These Bitter Blooms by Emma Hamm

These Bitter Blooms by Emma Hamm

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, ten 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 page turner will wrap you up in a warm hug, snuggle you in a blanket, and hand you a hot cup of tea.

I grew up in a little rural Maine town. I grew up surrounded by blueberry fields, a farm full of animals, and family. That was one of the most beneficial ways for a child to mature. Horses blew sweet-smelling breath in my hair, goats taunted me till I laughed, and someone who loved me always picked me up when I fell. I consider myself quite fortunate to have grown up in this manner.

My fascination with imaginative storytelling began when I was a child. I used to act out how a narrative should have ended and regularly debate with my mother about movie endings. I dabbled in writing and finally ended myself in the internet writing community. Thanks to my ever attentive parents, who taught me that imagination was one of the greatest assets of the human mind, my love of characters flourished and grew.

Next to the fireplace, I wrote, created, and read as many books as I could. Authors like Clive Barker, Mark Danielewski, Patricia Briggs, and Clare B. Smith inspire me. Dunkle, and a slew of others. Thank you all for your generosity, love, and support.