I adore Mazey Eddings’ writing, add in the fact that this is sapphic creates my perfect book!

The chemistry between these two characters was beautiful, I was gnawing at my fingernails just praying they would “just get together already!” I loved the growth between Opal and Pepper throughout the book, I found myself in both characters and it was so eye-opening. I would love another sapphic book from Mazey in the future!

Read if you enjoy:
🧡 Sapphic love stories
🧡 Grumpy x sunshine
🧡 Small town
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Friends to lovers
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 Neurodivergent rep

Actual rating 2.5/5.
Cute, but unfortunately, it wasn't more than that.

I have LOVED Mazey Eddings other books so I had high expectations for this one and unfortunately, they just weren't met.

My biggest problem was that the two characters' voices weren't distinct and I could not figure out what character's POV I was reading from until the other character's name was mentioned. Also just to point out that I am not neurodivergent like these two mains were, but omg it was exhausting to be in the heads. If the representation was good (I can't speak on that) I would assume that was the point but it did not make for a great reading experience. The way they just let other people use them and trample all over them was so annoying to read. Like girlies, please stand up for yourself (thankfully they did in the end, but until then omg....)

Also, another thing - financial irresponsibility is one thing I can not stand and Opal was SO financially irresponsible - WHY would you overpay for a flower farm because you felt bad when you don't have that much to spend either way? That is just very much a pet peeve of mine so yeah.

The relationship was cute and they were great together even though it was very lusty. But I can live with that.

I do truly think this is the perfect book for some people if you relate to the characters, but I just couldn't and that happens.

Unfortunately, this wasn't a win, but omg I am so excited for the next Eddings book!

I really struggled to hold my focus with this book which i didn't want to happen. The initial set up and premise was really good an i liked the main characters but actually reading this felt like such a slog. There were moments of this i really liked but i just struggled staying in this book. I would try another book by this author at another time as there was a lot i did like and could see working for me at another time.

I really enjoyed this book.

The characters were incredibly likeable and I loved the side characters too. The descriptions of the farm were beautiful and you could imagine yourself in the heat and the haze.

I loved their blossoming romance and the love and respect they had for each other. There were also some funny scenes.

I really enjoyed reading about the neurodiversity too.

3.5 stars

Oh my god, this book. I requested it thinking it was a sweet cosy Sapphic book, perfect for relaxing in between Fantasy stories. A bit of bi representation is always appreciated too. When, as well as all that, it was a beautiful Neurodivergent love story. Pepper has autism and Opal defines herself as generally Neurodiverse, and it was just perfect.

This book was very good at showing hyperfixations and special interests. Pepper’s special interest is the flower farm and the whole book was about combining it with Opal’s artistic creativity! It was definitely a Neurodiverse pride book. I loved how much about art and creativity there was in it too.

Honestly this was just the perfect romance book for me. The relationship was really cute even though at some points I wanted to bash their heads together because they weren’t communicating.

If you’re gay or Neurodiverse, this book is such a good choice.

Disclaimer: e-Arc provided by Headline Eternal via Net Galley for Review. All thoughts are my own. My thanks to Headline, for providing me with the arc for review.

Plot
This is a sapphic romance, which follows Opal and Pepper. Opal wins the lotto and decides to buy a flower farm, only to arrive to discover that the previous owner Pepper is still living there. Opal agrees to let Pepper live there and run the farm, and earn the money to buy the farm back. The two start living together and slowly become friends and more…

Thoughts
I’m giving this book 2.5 Stars.

I got about 25% away into this book physically and almost dnf’ed it but decided to try the audiobook. The audiobook helped, but it’s definitely not a new favourite.

I felt that the author relied too much on miscommunication trope, which is exacerbated by Pepper’s autism and Opal’s neurodivergence. I thought the author used their neurodivergency as a plot device which I didn’t like, but I understand that the author is neurodivergent and I am not so it’s not for me to speak on the representation in this regard.

I also hated the title! I thought Late Bloomer in the queer community would mean a late-to-gay book, but both women are out and proud at the beginning of the book, so it wasn’t what I expected.

A sweet cottagecore sapphic romcom between two neurodivergent women.

I found the characters a little too on the quirky side, but it was a fun way to pass the time. Would recommend as a good beach read!

Thanks as always to NetGalley and the publisher.

