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Bloom: A Young Adult Friends to Lovers Romance
A Sweet YA Romance
I’ve spent my life chasing a dream. What if it’s the wrong one?
For as long as she can remember, Izzy has been following in her father’s footsteps all the way to law school—just the way her mother wants. But ever since his death, the path ahead has been less clear. When a summer job as a landscape designer shows Izzy a glimpse of an alternative future, she buries that idea as deep as the roots of the plants she loves working with.
Then Izzy meets Nico. With his annoying emoticon smile and botanical tattoos, Nico is everything Izzy isn’t—irritatingly disorganized, cheerfully rebellious, and a law school dropout. He’s also her responsibility to train while they repopulate the local woodland with saplings, and a respite from Izzy’s increasingly tense home life.
When the forest her father passionately defended comes under threat, Izzy and Nico join forces and learn they have more in common than either of them imagined. But as Izzy struggles to stay true to her father’s memory, her mother’s expectations, and her growing friendship with Nico, she finds herself tangled in lies.
And if the truth comes out, Izzy could lose much more than her law school dream ...
I’ve spent my life chasing a dream. What if it’s the wrong one?
For as long as she can remember, Izzy has been following in her father’s footsteps all the way to law school—just the way her mother wants. But ever since his death, the path ahead has been less clear. When a summer job as a landscape designer shows Izzy a glimpse of an alternative future, she buries that idea as deep as the roots of the plants she loves working with.
Then Izzy meets Nico. With his annoying emoticon smile and botanical tattoos, Nico is everything Izzy isn’t—irritatingly disorganized, cheerfully rebellious, and a law school dropout. He’s also her responsibility to train while they repopulate the local woodland with saplings, and a respite from Izzy’s increasingly tense home life.
When the forest her father passionately defended comes under threat, Izzy and Nico join forces and learn they have more in common than either of them imagined. But as Izzy struggles to stay true to her father’s memory, her mother’s expectations, and her growing friendship with Nico, she finds herself tangled in lies.
And if the truth comes out, Izzy could lose much more than her law school dream ...
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!
Bellebird is a Kiwi author, and it was so cool to read a story with some Kiwi mannerisms and sayings.
This story was well crafted. The characters and the plot held my attention.
Izzy is trying to muddle her way through life after tragedy. It follows her journey, discovering who she is and finding her place in the world. Making many mistakes along the way.
Nico is a boy who knows what he wants to achieve in life after his world is tipped on it head.
I will be reading this author again!
Bellebird is a Kiwi author, and it was so cool to read a story with some Kiwi mannerisms and sayings.
This story was well crafted. The characters and the plot held my attention.
Izzy is trying to muddle her way through life after tragedy. It follows her journey, discovering who she is and finding her place in the world. Making many mistakes along the way.
Nico is a boy who knows what he wants to achieve in life after his world is tipped on it head.
I will be reading this author again!
June 18, 2023
Bloom is, on the surface, a sweet ya romance.
But look a little deeper and you'll find a coming of age story with depth that will have you questioning your decisions in life.
This is a great read for a YA audience.
I absolutely adored this author's first book, and Bloom is a solid follow up, with less of the angst and heavy emotion.
But look a little deeper and you'll find a coming of age story with depth that will have you questioning your decisions in life.
This is a great read for a YA audience.
I absolutely adored this author's first book, and Bloom is a solid follow up, with less of the angst and heavy emotion.
July 27, 2023
As a fan of YA romances, I was intrigued by Bellebird James' novel, Bloom. The promise of a grumpy sunshine YA romance filled with emotions and relatable characters drew me in. I was excited to delve into the world of Izzy as she navigates getting into law school, dealing with her Father’s passing and seeing how her journey unfolds.
Bloom follows the life of Izzy, a landscape designer who dreams of becoming an environmental lawyer so she can keep her late Father’s legacy alive. Little does she know that her life is about to take a sharp turn, from her new co-worker Nico, to her Mother’s latest property venture. The novel beautifully captures the complexities of relationships and the uncertainty of following your heart as opposed to what is expected of you. While I won't give away any spoilers, the way James unravels the story is both poignant and thought provoking.
Bellebird James masterfully depicted the trepidation and excitement of living out a dream held onto since childhood, all the while discovering that what sits deep within your heart are the roots your actual future will grow from. It was difficult to connect with Izzy at first, as she wasn’t the most likeable character. We are introduced to a hyper-focused on her goals, often to the detriment of potential new friendships. While she is a flawed character, as the story progresses, we get to see that her heart was always in the right palace, adding an endearing quality to her.
