What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brightside #1
In Bloom
A new adult novel from Entangled's Embrace imprint...
My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.
I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.
How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…
My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.
I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.
How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2014
58 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read
About the author
Katie Delahanty
6 books332 followersGrowing up in Pittsburgh, Katie loved old movies and playing dress up, but never considered telling stories of her own until she was asked to start a blog for the sleepwear company she worked for. Unsure what to say about lingerie, she wrote a fictional serial about a girl chasing her costume design dreams who fell in love with a rock star along the way. And that’s when Katie fell in love with storytelling. That blog became the first book in "The Brightside Series" and she’s been waking before dawn to write ever since. Katie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children and is currently working on book #3 in "The Keystone Series", which will release in 2022.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
March 19, 2019
4 Insiders' Rules and Breaking Them All Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
It is always special to read a book which references places you know of... Like .... when a book is set Austin, Texas or New York City or my home, now... Los Angeles, CA. It brings an extra layer to the read if... the author does it not to just make the location a place everyone can remember... but when it becomes an essential part of the story. Katie Delahanty did that and more...she also mixed true insiders' information to create a sweet, fun and true story of fame, entertainment industry complexity and letting go to dream.
I can testify to much of the rules... the way things were done and explained. I have seen first hand all of the manipulations. Her use of specific places and events worked so well. At one point she had the characters eating in a little place right around the corner from where I lived not long ago. She used out of the way places equally with famous ones causing the reader to feel like this was a regular occurrence... real.
Her gal was not weak... she behaved with the grace of spirit even when things were slightly overwhelming. She rang true to me as I have met many like her... starting and branching out to do what she really wanted in life. She was fortunate to meet two caring industry insiders... they took her on and showed her the ropes. It is this friendship and others which gave the gal the strength and support needed to handle all that LA LA Land handed to her.
Our fella is a dream... the rock god... but a down to Earth one. He is dreamy, the one you look at and lose your ability to speak and form sentences. These two seem to be destined to cross paths and their tale is sweet. Both are feeling things and wanting to be together... without the other knowing what is happening at first. Very nice...
I happened to plow through this read so fast... I had to re-read some of the moments because they were so good. This has chemistry and love... there are hot moments but not the kind which would make it "detailed".
It was the wanting and his love for her which made the heat rise off the page.
There are, of course, moments of confusion... but they made perfect sense with the storyline. I felt everything actually worked and sense we could have another book coming by this writer... Our guy was part of a very successful band... and our gal's friend... seems to be an interest with one of the band members, Mark... Hint Hint- so get to it Ms. Delahanty...I would click click for that book next.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
It is always special to read a book which references places you know of... Like .... when a book is set Austin, Texas or New York City or my home, now... Los Angeles, CA. It brings an extra layer to the read if... the author does it not to just make the location a place everyone can remember... but when it becomes an essential part of the story. Katie Delahanty did that and more...she also mixed true insiders' information to create a sweet, fun and true story of fame, entertainment industry complexity and letting go to dream.
I can testify to much of the rules... the way things were done and explained. I have seen first hand all of the manipulations. Her use of specific places and events worked so well. At one point she had the characters eating in a little place right around the corner from where I lived not long ago. She used out of the way places equally with famous ones causing the reader to feel like this was a regular occurrence... real.
Her gal was not weak... she behaved with the grace of spirit even when things were slightly overwhelming. She rang true to me as I have met many like her... starting and branching out to do what she really wanted in life. She was fortunate to meet two caring industry insiders... they took her on and showed her the ropes. It is this friendship and others which gave the gal the strength and support needed to handle all that LA LA Land handed to her.
Our fella is a dream... the rock god... but a down to Earth one. He is dreamy, the one you look at and lose your ability to speak and form sentences. These two seem to be destined to cross paths and their tale is sweet. Both are feeling things and wanting to be together... without the other knowing what is happening at first. Very nice...
I happened to plow through this read so fast... I had to re-read some of the moments because they were so good. This has chemistry and love... there are hot moments but not the kind which would make it "detailed".
It was the wanting and his love for her which made the heat rise off the page.
There are, of course, moments of confusion... but they made perfect sense with the storyline. I felt everything actually worked and sense we could have another book coming by this writer... Our guy was part of a very successful band... and our gal's friend... seems to be an interest with one of the band members, Mark... Hint Hint- so get to it Ms. Delahanty...I would click click for that book next.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 27, 2014
Title:In Bloom
Series: The Brightside #1
Author:Katie Delahanty
Release Date: February 10, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
4 Dream Big or Go Home stars
I want to be part of a team that knows no matter what…we’re in it together…it’s our adventure…and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
This book was so refreshing! A rockstar that's just a sweet guy, he isn't alpha, he isn't a manwhore, and he could be the guy next door...if it weren't for all those paparazzi lurking around. I really enjoyed this take on the famous musician/regular girl storyline. It had it's own unique feel and flavor and wasn't like a million other I've read. It was just a cute, fun read at a time when I really needed one. I've been in a book rut and this book helped pull me right out.
When Olivia leaves Pennsylvania for the bright lights of California, she has no idea the whole other world she's getting herself into. She's like a goldfish in a sea of sharks and she's trying to find her way around and survive this new reality she's made for herself. She's decided she's going to reinvent herself-be bold, be brave, and take a leap of faith and live the life she's always dreamed. She's always had an interest in fashion, and moving to Hollywood hopefully will give her the opportunity to get her dream job, meet new and exciting people, and experience life from another perspective.
When she runs into Berkeley, the lead singer in the group Berkeley and the Brightsides (only her favorite band ever) she has a slight fangirl moment and acts like the awestruck girl she is. Her brilliant greeting?
"So, I'm a huge fan. I know you're Berkeley Dalton, and you know I'm-well, actually, you don't know-so let's move on. You're taller than I expected."
Her bumbling, clumsy, yet honest personality is so cute. You really feel for the girl and identify with her. And Berkeley was feeling her too. But if she's going to pass muster in this strange new environment, she's going to need the help of her new friends Parker and Blair. They're ready to show her the ropes, give her a California chic makeover, and teach her the rules of the Hollywood scene. And most importantly, explain the importance of....The Rules.
Berkeley goes out of his way to get the opportunity to get to know Liv better. She's a refreshingly honest and real person in this land of glitter, gloss, and plastic surgery. They were so adorable-both unsure of themselves and with a huge crush but trying to play it cool.
Peeking out of the corner of my eye, I find him watching me, his eyes burning. Fighting for distance, I close my eyes, trying to compose myself. He is overwhelming.
As they get to know each other better, they both see that they have so much in common and it takes a while, but Liv sees past his public persona and realizes he's just a guy. With a crush on a girl. He sweet, has insecurities like everybody else, and oh yeah, he has a movie star sister, gets followed by the paparazzi, and goes to little events like the Oscars and Grammys. No biggie.
Even though there wasn't a lot of sex or explicitness to it, it didn't lack in passion or emotion. And though it stirred up the emotions, it wasn't over the top angsty and dramatic. I loved the sexual tension between the two of them. It was slow building, but very real and genuine.
Our faces are inches from each other, and I'm having trouble breathing. In this moment he is my world and time ceases to exist elsewhere.
Out of nowhere, he ambushes me. Seizing my face in both of his hands, he leans into me and without warning his lips are on mine. My eyes widen as he eases my lips open. Instantly lost, I succumb, closing my eyes.
This book was exactly what I needed. Liv's wacky mother cracked me up, The twitter tweets at the beginning of each chapter were fun, the bantering, the sweetness, the whole fairytale vibe...I was feeling it. If you're in the mood for a musician book that doesn't have a manwhore, a fun and flirty book about the celebrity lifestyle, this may be the book for you. Read it!
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
January 28, 2014
Now I have finished this book, I'm not too sure about it. I mean, I definitely didn't hate it. But I also didn't love it. And I don't really know if I liked it.
Things I liked:
-It is free of drastically traumatised characters. This made for a nice change of pace from the current trend of boys "saving" girls and girls "saving" boys through love.
-I quite liked Katie Delahanty's writing style.
-It was quite an easy read. Nothing too heavy.
-The characters were reasonably likable.
Things I wasn't too keen on:
-How quickly they fell in love. By the end they had been together for what? A month? A bit longer? Nonetheless, it was very fast.
-Olivia's mum was obsessed with getting predictions of the future (personally I am very opposed to that kind of thing).
-Olivia's friendship with Blair and Parker. It was weird. One minute she thinks they are using her and don't like her, the next second they are the most important people in her life.
