This book contains trigger warnings for homophobic family members and mentions of suicide.
In Bloom is a slice of life, slow burn romance that focuses on grief, healing and setting boundaries. Nicole is a eulogies writer who is dealing with the grief of losing her wife to suicide three years ago, but she wants to dip her toes into the dating pool. Avery is a florist trying to cut off her situationship of seven years, set firm boundaries with her and move on. Their first date does not go well, but fate keeps throwing them back together, and they have an undeniable connection.
Firstly, this is a true slow burn romance. It took over half the book for them to even kiss. Slow burns typically aren't my favourite, I like things to move a little faster, so that aspect of the book was hard for me. I was just screaming at them the whole time to kiss and get together. What I did love was how Kat Jackson handled writing about different kinds of grief and how it can affect a person. I really felt what both Avery and Nicole were feeling, and I adored the scene where Nicole got Avery to eulogize her situationship with Shannon.
Overall a very solid book, 3.5/5 stars.

I really enjoyed this book, it was so beautifully written.

I wouldn't say this a full romance as it is more focused on healing and the characters finding themselves after heartbreak.

The characters are so well written in this story. I really felt like I got to know them throughout the book and experienced their emotions as if they were my own.

I loved reading this and look forward to reading more of Jackson's work!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for providing me with this arc

Another Kat Jackson book that I get completely lost in. I really enjoyed the jobs of the two main characters - very different- and I liked the mystery surrounding the death of the wife. I think Jackson captured the raw grief over losing someone combined with the fact maybe that someone wasn’t right for you. Brilliant book yet again.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I was unable to download In Bloom so I was unable to read it. I look forward to finding it now that it was published.

This is my first Kat Jackson book, but now I am obsessed. The cover being so minimalistic really hides the gem that is this novel. There is so much emotional turmoil in this novel and I was worried that it would overwhelm me, but thankfully I was mistaken. This was just a great telling of two women dealing with different forms of grief and trauma. How the characters worked through these issues not only told you about them but also about how as humans situations are handled so differently from person to person. The romance in this novel takes a backseat to the personal growth and development of the characters as they come to deal with their loss. Nicole’s being an actual death and Avery’s being that of a toxic relationship. This really didn’t have a ‘traditional’ happily ever after but it felt real and more heartfelt.

It's not your typical love story. It's more about how two people deal with their past heartbreaks and end up finding love in unexpected places. At the start, Nicole is sure she's been through the worst heartbreak and is fine being alone. Avery, who owns a flower shop, is also not eager to jump into love again after dealing with her own share of relationship troubles. The story is more about how they each heal and grow individually, with a bit of romance sprinkled in. I really liked how the author focused on the characters and their personal journeys. The slow development of the attraction between Nicole and Avery kept me hooked. The characters, especially Avery, are well-written. I felt for Nicole and how she struggled with her past. As the story progressed, I was surprised by Nicole's ongoing interest in Avery, given the ups and downs in their relationship. Kat Jackson's storytelling is great, making this a good read for those who like stories about personal growth, healing, and unexpected twists of the heart. Even though the romance is not the main focus, the exploration of self-love and the chance for a real connection make it a story that stays with you.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s sad, funny, and emotional and had me hooked from the beginning.

Nicole’s wife died a few years ago but she thinks she finally may be at a place to start dating. Maybe. Avery has been in a toxic relationship for seven years and is finally realizing it may be time to move on. The two meet after connecting on a dating app. While the date doesn’t turn out like they’d expect, they can’t deny they have chemistry.

I wouldn’t call this a romance. There is a romantic subplot but this deals more with each woman’s journey of healing and moving on from their prior relationships. They each carry baggage and aren’t initially ready for each other. But I loved how the pull they felt to one another grows with each interaction. My favorite part was the process and the slow burn feel to it all. This is very character driven and Jackson is excellent when it comes to the characters.