I really loved the way her friendship with Nico grew into a sweet romance, exploring issues of trust, betrayal and vulnerability. Izzy’s relationship with her Mother was an authentic portrayal of a Mother-Daughter relationship while both process their grief in very different ways, and how they found a way to reconnect.
I would have loved a dual POV for this story, as Nico’s backstory and view of the world was so different to Izzy’s, it could have made for a beautiful contrast.
Bloom is a heartwarming YA coming of age story, exploring the beauty and complexity of love, grief and consequences of our choices. Bellebird James captures the essence of friendship and vulnerability, making it a compelling read. I very much enjoyed every moment of Bloom.
Last but not least, the cover is just divine, and love how all Bellebird James' covers have the same look and feel.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. 🫶🏻
Bloom follows the life of Izzy, a landscape designer who dreams of becoming an environmental lawyer so she can keep her late Father’s legacy alive. Little does she know that her life is about to take a sharp turn, from her new co-worker Nico, to her Mother’s latest property venture. The novel beautifully captures the complexities of relationships and the uncertainty of following your heart as opposed to what is expected of you. While I won't give away any spoilers, the way James unravels the story is both poignant and thought provoking.
Bellebird James masterfully depicted the trepidation and excitement of living out a dream held onto since childhood, all the while discovering that what sits deep within your heart are the roots your actual future will grow from. It was difficult to connect with Izzy at first, as she wasn’t the most likeable character. We are introduced to a hyper-focused on her goals, often to the detriment of potential new friendships. While she is a flawed character, as the story progresses, we get to see that her heart was always in the right palace, adding an endearing quality to her.
I really loved the way her friendship with Nico grew into a sweet romance, exploring issues of trust, betrayal and vulnerability. Izzy’s relationship with her Mother was an authentic portrayal of a Mother-Daughter relationship while both process their grief in very different ways, and how they found a way to reconnect.
I would have loved a dual POV for this story, as Nico’s backstory and view of the world was so different to Izzy’s, it could have made for a beautiful contrast.
Bloom is a heartwarming YA coming of age story, exploring the beauty and complexity of love, grief and consequences of our choices. Bellebird James captures the essence of friendship and vulnerability, making it a compelling read. I very much enjoyed every moment of Bloom.
Last but not least, the cover is just divine, and love how all Bellebird James' covers have the same look and feel.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. 🫶🏻
November 15, 2023
Izzy has been enjoying her job working for a landscape designer while she waits to find out if she has made it into law school. She's determined to follow in her father's footsteps and checks the university online portal every minute she can to see if the status finally shifts from "pending." Despite her worries about her future, she loves working with plants and designing gardens. However, her peace is disturbed when the owner hires a new worker named Nico. Izzy thinks he is annoying, particularly when he ruins some of her detailed designs and plans, uses her truck, and later finds out that he dropped out of law school (what a waste she thinks when she is trying so hard to get a spot). Yet, amid the bickering at their work, they soon discover that the local forest is under threat. Izzy is upset by this because she loves nature, and it was also her father's favourite hiking spot. Now, Izzy and Nico must combine their talents and passion to save it from development. At the same time, Izzy is trying to cope with personal struggles stemming from her father's passing, her mother's new relationship, and trying to live up to the expectations that her family has put on her.
The cover of this book is gorgeous, but I am so pleased to say that it isn't just a beautiful cover. I completely enjoyed Bellebird James' flowing prose. It was so easy to read, and it felt like these characters were close friends. As a reader, you empathized with both Izzy and Nico as they faced difficult life choices. Bloom is a well-written coming-of-age story of enemies who become friends in the end. Highly recommended as a young adult novel and for those looking for a lighter romance. A great summer read.
The cover of this book is gorgeous, but I am so pleased to say that it isn't just a beautiful cover. I completely enjoyed Bellebird James' flowing prose. It was so easy to read, and it felt like these characters were close friends. As a reader, you empathized with both Izzy and Nico as they faced difficult life choices. Bloom is a well-written coming-of-age story of enemies who become friends in the end. Highly recommended as a young adult novel and for those looking for a lighter romance. A great summer read.
July 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It’s a compelling story. I appreciated the nuanced look at the dichotomies in life, grief, and progress. It didn’t just make life and change out to be good or bad, black or white. Or grief and moving forward to be one-size-fits-all. So many of the characters were dealing with these issues. Izzy, especially, gets caught between how to honour her father and how to move on. Do they have to be in conflict? Can they look differently than she or other people expect? Izzy, as a main character, had to go through a great deal of self-discovery and learning, not to mention, a lot of loss too. She made some poor decisions too, and had to deal with consequences. I enjoyed her and Nico, and all the other characters. There’s a fun little secondary romance too. This book is closed door, really there’s almost no innuendo or anything. There is, however, fairly frequent strong harsh language.
One issue that I found off-putting as a reader: the very frequent habit of characters (from young to old) replacing “you” with “ya” in the dialogue. An occasional substitution in casual speech, well that’s almost to be expected, and there were certainly some instances were it worked. However, there were so many times where it was odd and didn’t. To me, it was annoying. Is it possible that it’s supposed to be some sort of local dialect? I guess so, but the rest of the dialogue fits much more mainstream speech, even when casual or slang. I just really wish I could have changed this one detail about the book. It’s still a really good story, and well-written. I’m happy to have read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One issue that I found off-putting as a reader: the very frequent habit of characters (from young to old) replacing “you” with “ya” in the dialogue. An occasional substitution in casual speech, well that’s almost to be expected, and there were certainly some instances were it worked. However, there were so many times where it was odd and didn’t. To me, it was annoying. Is it possible that it’s supposed to be some sort of local dialect? I guess so, but the rest of the dialogue fits much more mainstream speech, even when casual or slang. I just really wish I could have changed this one detail about the book. It’s still a really good story, and well-written. I’m happy to have read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Izzy is navigating a world that’s clouded with lingering grief for her father, and waiting to hear whether she’s been accepted to study law. She loves her job working for her late father’s friend in his landscape business, all things plants, and the forest she enjoyed with her dad. Her new colleague Nico is at first annoying but when she realises their similarities, the attraction is all there. Soon Izzy is forced into working against everything she believes in, with no option to stand up to her mother. But as time passes, she soon realises what makes her tick.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Bellebird James’ debut YA story The Art of Loving Libby Green was a special read, and Bloom hits the mark beautifully as well. There is attraction between Izzy and Nico in a clean read. More importantly, the story explores being at that time of your life when you are an adult physically but aren’t really in charge, that hard spot in the growing up process where you lack control to make the decisions for yourself. The grief that Izzy and her brother and Nico share is handled with compassion. Izzy is so sure of her beliefs and ethics, but she doesn’t feel like she is able to give effect to them. A super YA read ❤️ PS special mention how I just adore the artwork on this cover 🌿
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub date 16 June 2023
Izzy is navigating a world that’s clouded with lingering grief for her father, and waiting to hear whether she’s been accepted to study law. She loves her job working for her late father’s friend in his landscape business, all things plants, and the forest she enjoyed with her dad. Her new colleague Nico is at first annoying but when she realises their similarities, the attraction is all there. Soon Izzy is forced into working against everything she believes in, with no option to stand up to her mother. But as time passes, she soon realises what makes her tick.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Bellebird James’ debut YA story The Art of Loving Libby Green was a special read, and Bloom hits the mark beautifully as well. There is attraction between Izzy and Nico in a clean read. More importantly, the story explores being at that time of your life when you are an adult physically but aren’t really in charge, that hard spot in the growing up process where you lack control to make the decisions for yourself. The grief that Izzy and her brother and Nico share is handled with compassion. Izzy is so sure of her beliefs and ethics, but she doesn’t feel like she is able to give effect to them. A super YA read ❤️ PS special mention how I just adore the artwork on this cover 🌿
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub date 16 June 2023
May 31, 2023
Life is too short to be doing stuff that doesn’t set your heart on fire.
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼
Bellebird James did it again. She wrote another beautiful, heartfelt, and moving story that filled my mind in a compelling and persistent way. She has a unique way of describing feelings and writing characters whose presence will definitely linger with readers for a long time.
I am so glad I got the chance to read Bloom and watch all its complexly beautiful characters reinvent themselves. Throughout the story it was impossible not to empathize with them and not to constantly root for them all. I absolutely adored the love story between Izzy and Nico. I loved witnessing how, once they entered each other's lives, they both managed to strip themselves of the thorns that have always served to protect themselves from pain, and helped each other bloom. (And what about Penny and Eli? They're so good together that I'd like to read a book about their story too). Plus, I loved the way the author inextricably linked the topics of nature, romance, friendship and family in this book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼
Bellebird James did it again. She wrote another beautiful, heartfelt, and moving story that filled my mind in a compelling and persistent way. She has a unique way of describing feelings and writing characters whose presence will definitely linger with readers for a long time.
I am so glad I got the chance to read Bloom and watch all its complexly beautiful characters reinvent themselves. Throughout the story it was impossible not to empathize with them and not to constantly root for them all. I absolutely adored the love story between Izzy and Nico. I loved witnessing how, once they entered each other's lives, they both managed to strip themselves of the thorns that have always served to protect themselves from pain, and helped each other bloom. (And what about Penny and Eli? They're so good together that I'd like to read a book about their story too). Plus, I loved the way the author inextricably linked the topics of nature, romance, friendship and family in this book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2023
Izzy has been dreaming of being an environmental lawyer since she can remember. With the death of her father who instilled in her a passion for nature, it’s never felt as important. When she gets accepted into law school she can finally take a relieved breath. Only she learns she doesn’t have enough money to pay for the fees when her mom admits she had to use money to make ends meet. Izzy’s only option is taking a job as a community liaison for a building project that will decimate the forest she loves which includes lying to Nico, a young man she’s come to love who’s as passionate about saving the forest and his livelihood. Izzy is caught between what she thinks she wants and what she truly needs, and sometimes it means taking the long way around to figure it out.
I love Bellebird James, and Izzy’s story in Bloom is a great example of why. James stories explore real people with relatable conflict. Grief, moving forward, finding true north are themes that pervade the narrative all told in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.
I love Bellebird James, and Izzy’s story in Bloom is a great example of why. James stories explore real people with relatable conflict. Grief, moving forward, finding true north are themes that pervade the narrative all told in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.
June 11, 2023
4.5| An enjoyable and quick read I couldn’t put down! The cover art is beautiful for starters. I found the characters likable and overall enjoyed the banter between them. I see some potential of future books with some of the side characters such as Amelia and Jack, or Penny and Eli. The romance was light hearted and didn’t seem rushed. I loved the character growth we saw from the main character. The story was captivating, although a little predictable at times. I do feel the story ended quite abruptly and would’ve liked to see a more detailed last couple chapters. Overall a fun story with a good romance i’d definitely recommend and reread.
*I received this book though BookSirens. This will not in anyway effect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
*I received this book though BookSirens. This will not in anyway effect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
May 19, 2023
In her second book, Bellebird James masterfully tells another phenomenal story that you will not be able to put down. Izzy is a young woman on the brink of figuring out who she is in the midst of the grief of her dad's passing, while also worrying about what she's going to do next in life. Constantly caught in the web of what the people around her want and what she believes in, her personal struggles felt so real and illuminated because of the incredible storytelling. Then there's Nico, the sweet and fun-loving co-worker straight-laced Izzy immediately bumps heads with at her landscaping job. The love story in Bloom is one of my favorites of the year.
May 28, 2023
LOVED, one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again! Great character development, great story - kept me hooked. Will be a re-read/comfort read in future for sure
July 26, 2024
I really enjoy this author's style. I appreciate a friends to lovers story more than other tropes. Excellent read!
February 19, 2024
Bellebird James explores the themes of family, duty, and betrayal in contemporary romance novel, Bloom, through the character, Izzy, who was torn between the conflicting demands of legacy and love. Refusing to compromise, she got lost in the labyrinth of deceit that she created, ultimately discovering the liberating power of authenticity. Set against a breathtaking natural backdrop, the story offers a unique combination of enemies-to-lovers romance and the power of being true to yourself.
I enjoyed this book so much. Izzy is relatable, Nico is funny, and their love story is exciting. The outdoorsy vibe makes their story unforgettable. 🥰
Thank you, Bellebird James and BookSirens for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
I enjoyed this book so much. Izzy is relatable, Nico is funny, and their love story is exciting. The outdoorsy vibe makes their story unforgettable. 🥰
Thank you, Bellebird James and BookSirens for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
July 31, 2023
I love the premise and the first few pages looked promising. At the end, this book fell into okayish category for me. The pace is way too slow for my taste and the plot is quite jumpy. Some expressions was simply repetitive. It doesn't make me giggles or blush, or anything extraordinary.
I love the atmospheric settings, tho. I love this siblings trope and how Izzy, Eli, Peny and Nico just get together. I love Izzy and Nico's dynamic and convo banter.
The family drama adds the flavour. However the resolution at the end could be better executed.
If you're into small town romance, strangers to friends to lovers, love natures, with a family drama and school ambition trope, this book is perfect for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks for the arc✨
I love the atmospheric settings, tho. I love this siblings trope and how Izzy, Eli, Peny and Nico just get together. I love Izzy and Nico's dynamic and convo banter.
The family drama adds the flavour. However the resolution at the end could be better executed.
If you're into small town romance, strangers to friends to lovers, love natures, with a family drama and school ambition trope, this book is perfect for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks for the arc✨
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews