Jennifer Hartmann is an absolute delight and I adore everything she writes. She’s an autobuy author for me. Lotus was amazing and highly recommend.

I loved the connection that Oliver and Sydney had from the beginning to the end. You can tell how much of an impact she had on him from the get-go. Also, Olivers development as a character was absolutely amazing. You could tell how much he hurt, with such little dialogue. Plus the twists and turns! My jaw was dropping at the end.

Oooh! Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book!

Such an epic read.
I love a good love story, something to change pace and escape from reality! I am off to read Still Beating by this author and I'm soo excited!

Thank you to netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this but then it just made me feel really uncomfortable and I just could not get on board with the main couple it didn’t feel right, I felt that he had been taken advantage of due to his mental state.

I find myself deeply moved by the poignant journey of Sydney Neville, whose life has been irrevocably altered by the loss and unexpected return of her childhood friend, Oliver. Hartmann's storytelling is both powerful and evocative, drawing me into a world where the ghosts of the past are as tangible as the present.

The narrative centers around Sydney, who has crafted her life around the void left by Oliver's disappearance. The depth and complexity of her character are striking, resonating with a sense of authenticity that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. When Oliver reappears, the book navigates their reborn friendship with an emotional intensity that captivates and challenges, making me ponder the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

The emotional spectrum of "Lotus" is vast and varied, described by many as emotional, dark, and mysterious. Hartmann's writing effortlessly conveys the intricate dance of heartache and hope, pulling me into the characters' lives with a magnetic force. The story is a masterful blend of character and plot-driven elements, with a strong focus on character development that enriches the narrative experience.

Hartmann has crafted a novel that not only tells a story but also invites introspection and a deep connection with the characters' struggles and triumphs. It's a journey through loss, healing, and the enduring power of friendship that challenges and comforts in equal measure. Hartmann's narrative prowess is on full display, making "Lotus" a book that lingers in the heart and mind long after the last page is turned.

I was intrigued the moment I read the blurb and suffice to say I really enjoy reading this book!

There's a secret behind the title of this book 'Lotus'. My heart breaks a little when I realized the meaning behind it. I wouldn't spoiled it for you because it'll be a major let down if I do so, read this book if you're curious!

This story is told in dual POV with good pacing, short chapters and easy to read writing style which makes this book pretty hard to put down and go do other things.

As for the characters, I really enjoy seeing through Oliver's POV (MMC) as he reacquainted himself with the world after being told a lie almost all his life from his kidnapper. It was heart-breaking and I was rooting for him throughout the story.

However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC - Sydney. I didn't agree with some of the decisions she made regarding her relationship with Oliver which slowly develops into something more than just childhood friendship. Although, I really like the friendship she had with Gabe, Oliver's younger brother.

Overall, it's a pretty good read and there's also a slight twist about the mystery behind Oliver's kidnapping event which really surprised me.

I was able to enjoy this book just fine without having to read other books which set in the same universe as this one, like Tabitha - a character that pops up here actually has her own book. But it makes me want to know her story so I'll check it out later!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Kidnapping, confinement, pedophillia, sexual content, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

This storytelling and writing was so consuming. I loved getting to dive into these characters' stories. Their story was so beautiful. Oliver was the epitome of the sweet book boyfriend everyone wants. He was so lovable and romantic. It was such a fast paced read that just had me the whole time! Highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom Books fro giving me an e-arc of the rerelease of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the story behind all the characters. This would've been a five star book, but I found Olivers POV to be very robotic for most of the story. I realize that that is in part due to the events that happen in the book, but the further along in the story I got, the more I found it to be annoying. But other than that I really enjoyed this book.

I loved this story and bought a physical copy for my shelf’s. The story was beautifully written by Jennifer Hartmann

Honestly this just wasnt the book for me. I just couldnt connect to the characters. I am sure there are others who would love this book but it just wasnt my favourite by this author

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.

Truly enjoyed Oliver and his storyline. I thought that the whole idea behind his kidnapping was unique and gripping. I would have preferred if there wasn't such a heavy focus on Oliver and Sydney's sexual relationship because I felt they both deserved more intellectual connection displayed to the reader.

I think the story would have been more compelling if it focused less on physical attraction and more on the fact that he was kidnapped for over two decades and still survived. Especially since we rarely get novels where it's a boy/male that is the kidnapped one.

I wanted to love this more than I did. The writing was great but the story fell flat to me. Sydney seems to be a little childish and disregards all that Oliver went through. She seems self centered. Oliver’s behavior makes sense because he was cut off from the world for basically his entire life. And the spice in the book I felt didn’t give the story much of anything. It felt forced and unneeded.

