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Heartsville
Bloom Box
If there's one thing William Sullivan knows less about than how to run a business, it’s flowers. When Will is left carrying responsibility for the flower shop he’d leased for his cheating ex-boyfriend, he is sure it will lead him into financial ruin.
Just when he’s about to abandon all hope, in walks Milo Hart—young, overflowing with energy, and perhaps best of all, a genius when it comes to flowers. Will hires him on the spot and they begin a working partnership that might be Will’s only saving grace. The more time they spend together, the more Will’s feelings for Milo evolve and Will must choose between keeping things strictly business, or taking a chance to let love bloom.
Just when he’s about to abandon all hope, in walks Milo Hart—young, overflowing with energy, and perhaps best of all, a genius when it comes to flowers. Will hires him on the spot and they begin a working partnership that might be Will’s only saving grace. The more time they spend together, the more Will’s feelings for Milo evolve and Will must choose between keeping things strictly business, or taking a chance to let love bloom.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2015
19 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Cate Ashwood
53 books504 followersCate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 21, 2015
Milo & Will's story
This is the third story I've read in the Heartsville series and my favorite thus far!
The stories are standalones and do not have to be read in a particular order, although I "met" Milo, the sparkly florist, in Bookmarked and Clique and was eager to read his story.
Bloom Box, however, is not told from Milo's POV but from Will's—Will, who plans to start a florist shop with his partner only to find out that his partner has been cheating on him all along.
Will doesn't know what hits him when Milo walks into his sad, empty shop clutching a resume. He just knows that Milo is wet and lovely and has experience working with green things.
I loved these two men together. Will is about 15 years older than Milo, who's still in college, but the age difference doesn't matter. Milo knows so much more about business, not to mention flowers, than Will, and Will is happy for the help.
The relationship develops slowly (Will resists Milo for as long as he can, but, let's face it, he doesn't stand a chance), and the sexy times, when they come, are hot and tender.
I loved the sweet moments here: Milo & Will working together, getting coffee, strolling the flower market .. they just fit.
This is a charming story with a bit of comfort/healing and a great HEA!
This is the third story I've read in the Heartsville series and my favorite thus far!
The stories are standalones and do not have to be read in a particular order, although I "met" Milo, the sparkly florist, in Bookmarked and Clique and was eager to read his story.
Bloom Box, however, is not told from Milo's POV but from Will's—Will, who plans to start a florist shop with his partner only to find out that his partner has been cheating on him all along.
Will doesn't know what hits him when Milo walks into his sad, empty shop clutching a resume. He just knows that Milo is wet and lovely and has experience working with green things.
I loved these two men together. Will is about 15 years older than Milo, who's still in college, but the age difference doesn't matter. Milo knows so much more about business, not to mention flowers, than Will, and Will is happy for the help.
The relationship develops slowly (Will resists Milo for as long as he can, but, let's face it, he doesn't stand a chance), and the sexy times, when they come, are hot and tender.
I loved the sweet moments here: Milo & Will working together, getting coffee, strolling the flower market .. they just fit.
This is a charming story with a bit of comfort/healing and a great HEA!
December 21, 2015
3.5 stars
William Sullivan leased a flower shop that had been meant to be a gift for his boyfriend, Spencer, who apparently had been cheating on William for a long time. Now William is left alone to run the business and he doesn't know where to start.
Fortunately, one day to the shop walks in a young guy named Milo looking for a job. Knowing that Milo knows his way around flowers, Will hires him on the spot, and from then on they spend a lot of time together. Feelings start to evolve between them, but Will can't let himself be in a relationship with his employee. Or can he?
It's a sweet, feel good novella with no drama.
William Sullivan leased a flower shop that had been meant to be a gift for his boyfriend, Spencer, who apparently had been cheating on William for a long time. Now William is left alone to run the business and he doesn't know where to start.
