A very special thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bloom Books, for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book!

4.25 out of 5 Stars!

Jennifer Hartmann’s novel, Lotus, is a captivating story that I would recommend to any reader interested in romance, thriller, or mystery novels. While the novel is able to appeal to readers with different interests, Hartmann maintains the integrity of a unique, strongly-developed, and interesting read. Oliver is such an adorable character and I would protect him at all costs!
Although the book does contain content that may be triggering to some, I appreciate Hartmann’s responsibility as the first page of the book addresses content warnings for long-term abduction and childhood sexual assault. The use of a Content Warning page should be normalized in the book industry, and I am glad Jennifer Hartmann takes the mental health and safety of her readers seriously. That said, I also appreciate that while these themes are a primary part of the story, Jennifer Hartmann does not overuse or abuse these themes in an attempt to shock or disturb the reader. Not only is Jennifer Hartmann responsible in her motivation to warn readers about difficult subject matters, she also addresses these subject matters in a respectful and thought-out manner that is essential.
“Lotus” tells the book from two primary perspectives, with interludes from other character perspectives throughout the book. The story follows Oliver, a man who has escaped a long-term abduction, and his journey to adapting to real life and healing from his trauma. In a counter-perspective, the reader experiences Sydney’s point of view. Sydney, Oliver’s childhood best friend and both current and former neighbor, is relieved at Oliver’s escape, but haunted by the trauma of his disappearance and the lack of answers. Together, Sydney and Oliver must navigate what their past, present, and future will mean as two people who have meant so much to one another.
While I was initially nervous to read this book because of the dark themes addressed, the book was able to make me feel such a wide spectrum of emotions far beyond those of pain. Oliver’s isolation as a long-term abductee enables him to have an intelligence and appreciation for things in life that are beyond many of us. In many ways, it has made me think of the isolation many of us experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many have felt that this isolation has led to a deep loss, and perhaps even a stagnation of emotional intelligence, the depiction of Oliver has instead given me hope to what we as humanity may have learned and grown from that we would not have otherwise. Although the book addresses the grief of lost time, the primary emotion I felt while reading this book was hope. Not only is the book completely different from what I expected, but the plotline led to my immediate investment. Safe to say, I was hooked, and read this book all in one sitting.
While initially this book seemed a bit too predictable, the author did a wonderful job of completely shocking me with a twist I could not see coming! I believe the planning behind the plot was incredibly well developed as it appears the author had great intentionality behind the shift from a sense of predictability to complete shock!
Although hope was my primary emotion, I still appreciated the wide variety of emotions I felt while reading this book: shock, fear, love, hate, anger, sadness, reflection, amusement, inspiration, and tension. The author was able to beautifully balance the multiple genres of mystery, thriller, and romance. I felt each aspect of the book was given a moment to shine, and I appreciated the book’s ability to address my craving for each genre. I especially appreciated the book’s romance as it was unlike any other I have previously read. I feel it can be summed in part by my favorite quote in the book: “there is no logic in the way our hearts beat.”
“Lotus” contributes to the conversation of childhood sexual assault in a meaningful way, but I would love to see this topic be addressed further in a secondary novel focusing on the victim’s growth and healing from the trauma. I especially appreciated the point of view of a survivor’s friends and family, and the difficulty of navigating a loved one’s healing. This perspective was a very interesting and essential take on how harm cannot be solitary and discriminant, and has a ripple effect on everyone around us. In this book, I learned how when helping those around us harm from trauma, mistakes are inevitable, but compassion and patience are essential.
Finally, my only, very small, confusion is there seemed to be a small plot line hole regarding a part of the discovery of a mystery. Whether or not this is intentional as a commentary to the ineffectiveness of the police in this scenario, I am not sure. I would love to see this addressed, but I will not go into further detail here as I cannot spoil the book!
I would absolutely recommend this book to any reader interested in these genres, and I believe it can be read from a wide variety of ages. I look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Hartmann, and I cannot wait to see what she writes in the future!

There aren't enough stars for this book! This was the first book I read of Jennifer Hartmann and I fell in love with her writing right away! Oliver is one of the most beautiful characters I have ever read. Oliver and Sydney are the definition of soulmates. Their story was heartbreaking and emotional but it was also so beautiful because they found their way back to each other. I will NEVER stop recommending this book!! STOP WHAT YUO'RE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK!!!



Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

I am obsessed with Jennifer Hartmann’s writing! This story was so beautiful and very unique. I fell inlove with all of the characters and the side characters were phenomenal as well. I could not put this book down. Jennifer Hartmann does it again!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebook Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

Jennifer Hartmann has become one of my must read authors and Lotus is a perfect example of why! The love, growth and friendship her characters have for each other is beautiful. Oliver’s strength as he acclimatizes back into the world and struggles to find out who is in it was amazing to read. And Sydney’s care for all of those around her, especially Oliver, just showed how good of a friend she is. I loved reading both of these characters POVs and then I learned what lotus meant and was completely amazed! This book had so many unexpected turns that I just couldn’t put it down!

This book is being rereleased with a gorgeous new cover on September 5th! Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books for the advanced copy!

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

The books that break your heart but put it back together are my favorite and this was one of them!

Sydney is a graphic designer who builds websites for authors but painting is her real passion. 22 years ago her best friend, Oliver, was taken and she hasn’t been the same since.

Gabe is also her best friend, neighbor, and Oliver’s stepbrother. He’s a project manager for a construction company. His family was close to Sydney’s while they were growing up.

Oliver never had it easy. He went missing on July 4th almost 22 years ago but he escaped after a tragedy happened. He has returned home.

Life isn’t easy returning to the real world at 30 years old when it has been missing and hidden since 7 years old in a bunker.