-To expand on my first point on their quickly escalating relationship, I didn't like how soon they jumped into bed together either. Then again, that's just my opinion and that won't bother everybody.
-I also thought that the lingerie company she worked for was far too lenient. I am sure she spent more time off work than she spent going to work. This just seemed a little bit unrealistic especially considering she hadn't worked there long at all and had in no way proved her dedication.
There are probably more things I could say, but I think I will leave it there. It was definitely readable, but I don't feel like I would read a sequel if one were to be made.
Things I liked:
-It is free of drastically traumatised characters. This made for a nice change of pace from the current trend of boys "saving" girls and girls "saving" boys through love.
-I quite liked Katie Delahanty's writing style.
-It was quite an easy read. Nothing too heavy.
-The characters were reasonably likable.
Things I wasn't too keen on:
-How quickly they fell in love. By the end they had been together for what? A month? A bit longer? Nonetheless, it was very fast.
-Olivia's mum was obsessed with getting predictions of the future (personally I am very opposed to that kind of thing).
-Olivia's friendship with Blair and Parker. It was weird. One minute she thinks they are using her and don't like her, the next second they are the most important people in her life.
-To expand on my first point on their quickly escalating relationship, I didn't like how soon they jumped into bed together either. Then again, that's just my opinion and that won't bother everybody.
-I also thought that the lingerie company she worked for was far too lenient. I am sure she spent more time off work than she spent going to work. This just seemed a little bit unrealistic especially considering she hadn't worked there long at all and had in no way proved her dedication.
There are probably more things I could say, but I think I will leave it there. It was definitely readable, but I don't feel like I would read a sequel if one were to be made.
February 6, 2015
It seems like the New Adult genre has slipped into a pattern of beginning with a character deeply affected by some horrible tragedy who finds another character deeply affected by some horrible tragedy and they cling tightly to each other and can't survive life without the hope of their love. It's annoying.
In Bloom is a breath of fresh air for the New Adult genre. Delahanty has written characters that are real, and flawed, but who do not let the circumstances of life become these huge depressing things that dictate whether or not they survive. If you're looking for depressing New Adult, this is not it. In Bloom felt to me like a slightly older version of Jen E. Smith's This Is What Happy Looks Like: charming, romantic, fun, and smartly-written.
I loved Olivia as a protagonist. She handles the pressures of moving to LA to pursue her dreams wonderfully, making great friends and ignoring her crazy mom along the way. She gets a fun job and breaks into the Hollywood scene, meeting the front man of her favorite band, Berkeley. She is accident prone and witty and smart, and several times throughout her story I laughed out loud at her antics.
Then there's Berkeley. I wish every leading man was so dreamy. I developed a total crush on him as I read, and I can only hope he shows up again and again in future Delahanty books.
One more thing I loved about this - Delahanty didn't feel the need to make it sound like a "grown up book" by having her characters cuss all the time. I appreciated that. Like I said, In Bloom is a breath of fresh air.
There are only two things keeping me from recommending this to literally every woman I know. One, while one of my favorite things about this is the lack of unnecessary drama, I think a little more conflict could have made the story a little more exciting. I kind of kept waiting for something significant to threaten Olivia and Berkeley, but it never really did. Anyone who was upset with Olivia for any reason let her off very easily. The other thing is the graphic nature of the love scenes. It surprised me because the language was so clean, and I was thinking I could really recommend this to teenagers and students getting out there and making life decisions, but I don't feel comfortable with that now. It almost felt forced - like it was required of her to put in there - every time a love scene came up. I think it would have flowed better with the overall tone of the rest of the book if they'd been slightly (not Puritanical or anything) more modestly written.
Those two things aside, I'm looking forward to more from Delahanty! I'm really hoping I don't have to wait too long for more Brightside books. :)
In Bloom is a breath of fresh air for the New Adult genre. Delahanty has written characters that are real, and flawed, but who do not let the circumstances of life become these huge depressing things that dictate whether or not they survive. If you're looking for depressing New Adult, this is not it. In Bloom felt to me like a slightly older version of Jen E. Smith's This Is What Happy Looks Like: charming, romantic, fun, and smartly-written.
I loved Olivia as a protagonist. She handles the pressures of moving to LA to pursue her dreams wonderfully, making great friends and ignoring her crazy mom along the way. She gets a fun job and breaks into the Hollywood scene, meeting the front man of her favorite band, Berkeley. She is accident prone and witty and smart, and several times throughout her story I laughed out loud at her antics.
Then there's Berkeley. I wish every leading man was so dreamy. I developed a total crush on him as I read, and I can only hope he shows up again and again in future Delahanty books.
One more thing I loved about this - Delahanty didn't feel the need to make it sound like a "grown up book" by having her characters cuss all the time. I appreciated that. Like I said, In Bloom is a breath of fresh air.
There are only two things keeping me from recommending this to literally every woman I know. One, while one of my favorite things about this is the lack of unnecessary drama, I think a little more conflict could have made the story a little more exciting. I kind of kept waiting for something significant to threaten Olivia and Berkeley, but it never really did. Anyone who was upset with Olivia for any reason let her off very easily. The other thing is the graphic nature of the love scenes. It surprised me because the language was so clean, and I was thinking I could really recommend this to teenagers and students getting out there and making life decisions, but I don't feel comfortable with that now. It almost felt forced - like it was required of her to put in there - every time a love scene came up. I think it would have flowed better with the overall tone of the rest of the book if they'd been slightly (not Puritanical or anything) more modestly written.
Those two things aside, I'm looking forward to more from Delahanty! I'm really hoping I don't have to wait too long for more Brightside books. :)
July 24, 2016
I reached the half way point and had to put down this book. It has no real plot. Nothing interesting happens. The heroine is given a makeover and goes to all these celebrity events, meets a ton of celebrities (massive name dropping galore), goes to rock concerts, meets the big rock star hero she's had a crush on for years and...wash, rinse, repeat.
I felt like I was reading ramblings from a pre-teen's diary that doesn't have any cohesiveness to it. This also reads like a first draft and need some heavy content editing in order to make any sense of the story, which is on a path to nowhere.
Big pass on this one.
I felt like I was reading ramblings from a pre-teen's diary that doesn't have any cohesiveness to it. This also reads like a first draft and need some heavy content editing in order to make any sense of the story, which is on a path to nowhere.
Big pass on this one.
February 16, 2014
Ok it's 3 AM here and I have to be up EARLY! Totally worth it though. I can't really keep my eyes open but I'm so writing my review tomorrow. Love, adore, and love In Bloom some more. I mean hello it's a rock star and for some reason I'm a sucker for those!
I can't stop swooning *sighs*
====================================
"Hooker, line, and sinker, I'm in love." <== my thoughts exactly after reading the book!!
In Bloom is a book filled with drama, celebrities, and most of all swoon worthy romance! Olivia has up and moved from her life in Pennsylvania to pursue her dreams as a designer in none other than Los Angeles, Cal-I-For-Ni-A. She instead gets the gig of working in lingerie! I don't know what girl who wouldn't love that;)
"Yep. That's me. Olivia Bloom. Ending the world, one G-string at a time."
It all starts at a fashion show when Olivia Bloom makes a fool out of herself in front of lead singer, Berkeley Dalton, the face of Berkeley and the Brightside. One of the most famous bands around. Olivia, not being very celebrity "friendly", basically rambles to the gorgeous rock star and in turn her friends, Parker and Blair, decide its time for Liv to know the "rules". The endless list of rules of what to do and say when surrounded by the A-listers.
"So basically," I clarify, "assume everyone is someone, and if you do know who they are don't let them know you know, and if you don't know who they are, don't let them know you don't know."
It's a way for her to act like she is a somebody she isn't in a world filled with people also acting like somebody they're not. Chance makes it to where Liv and Berkeley keep meeting up. The more they meet, the more down to earth he seems. Until one day he basically invites himself over for dinner!
Then he leaves to go on tour for two weeks. Leaving Olivia elated with happiness that "The Berkeley Dalton" likes her. Or so she thought...
When Berkeley come back two weeks later, he doesn't contact Liv like he was supposed to. Instead, he's seen in the media with the gorgeous actress, Lisa Greene. And they look more than nice and cozy.
Will Olivia be able to just forget the enchanting celebrity who may or may not have shown her what it would be like to fall in love? Did she get it all wrong?
Why oh why can't she stop thinking of him?!?
I adored this book to pieces! It might help that I have a slight obsession with rock stars. But from the very first sentence until the very last, I was hooked. There was no going back because I knew, I knew, this was going to be good. I love looking into the life of celebrities; getting to experience the Grammys... Even if it was just in book form. This is exactly what I look for when it comes to reading, and it's the exact reason I became a blogger. To be taken away to a place I've never been. To spread the love of books that have touched me.