Fortunately, one day to the shop walks in a young guy named Milo looking for a job. Knowing that Milo knows his way around flowers, Will hires him on the spot, and from then on they spend a lot of time together. Feelings start to evolve between them, but Will can't let himself be in a relationship with his employee. Or can he?
It's a sweet, feel good novella with no drama.
November 4, 2015
Perhaps it helps if you've read the series.
It's so light there's nothing to hold onto.
Milo is so impossibly perfect I was rolling my eyes; looks, personality, knowledge, mad-skillz (boy can paint, fit moulding, organise a buisness, fix a fancy bouquet! All for a next to nothing wage and while studying), best at sex, and has convenient savings.
Will, is. Mr bland who did nothing the whole book despite being narrator. I just had to read the blurb to check his name.
If your partner is feckless, jumping from one interest to another why the hell would you throw money you clearly don't have into opening a buisness for them?
The conflict didn't happen, a confrontation might have had impact.
Not a bad story, nice even, but highly forgettable.
It's so light there's nothing to hold onto.
Milo is so impossibly perfect I was rolling my eyes; looks, personality, knowledge, mad-skillz (boy can paint, fit moulding, organise a buisness, fix a fancy bouquet! All for a next to nothing wage and while studying), best at sex, and has convenient savings.
Will, is. Mr bland who did nothing the whole book despite being narrator. I just had to read the blurb to check his name.
If your partner is feckless, jumping from one interest to another why the hell would you throw money you clearly don't have into opening a buisness for them?
The conflict didn't happen, a confrontation might have had impact.
Not a bad story, nice even, but highly forgettable.
November 3, 2015
4 Stars
Milo and Will’s story was utterly charming. These two guys fit perfectly together; both sweet, caring men, who just want to love and be loved in return. There were so many adorable/romantic moments between these two that I spent the entire read with a dopey grin on my face.
I decided to read this entire series simply because Cate Ashwood was involved and I’m so glad I did – every story had a little something that made me smile and it will definitely be remembered as the sweetest collection of short stories I’ve read in 2015. I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to more tales from Heartsville in the future. *wink*
Milo and Will’s story was utterly charming. These two guys fit perfectly together; both sweet, caring men, who just want to love and be loved in return. There were so many adorable/romantic moments between these two that I spent the entire read with a dopey grin on my face.
I decided to read this entire series simply because Cate Ashwood was involved and I’m so glad I did – every story had a little something that made me smile and it will definitely be remembered as the sweetest collection of short stories I’ve read in 2015. I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to more tales from Heartsville in the future. *wink*
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
This, along with Bookmarked, were my two favorites of this series.
I'd have to say that what made this so enjoyable for me was Milo. There was just something so genuine and endearing and inherently all things good, that it was no wonder Will fell for him. There may be an age gap, Will might be on the rebound, Milo could possibly be interested only in a summer fling… but no. This is Heartsville! It has a force field against angst! It only allows sunshine and love within its walls! Everyone gets a happy ending! Yay!!
Truly, a sweet series for whenever you need a guaranteed pick-me-up.
This, along with Bookmarked, were my two favorites of this series.
I'd have to say that what made this so enjoyable for me was Milo. There was just something so genuine and endearing and inherently all things good, that it was no wonder Will fell for him. There may be an age gap, Will might be on the rebound, Milo could possibly be interested only in a summer fling… but no. This is Heartsville! It has a force field against angst! It only allows sunshine and love within its walls! Everyone gets a happy ending! Yay!!
Truly, a sweet series for whenever you need a guaranteed pick-me-up.
October 21, 2015
*3.5 stars*
This is the fourth book in the Heartsville series, Will and Milo's story.
Bloom Box, Heartsville's florist shop, was supposed to be Will's gift to his partner, Spencer. This was before he found out Spencer was cheating on him with another man. And now here he is, three weeks before the shop's grand opening, in an empty shop full of unpacked boxes, zero knowledge on flowers and on the verge financial ruin. And no partner.
