"Lotus" by Jennifer Hartman is a stunning novel that combines mystery, romance, and psychological depth to create an unforgettable reading experience.

The story revolves around Sydney Neville, who has spent over two decades living with the pain of her best friend Oliver's unexplained disappearance on the Fourth of July. Hartman portrays Sydney's emotional journey with remarkable depth, making her a character readers will instantly connect with.

When Oliver Lynch, the missing boy, suddenly returns after years in captivity, the rekindling of their friendship is beautifully depicted. The complexity of their relationship as they confront their changed selves is expertly explored.

What makes "Lotus" exceptional is its ability to blend these elements into a gripping narrative seamlessly. As Oliver seeks to recover his lost memories and make peace with his past, the story becomes a suspenseful and thought-provoking journey.

Hartman's poetic prose immerses readers in the story's atmosphere, making you feel the characters' emotions and the eerie world they navigate.

With unexpected twists and a masterful weaving of past and present, "Lotus" keeps you engaged until the final page. It's a testament to love's resilience in the face of darkness and the enduring power of connection.

Jennifer Hartman's "Lotus" is a must-read for those seeking a compelling and emotionally charged story that lingers long after you've finished it.

For the first half of the book Syd was not my favorite, she had so many walls which hurt Oliver in the long run. The second half tho was perfect. The growth with friendships, relationships, family, and pets! All of it was so heartwarming. The 6 months later and The epilogue made LOSE IT😂😂 they were so funny and made the ending so bitter sweet! I’m gonna miss lotus very much.
I also hope I’m not the only one who CRIED when we figured out “lotus”😭

5⭐️ 3🌶 5🎧

Jennifer Hartmann is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love how she writes these complex characters who have suffered and survived so much and yet are still really amazing people, even if they are flawed and trying to best to cope with their trauma.

There were some really good twists in this book and I was so anxious to keep reading it and find out what happened.

I really loved Oliver. He was just so endearing and straightforward. I died when he suggested that Sydney wear a parka to her job as a bartender and died again when he gave Gabe his Christmas present.

Through Sydney we see that there are more victims to traumatic events than just those who directly experienced them. It was something that I think can be easily overlooked.

I would check content and trigger warnings for this book because it deals with a lot of heavy subjects. But this was definitely a 5⭐️ read for me.

Updated 8/24/23
This book was just as good the second time. I just finished the audiobook and I loved it! Marie Hawkins and TJ Clark did a wonderful job of bringing Sydney and Oliver’s to life.

I am even more excited to read Tabitha and Gabe’s book. I cannot wait for October.

This book had me in a chokehold! It was tragic, heartbreaking , and beautifully written. It is dark but it’s so much more. Oliver and Sydney were childhood friends when Oliver disappears and then returns 22 years later. Oliver is such a unique character and I loved every bit of him! Everything that he went through was tragic. It took me a bit to warm up to Sydney, but I ended up loving her by about 50% through the story. The growth that these two achieved throughout their story was beautiful and amazing to read.

Overall I really loved this book. It was hard and emotional at times but also beautiful. Please check trigger warnings as this will be triggering for some.

"Lotus" by Jennifer Hartmann is a poignant and haunting tale of lost friendship, second chances, and the enduring power of connection.

The story follows Sydney Neville, a woman whose life was forever altered when her best friend, Oliver Lynch, went missing on the Fourth of July twenty-two years ago. To the world, Oliver was the missing boy, but to Sydney, he was her everything. Sydney has spent the years since Oliver's disappearance building a life around the void he left behind, but her heart still aches for the friend she lost.

When Oliver miraculously returns after being held captive underground for decades, Sydney's world is turned upside down once again. The narrative beautifully captures the emotional complexity of their reunion. Both Sydney and Oliver grapple with the passage of time, their changed selves, and the deep connection that still binds them.

Jennifer Hartmann skillfully explores the themes of trauma, healing, and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters are vividly depicted, their emotions raw and palpable. The author delves into their inner struggles, portraying the intricate layers of pain, guilt, and longing that shape their interactions. As Sydney and Oliver attempt to navigate the uncharted territory of their rekindled friendship, they confront not only the gaps in their past but also the obstacles that stand between them in the present.

The writing style of "Lotus" is immersive and evocative, capturing the atmosphere of both nostalgia and the unsettling present. The slow unraveling of Oliver's captivity and the impact it had on him adds an element of mystery and suspense to the narrative. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about memory, identity, and the ways in which trauma can shape a person's perception of reality.

At its core, "Lotus" is a story of hope and resilience. It delves into the complexities of love that transcends time and distance, while also addressing the scars left by trauma and the challenges of letting go of the past. With its beautifully drawn characters and emotionally charged storytelling, "Lotus" is a captivating read that explores the fragility and strength of the human heart.

