Jennifer Hartmann knows how to gut her readers in all of the best ways.

Lotus was a read that holds such an incredible fear and was quite frankly the story you can’t look away from. The horrors of disappearing and being held captive before the final escape, this was a read that details the “after”. With so many layers of trauma and interconnected darkness, you can’t help but power through to piece the puzzle together.

Sydney and Oliver were such incredible characters and the healing they navigated together and individually was addicting to watch. Their almost slow budding romance that had always burned between the two really held the innocence of childhood friendship while blossoming into leaning onto each other while processing this trauma.

Hartmann writes stories that are incredibly difficult at times to process because of the content and yet does so in an incredible way that brings the “dark romance” into a new light.

Wow this story is amazing.
For 22 years Oliver has been missing, kidnapped, and lost to the world.
Until he is found on the side of the road in a hazmat suit and mask.
The strength of Oliver is immense. Locked in a basement and brainwash the world has been nuked and unlivable. He is so mentally strong. Even when he is re-introduced into the world you can a sense strength, acceptance, and willingness to move on and live life to the fullest.

I think he realize what many people don't. That you only live once and you should do it with no regrets.
He loves Sydney. Even though he does not have all this memories, Sydney was always with him.

The story is one of finding strength. Pushing through horror and finding justice and peace.
Very well written love story

Love Love Love! Anything written by Jennifer Hartman is a masterpiece in my eyes. This book had me crying, laughing, and practically rolling around with giddiness. If I could give this 6 stars, I would.

Man I loved this story so much. You expect romance books to end just as expected. This one has twists, surprises and drama. I loved the characters. I loved how Oliver learned the world post abduction.

If you loved books like Things We Never Got Over, you’ll love this one!

Thank you #NetGalley & #Bloom for the eARC!

Another gorgeous romance by Jennifer Hartmann about a tragedy that eventually turns into something beautiful. Oliver is an amazing character and after 22 years of captivity is incredibly intelligent from reading books about almost every subject, but has a childlike innocence because of his sheltered life. Watching him try to acclimate himself into a world that has completely changed with cell phones and internet and all sorts of innovations that he hasn’t experienced is fascinating but also a little heart wrenching. Sydney’s attempts to bring back her childhood best friend are so endearing, with the missteps that one would expect from a terrible situation that is so foreign for anyone trying to navigate.

Jennifer does an amazing job of getting into the mindsets of both characters, and of really delving into just how traumatizing and difficult the introduction to normal life would be after years of captivity. The twists and turns of figuring out exactly what the motivation was of Oliver’s kidnapping were really intense and added an intrigue to the book with a satisfying ending.

I really enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it.

Thanks to Bloom publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Oliver was kidnapped as a child and held captive for over two decades. Now, twenty-two years later, he has escaped and is reunited with his loved ones, including his childhood best friend, Sydney.

Prior to reading this novel, I saw a lot of rave reviews for it all over social media and I can understand why people really liked it, as the author does a great job with character development and weaving the complexity of the main characters’ emotions throughout the book. However, I have learned that this type of romance novel and the destiny trope are just not for me, though I can appreciate that the story was very well-written and unique. I would recommend this novel to any romance reader who likes the destiny trope and especially to anyone who loved Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Lovely read. Oliver's healing after suffering so much is the best part of the story. Liked Oliver and Sydney both. Different storyline with emotions and feelings. Nice time pass read. Written in easy-to-read style with happily ever after.

I am impressed at how well the author honored the different experiences of the characters around the main trauma without it becoming "trauma porn" or unrealistic. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded if this book was even longer if it meant showing the personal growths of more of the characters.

This is definitely one of my top friends to lovers recommendations and I'm looking forward to reading other works by this author.

My heart broke in so many pieces! But slowly healed by the end of the this story! What an incredible journey. I can’t imagine being so little and being abducted and fed so many lies.. the world can be so freaking cruel… and the families that searched and searched for this sweet boy..

I absolutely loved Sydney’s character. She’s so much fun. And Oliver… sweet sweet Oliver… ugh I love him! I loved watching their child friendship turn into so much more! There were some comical parts thrown in which definitely helped with the dark parts that you read. I absolutely loved this story. And… if you’ve read this authors other book, Still Beating, you’ll get a little bit of those other characters sprinkled in.

