The kids immediately take to her and they aren’t the only ones. Jamison soon finds himself enthralled with a woman other than the one he’d been with since he was fourteen years old. With new feelings arising, guilt begins to set in over his newfound attraction. As bad as he wants Aleviyah, he can’t help but feel like he is betraying his wife.
When forced to finally come to terms with his feelings, will Jamison give in and embrace the budding romance between him and his nanny? Or will he continue to deny himself the happiness she’s brought to his household?
Kimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.
KB put her heart and soul into this book. Where Love Blooms was a beautifully emotional story about loss and second chances. 2 1/2 years after he loses his wife during childbirth, Jamison is still trying to make sense of it all and get through each day without the love of his life. Between his job as an Anesthesiologist and raising four kids, Jamison has his hands full and doesn’t have a lot of free time. Finally taking his MIL’s advice, he decides to hire a nanny and his world is changed in ways he never imagined. Sometimes people come into your life for a reason and that was the case with Aleviyah Sandifer. She helped Jamison heal and move on from his grief and pain and showed him that love was more than possible a second time around with the right person. Their love journey was unbelievably sweet and unproblematic. Once Jamison was able to let go of his guilt, it was nothin’ but intense heat and raunchy sex. Yeah, that sweetness evaporated real quick. The Jareau kids stole the whole book. Could they have been anymore stinking adorable?!!! I just love how they took such a liking to Aleviyah from the very start. Lil Ms. Anais saw the writing on the wall for Jamison and her new nanny from the moment she met Alevivah. She spoke it into existence, honey, and it came true! Where Love Blooms was such a good heartwarming and tearjerking read. This book tugged at every single one of my heartstrings. I thought the author did a phenomenal job discussing grief without making the storyline too sad or depressing. I’m so looking forward to reading about the other Jareau siblings but, I’m most intrigued about Alaina. I need the tea on why she’s so distant with her family.
Consistency! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of Kimberly Brown. Her books are consistently captivating and original and just really pull you in. When I tell you I am in LOVE with the Jareau family…. In LOVE!!! This story pulled at every string attached to my heart and is definitely a top favorite from Ms. Brown!! You deserve all the flowers after the way you put your foot and every toe in this book. This is surely the start of an amazing series! Jamison and Liv were everything and these kids!!! Kids in a book are an automatic win for me and these kids took the cake! The black excellence in this book, the strong black love, the representation of black families was so refreshing just all black everything….from the suits to the cars 🖤🖤🖤! Liv came into the lives of Jamison and his kids at a time where they were truly struggling. The instant connection could be felt oozing from the pages. While Liv was there to be of service to them she had no idea how her life would change in the process.
Shout out to granny who was everything in this book! I cannot wait to get to know the rest of the siblings better! Cartel’s story has me intrigued for sure but the silent killer I’m anticipating the most is Alaina! She was such a mystery and I know she has a story to tell. I want to know her story!!
Read this book asap!! Where Love Blooms will not disappoint!
This story represents the reason I love Kimberly Brown’s stories….they usually pull emotion from the reader…this one was no different….Liv & Jamison we’re pre-destined….This was such a warm loving story…I’m definitely a sucker for a story with kids and these kids were great secondary characters….I’m excited to read about the rest of the brothers….Cartel, Walker & Reese…I’m sure their sister will have a story to tell too.
4-4.5 stars This one was sooo sweet. For me, the writing was a little cheesy at times, it dragged a bit around the middle of the story, and I would have liked a bit more tension/angst. But I liked the character development, family, and the sweet romance.
Wooooooowie. This was something emotionally. To begin the book the way that it does tore my heart right out.
The book got better and better as time went on. I have nothing to say.
I do love the insight the author brings to dating and how we should be HONEST, especially when we know someone is genuinely interested. Did she deserve the response she'd gotten? No. Still doesn't turn a wrong into a right.
**Spoilers** Jamison and Sharice Jareau had been in love since they were 14. They were married at 18 and extremely sure that they were each other's forever love. 18 years later tragedy strikes as Sharice passes after birthing their beautiful son. For 2 1/2 years Jamison is focused on taking care of their 4 children, 3 daughters and his baby boy. His family has pitched in to help him, but the kids are getting older and more help is needed. Ms. Nina (Sharice's mom) suggests that he gets a nanny. Not knowing that this sole decision will forever change his life and the lives of his children.