4.75 Stars
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy of this book. This book was so good, it had me laughing, crying, giggling, and swooning. It was just as good as Still Beating, but it definitely had some lighter notes and some laugh out loud moments. Sydney and Oliver are soulmates and are so cute. I loved getting to hear about Cora and Dean, as well as seeing Tabitha get her happy ending. Trigger warnings should still be checked for this book.

Another beautiful story of love and survival from Jennifer Hartmann.

I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. Oliver and Syd's story was so beautiful and devastating at the same time. I've never been through so many emotions reading a single book, I went through tears, laughs and rage for all of the characters and the journey they went through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

*Make sure to check trigger warnings for this book as it covers a lot of heavy topics*

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Lotus
Jennifer Hartmann
4.22
22,972 ratings3,117 reviews
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"All these years, I've never given my heart to anyone… The truth is, I didn't have a heart to give. My heart was with a ghost."

To the rest of the world, he was the little boy who went missing on the Fourth of July. But to Sydney Neville, he was everything. Her heart hasn't been the same since her best friend disappeared, but she's learned to build her life around that missing piece.

Twenty-two years later, the last thing Sydney expects is for Oliver Lynch to return. Having been captive underground for decades, he's unfamiliar with the strange new world that awaits him―but he's alive. He's here. And no matter how he's changed, he and Sydney both still feel the connection that runs between them.

But as their reborn friendship begins to feel like something more, Sydney and Oliver realize there are still jagged, painful truths creating space between them. The walls Sydney's built don't want to come down, and as Oliver hunts for his missing memories and lost time, he realizes his nightmare is not yet over.

With nothing as it seems, is there space for love to bloom in this dark place?

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Genres
Romance
Contemporary
Dark
Contemporary Romance
Mystery
Adult
Fiction

...more
344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2021


Book details & editions



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About the author
Profile Image for Jennifer Hartmann.
Jennifer Hartmann
15 books4,129 followers

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Jennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her own personal romance hero and three children. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely pondering all the ways she can break your heart and piece it back together again. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, bingeing Buffy the
I love Jennifer Hartmann. Her books really can be at times painful. But it's always that pain that brings out the ending we (and the characters) deserve.

What Oliver goes through is one of the most painful things that a human being could make another go through. And sadly it's all to real. This isn't a fake monster or something out of this world.

But Oliver's strength through the book shines through. And I just loved Sydney. The way the two of them interact was another Jennifer win. This is one of my favorites by her. And we get cameos from other characters? Yes please.

If you like your books to bring on the pain then definitely give this one a try. It's not an easy one but it's worth it. The romance is top notch. If you're into that sort of thing.

Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann
Format: audiobook/ebook
Re-release Date: 9/5/23
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Y’all, Jennifer Hartmann can write an absolutely twisted, dark, beautiful love story. I am always amazed at how well she can balance dark and light in her narratives and Lotus was no exception!

I really loved Oliver and Sydney’s love story and enjoyed seeing them both heal and grow together. I’m also a sucker for a book that has cute animal characters and adored Athena 🦝 and Alexis 🐈 so much!

There were definitely moments where I couldn’t get behind the romance because of how childlike and almost robotic Oliver still seemed post escape. It also all seemed a little unlikely that he would still be speaking the way he was after being reintroduced to society for a year or so.

I think I’ve been spoiled with too many great male narrators lately and I’m becoming picky, but I really did not enjoy the male narration on this audiobook. Between the narrator and my slight qualms about how Oliver was written, I found myself disengaged at points and not liking the character. I would definitely recommend skipping the audio and just reading this one with your eyeballs instead!

On the upside, the side characters all had beautiful moments and it was really nice to see Tabitha again as well! I love when authors write in a shared universe despite their books technically not being a series!

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted advanced copies in return for my honest opinion!

Firstly, thank you to netgalley for giving me an arc of this book.
I wanted to love this so much. I really enjoyed “still beating” by the same author and thought this would be similar, dark and suspenseful, but it’s nothing alike.
I dnf’d this at 51%.
I really tried to keep going but it was just putting me in a slump.
The writing of this novel is very surface Level. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters.
Oliver was the best out of all by far but his dialogue was also cringy at times. I know his character had a sheltered life and this resulted in him not knowing much about society however at times it seemed Jennifer was trying a little too hard to make him seem ignorantly funny.
For example when Oliver is learning about the mistletoe tradition and he says “missile’s toes?” “I’m unsure what a projectile with feet has to do with kissing” …
Talk about cringe.

Also the fmc was incredibly annoying, she was a commitmentfobe with absolutely no redeeming qualities and I felt absolutely no connection between the fmc and mmc despite being constantly reminded their connection was “magnetic”. Hello… where!?!

Just not on the same level as still beating.

Deuxième titre de l’autrice que je lis et encore une fois, je suis complètement séduite par sa plume.