I find it hard to write reviews sometimes. It's like the words don't come out the way I want them to but that's not the case for In Bloom. The words are pouring out as if they have a life of their own. This must be whys a feels like to be an author. It's a wonderful feeling.
The characters came to life before my very eyes. I feel as if I know them on a personal level. It's a high that I can't explain when I'm able to connect with in authors words. Olivia is such a down to earth, kick ass heroine. I feel like I would act just like her in the presence of a hot celebrity. Her innocence was endearing and made her very like able. Berkeley was larger than life; beautiful. His passion for music makes you fall into love with him. And yes, he has tons of passion! All the secondary characters were just as important as the main ones. I especially love Liv's mom. From the moment she was pregnant with Liv, she's been trying to predict her future.
Which brings me to what I truly found so intense about the book. Not going to give anything away but before you read ask yourselves these questions...
Do you believe in signs and fate? Or are you the type of person who believes in random coincidence? Maybe they're one in the same? Or maybe there's no such thing...? It's just life.
Ponder those questions.
There was only one thing I did not like about the book. In the beginning after B&L's first date, when B leaves to go on tour...I found Olivia was way too obsessed with Berkeley. I felt like all her thoughts were only him which is understandable but too much obsess I don't like. Luckily, her obsession didn't last too long!
Obviously I think the book is wonderful!
5/5 stars
* Review copy given to me by Entangled Pub via NetGalley for an honest review. It has in no shape or form hindered my thoughts.
I can't stop swooning *sighs*
====================================
"Hooker, line, and sinker, I'm in love." <== my thoughts exactly after reading the book!!
In Bloom is a book filled with drama, celebrities, and most of all swoon worthy romance! Olivia has up and moved from her life in Pennsylvania to pursue her dreams as a designer in none other than Los Angeles, Cal-I-For-Ni-A. She instead gets the gig of working in lingerie! I don't know what girl who wouldn't love that;)
"Yep. That's me. Olivia Bloom. Ending the world, one G-string at a time."
It all starts at a fashion show when Olivia Bloom makes a fool out of herself in front of lead singer, Berkeley Dalton, the face of Berkeley and the Brightside. One of the most famous bands around. Olivia, not being very celebrity "friendly", basically rambles to the gorgeous rock star and in turn her friends, Parker and Blair, decide its time for Liv to know the "rules". The endless list of rules of what to do and say when surrounded by the A-listers.
"So basically," I clarify, "assume everyone is someone, and if you do know who they are don't let them know you know, and if you don't know who they are, don't let them know you don't know."
It's a way for her to act like she is a somebody she isn't in a world filled with people also acting like somebody they're not. Chance makes it to where Liv and Berkeley keep meeting up. The more they meet, the more down to earth he seems. Until one day he basically invites himself over for dinner!
Then he leaves to go on tour for two weeks. Leaving Olivia elated with happiness that "The Berkeley Dalton" likes her. Or so she thought...
When Berkeley come back two weeks later, he doesn't contact Liv like he was supposed to. Instead, he's seen in the media with the gorgeous actress, Lisa Greene. And they look more than nice and cozy.
Will Olivia be able to just forget the enchanting celebrity who may or may not have shown her what it would be like to fall in love? Did she get it all wrong?
Why oh why can't she stop thinking of him?!?
I adored this book to pieces! It might help that I have a slight obsession with rock stars. But from the very first sentence until the very last, I was hooked. There was no going back because I knew, I knew, this was going to be good. I love looking into the life of celebrities; getting to experience the Grammys... Even if it was just in book form. This is exactly what I look for when it comes to reading, and it's the exact reason I became a blogger. To be taken away to a place I've never been. To spread the love of books that have touched me.
I find it hard to write reviews sometimes. It's like the words don't come out the way I want them to but that's not the case for In Bloom. The words are pouring out as if they have a life of their own. This must be whys a feels like to be an author. It's a wonderful feeling.
The characters came to life before my very eyes. I feel as if I know them on a personal level. It's a high that I can't explain when I'm able to connect with in authors words. Olivia is such a down to earth, kick ass heroine. I feel like I would act just like her in the presence of a hot celebrity. Her innocence was endearing and made her very like able. Berkeley was larger than life; beautiful. His passion for music makes you fall into love with him. And yes, he has tons of passion! All the secondary characters were just as important as the main ones. I especially love Liv's mom. From the moment she was pregnant with Liv, she's been trying to predict her future.
Which brings me to what I truly found so intense about the book. Not going to give anything away but before you read ask yourselves these questions...
Do you believe in signs and fate? Or are you the type of person who believes in random coincidence? Maybe they're one in the same? Or maybe there's no such thing...? It's just life.
Ponder those questions.
There was only one thing I did not like about the book. In the beginning after B&L's first date, when B leaves to go on tour...I found Olivia was way too obsessed with Berkeley. I felt like all her thoughts were only him which is understandable but too much obsess I don't like. Luckily, her obsession didn't last too long!
Obviously I think the book is wonderful!
5/5 stars
* Review copy given to me by Entangled Pub via NetGalley for an honest review. It has in no shape or form hindered my thoughts.
May 15, 2014
5 Stars!
The Blurb:
My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.
I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.
How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…
When I decided to read this book!
This book wasn't your normal ROCKSTAR Book!
Berkeley was not your typical rockstar. He's so not a Manwhore or a Playboy! He was so different from the average stereotype associated with rockstars!Damn me! If it wasn't refreshing.
We meet Olivia bloom. A girl with Dreams. She's just like any shy girl in a new city. I loved her character. She had the same doubts and refreshing dreams any girl would hold.
And I was like OH YEAH! I'm so going to love it!
I was like Dude, it's not a insta-love story.
OFCOURSE! I LOVED IT!
This book was truly..
Did I love the book?
Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm in love with Berkeley Dalton
The Blurb:
My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.
I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.
How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…
When I decided to read this book!
" All this longing to be free has got the best of me. Now I'm tied so tightly to this love. Baby, you've got to give me a break, I've got my own smile to fake, Got enough on my plate, Without the lines you want to feed me..."
- When you need me by Brekeley & the Brightside
This book wasn't your normal ROCKSTAR Book!
Berkeley was not your typical rockstar. He's so not a Manwhore or a Playboy! He was so different from the average stereotype associated with rockstars!Damn me! If it wasn't refreshing.
We meet Olivia bloom. A girl with Dreams. She's just like any shy girl in a new city. I loved her character. She had the same doubts and refreshing dreams any girl would hold.
And I was like OH YEAH! I'm so going to love it!
I was like Dude, it's not a insta-love story.
OFCOURSE! I LOVED IT!
This book was truly..
Did I love the book?
Hook, line, and sinker, I'm in love
Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm in love with Berkeley Dalton
July 26, 2016
Reviewed at Lives and Breathes Book Blog.
“Hook, line and sinker, I’m in love.”
Yea, me too. I’m in love with this book.
I fell headfirst within the first few pages, completely caught, and couldn’t stop reading! I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is I adore about IN BLOOM. I think I just love it all: the characters, the story, the writing, and the feelings it provoked. I’m on a book high and I don’t want to come back down! Seriously, I haven’t been able to pick up a book since finishing this, and I’m usually one to jump right into my next read.
IN BLOOM has a great leading lady in Olivia Bloom. She’s fun, witty, lovable, and so easy to relate to. She just made a huge move to LA, and is now trying to find a job and fit in—pretty much figure out where she belongs. Olivia makes some great, quirky friends on that journey who help her along the way. She also has a physic mom that is just as lovable, even though Olivia wants no part of her mother’s visions for her future.
Then there’s swoon-worthy Berkley Dalton, the front man of Olivia’s favorite band. He doesn’t have a sordid past; he doesn’t have a crazy family. He’s a good, sweet guy and that’s what I Ioved so much about him. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a few things in his life that cause a bit of drama, I mean he’s not perfect. He is in the public eye, and drama is bound to find him.
IN BLOOM is expertly written in first person through Olivia’s eyes. Delahanty did a wonderful job portraying Olivia’s emotions. When she was embarrassed, I was too; when she was anxious, I was a bundle of nerves; and when she was feeling the love, so was I! I am a twitter lover so I enjoyed the chapterly tweets between the characters; it was endearing and made them seem even more real. The fact that the characters have actual twitter accounts is an even bigger plus! Delahanty has given us such a wonderful story. It’s smart, romantic, and fun! I get one of those cheesy grins every time I think about it! My only complaint is about the epilogue, which is fairly short. I wanted more from it, but then again this is the first installment. Maybe I should just wait patiently to see what comes next in The Brightside series!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Hook, line and sinker, I’m in love.”
