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callie_castle's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was given an ARC of this book and wow, it was such a beautiful, heartwarming book that made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think, and most importantly…I felt seen.
Pepper is an autistic woman who is hyperfixated on her late Grandma Lou’s flower farm, adorably named Thistle and Bloom. She wants her quiet routine, and she wants to live on her farm in peace…if only she could find Lou’s will.
Opal is an artsy girl who is working a dead end job and feels like she has no future. She has severe ADHD and I understood all of her decisions, I understood why she acted the way she did.
When Opal accidentally wins the lottery and buys the farm Pepper lives on, sapphic chaos ensues. I appreciate that the author played with the useless lesbian trope but they aren’t actually useless lesbians. They’re two neurodivergent girls who communicate and interact with the world in VASTLY different ways.
I very much enjoyed the twist of the U-Haul Lesbian as well. Opal moves in before she’s even met Pepper! It also was a nice way to really highlight just how different neurodivergent people are, and how despite having similar issues, can struggle with communication on a immense level that has severe consequences they can’t stop running into.
I loved seeing myself in these two characters. I loved seeing queer neurodivergent characters that use words like autism and ADHD, and the real implications of not learning ways to work with your abilities instead of against them can cause you a million problems such as Opal’s brush with drugs and struggle with not becoming an alcoholic.
The book is realistic, but it’s still a joyful read. It’s a gay romcom with neurodivergent disaster gays. This book was basically written for me. If you’re a gay/queer neurodivergent who’s been searching for a romcom that features you, you’ve come to the right place.
Pepper is an autistic woman who is hyperfixated on her late Grandma Lou’s flower farm, adorably named Thistle and Bloom. She wants her quiet routine, and she wants to live on her farm in peace…if only she could find Lou’s will.
Opal is an artsy girl who is working a dead end job and feels like she has no future. She has severe ADHD and I understood all of her decisions, I understood why she acted the way she did.
When Opal accidentally wins the lottery and buys the farm Pepper lives on, sapphic chaos ensues. I appreciate that the author played with the useless lesbian trope but they aren’t actually useless lesbians. They’re two neurodivergent girls who communicate and interact with the world in VASTLY different ways.
I very much enjoyed the twist of the U-Haul Lesbian as well. Opal moves in before she’s even met Pepper! It also was a nice way to really highlight just how different neurodivergent people are, and how despite having similar issues, can struggle with communication on a immense level that has severe consequences they can’t stop running into.
I loved seeing myself in these two characters. I loved seeing queer neurodivergent characters that use words like autism and ADHD, and the real implications of not learning ways to work with your abilities instead of against them can cause you a million problems such as Opal’s brush with drugs and struggle with not becoming an alcoholic.
The book is realistic, but it’s still a joyful read. It’s a gay romcom with neurodivergent disaster gays. This book was basically written for me. If you’re a gay/queer neurodivergent who’s been searching for a romcom that features you, you’ve come to the right place.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Drug use, Gaslighting, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Alcoholism, and Cursing
Minor: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, and Stalking
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the free copy of this book.
- I adore Mazey Eddings’ writing. Her characters are such beautiful portrayals of neurodiverse people (autism and ADHD in this book), showing readers that thees people are full human beings worthy of being loved just as they are.
- The setup of this plot, on the other hand, I had a bit of a hard time wrapping my mind around. I think I just had a hard time believing that they would come around to each other, despite the incredible chemistry they had.
- Regardless, everything else about this book is lovely and tender.
- I adore Mazey Eddings’ writing. Her characters are such beautiful portrayals of neurodiverse people (autism and ADHD in this book), showing readers that thees people are full human beings worthy of being loved just as they are.
- The setup of this plot, on the other hand, I had a bit of a hard time wrapping my mind around. I think I just had a hard time believing that they would come around to each other, despite the incredible chemistry they had.
- Regardless, everything else about this book is lovely and tender.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death
Minor: Drug use
jelkebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This honestly is really delightful read. Despite this book also definitely having its emotional moments, the book just felt so incredibly cozy. I really liked our two main characters, and even though they both are absolute disasters, they just fit together so well. I loved seeing how much they just rooted for each other, and just loved each other fully. I think Mazey Eddings did a great job at developing their feelings for each other, and just showing us how much they care for each other. It made this whole book just kind of feel like one big hug.
