Bloom and Cupcake

Things may start off light and sweet but can soon turn dark and deadly.  That is what Delilah S. Dawson’s chilling novella, “Bloom” gives us.  Rosemary (Ro) Dutton’s life is in shambles and all she wants to do is start anew.  She moves away to new place, gets a new job, and eagerly tries to break some of her old habits.  This starts with going to the local farmer’s markets on Saturdays and there she meets a mysterious vendor named Ash who sells cupcakes, soaps, plants, and other goodies.  Almost immediately, Ro is captivated by Ash and wants to learn more about her.  But is she ready to know everything?  Let’s take a look at this.

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The Story

Rosemary (Ro) Dutton had a plan.  She was supposed to be a successful professor in an ivy league school, married to her college sweetheart, and living the high life.  Long story short, that did not happen.  Her fiancée dumped her, her mother blames her for it, and the school job she was supposed to get turned out to be a bust.  Completely shattered, Ro decided to run away and do something different so she did not have to live with this pain any longer.  She moves to a new college town and takes the assistant professor of literature position at the school there.  As she begins to settle in, Ro decides to check out the local farmer’s market that happens on Saturdays.

There she meets an ethereal, charming artisan named Ash whose beauty stops Ro in her tracks.  Ro has never been with a woman but there is something about Ash that draws her in.  Ever since she had that first bite of the cupcake sample that Ash had given her, Ro could not think of anything else.  She always had to see this perfect woman, to interact with her, to be with her, and soon to possess her.  Yes, she has fallen hard for this perfect fey-like woman but Ash has her secrets.  Underneath her free-spirited, rustic lifestyle there is something unnerving and possibly horrific going on.

The closer Ro gets due to her obsession with Ash the tables just might turn on her.  The question is:  Who is more innocent? Ro or Ash? 

My Review

There are some good romantic points in this book.  It really does start out as a meet-cute love story where you think everything is going to get better for these two characters.  The sex scenes were written well and not too spicy for those who do love a slow-burn.  

The chemistry between our two lovers is very believable. The fact that Ro is desperate for a change and Ash has a need for stability show that love can blossom even in the most unexpected way and even in one’s direst of circumstances. And yet, things get darker and murkier as the book goes on.

There is good character depth to both Ro and Ash.  Neither character is perfect even though they both present themselves as a certain “type”.  Ro being an “intellectual academic” and Ash being a “cottagecore artist.”  However, there are some serious red flags going off.  Ro being completely blind in what she is experiencing with Ash due to her obsession with her and Ash’s need to keep secrets and her moodiness (putting it mildly).  It is clear that both characters are going to have to make choices and there is a lot of toxicity here.  What they do about it shall remain a mystery until you read it.

Dawson paints a beautiful story with her words.  The way she describes Ash’s idyllic lifestyle makes a person want to explore a more cottagecore way of living.  It also lulls you into a false sense of security where you believe that for a short time you are actually reading a romance novel as opposed to a horror story.  Perhaps one would like to try to make their own soaps (in a non-sinister way of course).

The story flows beautifully and there is an authenticity to what is being presented.  Sadly, I felt that it kind of fell apart at the end.  I won’t go into details but I can not help but think that it stopped being believable.  It was like the novelist wanted to make it like that for shock value as opposed to making the story more viable.    

So Yummy!

The Pairings

This book definitely needs a cupcake of some kind.  In the picture you have a lemon cupcake which is featured frequently in this book but there are at least four other kinds as well.  This includes chocolate (which is often sold out), strawberry, vanilla, lavender, and maple bacon (Shocking!).  So, if you would rather have one of these other kinds of cupcakes, then go for it.  No matter what, a cupcake is definitely needed when you read this fascinating book. 

The Rating/Final Thoughts

9/10

All and all, this book was fabulous.  The characters were fun and interesting.  The cottagecore theme/scenery is a fabulous setting that definitely needs to be explored more in books.  Deliliah S. Dawson’s descriptions and wording is just beautiful.  You can visualize every scene, sense every emotion, and yet be completely taken off guard when all secrets become revealed.   

The twists and turns of Ro and Ash’s toxic relationship is unsettling but exciting.  You can see why they are drawn to each other.  However, I have to admit that the ending did not seem to be that realistic. Without giving any spoilers, I can not believe someone would let what is happening go this far.  Why are there no investigations? 

This is the kind of book I would read over and over again.  The mystery, rustic lives, and even a hint of romance is hard to put down.  I look forward to reading more from Dawson.  In fact, I can’t wait!   

A real treat!