I lost it when you finally find the meaning of the Lotus and how it comforted Oliver through all those years of captivity.

Overall. One of the greatest stories from this author!

LOTUS is without a doubt one of my favourite books this year and Jennifer Hartmann is fast becoming an author whose writing a really adore.
This books has everything; raw emotion, suspense, humour and bucketloads of sexual tension. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but when it finally happens…Oh boy!! *Swoons*
Oliver is such a quirky character; he’s not your typical alpha, and I think that’s why I loved him so much. His life wasn’t normal and this had a huge impact on him and the way he reacts in certain situations. He’s so endearing and I honestly couldn’t get enough of him.
I adored Sydney too. Her love for Oliver was unwavering; since they were kids he’s all she’s ever wanted and she dealt with him so beautifully and sensitively.

I would highly recommend you go into this one blind as there a few reviews out there that give away really important plot points.

I genuinely loved everything about LOTUS and will definitely be reading it again very soon.

4⭐️

It’s a touching, sad but so real. The journey that Oliver and Syd gas to go through to finally found each other again after 20 years apart. Every struggle and reluctance of moving forward to protect her heart, it’s just so heartbreakingly beautiful.

𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anyone avoids reading a book because they know it will reach an emotional level they weren’t ready for. That was me with Jennifer Hartmann’s “Lotus”. I had “Lotus” sitting in my KU library for almost a year until I reluctantly returned it, shaking my head and convincing myself I wasn’t ready. Let me preface that I had already read “Still Beating” twice—don’t ask. I’m tormented inside and don’t want to acknowledge it.

The re-release of “Lotus” was a sign that I needed to read it. Of course, my adrenaline shot up on the first page, and I questioned myself—I love this stuff, right? Yes, yes, I do.

I appreciate Jennifer Hartmann getting right into it. Although it might not work for some readers that need to be eased into it, this works for me.

She tells the story from the point of Oliver being found as an adult after being k¡dnapp€d as a small child. Hartmann cleverly interspersed his memories to show the readers what happened while he was gone leading up to the present day. I say cleverly because many authors attempt to write the past/present in their stories but often leave me feeling more confused than anything. Hartmann’s writing smoothly tells Oliver’s emotional story, weaving it beautifully through the pages.

“Lotus” begins as a story of a missing child finally found as an adult and how he is adapting to his new life. But it was also a story of the ability to let go and move on.

My only regret about “Lotus” was waiting so long to read it. I rarely discuss my top reads, but by far, “Lotus” ranks high—full of anguish, heartache, and tears. It was worth every bit.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this book. If there’s one thing Jennifer does well, it’s believable, distinct characters with GENUINE dialogue. I cannot get enough of it. She writes characters that feel like real people, and she is able to paint such vivid imagery it makes her books a joy to read.

I loved this story. I loved Oliver & I loved Syd. I especially appreciated how despite Oliver being held captive for most of his life, he did not feel childlike- so many stories with the “separated from society” trope end up making the characters feel like 30 year old children, but this book did not have that issue at all. Oliver still managed to feel like a fully formed adult man, while also having his own hurdles to get over from his captivity.

5 biiig stars.

“𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔏𝔬𝔱𝔲𝔰 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔟𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔪 𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔰𝔱 𝔪𝔞𝔤𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔣𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯, 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫 𝔴𝔥𝔢𝔫 𝔦𝔱𝔰 𝔯𝔬𝔬𝔱𝔰 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔪𝔲𝔯𝔨𝔦𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔬𝔣 𝔴𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔰.”

This book captivated me from start to finish, largely due to its thoughtful handling of Oliver's traumatic past and his remarkable journey towards healing and reacquainting himself with the world he was forcibly separated from. What sets this romance apart is the genuine patience and understanding displayed by Sydney, which adds depth and authenticity to their evolving relationship.

One of the standout elements of is the mystery surrounding Oliver's captivity keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with unexpected twists and turns leading to a jaw-dropping revelation. The scene where we glimpse Oliver's childhood perspective and then contrast it with the interpretation of an adult is a true gem, shedding light on the profound meaning behind the lotus.

