Book Info
When The Bloom Burns by Selena Michaels, YD La MarRating:
Book ratings explainedGenres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 282
Published: 27/06/2022
Purchase at: Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
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A desperate decision.
A fate worse than death.
I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
My brother’s best friend, Ignacio, was home from the military.
Rough inside and out, he’s no longer the man I watched leave for his deployment.
But he became my haven when there was nothing but uncertainty and threats following me.
When the past refuses to stay in the past, will I be strong enough to hold onto my freedom?
Will I always be destined for a future filled with darkness or will my heart finally choose what’s right?
When The Bloom Burns - My Review
This book was one of those where I didn’t entirely know what to expect. The blurb was vague but intriguing, and knowing YD La Mar, the story could contain anything from normal, everyday people to giant monsters. Loving the work of both authors, it was a given that I’d be totally into the book whatever way they chose to write.
I was absolutely blown away by the bewitching and often dreamy writing, the way the characters love, and the delivery of their pain. This isn’t an action-packed story (although it does have its moments) but it is highly emotionally driven and almost guaranteed to touch your soul. It was beautiful to watch as the two main characters, Aekta and Ignacio, began to heal from their individual traumas and learn to love each other in the process.
Does she feel the same I do when I look at her, just like this? A butterfly lost in the chaos of the world; its eauty threatened constantly.
That’s not to say I don’t have complaints, but they’re directed and the characters; they’re fallible and their actions were realistic. That didn’t stop me from berating them for idiot moves and their lack of communication which, let’s face it, could have completely changed the story if they’d both worked on it from the start. But then we wouldn’t be treated to such an incredible story which would be a great shame.
For those of you who are asking “but what about the smut?” Don’t worry, it’s there. Despite the characters’ determination to remain uninvolved with each other, it’s inevitable that sparks will eventually fly and, when they do, the fire burns bright.
I’m holding out hope for a sequel. Personally, I think that Aekta and Ignacio have had their moment, but the epilogue hints that there’s a possibility of them returning when Arjun and Marisol, their respective siblings, tell their story. Excuse me while I go beg the authors to get writing that one.
About Selena Michaels
Selena Michaels writes romance novels with adult-aged characters (and lots of twists you’ll never see coming). Her novels often stem from her own experiences growing up in the small town of Pennsylvania, along with other people’s experiences she has met along her life journey.
Selena is a devoted (obsessed) fan of anime and has an extensive collection of manga that graces her office as she writes. She currently lives in Virginia with her amazingly supportive husband, her adorable son, and her spoiled yet precious dog.
About YD La Mar
I’m a reader, first and foremost. Just like everyone else.
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I’m not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