Yea, me too. I’m in love with this book.
I fell headfirst within the first few pages, completely caught, and couldn’t stop reading! I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is I adore about IN BLOOM. I think I just love it all: the characters, the story, the writing, and the feelings it provoked. I’m on a book high and I don’t want to come back down! Seriously, I haven’t been able to pick up a book since finishing this, and I’m usually one to jump right into my next read.
IN BLOOM has a great leading lady in Olivia Bloom. She’s fun, witty, lovable, and so easy to relate to. She just made a huge move to LA, and is now trying to find a job and fit in—pretty much figure out where she belongs. Olivia makes some great, quirky friends on that journey who help her along the way. She also has a physic mom that is just as lovable, even though Olivia wants no part of her mother’s visions for her future.
Then there’s swoon-worthy Berkley Dalton, the front man of Olivia’s favorite band. He doesn’t have a sordid past; he doesn’t have a crazy family. He’s a good, sweet guy and that’s what I Ioved so much about him. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a few things in his life that cause a bit of drama, I mean he’s not perfect. He is in the public eye, and drama is bound to find him.
IN BLOOM is expertly written in first person through Olivia’s eyes. Delahanty did a wonderful job portraying Olivia’s emotions. When she was embarrassed, I was too; when she was anxious, I was a bundle of nerves; and when she was feeling the love, so was I! I am a twitter lover so I enjoyed the chapterly tweets between the characters; it was endearing and made them seem even more real. The fact that the characters have actual twitter accounts is an even bigger plus! Delahanty has given us such a wonderful story. It’s smart, romantic, and fun! I get one of those cheesy grins every time I think about it! My only complaint is about the epilogue, which is fairly short. I wanted more from it, but then again this is the first installment. Maybe I should just wait patiently to see what comes next in The Brightside series!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
This review can also be found at http://chiquitablogger.wordpress.com
So, wow. Just... wow. This book was so amazing, so good, so beyond anything I had expected, and I'm DYING for more.
Berkeley Dalton is my official soulmate, and I literally cannot get enough. I loved everything about him, and Liv was a pretty kickass heroine herself. I loved the secondary characters, and, having grown up 30 minutes from Pittsburgh, loved the Pittsburgh-ese (and shout out to Primanti Bros!) Literally, this book had absolutely everything for me!
I'm dying to know who the second book is about, and when I can read it! Fingers crossed for another ARC! Even though this book had a HEA, I'm selfish and I want more! I cannot gush any more about this story, book, or author! *stands and applauds*
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
So, wow. Just... wow. This book was so amazing, so good, so beyond anything I had expected, and I'm DYING for more.
Berkeley Dalton is my official soulmate, and I literally cannot get enough. I loved everything about him, and Liv was a pretty kickass heroine herself. I loved the secondary characters, and, having grown up 30 minutes from Pittsburgh, loved the Pittsburgh-ese (and shout out to Primanti Bros!) Literally, this book had absolutely everything for me!
I'm dying to know who the second book is about, and when I can read it! Fingers crossed for another ARC! Even though this book had a HEA, I'm selfish and I want more! I cannot gush any more about this story, book, or author! *stands and applauds*
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
January 30, 2014
Such a fun look into the glam world for Hollywood and rock & roll. I loved these characters and had a blast tagging along on Liv's ride. And Berkeley...what a babe!
February 12, 2014
One of my favourite reads so far this year! This book has everything I love in a great story, amazing characters, laugh out loud moments, plenty of romance and even some tear inducing moments. Did I mention I have severe Cover Love? GORGEOUS!
Olivia Bloom has made the BIG MOVE out to L.A in pursuit of her dreams of being a costume designer. She settles into her new life, finds a great job and some fabulous friends then her whole world gets turned upside down. Enters Berkeley Dalton, the utterly gorgeous lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside which happens to be Olivia's favourite band. Beyond Olivia's comprehension, Berkeley pursues her and they embark on a passionate and loving 'adventure' together. Unfortunately, dating the worlds biggest rock star has its disadvantages which leads Olivia to question if she's really cut out for that lifestyle.
"It must be hard for you to know if someone likes you for just you - to find Team Adventure"
"Team Adventure? What's that?" he asks after a curious pause. He sounds amused.
"It's my dream," I answer, beginning to get drowsy. It's getting late, and after all the wine at dinner my guard is weakening. "I just want to find that person I can't stand to be without. Where I don't want to be independent anymore, and regardless of where Im going or what I'm doing, I know it will be more fun if they're there with me, and vice versa," I mumble, my eyes getting heavy. "I want to be part of a team that no matter what... we're in it together... its our adventure... and we wouldn't have it any other way."
I loved how this story came about. Initially a blog, Katie started writing the story as a way to drive people to the Jonquil lingerie website. She began the story as a engaged woman (as the lingerie line was focused on Bridal) and started telling the back story. Two chapters were released every week and the readers were given opportunities to contribute by voting on outfits Olivia would wear (the winning outfit would appear in the story and the winner would win some lingerie). Each character has their own twitter account and would interact throughout the whole journey (some of their tweets actually end up in the book as chapter headings) Then Katie decided it was time to self-publish, but somehow ended up with a 3 book deal with Entangled Embrace.
So the story? Well... its awesome! It flows so beautifully, and the inclusion of the tweets really brings the characters to real life. Olivia is fun, loveable and easily relatable. On the shy side, she is easily tongue tied and seems to be a magnet for mishaps. I really did cringe and feel sorry for her quite a few times. Olivia and Berkeley's romance really is something dreams are made of. The famous Rock Star falling in love with your everyday girl, chasing and romancing her, its perfection.
I hate that people are judging me without giving me a chance to make an impression, but would I trade anonymity for Berkeley? What if I never met him? An image of bleak, lacklustre days stretching before me with no promise of how alive I feel right now presents itself and I have my answer.
Speaking of perfection, there's Berkeley. Underneath his public persona, there's a man with a lot of love to give, looking for the perfect someone to share it with. After his first meeting with Olivia, he realises there is something special about her but he's torn. He doesn't want to let her go without giving them a proper chance however he doesn't want her to have to deal with the craziness his life ensures. He's sweet, caring and charming (all my favourite qualities in a book boyfriend) and that makes him irresistible. I found myself quickly falling in love with him, and he cements that love throughout the book (I should add it also helped that I pictured Devin Paisley as Berkeley) .
[image error]
He looks at me and softens. "I'm not captivating - far from it, actually. I'm just honest. And to be honest, I've never met anyone I liked more than you. And, for once in my life, I don't care who knows it."
The secondary characters also added the extra spark to this book. Parker and Blair seem like my kind of friends, you just know that when they're together its going to be a fun time. They push Liv outside her comfort zone, yet they're always there to pick her up if she falls. they're hilariously funny and sometimes crude, but that's what makes them even more loveable. I'd love to have a cocktail in the courtyard with them ANY DAY. Then there's Psychic Mom. She's a quirky one, but I enjoyed the energy she provided.
There's a HEA, albeit a little rushed I think. I was hoping for more, and the epilogue didn't really satisfy that need (I'm just greedy like that) Part of me hopes that the next book is about Liv and Berkeley, just as long as there isn't any unnecessary drama (I'd hate for these two to be put through the ringer again) Either way I absolutely loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from Katie.
Olivia Bloom has made the BIG MOVE out to L.A in pursuit of her dreams of being a costume designer. She settles into her new life, finds a great job and some fabulous friends then her whole world gets turned upside down. Enters Berkeley Dalton, the utterly gorgeous lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside which happens to be Olivia's favourite band. Beyond Olivia's comprehension, Berkeley pursues her and they embark on a passionate and loving 'adventure' together. Unfortunately, dating the worlds biggest rock star has its disadvantages which leads Olivia to question if she's really cut out for that lifestyle.
"It must be hard for you to know if someone likes you for just you - to find Team Adventure"
"Team Adventure? What's that?" he asks after a curious pause. He sounds amused.
"It's my dream," I answer, beginning to get drowsy. It's getting late, and after all the wine at dinner my guard is weakening. "I just want to find that person I can't stand to be without. Where I don't want to be independent anymore, and regardless of where Im going or what I'm doing, I know it will be more fun if they're there with me, and vice versa," I mumble, my eyes getting heavy. "I want to be part of a team that no matter what... we're in it together... its our adventure... and we wouldn't have it any other way."