Until Milo walks in. Much younger than him, full of energy and most importantly, he knows his way around flowers. Will and Milo work side by side for almost a month to get the shop ready on time. A lot can happen in a month...
This is a quiet story . Not much happens and there aren't any twists. The romance is slow paced and there is enough slow burn that leads to some steamy scenes.
For me, the star of the story is Milo. He is vibrating with energy, he overflows with enthousiasm and he blurts whatever crosses his mind first. But at the same time he is hard working, honest and when he wants to, he can be pretty seductive.
At some point Will's thoughts and reactions gave me whiplash. He admits he is the happiest he 's ever been with Milo and that he fell for him, then he just "doesn't know" where he wants their relationship to go, then he tries to find the courage to end things between them but he can't, and finally, after Milo confesses to him he wants them to last, he agrees. All this in a matter of hours.
Everything worked out though, and we get our HEA.
This was a nice, light and sexy addition to the series. One more story left. Lets go!
*Review also on Gay Book Reviews.*
This is the fourth book in the Heartsville series, Will and Milo's story.
Bloom Box, Heartsville's florist shop, was supposed to be Will's gift to his partner, Spencer. This was before he found out Spencer was cheating on him with another man. And now here he is, three weeks before the shop's grand opening, in an empty shop full of unpacked boxes, zero knowledge on flowers and on the verge financial ruin. And no partner.
Until Milo walks in. Much younger than him, full of energy and most importantly, he knows his way around flowers. Will and Milo work side by side for almost a month to get the shop ready on time. A lot can happen in a month...
This is a quiet story . Not much happens and there aren't any twists. The romance is slow paced and there is enough slow burn that leads to some steamy scenes.
For me, the star of the story is Milo. He is vibrating with energy, he overflows with enthousiasm and he blurts whatever crosses his mind first. But at the same time he is hard working, honest and when he wants to, he can be pretty seductive.
At some point Will's thoughts and reactions gave me whiplash. He admits he is the happiest he 's ever been with Milo and that he fell for him, then he just "doesn't know" where he wants their relationship to go, then he tries to find the courage to end things between them but he can't, and finally, after Milo confesses to him he wants them to last, he agrees. All this in a matter of hours.
Everything worked out though, and we get our HEA.
This was a nice, light and sexy addition to the series. One more story left. Lets go!
*Review also on Gay Book Reviews.*
October 30, 2015
3.25 stars
This is the last Heartsville novella that I read, since I read it based on the order of release date. I though it was a nice low-angst one.
There were few things that could potentially be conflicts commonly found in romance, for example Will and Milo's age gap (Milo was in his early twenties while Will was in his late thirties) or the short return of Will's cheating ex, but Ashwood never brought it up to the drama level. Everything happened pretty smoothly for the two of them. So, yeah, it was nice. I even learned a thing of two about handling a flower shop (including going to the market very early for the flowers!)
I really loved Milo -- I have weaknesses for rambling bubbly youth -- and was curious about Milo because I've "met" him previously on Vaughn's Bookmarked and Brooks' Clique. I was a little bit disappointed because the story came from Will's perspective. However, Milo already knew what he wanted from life (and love) while Will was the one needing to move on, so he had more 'stories' to tell to readers.
This is the last Heartsville novella that I read, since I read it based on the order of release date. I though it was a nice low-angst one.
There were few things that could potentially be conflicts commonly found in romance, for example Will and Milo's age gap (Milo was in his early twenties while Will was in his late thirties) or the short return of Will's cheating ex, but Ashwood never brought it up to the drama level. Everything happened pretty smoothly for the two of them. So, yeah, it was nice. I even learned a thing of two about handling a flower shop (including going to the market very early for the flowers!)
I really loved Milo -- I have weaknesses for rambling bubbly youth -- and was curious about Milo because I've "met" him previously on Vaughn's Bookmarked and Brooks' Clique. I was a little bit disappointed because the story came from Will's perspective. However, Milo already knew what he wanted from life (and love) while Will was the one needing to move on, so he had more 'stories' to tell to readers.