Aleviyah (love the original spelling) was a teacher that took temporary nanny positions on the side. She loved pouring into children and although she had never been a live-in Nanny she was excited to meet the family once the recommendation came in. When she met the children omg it was the sweetest thing, they all seemed to be connected to her spiritually and the baby boy didn't care about anyone but her. They thought he had a crush on her, but I believed that was the first time he felt a mothering spirit. Aleviyah had yet to find a deep love in her personal life, and although she had a "friend," she knew he wasn't the one. So the opportunity was essentially a chance for her to have a fresh start all the way around.
Aleviyah and Jamison become fast friends. Both of them try to ignore the connection brewing between them because obviously she was his employee. She tries to get rid of thoughts about her boss by dipping back with Amir, her friend with benefits, and trust that is a mess in a half. I'm still side eyeing his cry baby as$. Anyway once they stop fighting it and just accept the love they have for each other, together they establish a new family. It wasn't easy at all because Jamison loved his wife. He went through all the phases of grief and it took awhile for him to accept that it was okay to move on. Especially since she was his only everything. I loved Jamison because he was the BEST father and the way he loved those babies was everything. Also, he was what they say about women...but instead a sweet man in the streets, but freak in the sheets lol 🤣😂🤣 He was serving the BDE when necessary and he made sure Liv knew he loved her for who she was and not a replacement for what he lost. Sigh so sweet !!
Sub characters were everything! I loved all of Jamison's brother. Can't wait to read fine as$ slightly ghetto Cartel's story. Walker and Jorja need a story too 👀 We won't even get into the youngin with the cougar fetish 🤣😂 I know this is long, but I have to shout out the sweet Jareau girls...Anais was ahead of her time, an empath and I loved her foresight. Sweet Chelsea didn't have a filter and Riley was a ham. Loved the entire support system that surrounded them.
KB knows how to have you in your feels😭 Definitely read this book!
Is there anything Miss Kimberly Brown can't do? If you're looking for pearl clutching naughty erotica, she's got you. If you're looking for trauma and drama-filled with healing love stories, she's got you. If you're looking for taboo stories she's got you. If you're looking for sweet, swoon worthy love stories, she's Got You. If you're looking family filled drama free love story, she's got you. And that is exactly what she did with this story. Jamison was grieving the loss of the love of his life. With four kids-with 3 of them being girls and a todler, he had his hands full. In came Aleviyah. It was absolutely inevitable for them not to fall in love. The journey was sweet and unproblematic. The Jareau siblings are a hoot and their personalities are so different. I can't wait for more of them.
This was such a beautiful story. I loved everything about the Jareau family. When Jamison lost his wife, Sharice, he didn’t think he’d ever feel anything for another woman. He and Sharice had been together since they were fourteen! Livy was led by spirit to this family and gave them so much love. I loved how Jamison showed his love and appreciation out loud for not only Livy, but his kids as well. Black Fathers are amazing ♥️
I think one of my favorite things about this novel was the fact that Ms. Nina was always there, always included. She was supportive of Jamison moving on even though she’d lost her daughter. Can’t wait to read more about the Jareau family!
I loved this book SO MUCH! I’m a sucker for any kind of single dad trope and especially when he’s a widower. I fell in love with this family and all the side characters/family. They’re tight knit and hilarious. Dr. Jameson Jereau- what a man! There were only a couple things that knocked the rating for me, but the story was so good I quickly moved on. I fell in love with these kids too. They have my heart.
This book had delicious spice, humor and heartfelt moments as the hero let go of his dead wife. Tugged on my heart strings for sure.
I could spend all day reading about the Jareau family. I liked the depiction of how life was after losing a loved one, it’s not always the same but this version was authentic and emotional. Aleviyah was the perfect fit for Jamison. The attraction and blossoming love between then was fascinating to read about, I was caught up from beginning to end. I loved how Aleviyah had a relationship with each child. A beautiful new family has been created
Jamison and Aleviyah, wow I enjoyed reading about them and the kids play matchmaker. Their romantic journey was incredibly pleasant and trouble-free. As soon as Jamison was able to let go and heal from his grief , I think the author did a fantastic job of addressing grief without making the plot overly dreary. Aleviyah’s respect for his wife was beautiful.
Where Love Blooms was a cute nanny/boss romance story. I liked the development of the relationship, the voices of the children were heard, and the understanding that love showing up when it’s less expected was all appreciated. I felt the chemistry of the characters, even when they were trying to deny their feelings. Good read for me.
