Maybe it’s not too late for her happily ever after… single carnation, let alone a dozen roses.
Then Christian walks into Happy Petals, and she knows the fragrance of flowers has to have gone straight to her head. It’s inconceivable that the cute Spanish guy she remembers from high school would be interested in her…
She’s the girl of his dreams, and way out of his league…
Family is important to Christian. Why else would he be living in a company trailer? It’s a sacrifice he has to make so he can afford to send his sister to college. But nearing forty, his own chances of starting a family aren’t lookin’ too hot, especially considering he hasn’t been out on a date in years.
So it makes no sense at all he can’t get Carla out of his head. Not only is she gorgeous, she’s college-educated and way too good for a barely educated guy like him.
Only, she does seem interested.
Maybe, if he hides the truth about just how out of her league he is, he might have a chance…
Bloom of Love is the tenth novel in the Long Valley Romance series, although all books in the Long Valley world can be read as standalones. It has some strong language, and oh my, sexy times. Enjoy!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is a part of a series. I have read all of the prior books and when the previous characters made their multiple appearances throughout, I knew who they were. That being said, it is hard to determine (for me at least) if you really need to read their stories to understand this one. I am leaning to you don’t have to but I really would suggest that you do. They are nice bookcations to escape for a little while.
Carla runs the local florist shop. Because of her business, she knows a lot about Sawyer, ID! She lives about the shop to conserve money to help pay down her student loans. Christian is the son of immigrants. He is the foreman for Stetson and lives in a singlewide trailer on Stetson’s farm. Carla is overweight but Christian is a man that loves curves on a woman. Go Christian!
I adored Christian (being an overweight person myself). I also loved the fact that both protagonists were a few years shy of 40. These two have the normal everyday type of issues to overcome and it is nice to “see” how these two approach and overcome them.
This is a sexy read. I would highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18.
As you wish…
I think this is one of my favorite books in this series. Why? It’s an ode to The Princess Bride set in the realistic, contemporary Long Valley series.
Christian Palacios has a lot (like a lot) of younger sisters. In order to see Carla again, he volunteers to order the flowers at her shop.
Carla and Christian went to high school together and I liked that they were real people-aged at 37 and 38 (thank you!).
They both don’t date, are still single and they both think the other is out of their league. Oh, with a liberal sprinkling of Princess Bride thrown in (but no RUS’s).
Highly recommend.
A good well written story from this author that I can’t stop reading. The main characters are so shy and she’s a romantic since she owns a flower shop and he is a ranch hand. They are so cute feeling their way around each other
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I started this series I didn’t think small town tales would be so engrossing, but these everyday people dealing with normal problems just draw me in. Carla is funny, and sweet, and loves her friends and hometown. Christian is a sweetheart, he is close to his family otherwise he just spends nearly all of his time at work. I was totally taken with his naïveté when it comes to women, but on the farm he is a master of his domain. Even though this story stands alone, it was good to see characters from previous books for those of us who have followed the series. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this fun romance, opposites attract in a dozen different ways. Where Carla is outgoing, generous, and bubbly, Christian is the epitome of the strong, silent type. Having kept his nose to the grindstone for years, he hasn’t had much time for dating or relationships, especially as he is also self-conscious about his background and family roots. He lives in a trailer on his boss’ property and has very little to offer the love of his life. Carla has many of the same concerns as Christian, in that she hates the fact that her student loans are an albatross around her neck and she is equally embarrassed about her living conditions. Both of them are strong-minded and caring, but their insecurities hold them back. As Christian and Carla find out, no problem is insurmountable and when a person wants something strongly enough, they will go to any lengths to make things work. I enjoyed this well-written novel and the main characters in all their awkwardness endeared them to me from the beginning. The story is romantic and witty, but it is also a lesson in kindness and tolerance for people who are unique and different. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Much anticipated and very much enjoyed I think Carla and Christian are my new favorite couple.
Christian has been trying to figure out how to ask Carla out for many months but was afraid he was out of her league. Carla had a crush on Christian in high school and kinda still does but feels she is out of his league. They finally start dating and their first time having sex is unplanned on a hiking trip and she ends up pregnant but doesn’t realize it for several months. Will Christian stay with her because of the baby or because he really loves her? How will Christian feel about having a baby now? How will his family react? Will they be able to make it work?
To say that I enjoyed this book is a HUGE understatement! I’ve read all of The Long Valley books, and each becomes my new “favorite”! This one is no exception, but this one touched my heart a little differently. Bloom of Love is a refreshing story to read. Christian and Carla have their own obstacles to overcome. They aren’t the normal boy/girl issues. Prepare to be “WOWWED”!
As an aside, Bloom reminded me how much I truly enjoyed The Princess Bride movie! I’m going to be watching often!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has definitely been awhile since visiting Long Valley. Carla and Christian made quite a pair. Carla was sweet and kind in spite of some self confidence issues. Christian struggles with helping his sister and trying to work to improve his situation. With support of friends and family, they could have a sweet and fulfilling future. I received this arc for an honest review.