“I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you until my dying day.”

So much heartbreak, loss, and trauma happen in this book. I was laughing so hard when Oliver picked out a snowsuit for her to wear to the bar.😂 He clearly doesn’t want her dressing sexy while she goes out.

Finding out the reason why Oliver was taken was shocking. I did not see that coming! I also loved the meaning behind the lotus and what it represents.


“Never underestimate a nosy neighbor.” Yes! I was so happy about that!

“It’s there we bloom.” 🥰🥰

Thank you, Jennifer Hartman, Bloom Books, and Netgalley for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram (Alexandriavwilliams_) and blog https://www.sidekickstyles.com/blogs/lit-sidekick-chronicles-adventures-in-bookish-bliss shortly.

𝑴𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝑴𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌: 😯😯😔😥😮😮😱😱🥰🥰🥵😳😍😍

Just before writing this review, I found out that 'June First' is in my TBR and waiting so this makes 'Lotus' my first Jennifer Hartmann book.
And it did it for me.
I read the book in less than 32 hours because I needed to know the real culprit behind Sydney and Oliver's messed up life.
I did have a suspicion regarding the truth and I did a little victory dance when the story reached that point.
I am a fan of mystery and 'Lotus' fairly created the evironment of thrill, suspicions, and mystery with enough romance to keep the readers on their toes.

Oliver Lynch went missing 22 years ago and then showed up out of nowhere. The story folllows how he readjusted to normal life while reliving a trauma and delves deeper into how him being lost affected his friendships and family.

I loved the idea behind Lotus, though it did came out of nowhere but all in all I give the book 4 star ratings.
The reason it's not a 5 star read for me is because I could not feel the emotions of the story (I must add I do cry when reading overly emotional themes).

Will definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a mixture of thrill and romance in their next read.

I received a free ARC of this book on NetGalley and all opinions stated are mine.

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

First of all, thank you @netgalley for this amazing ARC! My opinion is in no way influenced.
I don't know what I should say about "Lotus" other than I absolutely, whole-heartedly love it! So prepare for this review to be about me swooning about the characters, their relationship, writing style, messages (I think you get the picture).
Let's talk about Oliver who's dreamy husband-material. At first, he doesn't do well with reality after being 22 years underground. Even confused and overwhelmed, you get glimpses of his golden heart. And when he finally warms up to Sydney, I tell you, he's GORGEOUS. Smart, gentlemanly, loyal, has a weakness for hurt animals, is a painter, loves to cook for you and did I mention he's also unintentionally totally romantic? I was swooning so hard, people. So. Hard.
And the deliciously slow-burn!!! I enjoyed every scene and chapter.
Thank you so much for his POV Jennifer Hartmann in "Lotus"! That way, Oliver easily climbed on the top 5 list of my unrealistic crushes for fictional characters.
Sydney is a strong FMC with a soft side, a love for comfy clothes, knock-knock jokes and her dirty-book collection. She has a special relationship with her neighbor Gabe (who gets his own story in another book!!!) and her sister and single-mom Clem. I love their dynamics, the teasing and serious moments. I wish I could talk more about Sydney and the walls she has built after Oliver's disappearance and why I understand the way she acts but that would involve spoilers.
I counted and marked more than 70 quotes. Some of them were really deep and had a lot of meaning. If that doesn't mean I love the writing style then I don't know what does.

5+/5⭐️

5 stars - This is my second book by Jennifer Hartmann and they were both 5-star reads for me. It was a heartbreaking dark romance with some mystery to it.

Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Words cannot describe this book. I loved it all. It’s a heartbreaking, beautifully written story. Romance with a mystery. Loved the 90’s throwbacks through this book. I laughed, cried, and all the feels.

Thank you NetGalley, this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

I loved this book! Jennifer Hartmann is a new favorite author of mine! This one had me in all my feels and I can’t wait to read more by her!

Read this if your childhood friends to lovers with 90s vibes! Double POV.

This was a beautiful dark suspenseful romance and I loved Oliver!!

This one was just okay in my opinion. I liked the storyline, the childhood lovers trope, and Oliver. God I loved Oliver. It also had some funny moments between Sydney and her sister, Clem, that were super relatable if you have siblings. The twist with the situation was great. The meaning of Lotus made my my heart melt.

What I didn’t like was the slow-burn and repetitive situations. The only reason situations were repetitive, was because of how Sydney’s character acted. I hated her character. She was so wishy-washy. For most of the book, I felt like she led Oliver on. One minute, she was flirting. The next, she was telling him they couldn’t be together. And then they would get so close to sleeping together, and then she would stop right before they had sex. I don’t like when women do this. You either want him or not, don’t be a tease.

Thank you for sending the ARC of the re-release. It has a beautiful new cover!

Lotus was a rollercoaster for me. Highs & lows over and over. I think the premise is great...almost like a thriller mixed in with romance. Overall I liked the characters but more than once I felt myself cringing at the dialog and was turned off by it at times. Love all the nostalgic pop culture references & there is a pet raccoon! The ending and how the story all came together and wrapped up redeemed it a bit for me. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I may have found a new favourite author. I have read two of her books and given them both 5stars.
I love this story. Oliver escaped from a bunker that he has been living in for the last 22 years. He comes home and starts to live again with his brother, Gabe and rekindles things with the girl next door. This was swoony. Oiver is the sweetest.
The wit in this book is absolutely wonderful. There was an entire scene about Facebook that had me laughing out loud. The relationships between Clem and Sydney and Gabe and Oliver were some of the best sibling relationships I’ve read. I think romantic suspense may need to be a genre I check out more often too. It wasn’t the strongest mystery I’ve read but it was there and I enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance readers copy