This doesn’t have the traditional happily ever after but it definitely feels hopeful and that everything is going to work out. I’d love to read more about them in the future.

I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Bloom by Kat Jackson was an engaging read, though at times I found it challenging to fully connect with the story. The evolving romance between Nicole and Avery was interesting, but I felt somewhat distanced from being completely captivated by it. The real strength of this book lies in the individual development of the characters. Avery's perspective on herself and her relationships was particularly fascinating. I felt for Nicole and the way she was impacted by her grief. I will admit that closer to the end of the novel I was surprised by her continued interest in Avery despite the complexities in their relationship and the constant push/pull dynamic. I wish I saw more of why Nicole was so infatuated by Avery.

Kat Jackson consistently stretches the limits in her romance writing, and In Bloom is no exception. It's another intriguing book by the author.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was a classic slow burn romance. It started out with the main characters meeting on a dating app and going on a date, and, not putting their best efforts forward, to see if they were compatible.. Avery and Nicole were very opposite in how the approach their first date together. Avery was very skeptical about Nicole not having any major flaws and Nicole was just getting back into dating after grieving the death of her wife for a few years. Nicole was open to getting to know Aver,y but, Avery came off as a jerk and the date ended on a sour note soon after. When these two meet again Avery apologizes too Nicole, o this is where they slowly become friends then even slower lovers. I really liked the back and forth of this relationship, and the secondary characters were really interesting as well and added just enough too make this an even better story. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what's next from this author

‘In Bloom’ is my first Kat Jackson novel and will not be my last… it feels so difficult to write a review on this book because it’s so much more than a simple love story. It’s a novel about healing and grief and becoming the person we need to be after an event in our life that changes everything. It’s a book about two women who have not always experienced love in the best of ways and who are still recovering but have an undeniable connection. It’s a beautiful work by Jackson and one that will move you deeply.
Nicole and Avery have their own past and present wounds when it comes to love so when the two experience a spark, they know they'll more than likely get burnt. However, just like the peonies they both love, these two women add a little beauty to one another's lives. As Jackson unfurls their stories Nicole and Avery begin to realise that they are worthy of more than the love they have previously experienced. I adore the way Jackson writes ‘In Bloom’ with equal affection and time for both MCs, it is almost as though Nicole and Avery have their own complete stories that collide and interweave- the collective story isn’t just there to fill the gaps in a love story, there is a sincerity and a respect for the characters that Jackson has created.
‘In Bloom’ is in a way novel about what we can overcome when we realise that we can have more than what we think we deserve. It’s a story about re-learning to love yourself and finding someone who can help you grow instead of keeping you in a box. It is a heartbreaking account of grief and a hopeful faith in what real love can be. I cannot wait to dive into Jackson’s previous works while I wait patiently for her next…

In reading the reviews of Kat Jackson's books, at least half of them include this line: "It's my first Kat Jackson book but it definitely won't be my last." I believe those were my exact words when I stumbled upon her debut novel "Begin Again" a few years ago. It only takes a couple of chapters to realize there's just something different going on. This author is not afraid to tackle the tough and sometimes even uncomfortable topics, and by the time you are halfway through you realize you have no idea what to expect next because there is absolutely no formula. How refreshing.

The cover of "In Bloom" is spectacular and suits the book perfectly. It's the story of two protagonists, both coming from unfulfilling relationships, who find each other and ultimately a way to be happy together. But because it's Kat Jackson, will there be a happy ending? There's no way to be sure. The writing is just a cut above and the stories are just so refreshing and different. These aren't your garden variety beach reads; her books are to be savored and remembered.

This book grabbed me right from the start. The author’s ability to paint a picture with words is stellar. There were small bits of humor but not too many, which would have diminished the seriousness of the state of mind both characters were in.

Toward the middle to end, I felt that the “take two steps forward, one back” of the characters was dragging on and I lost interest a bit. The end was satisfying but surprising and dropped off where most books just pick up steam.