3.5

really hoped I would be able to run into the sunlight with this book clutched to my chest and a smile on my face, unfortunately that wont be happening.

from the very beginning of the book, I struggled with Sydney. while in the hospital to see her best friend who has been held captive for 22 years, her sole thoughts centre around if he'll remember her, and if still cares about her. not his wellbeing, but his memory of her. and if that was the sole moment of selfishness, it would have slide right off my chest never to be thought about again, but it wasn't. her selfishness persisted throughout the whole book. until she finally snapped out of it, she constantly made Oliver feel like his feelings for her were wrong, and she was crossing a line he shouldn't be, and even kissed another man, but also made him feel guilty for speaking with other woman and yelling at him for daring to think about leaving her for the main goal of trying to grow and find himself. dont get me wrong, she had her moments and she was a badass in that fire scene, but I just couldn't let those other instances go. I mean she blames her trauma as the reason why she is the way she is with Oliver, when Oliver is the cause of her trauma, so shouldn't him being back be the focus more then you trying to find a way to keep him without having him?

another thing I didn't really understand in this book, which coupled with syndey is the main two reasons this book is a 3.5, is clementine sleeping with gabe. ive never been sexually assaulted, I wont say I know the appropriate way a survivor would act, but her sleeping with the son of her very well alive and very well free assaulter, just doesn't sit well with me. especially considering them sleeping together brought absolutely nothing to the story, why have that in there ?? I struggle to see how that was a logical choice because I just can't see that ever happening in real life. her assault could have been hinted with the term 'babygirl' in a million other ways

that being said, it was a cute story that centered around one of my favourite micro-tropes, namely childhood connection. I really liked Oliver and his innocence and they way he thought so beautifully of Sydney, though him having a pet raccoon makes little sense, and his talking habits should have adapted to modern lingo earlier then it did. honestly, for me, my favourite character was gabe. his patience and love and honesty for Oliver was amazing. I loved him so dearly and I cannot wait for his book with Tabitha.

After reading Still Breathing I was so excited to read Lotus.
This book wasn’t quite as dark but I would recommend checking the TW some dark elements aren’t your thing.

*next door neighbor
*friends to lovers

I really enjoyed Oliver and his storyline. I thought that the whole idea behind his kidnapping was really unique and different and I was definitely surprised when everything finally
came together at the end.

This is the first book by this author and it wont be the last - very much enjoyed.

4 stars

3.5 stars

The book was quite enjoyable and I felt myself reading it pretty fast as soon as I finally picked it up. I liked the characters and I was rooting for Sydney and Oliver the whole time. I wish we had gotten more about Olives story and about the kidnapping because that’s an unique storyline, especially since it came together so great in the end. The small details that you don’t think about while reading was so important in the end and that makes the story so special and makes you get that great feeling when finishing a book.

Thanks Netgalley for sharing a copy of this book with me

Sydney and Oliver were the best of friends when they were younger, they did absolutely everything together right up until the day he went missing. It's been 22 years and Sydney still hasn't moved on, she doesn't let anyone get close and she keeps her walls up at all times. The last thing Sydney expects is Oliver to be found....

22 years after Oliver is taken, he returns...

Oliver has lived underground for the last 22 years and is finding it hard to adapt back into the world. With the help of Sydney and his brother Gabe, Oliver slowly comes out of his shell.

Gahhhh this was dark but not as dark as I expected. I absolutely loved everything about it, and I refused to put the book down until I finished the entire thing in one sitting. Seriously obsessed with this one and cannot wait to read more by this author.

Jennifer can do no wrong in my eyes, but still beating is my favorite. I simply loved this book. The promise of the story lured me wide-awake most of the ride that ended up me like a zombie trekking the mountains the day after. The romance gripped me. The suspense hooked me. The twists and turns stunned me the same way every time I visit the maelstroms of Saltstraumen. And Oliver and Sydney as individuals inspirited me. They were truly a moving portrayal of never ending love and hope. Striving to reach the end of the tunnel with undying love as armors in the most toughest situations. Oliver was an extremely vulnerable character, with childlike innocence, and possessing true heroic characteristics that I found endearing. This is a true inspirational love story and so much more.

Can I meet Oliver in real life please?? I fell in love with him. He has such tenderness and innocence to him that made me love his character. The writing was great and sucked me in. Such heartache. Such trauma. Such love.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Whenever I pick up a book by Jennifer Hartmann I know there will be tears. And oh man were there ever. Once again, this story was so beautifully heartbreaking. I was hooked from the beginning, and I bawled my eyes out. If you want to read a dark, emotional, beautiful story pick this one up.