I loved how this story came about. Initially a blog, Katie started writing the story as a way to drive people to the Jonquil lingerie website. She began the story as a engaged woman (as the lingerie line was focused on Bridal) and started telling the back story. Two chapters were released every week and the readers were given opportunities to contribute by voting on outfits Olivia would wear (the winning outfit would appear in the story and the winner would win some lingerie). Each character has their own twitter account and would interact throughout the whole journey (some of their tweets actually end up in the book as chapter headings) Then Katie decided it was time to self-publish, but somehow ended up with a 3 book deal with Entangled Embrace.
So the story? Well... its awesome! It flows so beautifully, and the inclusion of the tweets really brings the characters to real life. Olivia is fun, loveable and easily relatable. On the shy side, she is easily tongue tied and seems to be a magnet for mishaps. I really did cringe and feel sorry for her quite a few times. Olivia and Berkeley's romance really is something dreams are made of. The famous Rock Star falling in love with your everyday girl, chasing and romancing her, its perfection.
I hate that people are judging me without giving me a chance to make an impression, but would I trade anonymity for Berkeley? What if I never met him? An image of bleak, lacklustre days stretching before me with no promise of how alive I feel right now presents itself and I have my answer.
Speaking of perfection, there's Berkeley. Underneath his public persona, there's a man with a lot of love to give, looking for the perfect someone to share it with. After his first meeting with Olivia, he realises there is something special about her but he's torn. He doesn't want to let her go without giving them a proper chance however he doesn't want her to have to deal with the craziness his life ensures. He's sweet, caring and charming (all my favourite qualities in a book boyfriend) and that makes him irresistible. I found myself quickly falling in love with him, and he cements that love throughout the book (I should add it also helped that I pictured Devin Paisley as Berkeley) .
[image error]
He looks at me and softens. "I'm not captivating - far from it, actually. I'm just honest. And to be honest, I've never met anyone I liked more than you. And, for once in my life, I don't care who knows it."
The secondary characters also added the extra spark to this book. Parker and Blair seem like my kind of friends, you just know that when they're together its going to be a fun time. They push Liv outside her comfort zone, yet they're always there to pick her up if she falls. they're hilariously funny and sometimes crude, but that's what makes them even more loveable. I'd love to have a cocktail in the courtyard with them ANY DAY. Then there's Psychic Mom. She's a quirky one, but I enjoyed the energy she provided.
There's a HEA, albeit a little rushed I think. I was hoping for more, and the epilogue didn't really satisfy that need (I'm just greedy like that) Part of me hopes that the next book is about Liv and Berkeley, just as long as there isn't any unnecessary drama (I'd hate for these two to be put through the ringer again) Either way I absolutely loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from Katie.
April 10, 2017
Oh I really loved this one! A lot! Emotional and funny.
February 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Pure and utter bliss. How could you not feel that way if you started DATING your rock star crush? Well I guess you'd have a better chance of feeling that way if there were no such thing as the paparazzi and tabloids. Drawn in by the title of this book, IN BLOOM, which happens to also be the title of a song by MY favorite band Nirvana, I read what the book would be about - falling into a relationship with a rock god, how could I pass that up?? Obviously I couldn't.
Olivia Bloom has packed up from Pittsburgh and moved to LA to pursue her dream of becoming a costume desinger. Happening to be in the right places at the right times, she soon not only meets Berkeley, the frontman for her favorite rock band Berkeley and the Brightside, but also begins dating him. She also happened to luck out in making friends at her apartment complex as well as getting a job and making a friend there, too. I loved her friends and how she wasn't shy about making sure they know she wants to be herself - not someone fake to fit into the scene.
IN BLOOM is the perfect title for this book and not just because "Bloom" happens to be Olivia's last name. I adore that girl to pieces. She boldly left everything and everyone she knew behind to move to LA to go after her dream. Olivia is like a delicate peach rose, and once she's found her niche, she really begins to thrive and bloom. She's witty and instantly likable. I could read ten books in a row with her in them.
Berkeley is completely swoon worthy. There's just something about him from the very start that made me fall for him. He seems unaffected by his rockstar status by being a genuine and down-to-earth guy. He's modest and romantic...all of this adds up to every girl's dream! For me, I love that he is so into music - I could just imagine him playing his guitar and singing right to me.
One of my favorite parts of IN BLOOM is that every chapter begins with a tweet or two from the characters in the story. It was a really fun way to start each new chapter and showcased the different personalities of each character. Plus, the tweets were just funny and made me laugh.
If you've been reluctant to give the New Adult genre a try, I highly recommend you start with IN BLOOM. This book will cause you to swoon and laugh and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Pure and utter bliss. How could you not feel that way if you started DATING your rock star crush? Well I guess you'd have a better chance of feeling that way if there were no such thing as the paparazzi and tabloids. Drawn in by the title of this book, IN BLOOM, which happens to also be the title of a song by MY favorite band Nirvana, I read what the book would be about - falling into a relationship with a rock god, how could I pass that up?? Obviously I couldn't.
Olivia Bloom has packed up from Pittsburgh and moved to LA to pursue her dream of becoming a costume desinger. Happening to be in the right places at the right times, she soon not only meets Berkeley, the frontman for her favorite rock band Berkeley and the Brightside, but also begins dating him. She also happened to luck out in making friends at her apartment complex as well as getting a job and making a friend there, too. I loved her friends and how she wasn't shy about making sure they know she wants to be herself - not someone fake to fit into the scene.
IN BLOOM is the perfect title for this book and not just because "Bloom" happens to be Olivia's last name. I adore that girl to pieces. She boldly left everything and everyone she knew behind to move to LA to go after her dream. Olivia is like a delicate peach rose, and once she's found her niche, she really begins to thrive and bloom. She's witty and instantly likable. I could read ten books in a row with her in them.
Berkeley is completely swoon worthy. There's just something about him from the very start that made me fall for him. He seems unaffected by his rockstar status by being a genuine and down-to-earth guy. He's modest and romantic...all of this adds up to every girl's dream! For me, I love that he is so into music - I could just imagine him playing his guitar and singing right to me.
One of my favorite parts of IN BLOOM is that every chapter begins with a tweet or two from the characters in the story. It was a really fun way to start each new chapter and showcased the different personalities of each character. Plus, the tweets were just funny and made me laugh.
If you've been reluctant to give the New Adult genre a try, I highly recommend you start with IN BLOOM. This book will cause you to swoon and laugh and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
February 11, 2014
I was in a slump. Being an avid reader, this happens from time to time. I begin series, or standalones that are good. They are entertaining, and I smile while I read them. I invest myself in characters. I want to see their story play out, and a lot of the times by the end of the book I am satisfied...and yet I look back from my book high, and feel something was missing for me.
Then there are the books that come along, and awaken my senses as to why I Love reading in the first place.
In Bloom is one of those stories. It is packed full of humor, and charm. I was entranced after the first Namaste, and never looked back. At 50% I was full of first kiss anticipation. I wanted to knock their faces together, and force them into their first kiss. When it finally happened, I was caught off guard. I didn't expect it, and I quickly realized how happy I was for the misses. I was so ready for the blossoming of this new experience,that I nearly missed how captivating these characters are together.
In NA reads I find myself waiting for the relationship to start, that I am so disappointed when it hyper speeds into Love, or drags. I didn't feel that way at all with In Bloom.
Also...Can I have my own Psychic Mom? For real. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship Liv had with her Mother. The interaction felt so natural. We don't always want to admit, or think that our parent could actually know what they're talking about when it comes to our lives. Olivia played it perfectly.
Berkeley was swoon-worthy. He was true, and honest with his feelings. Even at 89% when my heart dropped to the pits of hell, and I wanted to scream at the owls chilling on my bookshelf. He redeemed the entire story. I found myself diving into my youth. Resurfacing my own love of particular bands, and eclectic music obsessions. I remembered how connected I felt to John Mayer's material before he was discovered, or how I scoured all the vinyl I found in my Nana's attic. I fell in Love with something for the first time at nine years old, and this story brought all those memories to the surface. Thank you for that Katie Delahanty.
I recommend this read to dreamers.
To people who remember the first time a song took their breath away.
To anyone whose first crush graced the covers of Rolling Stone.
To selfless lovers...
And last but not least
I recommend this to all who have been hurt in life by another, who chose to put it all on the line, and do something crazy for themselves, for their dreams.
Then there are the books that come along, and awaken my senses as to why I Love reading in the first place.
In Bloom is one of those stories. It is packed full of humor, and charm. I was entranced after the first Namaste, and never looked back. At 50% I was full of first kiss anticipation. I wanted to knock their faces together, and force them into their first kiss. When it finally happened, I was caught off guard. I didn't expect it, and I quickly realized how happy I was for the misses. I was so ready for the blossoming of this new experience,that I nearly missed how captivating these characters are together.