I also just really loved the setting of the flower farm. I thought it was just such a fun, and very vivid background to this love story. Especially because Pepper is so incredibly passionate about the farm, and seeing her connection with her recently deceased grandmother in everything she does around the farm is also just absolutely stunning. It was just overall executed really well.
I also really liked our cast of side characters. I thought they created for an amazing friend group, and I loved how Pepper's friends and Opal's sisters just kind of integrated so well together. It to me shows just how perfect those two are together. This book also was just incredibly funny. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading this.
The only complaints I have is that I feel like the storylines featuring Pepper and her mom, and Opal and her toxic friend are kind of pushed to the wayside a little. Especially because both of those relationships are really important to the start of this book, and then they are barely even mentioned throughout most of the book, just to get a bit unrealistically quickly get wrapped up at the end. It felt like a bit of a let down to me, I don't know.
This honestly is really delightful read. Despite this book also definitely having its emotional moments, the book just felt so incredibly cozy. I really liked our two main characters, and even though they both are absolute disasters, they just fit together so well. I loved seeing how much they just rooted for each other, and just loved each other fully. I think Mazey Eddings did a great job at developing their feelings for each other, and just showing us how much they care for each other. It made this whole book just kind of feel like one big hug.
I also just really loved the setting of the flower farm. I thought it was just such a fun, and very vivid background to this love story. Especially because Pepper is so incredibly passionate about the farm, and seeing her connection with her recently deceased grandmother in everything she does around the farm is also just absolutely stunning. It was just overall executed really well.
I also really liked our cast of side characters. I thought they created for an amazing friend group, and I loved how Pepper's friends and Opal's sisters just kind of integrated so well together. It to me shows just how perfect those two are together. This book also was just incredibly funny. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading this.
The only complaints I have is that I feel like the storylines featuring Pepper and her mom, and Opal and her toxic friend are kind of pushed to the wayside a little. Especially because both of those relationships are really important to the start of this book, and then they are barely even mentioned throughout most of the book, just to get a bit unrealistically quickly get wrapped up at the end. It felt like a bit of a let down to me, I don't know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism and Toxic friendship
smleeth93's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Death
Minor: Grief
abookwanderer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings is my second novel by the author, although it’s my first adult one. I previously read Tilly in Technicolor, her debut YA novel, which I adored. Late Bloomer is a sapphic, open door, dual point of view romance with extra spice! I have to be honest, what really drew me to this one was the stunning cover. It looked like the perfect book for spring! It doesn’t get much more spring-y than a flower farm, right?! I did enjoy plenty about Late Bloomer, but it never quite reached the five-stars I gave Tilly.
What I enjoyed most about this one was the setting. I’m a sucker for a farm, orchard, or winery setting. Anywhere they work with the land or outdoors to grow and produce things. I can’t help but get sucked in to the magic of it all. It’s a perfect setting for romance!
I also loved the representation. Opal is neurodivergent and Pepper is autistic, and of course, this is a sapphic novel. Eddings is wonderful at capturing the beauty in all of our individual differences. And while I liked both the characters, and especially liked their backstories, I did find both of their voices too similar sometimes, having to stop and figure out who was speaking. They were very different characters—it is an opposites attract romance—but sometimes their words or actions didn’t seem to match the speaker’s personality.
I did also like most of the side characters, especially Opal’s sisters and Pepper’s friends, who could all probably have their own books.
Much of the conflict between our love interests arises from lack of communication, which is not a favorite trope of mine. If it’s done well, I don’t mind it so much, but I found myself wanting to yell at these two to just talk to each other already. It wasn’t long or drawn out, though, so that was good. It was understandable for Pepper’s character who is more reserved, having put up walls, but Opal is super outspoken, except when it’s most important apparently, which was frustrating.
Even with these little frustrations, I found myself rooting for these two to find their much-deserved happiness together. There are plenty of lighthearted—and romantic—moments, as well, which had me smiling!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
What I enjoyed most about this one was the setting. I’m a sucker for a farm, orchard, or winery setting. Anywhere they work with the land or outdoors to grow and produce things. I can’t help but get sucked in to the magic of it all. It’s a perfect setting for romance!
I also loved the representation. Opal is neurodivergent and Pepper is autistic, and of course, this is a sapphic novel. Eddings is wonderful at capturing the beauty in all of our individual differences. And while I liked both the characters, and especially liked their backstories, I did find both of their voices too similar sometimes, having to stop and figure out who was speaking. They were very different characters—it is an opposites attract romance—but sometimes their words or actions didn’t seem to match the speaker’s personality.