November 4, 2015
**4.5 stars** I am so enjoying my time in Heartsville! And I absolutely adored this story. Milo is just the cutest thing. He and Will are perfect together, even if it takes Will awhile to realize that. No angst and a happily ever after.... loved it!!
November 20, 2015
Oh Milo, I love you. These two were just so damn good together. Will was no way near ready for a relationship after the shitshow he went through with his cheating bastard of an ex, but I dare you to find someone who wouldn’t fall in love with Milo’s open heart and complete charm. Cate Ashwood balanced the story really well and kept the storyline of the ex just present enough to show us why Will is in the mindset he’s in. It makes sense and the evolution of his feelings made sense because of the pace of the story. That made me believe Will’s feelings for Milo were real and HEA bound.
March 6, 2016
* 4.5 Stars * Sweet, younger/older M/M romance ! * Another lovely romance in Heartsville ! * Drenched from the rain, college student Milo,
walks into Will's unfinished store looking for work. Handsome, young, beautiful, Milo, can see what needs to be done, he's experienced, and knows he can help.
With dark hair, scruff, and glasses, 30'something, William, is skeptical of opening the shop at all. It was supposed to be his ex-boyfriend's business, but now it has fallen to his shoulders.
Milo's energy, happiness, and enthusiasm are contagious, and they work together to bring the flower shop to life. Their relationship moves slowly, for the usual reasons, boss/employee, and younger/older, and Will underestimates Milo's depth of emotions. The friendship is strong, and leads to more, plus their sexy times are hot !! This is a cute, light love story from the town of Heartsville and the "gayborhood". These are heartwarming, fun, and are quick romantic reads.
Of course when I like the characters, I wish the tale was longer, "sigh"...
ENJOY !!!
==================
walks into Will's unfinished store looking for work. Handsome, young, beautiful, Milo, can see what needs to be done, he's experienced, and knows he can help.
With dark hair, scruff, and glasses, 30'something, William, is skeptical of opening the shop at all. It was supposed to be his ex-boyfriend's business, but now it has fallen to his shoulders.
Milo's energy, happiness, and enthusiasm are contagious, and they work together to bring the flower shop to life. Their relationship moves slowly, for the usual reasons, boss/employee, and younger/older, and Will underestimates Milo's depth of emotions. The friendship is strong, and leads to more, plus their sexy times are hot !! This is a cute, light love story from the town of Heartsville and the "gayborhood". These are heartwarming, fun, and are quick romantic reads.
Of course when I like the characters, I wish the tale was longer, "sigh"...
ENJOY !!!
==================
November 10, 2015
I think this story is my favorite of this series. It kinda just made me happy. For such a short story, it still felt complete and the slow burn of the romance was perfect. Will and Milo easily won me over and left me with a smile. Welcome to the gayborhood, indeed.
November 18, 2015
Aww, this one was so sweet! I was afraid at first that Milo would end up being a caricature of a twink but thankfully that didn't happen. Milo was a surprisingly strong character; it was Will who was a bit timid at first. It was nice to see an older main character. As I age (gracefully, mind you) I find I seek out books that have mature main characters in them as I feel I connect with them more. This story didn't disappoint. I'll be reading more from Cate Ashwood too.
Mini review of this and all the other stories in the series can be found at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
June 2, 2016
GREAT first sentence! Sweet light book about Milo and Will and the Bloom Box floral shop that Will bought for his cheating ex Spencer. Milo arrives in a rain storm with his soggy resume and saves the day in more ways than one.
November 8, 2015
I totally loved this one in the series. Super cute . Milo was adorable.
