These Bitter Blooms

By: Emma Hamm

Narrated by: Alyse Gibbs

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

In a world where magic means power, a "small" gift is a curse. Thea was not blessed with power. Her gift of devouring plants and absorbing their hidden abilities does not make her stand out among her peers. Until a young man from the other side of the river sees something in her that no one else has seen before. When his family mercilessly strikes at her pride, he makes a point to ease the sting.

Alistair is not like his family. He has no interest in magic or wealth. He can see through the veil of the world into the faerie realm, and that has no use in his family. He never understood the desire to write to the girl across the river, but she turns his world of grey into a life of color. At the first opportunity, he meets with her. The second, he falls in love. And the third, he knows he wants to marry her. Until the cities across the river go to war.

Their lives are shattered, ripped apart, and thrown asunder. Then, 10 years later, a chance meeting brings them back together. He needs a secretary. She needs a job. Neither realized they were about to be thrown into each other's arms once again. And this time, he doesn't intend to ever let her go.

Dark Academia meets, falls in love with, and then keeps Goblincore. For fans of witches, slow burn romances, and a little bit of magic, this audiobook will wrap you up in a warm hug, snuggle you in a blanket, and hand you a hot cup of tea.

©2022 Emma Hamm (P)2023 Emma Hamm

perfect

10/10 story and narration. i laughed, i cried, i fell in love right along with them. very well done 🥰

Wow

This book is like a hug on a hard day. It is a great book for those days where you need a book that isn’t going to make you anxious. Emma writes romance that is so believable and lovely. The narrator was perfect and gave each character their own voice.

Sweet Story and Performance

Such a sweet witchy love story.

Two teenagers from rival witch families both struggle with confidence in their abilities meet at an altar to get their familiars. They exchange letters for months, slowly falling in love. They have to put their family differences aside to be with each other.

It’s an adorable story, and a quick read.

I love how magic is presented in a very realistic way, helpful for people without being overbearing. Cherished and honored instead of feared.

The character development is phenomenal. The dual POV’s makes sense. The settings felt real and I could really put myself there. The familiars were great side characters with engaging personalities.

Overall, this was an engaging and sweet read. Solid 4/5. One spicy scene, so recommended for slightly older YA.

The performance was solid. I noticed when listening in my car that the voice seemed higher pitch and it distracted me at parts, and kept me from turning the volume up to an easily heard level. I haven’t had this problem with other audiobooks.