Cette fois-ci, nous allons suivre Oliver, un jeune homme qui vient tout juste d’être retrouvé après avoir passé 22 ans en captivité et Sydney, sa meilleure amie qui ne l’a jamais oublié et qui va tout faire pour le réintégrer à la société… Alors va-t-elle réussir à l’aider? Est-ce que les sentiments seront toujours présents?

J’ai adoré ma lecture du début à la fin, c’est addictif, je l’ai lu d’une traite tant la plume m’a séduite. Les thèmes abordés sont vraiment bien traités et surtout ils sortent de l’ordinaire et ils prennent aux tripes. Les personnages sont très attachants surtout Oliver que j’ai eu envie de serrer dans mes bras à plusieurs reprises. Le fait que l’on revoit des personnages de Still Beating donne du baume au cœur mais aussi que Tabitha soit un personnage secondaire nous prépare à son livre!

En bref, si vous avez aimé Still Beating, n’hésitez pas à lire ce livre!

This story is an absolute whirlwind of emotions! The blend of mystery, tragedy, and romance creates an addictive narrative that has you completely captivated.

From the very start, the way these different genres seamlessly intertwine is a stroke of brilliance. I'm genuinely stunned by how the story manages to keep you hooked and feeling an entire spectrum of emotions – it's not every day you find a story that can evoke such a wide range of feelings.

And that ending... talk about a cliffhanger! You're literally on the edge of your seat, desperately wanting to know what will happen next. The unpredictability of the events that unfold reminds you that life can be incredibly surprising, throwing unexpected curveballs your way when you least expect it.

What really struck me was how the characters, amidst all the turmoil and damage, find a way to evolve from friends to lovers. It's like a glimmer of hope shining through the chaos, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love has the power to flourish and bring light to our lives.

In a world where stories sometimes feel predictable, this one breaks the mold. It's a rollercoaster ride that brilliantly demonstrates the complexities of human emotions and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a tale that will stick with you, showcasing the highs and lows of life, love, and the remarkable strength we can find within ourselves.

Sometimes I have to ask myself why do I put myself through this. I am one of those readers who hate DNFing books. (I see that eye roll Jessica, Sorry had to send the shade to my boss.). But I hate it!!! This one I should have just DNFed though. I was so excited to read this one but it was just so horrible. The execution of this one fell so far from what I thought I was getting I should have just shut my kindle and went to something else. But I did not do that. I read the entire thing and now I hate myself. I loved Oliver but even he was not enough to save this disaster of a story. It was bland and boring, and in some cases confusing. The other characters were crap and underdeveloped and the entire thing was just stinky.

thank you NetGalley for the e-book. This book is absolutely one of my favorites. SYDNEY AND OLIVER ARE EVERYTHING!!!! Oliver lynch is literally the sweetest, perfect Angel baby of all time. Especially his relationship with his raccoon Athena. That was one of the sweetest moments ever. I will protect Oliver lynch with my whole life!!! This was such a beautiful story’s. JH continues to remain one of my favorite authors of all time.

This is THE best book I’ve read in a long time. I didn’t know what to expect after reading Still Beating (which was amazing, but heartbreaking). This book had everything though. The love, the slow burn angst, the drama, and the suspense. Holy cow. I was a fan before, but this book. My lord this was an amazing book.

Sydney's neighbor and best friend, Oliver, disappeared 22 years ago. Her, his step-brother, Gabe, and the rest of the world thought he was dead. But he just came back from his captivity, brainwashed, with no memory of who Syd is, thinking he made her up in his stories - The Queen of Lotus.
This is a best friends to strangers to lovers romance, and this is no romcom, so check your triggers.
It's told in dual POVs, Syd and Oliver, in first person, plus flashbacks to Oliver's time in captivity and flashbacks from their childhood, where he was told by a man, Bradford, that there had been a nuclear explosion and that he had to stay with him to be safe... I loved how distinctive Oliver's voice was, his way of speaking/thinking was really easy to recognize, I never had to wonder or look back to figure out which POV a chapter was from. At one point, Oliver thinks he should start dating, because he wants a wife and children. So, of course, Syd has to show him how to kiss and do things... Oliver is so sweet, and naive, and innocent, and the why of it it is heartbreaking. He's a grown man with an 8 year old sense of relationships with others, so he has no filter. I loved the side characters, especially Gabe and Chem, and their relationships and interactions with the MCs. Although it not a sequel to Still Beating, Tabitha and Cora are there as side characters. One of the twists surprised me, but once that twist was unraveling, I kind of figured out the rest fairly easily. I still enjoyed (and loathed) it. I absolutely loved this book. It was such a page-turner, and yet I had to refrain myself, because I felt like I needed to take my time with it. And I did. As I said, it is not a fluffy romcom. This is a heartbreaking and very hard story to read. It is gut-wrenching, very unique, and I loved it. It will stay with me for a while. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"What did it feel like to you?
Like every star in the galaxy tumbled to Earth and crawled beneath my skin."
"I have a hard time believing someone could kiss you and regret it."
"One week without his closeness, his quirks, his charm, his beautiful soul radiating into me, and it felt like a part of me had withered away. I have no idea how I survived twenty two years."
"Not all love is meant to stay. Sometimes it only serves a temporary purpose."
"This isn't about learning anymore. This is about how I feel for you."
"You heal me. Every day, you put another piece of me back together."
"I don't deserve you.
You always deserve what is meant for you, and if anything is meant to be, it's us."
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lotus rereleases September 5, 2023