Late Bloomer is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the beauty of self-discovery, no matter when it happens. Mazey Eddings presents a charming narrative about growth, acceptance, and the unexpected turns life can take. The protagonist’s journey feels relatable and authentic, making this book a comforting reminder that it's never too late to blossom. With its blend of humour and heartfelt moments, *Late Bloomer* is perfect for anyone who's ever felt a little out of sync with the world.

So much longing and pinning. I was blushing all through this book. The mental health rep is written so delicately. This book is so lovely, I can’t believe the author is not a wlw author only.

Late bloomer is the latest release from Mazey Eddings and is a sapphic romance between a flower farm employee and a girl who just purchased the farm after unexpectedly winning the lottery. Opal is a people pleaser. She’s always saying yes to things that internally she does not want to do. After being taken advantage of by her peers, she gets a lottery ticket and unexpectedly her life now has options and choice. After encouragement from her sisters, Opal takes a leap of faith and buys an enticing flower farm from a woman she saw online and is prepared to change her life completely.
Pepper has grown up on the flower farm and thought she would inherit it. With her rocky relationship with her distant and neglectful mother, Pepper finds out the farm has been sold when Opal shows up to move in. In a bid to save the farm and rejuvenate the place, the pair team up.
I’m frustrated that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d expected. I found the characters to be quite similar where at points I wasn’t sure if I was reading Pepper or Opal’s perspective. Opal would have been a more enjoyable character if, by the end, she had grown in courage and confidence. I didn’t feel like there was fiery chemistry between the pair and didn’t feel a connection to them as individuals either. The setting was lovely, but I wish this had felt more vivid.
Overall, I understand why so many readers loved this book. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them. Thank you for the eARC!

3.5

I want to go and live on a flower farm!!

Honestly, this had the perfect setting for this romance - it created the perfect vibes. It was cute and fluffy, with lots of lovely friendships and also a very sweet romance. I do think that I would've preferred a bit more chemistry between Pepper and Opal - I wasn't totally feeling it with this one. It felt like their feelings for each other came on very suddenly with no real buildup. However, I did really like the neurodiversity representation, and it was very easy to read and get into.

Such a wholesome sapphic romance. Really excited to read more from this author. I found the beginning quite slow but once the two main characters began to settle in to their new living arrangements then everything sped up.

Late Bloomer is a fun, cosy and steamy romance novel that I had a lot of fun reading. It is the perfect book to pick up as the weather turns warmer and we head through Spring. If you are a romance lover, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one.

Winning the lottery has ruined Opal’s life. People begin bombarding her for a handout as soon the word gets out she now has some money. The problem is she can’t seem to stop saying yes. So, Opal decides she needs to protect herself however possible. That means putting all her new money into buying a failing flower farm and start her painting business.

But, her plans for self-preservation and isolation go away when Pepper is waiting for her at her new farm. Pepper states she is the rightful owner of Thistle and Bloom Farms and is not moving out. So, the pair strike up an agree to co-habit but seem to butt-head at every turn. Can they live in harmony or will they end up burning the whole place down?

Late Bloomer is told from dual POVs which I loved. I’m always a fan of a book that is told from the perspectives of both main characters and it works excellent in this book. Opal and Pepper are both so chaotic yet so calming and joyful to read about.

Throughout the book both of the characters go on quite the development journey. We watch them get stronger as people both separately and together. They are both so caring and tender with each other too which I loved. Each of them brings something unique to the book and are main characters you’ll fall in love with.

There are some amazing side characters in this book who are all unique and easy to distinguish between. My favourites had to be Opal’s sisters and if you read this book you will find out why. This book has a real diverse cast of characters alongside some excellent neurodivergent representation.

Thistle and Bloom Farms is where I would like to live when I get older! It sounds like the most beautiful place. I would have loved a little bit more of a description of the wider settings in the story aside from the farm though as I feel that would have enhanced the story even further.

I feel like the romance in this book was so cute to read and at times it got rather steamy. Add that to the forced proximity and it makes for a wonderful sapphic romance. Plus, this book covers some quite heavy topics including grief and healing. The author weaves this into the story in a delicate way whilst keeping it raw and real. Despite discussing these heavier topics this book still feels upbeat and hopeful throughout.

