Hearts in Bloom A New Adult Contemporary Romance She's building a life rooted in resilience. He's buried beneath the ashes of his past. Together, they might just bloom again. Lila Monroe has spent the last three years growing her late mother's Seattle flower shop into a cozy sanctuary for love, loss, and second chances. Her world is color, order, and carefully guarded boundaries—especially when it comes to her heart. After a brutal betrayal, Lila doesn't believe in fairytales anymore... only the scent of lavender and the comfort of routine. Then Dean Carter walks through her door—tattooed, brooding, and annoyingly captivating. Once a fearless firefighter, Dean now restores historic homes in quiet Port Townsend, trying to rebuild a life fractured by guilt and loss. His latest project brings him to Seattle—and face-to-face with a woman who challenges every wall he's ever built. Lila and Dean are polar opposites—sunshine and stormcloud, petals and flame. But when a local wedding forces them to work side by side, their undeniable chemistry starts to crack their emotional armor. As secrets unravel and sparks ignite, they'll have to decide: will they keep hiding in the past, or take a chance on something beautifully new? Set against the misty charm of the Pacific Northwest, Hearts in Bloom is a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance about healing, vulnerability, and the kind of love that grows wild when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of Catherine Bybee, Lauren Dane, and readers who crave: Second chance and emotional healing stories Grumpy/sunshine slow burns Interracial romance with depth and tenderness Sensory-rich settings and meaningful small moments Strong but wounded heroes, and heroines who don't give up on love