This was a very pleasant slow burn, low-spice romance that focused heavily on individual healing and moving forward after personal loss. Unlike most romances nowadays there is no instant attraction or lust and the chemistry gradually builds through the story.

This was my first book by Kat Jackson and will not be my last. The emotional journey was very well written and the relationship that developed between Nicole and Avery was warm and sweet and I finished the book with a smile on my face.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. Avery and Nicole both have tumultuous romantic pasts. Nicole became a widow at 39 and Avery has spent the last seven years in a situationship that is pure manipulation. Their friends all want them to have happy and healthy romantic lives, but when the two women meet on a dating site, their own issues from the past keep tripping them up.
This book felt so real and relatable. I think this dealt beautifully with the awkward pain of situationships and the hope that springs out of them. It also portrays how we let our pasts get in the way of our futures. I feel like this book is a story that will resonate with many people trying to live and love in our current dating culture.

DNF'd this book because it was a different Kat Jackson than i thought when i requested it. This book is not written as well as i expected thinking it was the other KJ.

Loved this one! Such a sweet story with relatable characters. No huge dramatic moments, just a growing relationship between two people with complicated life experiences.

I'll be looking for other books by this author.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Grief doesn't just come from death, it can be just as difficult to deal with when one experiences the loss of a relationship. The loss of what could be, can be as painful as death itself. Avery and Nicole are both trying to work through their losses and aren't ready to date, but sometimes that's when someone comes along who makes you want to work through that which is holding you back.
For anyone who hasn't read a book by Kat Jackson, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Her books have a maturity and depth that you won't find in many books, sapphic, or otherwise. Her characters have flaws, they are damaged and realistic. Despite their occasional resistance, they strive for personal growth and do the work to get there. Jackson also has an uncanny ability to bring humor into situations where you wouldn't expect to find it. As someone who uses humor as a way to deal with adversity, I appreciate this immensely.
Kat Jackson doesn't write fluff. You won't find an instalove story where the couple jumps into a relationship without thorough consideration. However, if you enjoy intelligent, technically flawless writing with layers of emotion and self-reflection, she is a writer whose writing you will appreciate.
In Bloom is a superb novel that kept me enthralled and cheering for Avery and Nicole to not only find happiness, but also to find closure. Kat Jackson's exploration of grief is the best I have read. She handles it with care, humor and hope. She is one of our best writers and I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

An ARC was received from Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

5 stars
This author is new to me but I'll be looking for more of her work because I really liked this one. This story was not a typical romance novel but a rather serious story about grief and dealing with loss. The relationship between two interesting complicated leads was slow burn, and had time and space to develop. The story totally worked for me and I enjoyed it. Recommended.

Another multi-layered book from this author, who writes stories with welcome complexity, this one is an interesting exploration of two women's pain and their struggles to make new choices. Nicole is a widow, we find out how her wife died but precious little about why, which was a missed opportunity. Avery has been in a 7 year on/off 'affair', I would say. We are much more immersed in Avery's inner world and her attempts to break free, in a way Nicole's grief is easier to navigate, the way the book is written. I enjoyed the complexity and as usual with this author, the other characters are great.

Content warning there is a mention of suicide in the book.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

"In Bloom" delicately weaves together the lives of two women, each navigating the complexities of love and loss in a profoundly touching narrative.

It stands out for its candid portrayal of diverse forms of grief, inviting readers to empathize with the characters' emotional struggles. It shows the rather less poetic sides of grief and sums them up beautifully.

While the book captivated me with its heartfelt storytelling, I couldn't help but find the occasional references to astrology somewhat discordant. As a reader, I would recommend minimizing these tangential elements to maintain the immersive flow of the story.

Overall, "In Bloom" is a tender and evocative tribute to the human capacity for healing and growth. With its beautifully rendered prose and deeply resonant exploration of love and loss, this book stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.