Mazey Eddings is an author whose books I’ve read before and whose books I have enjoyed. I will certainly be picking up the others by her that I have yet to read. Her writing is very easy to get into and provided me with a much needed escape.

Overall, Late Bloomer is the perfect sapphic romance to read this spring. It is heart-warming, hopeful and all round wonderful. I would highly recommend giving this one a read!

‘Late Bloomer‘ by Mazey Eddings offers readers a fun and cozy plot that wraps them up like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. From the first page, you’re drawn into the charming world of Thistle and Bloom Farms, where lottery winner Opal Devlin finds herself entangled in unexpected adventures. The plot unfolds with delightful surprises, making it a joy to journey alongside the characters.

One of the standout features of ‘Late Bloomer‘ is its dynamic and diverse cast of characters. Eddings skillfully incorporates representation of neurodivergent characters, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Each character brings their own unique perspective to the narrative, enriching the overall reading experience.

While the setting of Thistle and Bloom Farms provides a picturesque backdrop for the story, I found myself craving more depth in the world-building department. The glimpses we get of the flower farm leave us wanting to explore further, and it would have been rewarding to see more intricacies of this enchanting setting.

Eddings’ writing style in ‘Late Bloomer‘ leans a little towards the cringe, cliché, and cheesy side, peppered (see what I did there?) with numerous pop culture references. Despite these elements, the romance between Opal and Pepper still manages to be swoon-worthy and overall very cute to read. The author doesn’t hold back on the spice either, with several steamy sapphic scenes that will leave readers turning the pages for more.

While the chemistry between Opal and Pepper sizzles in the bedroom, I sometimes felt like their connection lacked depth outside of these intimate moments. Despite their status as opposites attracting, a stronger foundation of shared interests or heartfelt conversations could have enhanced their relationship dynamics.

‘Late Bloomer‘ could’ve benefitted from more character development to fully round out its ensemble cast. Without deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations and backstories, the story may feel slightly padded, and some readers may find themselves wishing for a tighter narrative.

Would I recommend it?

Yes I would. ‘Late Bloomer‘ is a charming read that balances cozy romance with spicy scenes and an engaging plot. While it may have its flaws, fans of sapphic romance will find much to enjoy in Mazey Eddings’ latest offering.

I definitely enjoyed this but it felt a bit slow in parts. The characters were relatable but could’ve done with a bit more fleshing out.

The queer and neuro divergent representation was well done though and there were so many wholesome moments that spoke to my cute and fluffy loving heart!

There was a lot of pop culture references which aren’t my fave in book as I feel like it really dates it.

I would absolutely read more from this author.

Oh Mazey Eddings, how I adore your writing! Eddings has blown it out of the park with her first sapphic novel, and I can only hope for more. She’s truly giving us the sapphic & autistic representation we all need!

Opal and Pepper were the most chaotic and lovable main characters we could’ve asked for—the development from friendship to sapphic yearning was phenomenal.

Late Bloomer is a cozy, cottage core esque sapphic romance with neurodivergent representation that everyone must read!

And might I add, the cover designer has masterfully created the best cover I’ve ever seen. I only hope to have this face out on my shelf forever …

This was a very cute romance. I liked our main characters and they were adorable together but the day after i finished it i didn't remember anything and i just never think about it

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this arc!

This book was so refreshing. It was such a different plot line and I really enjoyed it. I read the book in a few sittings and immediately felt like I connected with the characters.

Forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes and I felt like it was done excellently in this book. Both main characters got on excellently and you could see the growth of both, individually and together. It felt real and not pushed. I also really enjoyed the neurodivergent aspect as it is under-explored in literature!

A solid 4 star read!

Although i couldn't really connect with either Pepper or Opal, this was a really sweet book.
I liked the discussion about grief and family issues (I felt so much for Pepper, tho) that part was great.
My main issue was the romance. These two felt more like friends with benefits than an actual couple. It was more lust than love, and I wanted more of the latter.
Still, this was a sweet and fun book, and I truly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for my earc of this book. I was so looking forward to this and wanted to love it, as I’ve really enjoyed her other books but I felt myself getting so frustrated with Opal and found the first 15% almost painful to read. The chemistry with the LI wasn’t there for me and it felt like “tell me” instead of “show me” with the romantic interactions and I therefore didn’t finish.