This was such a beautiful story. I really really enjoyed this book! Although it was a story of dealing with loss, it was beautiful to see healing from it. They were truly meant for one another. I loved the entire family. I can’t wait for the next book!!
This was such a cute, but steamy, single dad/nanny romance. Jamison lost his wife when she gave birth to their fourth child. It's been several years, and he is overwhelmed taking care of his three daughters and son. His family suggests a nanny, which is where Aleviyah comes into the picture. I was afraid this would be one of those books where the kids are mean to the nanny because they don't want their dad to remarry. Luckily, I was wrong! The kids took to Aleviyah immediately. They'd been missing a woman's touch in their home. She fit right into their family, and never disrespected the love they had for their late mother.
The thing that stopped me from giving this five stars was that Jamison recognized he had to get out of his head feeling guilty about moving on. He mentions that he starts doing therapy sessions with Aleviyah because she's apparently a licensed behavioral specialist? I didn't like that at all. Your new girlfriend and nanny should not be doing counseling sessions with you. I felt like he needed to go see a professional.
Also, and this seems to be a recurring theme with this author, she needs an editor. I should not be able to tally up the grammar errors in a book. One or two are fine, editors are human, but finding mistakes in every chapter is a bit much. Either she doesn't use an editor, or the one she has is not doing their job. If those mistakes were cleaned up, this author's books would be probably be a five star read for me almost every time!
TROPES: single dad; nanny; forced proximity; age gap; black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; found family; hero with emotional trauma; mutual pining; slow burn
Kimberly Brown you did it again, another amazing book about finding love unexpectedly.
I want to first say…THEM DARN KIDS 😩😩😩 got me all emotional and shiddd 🤣🤣🤣. Anais knew from the start that Aleviyah was meant for them all, Jamison was strong but hurting at the same time and I understood his hesitation what partner wouldn’t based on the time line him and his 1st love have been together. I love how his family and mother in law was encouraging of him opening up but it had to be at his own time. I am looking forward to the other brothers stories. This is a start and don’t put it down type of story. You will be so engrossed into the story and it will pull so many emotions out of you which is a good thing. I am always happy to see a new release from Kimberly Brown because I know she will bring that fire 🔥 🔥🔥.
A lot of books have made me punch the air, hyperventilate, fuss, and cuss but never cry. This book here made me cry. This book gave me chills.
I legit was crying during the prologue.
Kimberly wrote this book so damn good. I didn’t even realize how many chapters were in the book. I just read and cried and read and smiled and read and cried.
I’m not gonna lie yall, idk if I want my husband to find love again if I leave this earth before him. 🤣 But I love that Jamison was able to find another partner to love during his lifetime. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzies man.
I feel like the Jareau family is gonna be another one of my book families for life.
Liv and Jamison. Just adorable. I loved the whole relationship- the chemistry, the building up and the healing, it was all just so awww. But I loved the HEA. I def am ready for the other siblings.
This was a fantastic story! All the feels, all the romance, amazing children, an amazing man/father, a practically perfect leading lady, very nice spice, a supportive/ fun/ funny extended family. I just loved it all. I'm going ritght on to Cartel's story. Happy reading!
Easiest four stars I've ever had to give. They had minimal but very tasteful drama. Just everything was good - the only reason it wasn't five stars was abouy the few inconsistencies you'll come across in the book.
Ma’am I need you to the front neow…come get these 💐’s! You have out done yourself this time. This one brought out all the feels. Liv and Jamison warmed my heart so much. This was the first of a great family series. Great read!!
This was an absolute pleasure to read. The love, the chemistry, the grief, the compassion, the humor, the family, the kids, the sibling love, the Everything. I'm definitely keeping this series on my radar bc the Jareau family looks to be my next, best family to read about.
My heart broke for Jamison and had me swooning at the same time. The depths that this man loved his wife and then having to grieve her after she gave him one of the most precious gifts; a son, someone to carry on his legacy, only to lose her at the same time. That was hard, yet he was so strong and a darn good father and man. I love that his wife's mom and mother in law encouraged him to love again. He loved his wife since he was 14 and now being a 37 yo widow, he wasn't sure how to channel those feelings for another woman without the guilt of feeling like he was cheating on his wife. All of his family knew how deep his love for Sharice, his deceased wife, went, yet they also knew that she wanted him to love again.
The father that he was to his kids had me loving him even more. All of his kids were truly the sweetest and I love that even with his oldest, Anais, taking on so much responsibility after her mom's passing, that she was still able to be a kid. These 4, especially little JJ, are a crew I need more of.