May 24, 2017
This was a pretty good short quick read that I liked. William Sullivan just dumped by his long term boyfriend for cheating on him and now he’s stuck with a lease on a flower shop that he’d bought for his boyfriend to run. He doesn't know the first thing about flowers or running a business. When Milo Hart comes in looking for a job he is still in school, majoring in business he used to work in a nursery and loves working with flowers. Together he and Will manage to get the shop up and running and on time. They spend an lot of time together and they fall in love Will is 16 years older than Milo so he knows that it won't last long term. This was a pretty goo read. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
November 18, 2015
Cate Ashwood’s Bloom Box is the 5th part of the Heartsville series. Like Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn (the first and only part I’ve read so far) it’s a sweet and sexy story that this time takes place in a flower shop.
Although Will and Milo are cute together I couldn’t connect with them as easily as with Will and Shep from Bookmarked. Milo is such a sweet guy, Wll though... I don't know, I just couldn't warm up to him.
All in a all, Bloom Box is a light and nice written contribution to the Heartsville series.
Note: The Heartsville-stories are standalones and don’t have to be read in a particular order.
dnf
January 12, 2019DNF @ 25%. Maybe I didn't give this a fair chance, but it's coming across as being about an employer perving on his young employee. And I don't like that. Also, a nursery is NOT the same as a florist shop. So I'm cutting my losses. Over and out.
March 28, 2018
I hate to use the same words in each of these quickie reviews of the Heartsville novellas but they’re all too adorable for words. Will and Milo are so cute together. I really adored this story and I liked the way the author handled the drama.
November 2, 2015
This is part of the Heartsville series, currently five novella-length stories set around the fictional town of Heartsville. Each one is written by a different author, and I enjoyed every single one. Sometimes all you want is to sit back and read a quirky, sweet romance with no angst and minimal obstacles. These stories definitely fit the bill.
October 30, 2015
I adored this short story.
January 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Milo is an absolute doll
Milo is an absolute doll
June 25, 2017
3.5*
This is a very sweet story. Kind of opposites-attract with a little when you least expect it, expect it thrown in. Will and Milo at first don't seem as if they'd be quite right for each other- Will is quiet, more reserved, older, while Milo is a young college student with a penchant for adorably running off at the mouth. But when Milo shows up just when Will needs someone, sparks fly. I liked that, even though things kind of moved fast between them, it felt more like a slow burn. I really enjoy when a novella feels like a fully fleshed out story, and this one definitely did.
Apparently this isn't the first book in the series, I should have done some research before starting! It can be read as a standalone though- there were a couple of characters I think that were probably introduced in previous books but there was nothing so glaring that I felt as if I was missing any important details. But I am for sure going to go back to the beginning- I really want to move the gayborhood of Heartsville!!
***Borrowed through KU.
August 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
I love Milo. He is so much himself and in hot pursuit of the man he wants.
Watching the flower shop come together is as fun as the romance. I would have liked more of the couple's outside relationships but this is a lovely little sexy romance.
I love Milo. He is so much himself and in hot pursuit of the man he wants.
Watching the flower shop come together is as fun as the romance. I would have liked more of the couple's outside relationships but this is a lovely little sexy romance.
November 13, 2015
This series of five books was a pure delight to read. I've read (and loved) work by Nico Jaye, Piper Vaughn and JH Knight before, but Jayden Brookes and Cate Ashwood were new to me. I'm going to review the series as a whole, although each book is standalone and could be read that way.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
3.5 stars
December 22, 2016
I really liked both of the MC's but the story was too short to have a big impact. I need to be captured and pulled out of my world and into theirs for a book to really earn high stars from me. Most short story can't do that and as much as I liked many things about this book, I just didn't get sucked into the book's universe. Overall, just a sweet and pleasant read.
November 29, 2015
I did not like it at all. Initially it felt like it dragged, with Will's constant and repetive fears regarding his business' success. Milo's character in the book felt drasticaly different than his introduction in the previous book in the series. It felt to me as if I was Reading about two different persons.
Then it was all those sex scenes, from which point onwards I skipped everything except the conversations. I don't know, but the book felt superficial and mechanical to me. There was so much hurrying. I know the length was a limitation as it was a short novella kinds, but still. I thought that all the wrong things had been jam-packed in it. I liked the previous two books in the series FAR better.