In NA reads I find myself waiting for the relationship to start, that I am so disappointed when it hyper speeds into Love, or drags. I didn't feel that way at all with In Bloom.
Also...Can I have my own Psychic Mom? For real. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship Liv had with her Mother. The interaction felt so natural. We don't always want to admit, or think that our parent could actually know what they're talking about when it comes to our lives. Olivia played it perfectly.
Berkeley was swoon-worthy. He was true, and honest with his feelings. Even at 89% when my heart dropped to the pits of hell, and I wanted to scream at the owls chilling on my bookshelf. He redeemed the entire story. I found myself diving into my youth. Resurfacing my own love of particular bands, and eclectic music obsessions. I remembered how connected I felt to John Mayer's material before he was discovered, or how I scoured all the vinyl I found in my Nana's attic. I fell in Love with something for the first time at nine years old, and this story brought all those memories to the surface. Thank you for that Katie Delahanty.
I recommend this read to dreamers.
To people who remember the first time a song took their breath away.
To anyone whose first crush graced the covers of Rolling Stone.
To selfless lovers...
And last but not least
I recommend this to all who have been hurt in life by another, who chose to put it all on the line, and do something crazy for themselves, for their dreams.
May 19, 2016
Olivia Bloom, the MC of this book, is insecure and annoying. Enter her two friends, Blair and Parker. They're kind of weird, too. Maybe the whole LA scene is odd? I'm getting that feeling.
What I didn't like:
1) Olivia. She isn't strong. She wants to be, but she isn't. She's insecure and takes herself way too seriously. Any social faux pas she makes is hemmed and hawed TO DEATH by her.
2) Instalove. Olivia and Berkeley (which I kept reading Beverley) fell in love too fast.
3) The first person pov was cringe worthy. Ugh.
4) The way Berkeley talks about how he falls for Olivia is so unrealistic. What guy talks like that?
5) Olivia's mom is OTT. Plus, all the predictions were too much. It really made the book laughable.
6) The whole makeover thing was silly and unnecessary.
7) The story is boring. This is it in a nutshell: Olivia moves to LA, lands an awesome job by some miracle since she's not really qualified for it, repeatedly bumps into a superstar who falls for her right away, hooks up with said superstar, doesn't really feel like she belongs in superstar's world, a surprise, the end.
I think I must have some kind of reader's OCD or something since I almost always read the sequel of a book I've read already, even if the first book wasn't my favorite. I just can't bring myself to do it this time.
What I didn't like:
1) Olivia. She isn't strong. She wants to be, but she isn't. She's insecure and takes herself way too seriously. Any social faux pas she makes is hemmed and hawed TO DEATH by her.
2) Instalove. Olivia and Berkeley (which I kept reading Beverley) fell in love too fast.
3) The first person pov was cringe worthy. Ugh.
4) The way Berkeley talks about how he falls for Olivia is so unrealistic. What guy talks like that?
5) Olivia's mom is OTT. Plus, all the predictions were too much. It really made the book laughable.
6) The whole makeover thing was silly and unnecessary.
7) The story is boring. This is it in a nutshell: Olivia moves to LA, lands an awesome job by some miracle since she's not really qualified for it, repeatedly bumps into a superstar who falls for her right away, hooks up with said superstar, doesn't really feel like she belongs in superstar's world, a surprise, the end.
I think I must have some kind of reader's OCD or something since I almost always read the sequel of a book I've read already, even if the first book wasn't my favorite. I just can't bring myself to do it this time.
January 30, 2014
Olivia Bloom has an amazing journey of self-discovery and Love in Katie Delahanty's - In Bloom. This is really a story of her dream from start to finish. I even love the evolution of her career and watching her become more and more sure of herself as a designer.
I loved it from the first page! As secondary characters, her friends Parker and Blair are so much fun and even though I didn't always agree with them, they definitely kept things interesting. The Tweets were an awesome touch!
Berkeley, oh Berkeley! He is so dang swoonworthy. Even when he was dismissive and mysterious, he really drew me in! Olivia and him had such a great chemistry and believable romance.
I'm not going to lie, at the end I was very afraid we were about to get a cliffhanger because there wasn't much story left and I didn't like where the characters were. We do get a HEA, but it seemed to all be wrapped up super quickly. I would have liked it to be drawn out a bit more.
I loved it from the first page! As secondary characters, her friends Parker and Blair are so much fun and even though I didn't always agree with them, they definitely kept things interesting. The Tweets were an awesome touch!
Berkeley, oh Berkeley! He is so dang swoonworthy. Even when he was dismissive and mysterious, he really drew me in! Olivia and him had such a great chemistry and believable romance.
I'm not going to lie, at the end I was very afraid we were about to get a cliffhanger because there wasn't much story left and I didn't like where the characters were. We do get a HEA, but it seemed to all be wrapped up super quickly. I would have liked it to be drawn out a bit more.
February 27, 2016
Read through netgalley.com
I throughly enjoyed reading this story, it was such a fun and entertaining ride. Would love to know what happens next in this series.
I throughly enjoyed reading this story, it was such a fun and entertaining ride. Would love to know what happens next in this series.
January 19, 2014
Words can't describe how AMAZING this book is! Full review to come on tour date (:
February 19, 2014
Immediate thought after reading this book. In Bloom is definitely a breather for me from those books that involve a lot of me ending up bursting into tears. From time to time, it’s great to take a step back from books that will drain the hell out of your emotions. This book is just a short, smooth flowing, fun (yes, there are a lot scenes where I end up giggling) and cute read (Aww moments). If you’re also, looking for a book with less drama … then, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading this one.
Ramblings. Ha! I just randomly requested this book on Netgalley after catching a glimpse of its cover and I’m just happy that I had a really great time reading it. My previous random requests in Goodreads didn’t end pretty well for me, for I just ended up requesting sad and depressing types of books. I perfectly remember those well and I was so bummed feeling drained and all. At some point, I already considered not finishing those books but I don’t want that in my list. So yeah, I got lucky this time around and had a Hollywood-ish experience with this book!
My thoughts. This isn’t the type of book wherein there are a lot of intricacies and back story going on in the plot. It is focused on the "now" story of the main characters. Though, their past is injected in some parts of the book. It's also a book wherein there isn't much drama going on and it's quite refreshing for a New Adult book to have it.
The story is pretty straightforward, our main character - Olivia moved from Pittsburgh to LA to experience something new in life and have a new career. Little did she know that moving in to "The Vicente" will change her life. There she meets Parker and Blair, both working and having connections to the ins and outs of Hollywood. From there, Liv gets invited to exclusive parties. And in all of those events, she always ends up bumping into Berkeley Dalton, the uber sexy lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside which happens to be her favorite band. Sparks fly and Berkeley pursues Liv ... well,I'm not telling you what happens next to their story. Go grab your copy of this book and read it!
This book also showcases the glamorous and the not soooo glamorous side of Hollywood. In a minute you can probably be the darling of the press but the next one could turn out to be not in your favor. That's a tough atmosphere to be with, such a messy kind of business. But if you love what you're doing (like Berkeley) and if you're really in love with someone in that business (like Olivia), then screw Hollywood and the downside of it.
Olivia. Her character is relatable, fun and adventurous. She's just one of us, a simple girl who moves to another place to build something out of herself. She's shy at times and doubting herself but with a little pep talk from Parker and Blair, her confidence level shoots up the sky and she proceeds to go through with whatever those two ask of her to do. Towards the end though, she became impulsive. But nahhh that's just a way to drag some drama in this book 'cause everything's like going really smooth for her and Berkeley.
Berkeley. He's such a gem. Despite being a known rockstar, Berkeley is still just a regular guy who falls in love and does things for that certain person. He's definitely a swoon-worthy guy because not only he sings but he also writes songs for their band too. He's really sweet and so caring towards Olivia.
Parker. Blair. Gemma. These three are Liv's awesome friends and her personal cheering squad/support group. They were the ones present from the beginning of Liv's journey and were still there until the very end of the book.
Olivia’s mom, is such a fun, quirky and at times freaky character in the book. She has this psychic thing going on and is really scaring the crap out of Liv. And that makes her kind of freaky. In all honesty, Liv should’ve listened to her mom. LOL. But besides that, I had a great laugh with the adventure of her character. Especially in those scenes where she appears in Liv’s dreams, the levitation part of their class and her TWEETS! Yes, guys, she also tweets! What an awesome and cool mom she is!