<i>“There is beauty to be found everywhere… even in the things that scare us.”</I>

When Sydney was the age of 7, her childhood best friend and neighbour, Oliver, went missing. After being abducted for 22 years, he has finally been found alive and slowly, we get to see his acclimation back to civilian life, and living with his step-brother Gabe in their childhood home.

For two decades, his abductor had him convinced and brainwashed to think that the world was destroyed and that the air was contaminated.

One of Oliver’s coping mechanisms to living a life in solitary was to create comics and what he thought to be an artificial companion — the Queen of the Lotus — but was actually a character based off of his little remaining memories of Syd.
Throughout the story, we learn the significance of what Lotus means (when I tell you my jaw DROPPED).

This story is so tragic, so complex, and so full of emotion.
With Hartmann’s writing, it’s very easy to form attachments and strong feelings to the characters within the opening pages.
It takes a lot of skill to write a character who was isolated for two decades, through all of their major developmental stages of life, to be so charming and with characteristics akin to a child-like innocence in a way that is not at all childish, and without a single bad bone in his body.

I was really wracking my brain on what Bradford’s motivations were for taking Oliver, and then when everything was revealed, my heart was in my throat.

Every last puzzle piece was connected and no stone was left unturned in terms of answers and what happened to every character leading up to that fateful fourth of July.

The only thing I wasn’t wholly fond of was that one sentence early on where Clementine said: <I>“Well, your hot, traumatized friend is in better shape than my physical trainer. Captivity is a good look for him.”</I> — the sentiment just rubbed me the wrong way.

Other than that, this story had me fully hooked from start to end and I could <I>not</I> put it down.
The domesticated raccoon was the most unexpected yet hilarious part of the story, and we even get a crossover from characters that were from <I>Still Beating</I>!

cw: SA involving a child

This book was everything. I enjoyed it so much. She is someone I will look for more books. She could easily be a new fave author.

I am a WRECK. Jennifer Hartmann's, Lotus, is a heartwrenching romance about second chances, finding your way out of the darkness, and hope! I was hooked the entire time!

This is my first time reading Jennifer Hartmann, but I've heard to expect a few tears. And my fellow readers were right because this story and these characters tug at your heart. It's impossible not to like them. The story follows Sydney, Oliver, and Gabe. Oliver was kidnapped at around 8 years old and his brother, Gabe, and best friend, Sydney, have to find a way to move on without him. Flash forward twenty-two years later, and they are given a second chance when Oliver is found.

Oliver has been locked up in a small room since he was a child and comes out into the real world as a man. Gabe and Sydney are excited and feel like it's a dream, but they don't want to say or do the wrong thing that could trigger him. Do they ask questions about what happened? Do they pretend like everything is back to normal? it's definitely complicated for everyone involved, but the bond between Sydney and Oliver is still there.

Oliver and Sydney knew they loved each other since they were young, so when Sydney thought she lost him for good she closed off her heart. Never in a serious relationship, she finds it hard to handle the rush of feelings she has for Oliver. She doesn't want to take advantage of him in any way and that's difficult because the sexual tension is apparent. Oliver may be a virgin and inexperienced when it comes to women, but his innocence allows him to be straightforward with Sydney. She is the person that kept him going even in the darkest of times. He admits his feelings and doesn't know how to feel when Sydney won't admit her true feelings. But as time continues to go on it's impossible to not express their love.

This is such a heartbreaking and beautiful story tied into one. The characters are so complex and have been through so much but Oliver and Sydney find the light and happiness when they are together. I also loved that Gabe was able to find his happiness. I admit I gasped out loud so many times during the last few chapters because there are so many unexpected moments. Be prepared because it's an emotional read that will pull at your heartstrings.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

I thought this book had a fairly promising start. The passing of time was really confusing to me because it wasn’t clear throughout the book that time was passing, until the character said/thought “oh it’s the end of summer now” or “it’s been x amount of months since Oliver has been home”. I also thought the last 20% was too much and maybe a little thrown together. I also did not need the epilogue. It was way too much for me.

Wouldn’t recommend. I can’t see any of my friends enjoying this book.