Both Sydney and Oliver embark on individual journeys of self-discovery before fully embracing their love for each other. This approach adds depth to their connection and makes their romance all the more meaningful.
The MFC and MMC has that strong, healthy relationship is built on a foundation of self-awareness and personal growth.

This novel combines a beautifully executed friends-to-lovers storyline with the exploration of trauma, suspense, and profound character development.

Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am not a reader who goes for big emotions in books. I like rom com and fantasy and avoid the hard stuff. Jennifer Hartmann writes books that I shouldn't like. But the super hard situations and tough topics and intense romances make her books so compelling. I start them knowing that I wont stop. Lotus was the same way.

This story of Oliver's return to his home after being abducted for 20 years and his reunion with his childhood best friend is addicting and emotional and completely page turning. I got frustrated at times by Sydney, but the pay off was so worth it.

I was really hoping to love this story, but, unfortunately, I didn’t. The plot was okay, but I couldn’t follow along consistently with the story. I kept getting sidetracked and rereading the same pages over and over. I also couldn’t connect with any of the characters. They were fine, but I didn’t care too much about what would happen to them in the end. I feel like this may be due to the writing style, which felt very dry to me. There were also some spicy scenes, but even these didn’t do it for me. This my own personal opinion and I do see the appeal this story will have on others. It just wasn’t for me.

"Like every star in the galaxy tumbled to Earth and crawled beneath my skin."

This book was heartbreaking, and beautiful, and sad, and hopeful. While I was very much moved by the story I felt there was something missing, though - maybe it's just me but I wish there had been a bit more focus on the emotional trauma and everything Oliver was going through after coming back. Nevertheless this book, about a boy who had gone missing, presumed dead, and is found almost twenty-two years later, is definitely worth a read, and the connection and love Oliver and his childhood best friend Sydney once shared and found again decades later - she never gave up hope he would be back - had me turning the pages as fast as I could.

Thank you so much Bloom Books for the advance copy of this gorgeous rerelease, which was my first book by the author - the cover is absolutely stunning!

"The Lotus will bloom into the most magnificent flower, even when its roots are in the murkiest of waters."

Ps. Read the Content Warning at the beginning of the book and act accordingly as it might be triggering for some people.

★ ★ ★ ★ | 🌶.5

18+ check TWs

!! POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION !!

*A special thank you to Netgalley and Bloom Books for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

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I’ll be completely honest, Still Beating holds a special place in my heart, so it definitely has some pretty big shoes to fill. And I have to say, Lotus came pretty close.

I loved this book. The plot was really interesting and had similar elements to Still Beating. I liked the dual POV because I liked hearing both of their thoughts throughout the scenes. I do wish though that we got some flashback chapters, instead of some brief flashbacks.

Don’t even get me started on Oliver and Sydney. Man, were they the cutest ever? Oliver is such a sweetheart and I loved the addition of the very textbook way he speaks, especially since he didn’t have much socialization. I do, however, feel like Sydney could have had more character development. I wanted more of who she was outside of Oliver.

As much as I loved these two together, they need some serious therapy. I think that is something that we needed to see for both of them— and even Gabe— as they cope with their losses and gains throughout the story. I think the addition of that would have solved the issue of the book dragging a little bit.

I loved the brief Cora appearance and seeing Tabitha. I cannot wait to read about Tabitha and Gabe. Tabitha’s story is one I always wanted more of and I’m so excited to read about it.

Overall, this book was great. But I think Still Beating is number in my heart.

Beautiful and heartbreaking ..
Oliver and Sydney were best friends when they were kids .. but in an unfortunate turn of event Oliver disappears leaving Sydney's heart broken..
After 22 years, Oliver comes back, stirring childhood memories .. and some unresolved feelings ..
Utterly angsty, well written, a beautiful journey of healing and finding love ..
Read if you like:
-Childhood friends
-Close proximity
-Slow burn
-Journey of healing
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Please check trigger warnings before reading..

Having been abducted when he was a child Oliver manages to escape after twenty years of captivity. Oliver struggles to adjust to post-abduction life with the help of his step brother Gabe and his childhood best friend Sydney. Oliver and Sydney's story is an emotional roller-coaster that leaves the reader routing for love to aid in overcoming traumas of the past.

Friends to Lovers
Flash Back Chapters
Intense Family Dynamics
His First Time