Twitter. Fangirl. Ships. Everything that’s going on in this department is totally right up my alley and … is sooooo me! I’m a huge fangirl myself who uses Twitter daily to vent out my overloading feels and SHIPS sooooooooo many SHIPS (non-fictional or fictional people). I love that every chapter starts off with a tweet or twitter conversations of the characters, it makes the story very realistic. It reminds us that Olivia, Parker, Blair, THE Mom or even Berkeley is just one of us, a regular person who uses Twitter. Though, Olivia’s really lucky. THAT time when she got a follow and a tweet from Berkeley, that time I was just thinking when will that happen to me???!!! Those kinds of things just happen to highly fortunate people and that’s not certainly me. And OMG the shipping thing. I admit that some fans go hardcore when it comes to showing their support for their favourite pairing and sometimes resulting for to them to bash someone who said something bad or he/she is the “third party”/unwanted person in the equation. If you’re on Twitter, every single day you’ll get to witness that kind of drama and by now I’m quite immune to that already.
Manila. Manila was freakin’ mentioned in this book. My eyes bugged out of their sockets when I read that part of the book. It just made me so happy that once in awhile a certain book gives some reference to my country, The Philippines.
The Brightside #2 Theories. Here are two of my theories for the second instalment of this series: 1) The story could revolve around the characters of Mark-Blair, since Mark is the closest friend of Berkeley and the second member of the band that was really introduced to us and he’s a friend of Blair. That make sense, since Blair also just got out of a relationship and gallivanting the streets of LA, single. 2) Mark-Boots, because Liv and Berkeley mentioned that they’ll introduce these two in the future. Hmmm. Could it mean that Boots will take her time off in studying medicine and go traipsing to LA? Anyways, correct or not, I’m still looking forward for the second book of this series!
Bye x
Ramblings. Ha! I just randomly requested this book on Netgalley after catching a glimpse of its cover and I’m just happy that I had a really great time reading it. My previous random requests in Goodreads didn’t end pretty well for me, for I just ended up requesting sad and depressing types of books. I perfectly remember those well and I was so bummed feeling drained and all. At some point, I already considered not finishing those books but I don’t want that in my list. So yeah, I got lucky this time around and had a Hollywood-ish experience with this book!
My thoughts. This isn’t the type of book wherein there are a lot of intricacies and back story going on in the plot. It is focused on the "now" story of the main characters. Though, their past is injected in some parts of the book. It's also a book wherein there isn't much drama going on and it's quite refreshing for a New Adult book to have it.
The story is pretty straightforward, our main character - Olivia moved from Pittsburgh to LA to experience something new in life and have a new career. Little did she know that moving in to "The Vicente" will change her life. There she meets Parker and Blair, both working and having connections to the ins and outs of Hollywood. From there, Liv gets invited to exclusive parties. And in all of those events, she always ends up bumping into Berkeley Dalton, the uber sexy lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside which happens to be her favorite band. Sparks fly and Berkeley pursues Liv ... well,I'm not telling you what happens next to their story. Go grab your copy of this book and read it!
This book also showcases the glamorous and the not soooo glamorous side of Hollywood. In a minute you can probably be the darling of the press but the next one could turn out to be not in your favor. That's a tough atmosphere to be with, such a messy kind of business. But if you love what you're doing (like Berkeley) and if you're really in love with someone in that business (like Olivia), then screw Hollywood and the downside of it.
Olivia. Her character is relatable, fun and adventurous. She's just one of us, a simple girl who moves to another place to build something out of herself. She's shy at times and doubting herself but with a little pep talk from Parker and Blair, her confidence level shoots up the sky and she proceeds to go through with whatever those two ask of her to do. Towards the end though, she became impulsive. But nahhh that's just a way to drag some drama in this book 'cause everything's like going really smooth for her and Berkeley.
Berkeley. He's such a gem. Despite being a known rockstar, Berkeley is still just a regular guy who falls in love and does things for that certain person. He's definitely a swoon-worthy guy because not only he sings but he also writes songs for their band too. He's really sweet and so caring towards Olivia.
Parker. Blair. Gemma. These three are Liv's awesome friends and her personal cheering squad/support group. They were the ones present from the beginning of Liv's journey and were still there until the very end of the book.
Olivia’s mom, is such a fun, quirky and at times freaky character in the book. She has this psychic thing going on and is really scaring the crap out of Liv. And that makes her kind of freaky. In all honesty, Liv should’ve listened to her mom. LOL. But besides that, I had a great laugh with the adventure of her character. Especially in those scenes where she appears in Liv’s dreams, the levitation part of their class and her TWEETS! Yes, guys, she also tweets! What an awesome and cool mom she is!
Twitter. Fangirl. Ships. Everything that’s going on in this department is totally right up my alley and … is sooooo me! I’m a huge fangirl myself who uses Twitter daily to vent out my overloading feels and SHIPS sooooooooo many SHIPS (non-fictional or fictional people). I love that every chapter starts off with a tweet or twitter conversations of the characters, it makes the story very realistic. It reminds us that Olivia, Parker, Blair, THE Mom or even Berkeley is just one of us, a regular person who uses Twitter. Though, Olivia’s really lucky. THAT time when she got a follow and a tweet from Berkeley, that time I was just thinking when will that happen to me???!!! Those kinds of things just happen to highly fortunate people and that’s not certainly me. And OMG the shipping thing. I admit that some fans go hardcore when it comes to showing their support for their favourite pairing and sometimes resulting for to them to bash someone who said something bad or he/she is the “third party”/unwanted person in the equation. If you’re on Twitter, every single day you’ll get to witness that kind of drama and by now I’m quite immune to that already.
Manila. Manila was freakin’ mentioned in this book. My eyes bugged out of their sockets when I read that part of the book. It just made me so happy that once in awhile a certain book gives some reference to my country, The Philippines.
The Brightside #2 Theories. Here are two of my theories for the second instalment of this series: 1) The story could revolve around the characters of Mark-Blair, since Mark is the closest friend of Berkeley and the second member of the band that was really introduced to us and he’s a friend of Blair. That make sense, since Blair also just got out of a relationship and gallivanting the streets of LA, single. 2) Mark-Boots, because Liv and Berkeley mentioned that they’ll introduce these two in the future. Hmmm. Could it mean that Boots will take her time off in studying medicine and go traipsing to LA? Anyways, correct or not, I’m still looking forward for the second book of this series!
Bye x
March 10, 2019
A Rock N Roll Love
I bought this novel in a whim and I'm happy I did. I instantly started book 2 in the series.
I bought this novel in a whim and I'm happy I did. I instantly started book 2 in the series.
January 24, 2014
3.5 stars
There were two big things I liked about this book and one big thing I didn't like about the book.
First, good thing #1: the writing. So often in "new adult" we get cliched and terrible writing but that was not the case here. Katie Delahanty really impressed me not only with her actual writing, but also her story telling ability. With a few expectations I thought the pacing was spot on; everything moved along quickly, but throughly.
Second, good thing #2: Liv. I thought Liv was a great new adult main character. She's just moved to LA from Pittsburgh for a costume designer job that fell through. She ends up getting a job lingerie company, something that seemed a little farfetched, the company was a little too perfect, but I thought many of the situations she describes were spot on. I have a friend who works as a designer for a pajama/lingerie company in NYC and she's always talking about their showroom things and preparing samples for buyers and so often while I was reading I thought about how what Olivia was doing matched up with the experiences my friend has shared. Liv is also strong, but kind of bumbling around celebrities and unsure of who she is and who she wants to be, things that I found completely reasonable for someone her age in her position.
Third, the bad thing: the secondary characters and Liv's relationship with them. Liv has these two friends, Blair and Parker, who live in her apartment complex. Blair (a lady) is an assistant publicist who knows all the ins and outs of Hollywood and Parker (a guy) is a writer on a Bachelor-like reality TV show. My first issue was that I couldn't keep them straight. Maybe this is just me, but I hated that they both have names that could be either for a guy or a girl, at the beginning I kept confusing them. Blair and Parker decide to take Liv under their wing and turn her from Pittsburgh nothing girl to Hollywood it girl. Watching Liv's My Fair Lady-like transformation was fun, but it was kind of over the top and I didn't necessarily buy that they could get into Elton John's Oscar party. What really drove me insane though was how at the beginning these are just two friends Liv makes in LA, but then, after her makeover, she wonders if they really like her or if she was just their project, yet, at the end, she talks about how they're two of the most important people in the world to her. What? A few weeks ago you weren't sure if they really liked you and now they're on the same level as your cousin who's been your BFF since childhood? Really?