Aleyviah was such a beauty, inside and out. Caring for others children takes a special kind of gift and given that she was so great at it and was truly passionate about it, made me love her instantly. I was a little torn on her situationship with Amir, her screw buddy, yet she was honest with him and he didn't want to accept it. I'm glad she left and didn't look back after that last time. He was childish and didn't deserve her.
I like that even though she was young, she was very mature. Her relationship and instant connection with the Jareau children let me know she was stuck for life. I love that she never wanted to replace their deceased mom, only help be a mother figure. Anais needed that and she affirmed her and it was a beautiful bond.
I like that once she and Jamison got over fighting their true feelings for each other, that they went all in. They were some freaks and I ain't mad at it😏. I can't wait to see how many babies they have bc I'm sure there will be plenty.
All these side stories from these siblings definitely has me looking forward to more of this crew and I can't wait.
Great story and intro to the Jareau family. Highly recommend.
My goodness, I loved this story. It was well done, enjoyable, and a lovely story with sweetness intertwined in the mix. When Jamison loss his wife, his gift was also his grief. His wife's situation would haunt him for years. Dr. J. was such a loving man who showed delight in his family. When he needed help, his fortune came in the form of an angel named Aleviyah. A few times after Jamison realized he liked Aleviyah, the pace of the story slowed to give Jamison a chance to come to terms with his feelings. The five children made this story much happier in every way. Baby Js age is the only factor I had a slight issue with the details. I think the timing was confused a time or two regarding his age. But overall, this was a good read.
Wow! This story was so good that I can hardly express how much I enjoyed it. It really pulled at my heartstrings, and I'm thrilled to move on to the next book. Now that I've finished the first book, many things in the third book make more sense. I hope the wait for the second book is just around the corner. If you're hesitant about starting this series, there's no need to be—just read it!
This story was truly beautiful and sweet. I loved everything. There’s nothing like experiencing and seeing black love but not just in the romantic way. Also through family, careers, friendships and more. You can tell both MCs loved what they did and the people in their lives. Jamison and Liv were so adorable and spicy. Anais caught that connection right away and that made me smile. After the death of someone that was your everything I can see how hard it is to love again in that way. I’m glad Kimberly told the story where Jamison in a sense felt guilty because letting go is hard. However, him having the support of his family and even wife after death pulled at my heart. His mother n law you can tell loves him like her own and wanted to see him happy again as well.
Liv definitely brings the upbeat spunk to any atmosphere she is in. Love the way her and those kids got along right away. You can tell those kids love their dad and mom but also have room in their hearts for more love. Once Jamison and Liv they took it there you can tell how right it felt between them. The love just jumps off the pages. Even with Liv finding her voice about the bedroom and Jamison listens to make her feel at home. All round a great book and can’t wait to get to know the rest of the family.
Highlights:
-“You’re my son and momma has always got you.” -“Relax baby.” He spoke softly to her. “Let me have my way with you.” -I love the moment he learned to do his daughter’s hair. He was such a good father to read. Those kids loved him.
I was a little nervous to read this because I’d seen reviews and everyone said it made them cry. I knew it was a story of loss but it was also a story of new love and hope. Dr. Jamison Jareau, widowed father of 4 is doing everything he can to love and provide for his family. Even with the help of his village, things are tough, and that’s where Aleviyah comes in. She just had a spirit about her that was warm and nurturing. The children, his family and Jamison himself take to her quickly. Everyone can see what’s brewing between Aleviyah and Jamison but they tried to pretend it was just a working relationship. You can only pretend for so long and if I’m being honest they didn’t stand a chance. Kimberly did a solid job discussing grief and while it’s a main component of this story it didn’t make it overly sad or depressing. She really showed the beauty in finding love again with the right person. The way she introduced the other siblings and gave us breadcrumbs about their stories was *chefs kiss*…..I didn’t cry but there were definitely a few parts that almost had my eyes leaking. I really a really good read and I’m looking forward to the next Jareau family member.
Of all the Kimberly Brown books that I love. And I really love them all...THIS may just be my favorite. This story was told so beautifully. The characters were so loveable and realistic. All of Kimberly Brown's Male characters are book bad material, but there was something so deeply spiritual and beautiful about Jamison. He was so swoon worthy. I adored the way this story played out. All the support and love made for such a happy ending. Excited for what's to come with both sets of siblings. I know Jorja is gonna give somebody's son a run for their money.