I did also like most of the side characters, especially Opal’s sisters and Pepper’s friends, who could all probably have their own books.
Much of the conflict between our love interests arises from lack of communication, which is not a favorite trope of mine. If it’s done well, I don’t mind it so much, but I found myself wanting to yell at these two to just talk to each other already. It wasn’t long or drawn out, though, so that was good. It was understandable for Pepper’s character who is more reserved, having put up walls, but Opal is super outspoken, except when it’s most important apparently, which was frustrating.
Even with these little frustrations, I found myself rooting for these two to find their much-deserved happiness together. There are plenty of lighthearted—and romantic—moments, as well, which had me smiling!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Grief
jackiereadssometimes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Grief, and Death
Minor: Alcoholism
kdscolley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
What a lovely sapphic love story! Opal and Pepper have their own pasts that make communication tough, so if you aren’t a fan of miscommunication, this won’t be it for you. But the miscommunication comes from history that feels so relevant and relatable that I enjoyed the push and pull. Pepper is autistic and Opal is neurodivergent, so there’s so much going on and the representation was done so well.
I think this one was so amazing for me because I related to both characters in different ways and that was just lovely to experience.
I think this one was so amazing for me because I related to both characters in different ways and that was just lovely to experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Alcoholism
lololovesthings's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars!
Mazey Eddings is one of my favorite authors. She has never steered me wrong, and "Late Bloomer" is no different. I loved this lovely story full of autism and ADHD representation, bi/queer/sapphic romance, flowers, kitsch, self-acceptance, and grumpy x sunshine wonderfulness! Eddings treats her characters with such passion, such care, that they feel authentic and lived-in, like friends I know in real life. Opal and Pepper are both messes in their own very specific ways. That is what endears readers to Eddings' characters, in my opinion. They aren't cookie-cutter-perfect people who have their lives together tied up with neat little bows. They are blunt, honest, flailing, unsure, compassionate, misunderstood, solid, beautiful, chaotic messes. Opal and Pepper are total opposites. Opal is sunshine personified, always trying to do things selflessly, to a fault. When she buys Thistle and Bloom Farms, she wants to use it as her fresh start. Pepper, the rightful owner of the farm (or so she thought), has been jaded by life and grief and abandonment and is better off hiding away on the farm out of reach of harm's way. Together, they teach each other how to love, care, be tender, express themselves, be affectionate, and communicate effectively. I might not have been as pulled in by their love story as I have been with some of Mazey's other books, but I still really, really liked this one. Terrific spice, incredible heart, bursting with vibrancy and love! I also loved the audiobook narration by Ellie Gossage. She really brings these characters to life in a vivacious, intricate way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Mazey Eddings is one of my favorite authors. She has never steered me wrong, and "Late Bloomer" is no different. I loved this lovely story full of autism and ADHD representation, bi/queer/sapphic romance, flowers, kitsch, self-acceptance, and grumpy x sunshine wonderfulness! Eddings treats her characters with such passion, such care, that they feel authentic and lived-in, like friends I know in real life. Opal and Pepper are both messes in their own very specific ways. That is what endears readers to Eddings' characters, in my opinion. They aren't cookie-cutter-perfect people who have their lives together tied up with neat little bows. They are blunt, honest, flailing, unsure, compassionate, misunderstood, solid, beautiful, chaotic messes. Opal and Pepper are total opposites. Opal is sunshine personified, always trying to do things selflessly, to a fault. When she buys Thistle and Bloom Farms, she wants to use it as her fresh start. Pepper, the rightful owner of the farm (or so she thought), has been jaded by life and grief and abandonment and is better off hiding away on the farm out of reach of harm's way. Together, they teach each other how to love, care, be tender, express themselves, be affectionate, and communicate effectively. I might not have been as pulled in by their love story as I have been with some of Mazey's other books, but I still really, really liked this one. Terrific spice, incredible heart, bursting with vibrancy and love! I also loved the audiobook narration by Ellie Gossage. She really brings these characters to life in a vivacious, intricate way.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mazey Eddings, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
heytherekaity's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
battyaboutbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
🦇 Late Bloomer Book Review 🦇
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❓ #QOTD What's your favorite type of flower? ❓
🦇 Synopsis
💜 Oh. My. (Sappho.) Goddess. You may think you know Mazey Eddings' writing style, but I assure you, you do not. Many of us read The Plus One and/or Tily in Technicolor last year, but let me assure you, Eddings has far exceeded herself with this one. As a neurodiverse author, Eddings' stories often have some element of neurodiversity / mental health, shining a light on the different ways people's brains work while embracing those differences through beautiful, realistic characters. Opal and Pepper are no different, both on the spectrum yet unique in their behaviors and view of the world. These women are not predictable, pre-programmed components of a story; they are ever-blooming, learning how to plant roots alongside one another, share sunlight, and rise despite being different species. Both plants, growing and adapting to different elements, yet very much the same. While Opal and Pepper have always struggled to fit in with the world around them, they manage to cultivate a safe, healthy garden for one another.
💜 This is one of those overwhelming, layered, awe-inspiring sapphic stories that will tug at your heartstrings long after you read it. Eddings' language leaps off the page, making it a little reminiscent of One Last Stop (be still, my little sapphic heart). I've beyond annotated Late Bloomer, when I'm usually selective about choosing quotes. You don't just see love blossom between these two women; you feel it. It made me smile, laugh, get all messy and misty-eyed. As I said, neither woman is predictable. Opal feels directionless at the story's start, allowing her (fake) best friend and (on/off) ex step all over her. I expected her to be the wallflower, especially with the BITE we see from Pepper (pun unintended) in her first chapter, but the two balance each other out. When Pepper feels uncertain or anxious, Opal steps forward, bold and unwavering. When Opal begins to crumble, Pepper holds her up. They support each other, never allowing the other to wilt.
💙 Unfortunately, this book relies heavily on miscommunication. Both women are eager to hide their real feelings at the risk of scaring the other. That lack of communication continues until almost the last chapter,
🦇 Recommended for fans of One Last Stop and Imogen, Obviously. Side note: please, please read the author's note. Good goddess.
✨ The Vibes ✨
🌼 Neurodivergency/Autism Spectrum
🌸 Sapphic Romance
🌷 Grief/Healing
🌹 Forced Proximity
⚡ Spicy/First Time
🪻 Cottage Core Vibes
🪻 One Bed
⚡ Touch Her and You Die
🌹 Dual POV
🌷 Miscommunication
🌸 Flower Competition
🌻 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦇 Major thanks to the author @mazeyeddings and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #LateBloomer
💬 Quotes
❝ I’m constantly trying to define myself, to fit nicely and neatly into the boxes and spaces I attempt to occupy. All I’ve ever really wanted to do was belong. Somewhere. Anywhere. ❞
❝ Slowly, she leans toward me, and my heart pounds so violently in my chest that my head swims. Is she . . . It almost seems like she’s going to press that smile to my mouth. Teach me how it tastes. ❞
❝ I gave up perfection in any other aspect of my life long ago. It’s simply not possible with a brain like mine. But my art is different; it’s the better version of me, the one I wish people could know me by. ❞
❝ Ah. There’s the you I missed. ❞
❝ I used to stress over finding a label that fit me. Lesbian. Bisexual. Pan. Demi . . . I’ve filtered through them all many times over, none ever feeling quite right. Just say queer and move on with your life, Diksha finally told me late one night after what was probably my sixth sexual identity crisis of my early twenties. But what does that mean? I’d wailed, draining more boxed wine into my plastic cup. My brain loves order and labels and concise frameworks to understand things, and not knowing where I fit feels unbearable. It means you’re you, and only you get to decide who you like and when you like them, Tal had said from their chair in the corner. The name of your feelings isn’t anyone’s business but yours. ❞
❝ But instead, she reaches out to me— opening her hand like a flower unfurling its petals to the sun. I stare at it. The ink stains and calluses and chipped nails and bitten cuticles. For a moment, that hand looks like a second chance. ❞
❝ Fuck anything and anyone that made you have to survive instead of live. You deserve a life so peaceful it feels deliciously boring. A life filled with flowers and sunny days and people that show you all the time that you’re valued and worthy. You deserve it all.” ❞
❝ “Her poems spoke softly— as intimately as confessions between lovers—about the terrible, wonderful ache of being in love.” ❞
❝ Messy and radiant and ours. ❞
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❓ #QOTD What's your favorite type of flower? ❓
🦇 Synopsis
💜 Oh. My. (Sappho.) Goddess. You may think you know Mazey Eddings' writing style, but I assure you, you do not. Many of us read The Plus One and/or Tily in Technicolor last year, but let me assure you, Eddings has far exceeded herself with this one. As a neurodiverse author, Eddings' stories often have some element of neurodiversity / mental health, shining a light on the different ways people's brains work while embracing those differences through beautiful, realistic characters. Opal and Pepper are no different, both on the spectrum yet unique in their behaviors and view of the world. These women are not predictable, pre-programmed components of a story; they are ever-blooming, learning how to plant roots alongside one another, share sunlight, and rise despite being different species. Both plants, growing and adapting to different elements, yet very much the same. While Opal and Pepper have always struggled to fit in with the world around them, they manage to cultivate a safe, healthy garden for one another.
