Mazey Eddings never disappoints me. Honestly, this was breathtaking, refreshing and so raw. I loved every moment about this. The dislike and angst between Pepper and Opal. The hilarious moments and forced roommate situation. Then the blooming of feelings between the two MCs. All of it was such a beautiful thing to watch. The messy bits, the ups and the downs. All of it played out beautifully. The epilogue was truly CHEF'S KISS. Beautiful way to wrap it all up with a bow. Absolutely brilliant! 4.5 stars!

Absolutely adore this book. It is so sweet, with the perfect steam. I love the representation within the book as well. This is the most perfect spring/summer read! It is also incredibly well written and the pacing is perfection.

In this sorry, we follow Opal, a down-on-her-luck bisexual who works as an ice cream cone on the side of the road. Then she wins the lottery and has almost everyone in her life begging for handouts, so she does what any sane person would do, and buys a flower farm to escape to. There, she meets Pepper, the person who’s been keeping the farm alive for years and who has no idea that her mother has sold the farm to Opal. They decide to share the cabin until they can get the ownership under control, and their love story ensues from there.

This was really sweet, if you’re looking for a quick, silly sapphic romance, this is the perfect fit. I loved how simple and natural the autistic representation was and the nonchalant mention of one of the characters being a 26-year-old virgin. The plot was interesting enough, but the real shining star in this story was the romance. Besides these positives, I did have some believability issues with the book.

First, Opal’s very bad “friend” Laney is the one who gives her the winning lotto ticket for her birthday, and I have a really hard time believing that someone who treats her so badly wouldn’t try to bring her to court or something. I’ve heard stories where close family members have legal battles over stuff like this, so Laney being so chill just made no sense to me

Opal’s relationship with her ex was also very unrealistic to me. At first, it was hard for me to sympathize with her because she KNEW that he was a bad boyfriend and literally couldn’t name ONE nice thing about him, but is still obsessed with him. I know this happens, but it was super exaggerated and just too much and could’ve been way more enjoyable to read if it was just dialed down.

I also thought Opal and Pepper’s relationship progressed a little too quickly. Fans of insta love would enjoy this, but for me, it felt a little… you guessed it, unrealistic.

The craziest thing to me was at the end when the whole will/property ownership thing was resolved, and all Pepper had to do was go into her dead grandma's room to find a will. I get that if she’d done this at the start, there would be no story to tell, but come on, this is so stupid. It really makes this super sweet love story seem silly and takes away a lot of the good feelings I had about this story because it seems like such a waste to end a good story that way. It felt lazy and I think Opal and Pepper deserved more than that.

Overall, this was cute and fun but lacked any grounding in reality. A great story for naive romantics and a not-so-great story for realists. Luckily for me, I'm very naive and was able to enjoy this despite its flaws.

It's so wonderful to live in this world. A world where an author like Mazey Eddings is writing amazing romance novels about neurodiverse characters that are deeply relatable and lovable.

Late Bloomer is an absolute treat from start to finish. Opal wins a large sum in a lottery scratcher, and decides to make the sudden decision to escape her humdrum life and live her cottagecore dreams. She purchases a quaint flower farm on a whim, with the intention of turning the premises into a combination living and working space as she reignites her passion for creating artwork. Unfortunately, as she shows up with all of her things and supplies - ready to start her new life - she finds out that the farm was sold without the permission of the current resident, Pepper.

Hijinks, hilarity, and deliciously spicy enemies to lovers romance ensues. Mazey does an incredible job at balancing humor with heart. I'll definitely be reading as much as I can from Eddings in the future.

Opal is tired of her life feeling like a mess. When she wins the lottery, she knows its the perfect chance at a fresh start, and promptly buys a flower farm she sees on Facebook marketplace-- what better place to live and create her art? Unfortunately for her, when she shows up at her new home, it's not empty. In fact, the grumpy but gorgeous woman who lives there is furious that her estranged mother has sold her late grandma's beloved farm. Pepper and Opal become reluctant roommates and have to figure out how to work together to save the farm.

I enjoyed this romance book. It started off feeling like a hallmark movie, but in a good way. Slightly outlandish plot brings a grump and a sunshine together in a cozy and whimsical setting! The characters had good chemistry and were very sweet together, although the second half of the book fell a little flat for me compared to the first half.

I appreciated the disability representation, with Pepper being autistic and Opal identifying as neuro-divergent but without a diagnosis (possible ADHD). Pepper also suffers from migraines.

After finishing the book, the title feels a little disconnected from the story. Although Pepper's first time was with Opal, that wasn't a big part of the plot-- which I appreciated! I get that it's a play on the floral theme, but before reading the title made me think a character being a late bloomer would be significant to the plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I really liked the idea of this book but for me it fell flat. Pepper’s friend group and Opal’s relationship with her sisters was fun and a part of the book that I enjoyed.

I didn’t feel like Opal and Pepper made sense together or had chemistry. I also felt like some of Opal’s choices were too unrealistic. The pacing also was confusing to me because there were a lot of jumps when it felt like the story should be continuing.

"Mazey Eddings' 'Late Bloomer'" is a captivating romantic tale that combines humor, heart, and a healthy dose of passion. The story revolves around Opal Devlin, a lottery winner seeking refuge from the chaos of her newfound wealth, and Pepper Boden, a determined and fiery woman with a claim to the same flower farm Opal has purchased. What ensues is a delightful narrative of two strong-willed women navigating their dreams, desires, and budding romance.

Opal's journey of self-discovery and her decision to use her newfound wealth to pursue her passion for painting is both empowering and relatable. Her determination to create a space for herself, away from the intrusions of her past, is inspiring. Similarly, Pepper's determination to fight for what she believes is rightfully hers showcases her strength and resilience. Their shared drive to explore their passions and create something meaningful forms the backbone of the story, making it incredibly engaging.

What sets "Late Bloomer" apart is its ability to balance the lighthearted moments with deeper themes of self-acceptance and fighting for one's dreams. The novel explores the complexities of identity and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self, even in the face of challenges.

I really enjoyed my first Mazey Eddings read and I can't wait for more!

You Need To Read This!

Late Bloomer exceeded my expectations. It's creative, unique and filled with so much heart.
I loved both Opal and Pepper. I could relate to them and wanted to see them work out their differences. The slow burn romance is done to perfection. Watching Opal & Pepper's love bloom was so satisfying to read. It's romantic and will make your heart melt.

The setting is great too. I really liked the flower farm and must visit on immediately. The town sounded charming as well.

I think the mental health representation is well done too.

Overall, if you're looking for a sapphic read that will melt your heart then pick up this book. It's fantastic!

An incredibly sweet, fluffy romance with believable and sometimes frustrating characters. I like a romance where I occasionally find one or both of the leads *genuinely* exasperating; I think it makes the story feel more real and the HEA more satisfying. Late Bloomer (what a great title!) checks that box and brings me back around to loving both of the main characters by the end. Extra points for me for being set in North Carolina--it is clear that Mazey Eddings actually knows North Carolina and hasn't just visited once--and for making me laugh on literally the very first page.

I started reading this book this morning, as a pallette cleanser after a gothic fantasy book. I just wanted something light to read while I made my morning coffee and took a dip in the hot tub. And it was perfect for that! And it was also perfect to switch to text-to-speech and listen to while I walked my dog, did house chores, and started a new cross stitch. This is to say, I could not put it down for one minute. The writing had me hooked from the beginning - the levity and youth, but also the sarcasm and humor to cover heavier topics. As someone on both the ADHD and autism spectrums, I found the representation to be nuanced and accurate to my own experiences. There were two quotes that hit me particularly hard...

"I used to indulge it without a second though - taking so much, enough, that I'd feel like I got to a very human baseline, everyone else's normal. But the problem with a quick fix like drinks or cigarettes is how fast the numbness wears off. The shitty taste in your mouth from your own disappointment, the achy shame that you can't regulate yourself like everyone around you appears to be capable of."

"I have endless grace for everyone in the world, but none for myself. Why am I not allowed to make mistakes? Why does my compassion stretch to strangers but stop at my own front door?"

The impact that both of these had on me was profound, and I didn't expect it from such a lighthearted romance. But it perfectly describes my own experiences and it is rare that I find it put so beautifully in writing.

I will be thinking about this one for awhile, and with a smile on my face.

Big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

what a cute read! a thoroughly enjoyable, low-stakes read. i loved the neurodivergent representation & really appreciated the contrast of the characters. i did feel that the conflict was a bit too immature. it felt like their real issue was that they struggled to communicate their emotions well & i’m not sure i’m entirely convinced that they reached a solution for that but i was still cheering for them at the end. Mazey Eddings writes such a cozy, low angst romance perfectly!

I read this book weeks ago and procrastinated in writing this review because it was so perfect and I have no words to truly describe where it took me and how it made me feel. It’s my first sapphic romance and I trusted Mazey Eddings with that popping my sapphic cherry. I’d trust her with any story, honestly.

I am a perpetual people pleaser, and likely have ADD, and I identified so well with Opal. I highlighted half of her internal dialogue. It was so visceral and so “me.” The way these characters collided and fell in love felt so real and so imperfectly perfect. They matched their insecurities and growth, and wound together so well. Not to mention the gorgeous view that Mazey Eddings colored for me when describing the setting. No one describes color better than her and she made this Flower Farm come to life.

WHAT I LOVED MOST:
How the characters described each other. They saw each other's essences and broke through each other's detrimental sense of self.
Loveable and loyal side characters, including a crazy set of sisters and a foot cake.
The sweetest spice I’ve ever read
The neurodivergent story telling. No one does it like Mazey Eddings.
The Lizzie Blake easter egg!

FAVORITE QUOTES (ps- this is only a handful)
“I hate seeing people upset-wanting to fix their sadness any way I can-and something about the quiet, contained way Pepper holds her hurt makes me wish I could pull it all out of her and swallow it away, let it chew me up instead.”
“I want to bleach the stupid from my head, but my hair is an okay starting point.”
“I hate that hate. I have endless grace for everyone in the world, but none for myself.”
“I prefer to think of it as we harvest this beauty. Share it with others. Spread their magic and joy. Then, we do what we can to see them again next year.”
“Because I’m a defender of the truth in the face of egregious lies! Calm down, Elle Woods, this isn’t a trial.”
“I kiss her how I love her, deep and steady and a little bit frantic.”

I’m a Mazey Eddings fangirl, for sure. I will tell you on autopilot to read any book she releases. BUT, this book is truly magic. I have a feeling that no sapphic romance will compare. VERY MUCH MUST READ.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mazey Eddings for the e-ARC. I appreciated the opportunity to read this book and give an honest review.

I LOVED this book. So much that I sat down and devoured it in seven hours.

I love Mazey's work, and I was so excited to get an ARC of her sapphic romance after falling for her other couples. I was NOT disappointed - Opal and Pepper have my heart.

Having gone to college in and then living in Asheville for years, I loved all of the little local references and seeing the love that Mazey has for the city. The Thistle and Bloom almost seemed like an additional character, I loved how much world-building we got in this book.

I related to both Opal and Pepper in their various aspects of neurodivergence, and as always, I love how real and complex and nuanced their personalities and traumas were - they felt so real and like people I could actually know. Having a Trish in my family, Pepper's storyline broke my heart, but her having Opal to rely on was beautiful and felt really healing.

THE SPICY SCENES. HOLY MOLY. If someone isn't sure about this read from the plot (which you do you, it's incredible) the sex scenes in this book are so sweet and real and HOT.

Highly recommend this book to literally everyone who loves queer characters, found family, puns, human disasters, comfort, and giggling and kicking your feet at cute moments.

I spent time waffling back and forth over how to review this book. one one hand, it’s well-written, has charming characters with amazing chemistry, and a wonderful setting. On the other hand, the plot is a bit of a mess. Nearly everything about it felt forced, like the author just took the most cliched device and slotted each into their appropriate spot in the book.
I enjoyed the book because of the good things, but I would have loved the book of not for the not-so-good things.

This was absolutely a 5 star read for me. It was a hallmark story through and through. From the dedication of this book I knew I was going to love it. I swear Mazey wrote this book about my wife and I. Just like Olivia and Pepper we are a ADHD/Autism couple and we have had to work through the “neuro spicy” things that makes communication hard. Late Bloomer is honestly going to be the Sapphic book of spring and I can’t wait for all my LGBTQ friends to get their hands on this.

I was so so excited when I received this book as an eARC and it truly lived up to the hype I created based on the blurb + cover.

I loved Pepper and Opal as characters. I felt their chemistry was really natural and their character development was realistic and helped the story. I also loved the different representation in this story (autistic/undiagnosed neurodiverse, family conflict, etc.). I would have loved to get to know the side characters a little more but overall, such a great book!

This is a really cute, pure and low-conflict story that made me feel so warm and fuzzy. 4.5/5 stars, rounded up

This story has all the right ideas, but it never fully clicked for me. The cover is stunning, gorgeous, amazing would not change a thing. I loved the queer, disability, neurodivergent representation. The book just felt a little too cozy for me. I wanted more tension before the FMCs got together and more conflict. We open up with the first few chapters being about Opal, so I expected we would be following her journey, but the book really focused on Pepper. It did not feel like the characters grew as much as I would like, and Opals conflict was really just a bookends on the beginning and end.
Overall, the book was good, but just not what I was looking for. If you want cozy, sapphic, low conflict, then I think you would really enjoy this.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me an early arc in exchange for my honest review.

Mazey Eddings is an absolute genius. The way she constantly produces hit after hit while also being a dentist blows my mind.

Anyways, Late Bloomer is an incredible sapphic romance with neurodivergent representation. I loved reading about Opal and Pepper. The way they balance each other out to create the ultimate grumpy/sunshine romance is just incredible. I can’t believe I have to wait until next year to hold this gem in my hands.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

okay so, it started off super cute then fell flat for me in the middle and then ended super cute! Oh and the cover is gorgeous and the characters were super relatable! I loved the chemistry and the character growth. I really enjoy Mazey Eddings writing style!

This book was good, but I didn’t like it more than Mazey’s other novels. I found that the middle lagged a bit and I wasn’t as attached to the characters as I usually am in her novels.