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caitybell's review against another edition
4.0
I read so many Historical Romances that they all start to blur together into the best kind of serial escapism one can ask for. But, every once-in-a-while, I read one that jolts me out of my salacious scandal stupor, and it makes me notice it. Bed of Flowers was one such book.
I don't think it is officially advertised as such but I considered this book a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. Once I had this theory, I couldn't get rid of the notion. There's a man who made a mistake as a young man, an important flower, a Gaston likeness, and a sweet girl who has a thing for books. All mixed together with wholly unique storytelling that could very easily dismiss my Beauty and the Beast comparison. But, in the end, this book read like a decadent fairytale with characters that make you feel and feel and feel things.
Cordelia is our heroine; she's the darling of the town and promised to the son of the richest family around--richest only due to a fire that burnt down half the town years and years ago. Her family used to be wealthy too, all before the young Loel kicked that lantern over and ended her family's shipping business. But now Loel and Cordelia are grown up, and he's insisting her fiance isn't a good person--trying to ruin her life for a second time, she suspects. But the more time they spend together, thanks to a certain dying flower, Cordelia realizes the hardest truths to accept are usually glaringly obvious.
The intimacy that developed between the two MCs is so timid and budding, much like the flowers they care for together. It was a delightful read with a bittersweet ending. It does have a HEA, but not in the ways you might expect, and it was perfect. Naive women can either be written poorly, be annoying, and obtuse to a point you can't forgive their ignorance, or they can be written as strong and curious in all the right ways. Cordelia was one such lady. Loel isn't a monster, but he lets the town consider him one for his grievous accident so many years ago. His personal struggle and isolation from any and everyone was heartbreaking to read, but his patience and affection for Cordelia was a balm for every horrid moment these two had to experience at the hands or words of their families or townsfolk. It was a beautiful and emotional read. I have never before been so wholly invested in the survival of a single flower. Also, I think this cover is gorgeous and perfect for the vibe of this book.
There is a setup for more books; book two is out now and I look forward to the release of more.
I don't think it is officially advertised as such but I considered this book a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. Once I had this theory, I couldn't get rid of the notion. There's a man who made a mistake as a young man, an important flower, a Gaston likeness, and a sweet girl who has a thing for books. All mixed together with wholly unique storytelling that could very easily dismiss my Beauty and the Beast comparison. But, in the end, this book read like a decadent fairytale with characters that make you feel and feel and feel things.
Cordelia is our heroine; she's the darling of the town and promised to the son of the richest family around--richest only due to a fire that burnt down half the town years and years ago. Her family used to be wealthy too, all before the young Loel kicked that lantern over and ended her family's shipping business. But now Loel and Cordelia are grown up, and he's insisting her fiance isn't a good person--trying to ruin her life for a second time, she suspects. But the more time they spend together, thanks to a certain dying flower, Cordelia realizes the hardest truths to accept are usually glaringly obvious.
The intimacy that developed between the two MCs is so timid and budding, much like the flowers they care for together. It was a delightful read with a bittersweet ending. It does have a HEA, but not in the ways you might expect, and it was perfect. Naive women can either be written poorly, be annoying, and obtuse to a point you can't forgive their ignorance, or they can be written as strong and curious in all the right ways. Cordelia was one such lady. Loel isn't a monster, but he lets the town consider him one for his grievous accident so many years ago. His personal struggle and isolation from any and everyone was heartbreaking to read, but his patience and affection for Cordelia was a balm for every horrid moment these two had to experience at the hands or words of their families or townsfolk. It was a beautiful and emotional read. I have never before been so wholly invested in the survival of a single flower. Also, I think this cover is gorgeous and perfect for the vibe of this book.
There is a setup for more books; book two is out now and I look forward to the release of more.
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
Truly a beautiful book. I can't wait for Cordelia's story!
sassysmutlover's review against another edition
5.0
This is my first book by Erin Satie and OMG! This story shows love can survive anything that is thrown at in its path. Both of them will pull at your heart with heartbreaking stories and how they find each other in a cruel world. I was hooked from the start with her work and how she and her friend were. You will go through many emotions with how people treat them and following their story until the end. That spark between them just got stronger as time went on and they could take on anything. They both had amazing friends that stood by them no matter what. The ending left me wanting more in a good way because I wanted to see them rise higher than before.
Bonny has the biggest heart and doesn't turn her back on someone in need. I loved her right away because she truly cared about others equally no matter their social status. She was extremely brave in many ways and stood her ground when it came to finding the truth and doing what she wanted.
Loel suffered horribly and was still paying for an accident from years ago and should want revenge, but his heart won't allow it. He had me the moment he kissed her wrist and I loved him as he told his story of what happened after everything. He learned to understand her and would do anything for.
I can't wait for the next one and hope to see them again. This is going on my all-time favorite list.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Bonny has the biggest heart and doesn't turn her back on someone in need. I loved her right away because she truly cared about others equally no matter their social status. She was extremely brave in many ways and stood her ground when it came to finding the truth and doing what she wanted.
Loel suffered horribly and was still paying for an accident from years ago and should want revenge, but his heart won't allow it. He had me the moment he kissed her wrist and I loved him as he told his story of what happened after everything. He learned to understand her and would do anything for.
I can't wait for the next one and hope to see them again. This is going on my all-time favorite list.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
suey_library's review against another edition
4.0
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy through a blog tour by ANovelTakePR in exchange for an honest review***
Who doesn't love a good Historical Romance with one of my favorite tropes - enemies to lovers? I mean heck, I will give it any time or day just for the swoonage. This was definitely a great dynamic, once I got started I couldn't put my tablet down, I HAD to know where the romance was going to lead.... I needed answers!
The main characters were perfection. There. I admitted it.
Loel is a man of title but by title only. He is still suffering from an accident he caused which has turned him into a poor titled man with nothing to show. He is grumpy, he is stern, he is cruel and with a cold-heart at times, but can you blame him? Though he caused a massive fire in his younger years by an accident, he tries to make amends with the understanding that no one would ever accept him. He was the true angst hero I have been dying to read. You cannot help but fall head over heels for his personality, the sympathy for him left me swooning. Bonny on the other spectrum annoyed me yet I adored her. She is sweet, very sheltered innocent young woman. She annoyed me simply because I wanted her to take a chance, LIVE DAMNIT! But again I had to pull myself back in, the timeframe she lived in just prevented her from doing so. She was a woman with breeding that needed to marry with title, her reputation was everything and her beauty is constantly hovered over her as a fault and not a blessing. So every time I found myself battling my internal hatred I couldn't help but want to help her grow.
The romance between Bonny and Loel was beautifully paced. Obviously Loel would not pursue Bonny as she has been spoken for so there is a sort of forbidden attraction between them as they start this friendship. I enjoyed their progression, the start of Bonny helping Loel with his orchids, learning about their conflicts, really growing together. Once Bonny took that plunge I was holding my breath just waiting.... oh my lanta Loel and Bonny together was romantically scrumptious. This is what I love for in Historical Romance. Those butterfly secret moments to the all consuming romance that leaves me melting off my seat - perfection.
I definitely enjoyed the friendship between Cordelia. They had this diehard bond that I found really empowering and refreshing. Where Bonny was refined, very naive personality, Cordelia was definitely more calculated, really a fierce of a woman. I liked how they were with one another, they supported one another and wanted to see other woman of society grow as they did. It was powerful connection. Cordelia was probably my favorite secondary character because she was one of the only ones with a certain level of depth. Other characters however, at times the substance just feels rushed, the friendships and dynamics of the drama with Bonny and Loel just did not flow properly.
Unfortunately in the midst of all this amazing comments I have a slight issue that affected my ability to connect with the characters. With Historical Romance I pine over my books for extensive details of the surroundings. Though the details I gained throughout, I could imagine this world but I couldn't touch it. Enough description to aid the plot but not enough to see the characters.
Erin Satie has blown me away. Her writing style is absolutely captivating, stunningly beautiful. I say this regardless of my personal pet peeves, this did not deter from my overall enjoyment of this read. I was transported into this time and I couldn't help but swoon every moment Loel and Bonny were together. Satie has such a creative and unique ability to create these character dynamics; rough, cold, callously rude hero that makes your heart pound while the heroine is this beautiful damsel hell bent on bringing him to her. Just an amazing romance that leaves you breathless.
Who doesn't love a good Historical Romance with one of my favorite tropes - enemies to lovers? I mean heck, I will give it any time or day just for the swoonage. This was definitely a great dynamic, once I got started I couldn't put my tablet down, I HAD to know where the romance was going to lead.... I needed answers!
The main characters were perfection. There. I admitted it.
Loel is a man of title but by title only. He is still suffering from an accident he caused which has turned him into a poor titled man with nothing to show. He is grumpy, he is stern, he is cruel and with a cold-heart at times, but can you blame him? Though he caused a massive fire in his younger years by an accident, he tries to make amends with the understanding that no one would ever accept him. He was the true angst hero I have been dying to read. You cannot help but fall head over heels for his personality, the sympathy for him left me swooning. Bonny on the other spectrum annoyed me yet I adored her. She is sweet, very sheltered innocent young woman. She annoyed me simply because I wanted her to take a chance, LIVE DAMNIT! But again I had to pull myself back in, the timeframe she lived in just prevented her from doing so. She was a woman with breeding that needed to marry with title, her reputation was everything and her beauty is constantly hovered over her as a fault and not a blessing. So every time I found myself battling my internal hatred I couldn't help but want to help her grow.
The romance between Bonny and Loel was beautifully paced. Obviously Loel would not pursue Bonny as she has been spoken for so there is a sort of forbidden attraction between them as they start this friendship. I enjoyed their progression, the start of Bonny helping Loel with his orchids, learning about their conflicts, really growing together. Once Bonny took that plunge I was holding my breath just waiting.... oh my lanta Loel and Bonny together was romantically scrumptious. This is what I love for in Historical Romance. Those butterfly secret moments to the all consuming romance that leaves me melting off my seat - perfection.
I definitely enjoyed the friendship between Cordelia. They had this diehard bond that I found really empowering and refreshing. Where Bonny was refined, very naive personality, Cordelia was definitely more calculated, really a fierce of a woman. I liked how they were with one another, they supported one another and wanted to see other woman of society grow as they did. It was powerful connection. Cordelia was probably my favorite secondary character because she was one of the only ones with a certain level of depth. Other characters however, at times the substance just feels rushed, the friendships and dynamics of the drama with Bonny and Loel just did not flow properly.
Unfortunately in the midst of all this amazing comments I have a slight issue that affected my ability to connect with the characters. With Historical Romance I pine over my books for extensive details of the surroundings. Though the details I gained throughout, I could imagine this world but I couldn't touch it. Enough description to aid the plot but not enough to see the characters.
Erin Satie has blown me away. Her writing style is absolutely captivating, stunningly beautiful. I say this regardless of my personal pet peeves, this did not deter from my overall enjoyment of this read. I was transported into this time and I couldn't help but swoon every moment Loel and Bonny were together. Satie has such a creative and unique ability to create these character dynamics; rough, cold, callously rude hero that makes your heart pound while the heroine is this beautiful damsel hell bent on bringing him to her. Just an amazing romance that leaves you breathless.
robinwalter's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
More complex and nuanced than I'd expected,still not sure I actually like the heroine
kt44's review against another edition
3.0
This book kept frustrating me. The overemphasis of Bonny being beautiful, to the point that even Lord Loel saw it as a character flaw, was...weird. She seemed kindhearted, but everyone (except her friend) seemed to overlook it. She saved Loel's life, and he never really even thanked her for it - he just saw it as a way to manipulate him, and Bonny seemed to see her beauty that way as well. Loel was pretty rude to her for most of the book, but she seemed to think that was fine because he didn't assault her, like her (ex-)fiance did, which is a low bar. But there wasn't really a moment where he was like "whew, I sure was a jerk about that" or that she realized that she had redeeming characteristics other than how she looked, so it just sort of felt meh to me. They seemed to like each other by the end of the book, but it honestly wasn't clear to me why his opinion changed. I hated how harsh her family was to her. Also, a kind of unimportant plot hole but it bugged me anyway, Bonny kept opening up more and more of the house and Loel didn't seem to mind...but he had good reason to leave it all closed, and the change was never addressed. Honestly, my favorite part of the book was the orchids! I did like Cordelia, probably the most of any of the characters, so I am looking forward to her book.
atunah's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
lausol's review against another edition
1.0
This book, what a mess.
So, I started the book vaguely remembering that I got the ebook because there was some hype about it some years ago, so I didn't know and, at first, was gladly surprised by the Beauty and the Beast retelling element.
And at first I liked the book, Bonny was charming (and even if she acted childish, she had momments in which she tried to find out the truth by herself, that gave me a glimmer of hope for her characterization to be more than what we ended up with "goody two-shoes that is used by everybody" plus "TSTL" at times).
So, the book was going well until
Which brings me to: Bonny's family is terrible! terrible! and she keeps trying to come back to them, and even feels guilty after they basically tried to use her to regain their socioeconomic standing. And they take money from her!
The rest of the town is no better, they're basically a bunch of hypocrital people and it never gets solved, the Gaston character never gets what's coming to him, and the town supports his actions? while they harass and threaten to lynch the female mc?
I finished this book feeling very dissatisfied and wondering what the heck this was supposed to be, because, surely, it wasn't a HEA.
And another thing, the two female characters from London were just..., such a forced way to introduce them so people would be curious about their books. They didn't add anything to the story itself, and we got little summaries about their character introductions and a very shallow friendship?
So, I started the book vaguely remembering that I got the ebook because there was some hype about it some years ago, so I didn't know and, at first, was gladly surprised by the Beauty and the Beast retelling element.
And at first I liked the book, Bonny was charming (and even if she acted childish, she had momments in which she tried to find out the truth by herself, that gave me a glimmer of hope for her characterization to be more than what we ended up with "goody two-shoes that is used by everybody" plus "TSTL" at times).
So, the book was going well until
Spoiler
he gets sick and she helps him get back to health and she's suddenly overcome with the desire to kiss him because apparently she lusted for him while he was sick? And they're discovered by a town bussybody and have to get married and male mc acts like he can't trust her because she kissed him before she officially broke up the engagement with a dude who is basically the Gaston of the story? (except, in all honesty, both dudes were the Gaston) And male mc treats her coldly and only gets close to her to objectify her and LOL if the author really believes that I'll buy that this is a romance. The only character who treated Bonny with consideration, respect and love was Cordelia.Which brings me to: Bonny's family is terrible! terrible! and she keeps trying to come back to them, and even feels guilty after they basically tried to use her to regain their socioeconomic standing. And they take money from her!
The rest of the town is no better, they're basically a bunch of hypocrital people and it never gets solved, the Gaston character never gets what's coming to him, and the town supports his actions? while they harass and threaten to lynch the female mc?
I finished this book feeling very dissatisfied and wondering what the heck this was supposed to be, because, surely, it wasn't a HEA.
And another thing, the two female characters from London were just..., such a forced way to introduce them so people would be curious about their books. They didn't add anything to the story itself, and we got little summaries about their character introductions and a very shallow friendship?
melaniebopp's review against another edition
Review/Pandora's Box to come on All About Romance