💜 This is one of those overwhelming, layered, awe-inspiring sapphic stories that will tug at your heartstrings long after you read it. Eddings' language leaps off the page, making it a little reminiscent of One Last Stop (be still, my little sapphic heart). I've beyond annotated Late Bloomer, when I'm usually selective about choosing quotes. You don't just see love blossom between these two women; you feel it. It made me smile, laugh, get all messy and misty-eyed. As I said, neither woman is predictable. Opal feels directionless at the story's start, allowing her (fake) best friend and (on/off) ex step all over her. I expected her to be the wallflower, especially with the BITE we see from Pepper (pun unintended) in her first chapter, but the two balance each other out. When Pepper feels uncertain or anxious, Opal steps forward, bold and unwavering. When Opal begins to crumble, Pepper holds her up. They support each other, never allowing the other to wilt.
💙 Unfortunately, this book relies heavily on miscommunication. Both women are eager to hide their real feelings at the risk of scaring the other. That lack of communication continues until almost the last chapter,
🦇 Recommended for fans of One Last Stop and Imogen, Obviously. Side note: please, please read the author's note. Good goddess.
✨ The Vibes ✨
🌼 Neurodivergency/Autism Spectrum
🌸 Sapphic Romance
🌷 Grief/Healing
🌹 Forced Proximity
⚡ Spicy/First Time
🪻 Cottage Core Vibes
🪻 One Bed
⚡ Touch Her and You Die
🌹 Dual POV
🌷 Miscommunication
🌸 Flower Competition
🌻 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦇 Major thanks to the author @mazeyeddings and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #LateBloomer
💬 Quotes
❝ I’m constantly trying to define myself, to fit nicely and neatly into the boxes and spaces I attempt to occupy. All I’ve ever really wanted to do was belong. Somewhere. Anywhere. ❞
❝ Slowly, she leans toward me, and my heart pounds so violently in my chest that my head swims. Is she . . . It almost seems like she’s going to press that smile to my mouth. Teach me how it tastes. ❞
❝ I gave up perfection in any other aspect of my life long ago. It’s simply not possible with a brain like mine. But my art is different; it’s the better version of me, the one I wish people could know me by. ❞
❝ Ah. There’s the you I missed. ❞
❝ I used to stress over finding a label that fit me. Lesbian. Bisexual. Pan. Demi . . . I’ve filtered through them all many times over, none ever feeling quite right. Just say queer and move on with your life, Diksha finally told me late one night after what was probably my sixth sexual identity crisis of my early twenties. But what does that mean? I’d wailed, draining more boxed wine into my plastic cup. My brain loves order and labels and concise frameworks to understand things, and not knowing where I fit feels unbearable. It means you’re you, and only you get to decide who you like and when you like them, Tal had said from their chair in the corner. The name of your feelings isn’t anyone’s business but yours. ❞
❝ But instead, she reaches out to me— opening her hand like a flower unfurling its petals to the sun. I stare at it. The ink stains and calluses and chipped nails and bitten cuticles. For a moment, that hand looks like a second chance. ❞
❝ Fuck anything and anyone that made you have to survive instead of live. You deserve a life so peaceful it feels deliciously boring. A life filled with flowers and sunny days and people that show you all the time that you’re valued and worthy. You deserve it all.” ❞
❝ “Her poems spoke softly— as intimately as confessions between lovers—about the terrible, wonderful ache of being in love.” ❞
❝ Messy and radiant and ours. ❞
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Grief, Sexual content, Mental illness, and Toxic friendship