Huge disappointment!
Then it was all those sex scenes, from which point onwards I skipped everything except the conversations. I don't know, but the book felt superficial and mechanical to me. There was so much hurrying. I know the length was a limitation as it was a short novella kinds, but still. I thought that all the wrong things had been jam-packed in it. I liked the previous two books in the series FAR better.
Huge disappointment!
November 1, 2015
Yay!! Loved this one too. I got my fix of sweets today. Just what I needed
February 18, 2018
If you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is it. It's a cute little romance. Short and to the point with about three pages of "conflict." Nothing amazing, but a decent rainy-day read.
October 30, 2015
The final Heartsville book! Yay and boo!! This is my third favorite of the series; I very much enjoyed it.
I was a little hesitant at first because I remembered that I'd tried another Cate Ashwood book and couldn't get into it because I couldn't click with her writing. But I had no problems here. I was sucked in from page one, and despite there being even less drama in this than in the others, I felt the book moved very quickly and my attention never wavered. There was good dramatic tension surrounding the shop, and that really helped.
I really loved Milo and his attitude and the way he swooped in and saved the day. He was Will's very own white knight. And I loved the way Will really took to the business and flowers despite what had happened. Watching the two of them mesh together made me happy.
This is kind of a strange comment, but I was a tiny bit confused about how the whole leasing of the building thing/owning the shop thing worked. Can you do them separately? Does the shop go with the building? I wish that had been a bit more clear—there might have been extra dramatic tension about the leasing situation simply because I didn't quite get it. :)
Some parts of the story felt a tiny bit rushed/shallow. I have a feeling she was limited by word count and had to work hard to stick with it. The end result is fine, but I think this might have been even better at 30k, with a bit more detail and fleshing out here and there. (Really, I just wanted more :)
It's always sad to come to the end of a series (even if you only started it four days ago, haha), and I was worried I would find this a letdown. But I did not! It was a nice wrap-up, particularly since the end scene is one from early on in Bookmarked; that was a lot of fun :)
I absolutely recommend this series. The stories are light and fun, low on drama, high on happy. They really can be read in any order, but I like the order they were published (at the very least, reading this one after Bookmarked prevented me from being spoiled about an event in Bookmarked that's mentioned here). (Then again, ... so... 6 of one, half-dozen of another. :))
I was a little hesitant at first because I remembered that I'd tried another Cate Ashwood book and couldn't get into it because I couldn't click with her writing. But I had no problems here. I was sucked in from page one, and despite there being even less drama in this than in the others, I felt the book moved very quickly and my attention never wavered. There was good dramatic tension surrounding the shop, and that really helped.
I really loved Milo and his attitude and the way he swooped in and saved the day. He was Will's very own white knight. And I loved the way Will really took to the business and flowers despite what had happened. Watching the two of them mesh together made me happy.
This is kind of a strange comment, but I was a tiny bit confused about how the whole leasing of the building thing/owning the shop thing worked. Can you do them separately? Does the shop go with the building? I wish that had been a bit more clear—there might have been extra dramatic tension about the leasing situation simply because I didn't quite get it. :)
Some parts of the story felt a tiny bit rushed/shallow. I have a feeling she was limited by word count and had to work hard to stick with it. The end result is fine, but I think this might have been even better at 30k, with a bit more detail and fleshing out here and there. (Really, I just wanted more :)
It's always sad to come to the end of a series (even if you only started it four days ago, haha), and I was worried I would find this a letdown. But I did not! It was a nice wrap-up, particularly since the end scene is one from early on in Bookmarked; that was a lot of fun :)
I absolutely recommend this series. The stories are light and fun, low on drama, high on happy. They really can be read in any order, but I like the order they were published (at the very least, reading this one after Bookmarked prevented me from being spoiled about an event in Bookmarked that's mentioned here). (Then again, ... so... 6 of one, half-dozen of another. :))
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews