Solid 4 star romance.

This was my first ever sapphic romance and I really enjoyed the background of this book! There were parts that were laugh of loud funny to me. Opal and Pepper are truly the golden retriever x black cat trope and it played out so perfectly in this story. Which now I'm thinking about it Opal is a bright white stone and Pepper is black so their names I guess were literal representations of their personalities (lol). I felt like the characters were really fun and well thought out by Eddings. I absolutely LOVED the idea of saving a flower farm, it was so so sweet. I haven't read any stories with that detail! Also, the autism and neurodivergent representation was so well done.

Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, found family
Spice: 3/5

I loved the cozy cottage vibes and the cover is GORGEOUS! I received the audiobook arc and the narrator did a great job. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan audio.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the early audio for a chance to listen and review.

This is my second sapphic book and I was intrigued with the premise of flower farm meet lottery winner. What I got was a neurodivergent girls who can't talk to each other, which I guess is fitting? Overall I really liked this story, there was a lot of the miscommunication trope partnered with maybe a bit of being a little too immature on both fronts.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship, the angst included, and the build up to the big contest. The narcistic mom was a touch that added more drama to the story, and made more sense why Pepper was as she was. This was a combination or finding your true self, and learning how to stick up for yourself.

I really enjoyed this narrator, she did a great job of doing the different voices, and especially the southern accent!

Technically a DNF at 89% - I just didn't care enough to finish it, honestly.

I read a ton of sapphic romance and was very excited for this based on that amazing cover and the setting of a flower farm. Finding out that both characters were neurodivergent was a huge plus as well! What a big disappointment it was, though. The MCs seemed to have little actual connection beyond the physical, which is fine, but I don't know how you go from no-strings-attached to I-love-you's just by having lots of sex. Some of the characterization was inconsistent, too - I couldn't tell you what Opal's actual main characteristics are other than the brightly colored hair. The plot was nearly non-existent, honestly, which is why I didn't care to finish the last ten percent of the book even after investing that much time in it, which is something I rarely do.

I will not be posting my review on social media until SMP adequately addresses the boycott.

Late Bloomer is an adorably cheesy, neurodivergent sapphic romance like you won’t be-leaf. After winning the lottery, Opal takes stalk of her life and realizes she needs a fresh start. She puts almost every peony into buying a wilting flower farm. She certainly wasn’t expecting a thorny woman named Pepper to be there when she arrived. What in carnation!? Despite the less than ideal circumstances, they find each other iris-istible. After putting their tulips together, it’s harder to deny how head clover heels they are. However, deeply rooted traumas trample their communication. Pepper tries to backpetal, afraid of getting hurt, but Opal wants to put the petal to the metal.

Mazey Eddings rose to the occasion with this book. At first, I thought it would be garden variety, but as the plot thickened, I lilac-ed the ability to hit pause. Don’t let the cuteness deceive, this book will talk dirt to you. I loved this book and recommend it if you have the thyme.

So i’ve never read a FF rom before and I throughly enjoyed this one. it was light and fun. As a first time FF reader, (I have read plenty MM and reverse harem) it was a great intro to that relationship dynamic.

Summary:
“Winning the lottery has ruined Opal Devlin's life. After quitting her dead-end job where she’d earned minimum wage and even less respect, she’s bombarded by people knocking at her door for a handout the second they found out her bank account was overflowing with cash. And Opal can’t seem to stop saying yes. With her tender heart thoroughly abused, Opal decides to protect herself by any means necessary, which to her translates to putting almost all her new money to buying a failing flower farm in Asheville, North Carolina to let the flowers live out their plant destiny while she uses the cabin on the property to start her painting business. But her plans for isolation and self-preservation go hopelessly awry when an angry (albeit gorgeous) Pepper Boden is waiting for her at her new farm. Pepper states she’s the rightful owner of Thistle and Bloom Farms, and isn’t moving out. The unlikely pair strike up an agreement of co-habitation, and butt heads at every turn. Can these opposites both live out their dreams and plant roots? Or will their combustible arguing (and growing attraction) burn the whole place down?”

Writing:
Great story and super cute. I appreciate the flower farm main setting because I never think about the fact that flower farms are real and they are necessary.

Characters:
This is the first time where one of the main characters has autism and talks about it but it’s not her complete personality. I appreciate that texture sensitivity topic that was briefly mentioned, it was well placed and gave more insight to Pepper as a character. Opal is the cutest thing I have read. I picture her as this tiny woman with rose gold hair that looks like she wouldn’t hurt a fly but could beat you up if you made her mad. She was the perfect person for Pepper.

Audio:
While it is a FF I wish there were two different narrators. Sometimes I get confused when it’s the same voice for the two main characters. It did help that she used different voices but there were times when I had to look at the chapters POV

Tropes:
💐FF
💐Grumpy x sunshine
💐Forced Proximity
💐One Bed


Listened through ALC

Opal Devlin ends up winning the lottery when her friend gifts her the ticket as a belated birthday present. Once people find out that she’s won money, Opal is contacted by more than one person calling to insert themselves into her life. She decides she needs a fresh start and purchases a flower farm in North Carolina where she plans on painting nature for a living.

What Opal doesn’t expect when she arrives at her new farm is to already find it occupied. Pepper Boden lived there for years with her grandmother and on her own after her grandmother’s recent passing. Opal has the deed to the house and land, but Pepper assures her that the farm was meant to be hers albeit she hasn’t found her grandmother’s will. They agree to share the living space until they get it sorted out, not knowing if the space is big enough for the two of them.

I enjoyed this listening to this narrator and would definitely listen to other narrations that she has done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an ALC of this novel. #NetGalley #LateBloomer

“Late Bloomer” by Mazey Eddings is a heartwarming story about newfound purpose and unexpected love. Opal’s journey from lottery winner to flower farm owner is filled with humor, chaos and heart, especially when she begins to fall for Pepper. Their unlikely partnership and eventual romance make for entertaining and heartwarming reading.

However, what sets Eddings apart is her portrayal of Pepper as more than just a character defined by her autism. While Pepper’s struggles with a large break in her routine and letting new people into her life are integral to the plot, Eddings focusing more on her estranged mother and how the flower farm is the only place she’s been able to call home goes beyond stereotypes to create a fully fleshed-out character with depth and complexity.

Since I refused to put the story down once it started, I doubled up and began listening to the audiobook as well! Ellie Gossage’s narration is so genuine that it’s easy to get lost in their world. Her portrayal of both main characters adds depth and authenticity to the characters, making it feel like you’re alongside Opal and Pepper as they navigate the ups and downs of life on the flower farm.

While some plot points may feel rushed towards the end, “Late Bloomer” ultimately delivers a satisfying and uplifting read that will leave readers rooting for Opal and Pepper long after they’ve turned the final page. If you’re looking for a fast paced read to welcome the beginning of Spring, this April 16th release is for you!

PS. If you have the ARC, read the author’s notes so you know why I picked this song for the post! I’ll admit I’m usually one to ignore these, but Edding’s notes were an excellent companion to the story!

I am so in love with Mazey Eddings books! She never misses!!!

Opal was so lovable, creative and relatable. Her neurodivergent tendencies were the story of my life and I loved her outlook on life. I felt very connected to Opal and thought he was a wonderful MC.

Pepper was the autistic lesbian flower farmer of my dreams. I loved getting her POV during the story as well. The way she perceived and processed things was written so accurately and lovely.

The plot itself was adorable, such a classic tale of misunderstandings and such. I loved every minute of this lovely story.

This book is like a warm hug on a breezy spring day. Opal and Pepper stole my heart with their authentic portrayal and relatable quirks. What struck me most was the refreshing neurodivergent representation woven seamlessly into the narrative. The candid conversations they shared about grief and trauma added layers of depth to the story.

While Opal and Pepper shone brightly, some of the side characters felt a bit flat, veering towards caricature rather than complexity, which occasionally tipped the scales towards cheesiness. Nonetheless, familiar tropes like grumpy-sunshine and forced proximity added to the charm.

Ellie Gossage deserves a round of applause for her stellar narration, breathing life into each character with a special flair. And can we take a moment to gush over that cover? It's an absolute stunner!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to dive into this gem.

CAWPILE
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 9

While I have ADORED every other Mazey Eddings book, this one did not hit the mark for me as I hoped.

When Opal wins the lottery, she decides to buy a flower farm and become an artist. Everything seems wistful but for the flower farm's "actual" owner: Pepper. Pepper has helped her grandma on the farm since she was young. She promises to buy the farm from Opal as soon as possible. Yet, Opal isn't what Pepper expected as she agrees to help her in a flower contest with recognition and money that will lead to buying Pepper out. Opal is just happy to help out, no matter that she has heart eyes for Pepper. Everything is whimsical on the farm, especially when the two cross friendship lines. But will it be enough when everything comes crashing down right in front of them?

While I loved the whimsical flower farm and laughed at Opal's hijinks (who hasn't wanted to dye their hair at least once), I found I had no emotional connection with either main character. I loved the autism representation and could definitely relate to needing those important items right in front of me so they stay at the top of my mind. I just wasn't convinced that Pepper and Opal's relationship would last. Narrator Ellie Gossage did a FANTASTIC job of giving authentic voices to both main characters, making this a quick binge. While this wasn't for me, many may love and I recommend those who enjoy romances pick this one up! It's got a fun nod to Lizzie Blake!

This book is the cozy sapphic romance of my dreams. Pepper and Opal are exactly as weird and lovable as two neurodivergent queer women who live on a flower farm should be, and their journey is simply adorable. I've loved all of Mazey Eddings's books, and this one might be my favorite.

Opal is a people-pleaser to the extreme, and everyone around her knows it (and most take advantage of it). She’s an artist (especially textile art, in the form of shoes), bisexual (check the flag on her car), and neurodivergent (some combination of autism and ADHD symptoms that would require expensive testing, so she just lives with it). When she wins the lottery (a scratch-off ticket that her “best friend” got her for her birthday), she uses that money to get a fresh start… in the form of buying a flower farm, sight unseen, off of Facebook Marketplace.

Pepper lives and runs Thistle & Bloom, her deceased grandmother’s flower farm. Her trust issues, grief, and special interest (the autism kind of special interest) in flowers have made the farm her safe haven. But when a pink-haired personification of chaos arrives, saying something about painting shoes and buying a farm, she’s going to have to figure out how to work with her new roommate to keep the farm afloat.

Opal and Pepper’s story was handled with such care, and it’s clear how much Mazey Eddings loves her characters. The discussions and commentary on neurodivergence and sexuality were poignant without being preachy, and the “late bloomer” aspect to the characters was relatable to anyone in their mid-to-late 20s (or 30s) who feels like they’re bad at being an adult and that they’ve gotten lost somewhere along the way. The first couple of chapters were hard to get through (just because the pre-flower farm version of Opal was a people pleaser to the point where it’s difficult to watch), but absolutely worth powering through to get to a happier place.

Also, loved the brief cameo mention of Lizzie’s bakery (from Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars // 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 spice

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

On the audio front, Ellie Gossage did an incredible job of bringing both women to life. Her talent in narrating all parts of a dual POV book cannot be overstated; I never got confused as to which character was narrating any given chapter. The only criticism I have to give is that the word “Appalachian” is pronounced incorrectly (it’s pronounced “appa-LATCH-an”).

This was such a cute “cottagecore” read that included real topics, and lots of spice. I thought the heavier themes were handled with care, and it was really refreshing to have open conversations about what is/isn’t liked when it comes to sexual encounters actually on the page. These topics are important, and it should be normal for them to be discussed, and be included in the romance genre. I loved the setting of this book, and it really made me want to go and get some fresh flowers for my house. The neurodiversity rep is amazing. I really loved Pepper as a character. Opal frustrated me at times, and sometimes I really didn’t like the way that she handled arguments/conflict,

Overall this is a really sweet read, with lots of spice mixed in. Thanks to the publisher for an ALC for an unbiased review.

Mazey Eddings has captured magic in this book.

I received the audiobook of this ARC (thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio!), and I loved it from beginning to end.

Opal, our sunshiney, daydreaming, glass-half-full artist FMC, has found herself on the winning end of a lottery ticket. She decides it’s the perfect opportunity to get a fresh start in life and uses her winnings to buy a flower farm. But she arrives to find her farm already inhabited - by the grumpy, rigid, flower-farmer FMC, Pepper. Chaos ensues.

Both of our FMCs bring depth, and with that trauma to heal from. They are also both neurodiverse, and as someone with AuDHD I saw so much of myself in both Opal and Pepper.

We see the flaws in both women, but more than that we see strength of character, profound self-reflection, and enormous love. Not to mention an incredible balance of sweet sapphic love with SPICY SAPPHIC SPICE.

And something I especially loved, personally, was alllllll the flowers. 🤩 It was a feast for my imagination!

You will love Late Bloomer if you love:
• grumpy x sunshine
• queer love
• found family
• diverse cast
• neurodivergent representation
• flowers and art
• HEAs

Late Bloomer releases on April 15, and I can’t wait to buy a physical copy!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the review copies.

I love Mazey so much, and I will read anything she writes. There were things I loved about Late Bloomer - the descriptive flower settings, Opal’s chaotic inner monologue, Pepper’s orderly approach to life and her friend group. There were definitely parts of each character that I found myself relating to throughout the book, and the ADHD & Autism representation felt authentic and realistic. However, I had a hard time connecting to the story itself and was not very invested in what was happening throughout the book. If you are looking for a soft, sapphic romance based on a flower farm that is mostly just vibes, then I think you will love Late Bloomer.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Late Bloomer was a sweet, sapphic romance about Opal who wins the lottery and impulsively buys a flower farm. She finds Pepper is already living on the farm and that her con artist mother sold the farm out from under her. This was an easy to read rivals to lovers books with forced proximity and believably neurodivergent main characters. I loved watching these characters fall in love little by little and the dreamy backdrop of the flower farm was just too cute. I really liked this one!
4⭐️

3.5 ⭐️ *rounded up*

Late Bloomer was a cute, but also kinda corny, sapphic romance. Eddings always does a great job of writing characters you can’t help but love.

I wasn’t as into this plot as I have been with previous Eddings books, but I still loved the characters enough to want to know how it would end. Overall, this was a lighthearted, feel good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Late Bloomer is an adorable sapphic romance novel with neurodivergent representation. Both Pepper and Opal were like-able characters and I enjoyed getting both POV. This is a nice light hearted fun book, however I do think some of the pop culture references may age poorly. Overall I really enjoyed this book and was nice to see the characters grow though-out the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Did I cringe through the first couple of chapters and almost DNF this? Yes.
Did I stick it out and absolutely LOVE it. YES.
So good. :’)

Thank you author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!!

I relate so much to opal it’s crazy! She talks about constantly being in one sided relationships and not knowing how to change that. I always describe it like being a fairy godmother. It’s like constantly helping and fixing and caring but feeling like nobody is gonna help you or fix things for you or care about you. Also when the lady was selling her the farm she was talking about how she should’ve been more cautious and she wished people helped her and cared about her and opal was all it and I was literally crying thinking about how bad it felt like she was gonna get got. The neurodivergent rep was great and as a neurodivergent person I related to both characters a lot so I think it was don’t pretty well.

Side note the author also wrote a list of how the flowers in the book are deliberate and symbolic and I love it so much.

Mazey Eddings is a MASTER of banter, desire, and relatable heroines. I love love love her inclusion of characters with neurodivergency, and Opal, with ADHD, and Pepper, with Autism are no exception.

Opal, an aspiring artist, has won the lottery, and spends her winnings on buying a failing flower farm outside of Asheville, NC. Pepper has grown up and worked on the flower farm her entire life, and is shocked to learn that her mother has sold her 'promised' inheritance to Opal. These opposites are forced into a shared living situation as Pepper works to buy out Opal's share of the farm. Heads-bump and wires are crossed, yet an explosive attraction blossoms. Can these two opposites scratch this physical itch and keep emotions and feeling out of this new arrangement?

This was such a fun and vulnerable sapphic romance, and the steam was so steamy. The setting was unique, and the plotline about a floral competition bringing Opal and Pepper's strengths together was fun. I also really adored Opal's sisters and wonder if Eddings has plans to return to this world/family.

I listened to the MacMillan audiobook narrated by Ellie Gossage, and she did a fantastic job! I genuinely thought there was two different narrators, and was surprised when I went to list the narrators and found only one! Her accents, nuanced delivery, and emotive capabilities enriched my reading experience.

It wasn't my favorite Eddings book to date, but I struggle to land on what it was that was lacking for me. However, readers of contemporary sapphic romances will store adore this one!