As a warning there's also some real instalove here. Berkeley, the lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside who Liv falls for, seems like a good guy, and they do go on a couple dates before they become inseparable, but once they become in separable it's all over; they are seriously in love.
Bottom Line: Even though I have some complaints I really enjoyed reading this book, mainly because of the strong writing and the likable, believable main character. This is apparently the first in a series and I'm excited to see how Katie Delahanty's writing evolves and which member of the band (I'm assuming that's where this is going?) she focuses on next.
I received an electric review copy from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
There were two big things I liked about this book and one big thing I didn't like about the book.
First, good thing #1: the writing. So often in "new adult" we get cliched and terrible writing but that was not the case here. Katie Delahanty really impressed me not only with her actual writing, but also her story telling ability. With a few expectations I thought the pacing was spot on; everything moved along quickly, but throughly.
Second, good thing #2: Liv. I thought Liv was a great new adult main character. She's just moved to LA from Pittsburgh for a costume designer job that fell through. She ends up getting a job lingerie company, something that seemed a little farfetched, the company was a little too perfect, but I thought many of the situations she describes were spot on. I have a friend who works as a designer for a pajama/lingerie company in NYC and she's always talking about their showroom things and preparing samples for buyers and so often while I was reading I thought about how what Olivia was doing matched up with the experiences my friend has shared. Liv is also strong, but kind of bumbling around celebrities and unsure of who she is and who she wants to be, things that I found completely reasonable for someone her age in her position.
Third, the bad thing: the secondary characters and Liv's relationship with them. Liv has these two friends, Blair and Parker, who live in her apartment complex. Blair (a lady) is an assistant publicist who knows all the ins and outs of Hollywood and Parker (a guy) is a writer on a Bachelor-like reality TV show. My first issue was that I couldn't keep them straight. Maybe this is just me, but I hated that they both have names that could be either for a guy or a girl, at the beginning I kept confusing them. Blair and Parker decide to take Liv under their wing and turn her from Pittsburgh nothing girl to Hollywood it girl. Watching Liv's My Fair Lady-like transformation was fun, but it was kind of over the top and I didn't necessarily buy that they could get into Elton John's Oscar party. What really drove me insane though was how at the beginning these are just two friends Liv makes in LA, but then, after her makeover, she wonders if they really like her or if she was just their project, yet, at the end, she talks about how they're two of the most important people in the world to her. What? A few weeks ago you weren't sure if they really liked you and now they're on the same level as your cousin who's been your BFF since childhood? Really?
As a warning there's also some real instalove here. Berkeley, the lead singer of Berkeley and the Brightside who Liv falls for, seems like a good guy, and they do go on a couple dates before they become inseparable, but once they become in separable it's all over; they are seriously in love.
Bottom Line: Even though I have some complaints I really enjoyed reading this book, mainly because of the strong writing and the likable, believable main character. This is apparently the first in a series and I'm excited to see how Katie Delahanty's writing evolves and which member of the band (I'm assuming that's where this is going?) she focuses on next.
I received an electric review copy from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
The description for In Bloom made it sound so cute and light. Well, it is light and the romance is adorable in places, but for the most part I was just bored. Olivia is new to Los Angeles, as she pursues her dream of being a stylist. Soon she's hired on at an upscale lingerie company, and she has two friends who are training her to fit in in Hollywood. Then she meets the lead singer of her favorite band at a fashion show, then runs into him again, and again. Finally, they start meeting on purpose and Liv is thrust even more into the limelight than she anticipated.
In Bloom was hard for me to initially get into because the opening chapters felt very jumpy and random. I suppose that matches the chaotic pace of life in LA, but it didn't draw me in. I also didn't feel like I really got to know who Liv was. She keeps inner-monologuing about how awkward she is, and what awkward things could happen to her in any situation. Well, she doesn't actually do anything awkward. Thinking about being awkward, when no one but the reader knows what's going on, does not make you awkward. It could have been fun to actually have random things happen to Liv when she's trying to make an impression, but really, all she does is consider the possibility of things happening.
The romance of In Bloom is disgustingly adorable, but not really in a good way. It's the typical normal girl meets rock star, he sweeps her off her feet because he's different, and they live happily ever after. Berkeley was so boring. This boy has no personality to speak of. He was the humble, down to Earth rock star who hasn't been changed by fame, but he read more like self-conscious and dull. I also didn't believe their connection. They just kind of meet, start dating, and are in love. There was no moment where I felt like they belonged together. They do have some really cute scenes together, but that doesn't make up for the lack of sparks or tension.
The one thing that I did really like about In Bloom was that there was a lot of focus on the publicity of stardom. We get to see how just about everything Berkeley does is filtered through his publicist, and if he doesn't go to her first, how the media twists every story into something. Of course, I know the media does this anyway, but it was an interest behind the scenes look. Although it did make the inevitable fight pretty obvious and annoying, since Liv knows not to believe everything she reads, and yet she does and it causes problems. There was a great missed opportunity involving her ex-boyfriend though. He does give a magazine some pictures of Liv from when she was younger, but he was also introduced as being bitter, so he could have exacted some revenge. Oh well.
In Bloom was just kind of whatever for me. It was cute, but didn't excite me in any way. I didn't believe the romance, and I sure as heck did not believe that ending. There is no way that would ever happen. Ever. It was a grand romantic gesture, but it didn't work.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
The description for In Bloom made it sound so cute and light. Well, it is light and the romance is adorable in places, but for the most part I was just bored. Olivia is new to Los Angeles, as she pursues her dream of being a stylist. Soon she's hired on at an upscale lingerie company, and she has two friends who are training her to fit in in Hollywood. Then she meets the lead singer of her favorite band at a fashion show, then runs into him again, and again. Finally, they start meeting on purpose and Liv is thrust even more into the limelight than she anticipated.
In Bloom was hard for me to initially get into because the opening chapters felt very jumpy and random. I suppose that matches the chaotic pace of life in LA, but it didn't draw me in. I also didn't feel like I really got to know who Liv was. She keeps inner-monologuing about how awkward she is, and what awkward things could happen to her in any situation. Well, she doesn't actually do anything awkward. Thinking about being awkward, when no one but the reader knows what's going on, does not make you awkward. It could have been fun to actually have random things happen to Liv when she's trying to make an impression, but really, all she does is consider the possibility of things happening.
The romance of In Bloom is disgustingly adorable, but not really in a good way. It's the typical normal girl meets rock star, he sweeps her off her feet because he's different, and they live happily ever after. Berkeley was so boring. This boy has no personality to speak of. He was the humble, down to Earth rock star who hasn't been changed by fame, but he read more like self-conscious and dull. I also didn't believe their connection. They just kind of meet, start dating, and are in love. There was no moment where I felt like they belonged together. They do have some really cute scenes together, but that doesn't make up for the lack of sparks or tension.
The one thing that I did really like about In Bloom was that there was a lot of focus on the publicity of stardom. We get to see how just about everything Berkeley does is filtered through his publicist, and if he doesn't go to her first, how the media twists every story into something. Of course, I know the media does this anyway, but it was an interest behind the scenes look. Although it did make the inevitable fight pretty obvious and annoying, since Liv knows not to believe everything she reads, and yet she does and it causes problems. There was a great missed opportunity involving her ex-boyfriend though. He does give a magazine some pictures of Liv from when she was younger, but he was also introduced as being bitter, so he could have exacted some revenge. Oh well.
In Bloom was just kind of whatever for me. It was cute, but didn't excite me in any way. I didn't believe the romance, and I sure as heck did not believe that ending. There is no way that would ever happen. Ever. It was a grand romantic gesture, but it didn't work.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
August 26, 2016
Oh. My. God.
Let me say it again. OH MY GOD! This book. I love this book. Not love it as in, “Wow that was pretty good, I’ll definitely keep it in mind for book buddy recommendations”. Not love it as is in, “I’m so glad I signed up for this ARC and it wasn’t awful. Yay!” No. I love In Bloom, as in one of my new favorite reads…ever. I always try to make my reviews make sense, be organized, so on and so forth. I just can’t make my mind stop running through these characters and their world long enough to do that. So an excited, completely unorganized review it will be!
The best way I can think of to describe this book is taking the fashion of The Devil Wears Prada + the L.A. life of The Hills + the fairy tale love story of Love Unscripted = In Bloom. In a genre that sometimes (let’s be honest) all sort of run together, this was such a breath of fresh air. It’s just so different. Katie Delahanty is amazing. Her writing style, her character development, and the descriptions used for the people and places Olivia encounters. It’s just all perfection. It also wasn’t our normal smut. Sometimes it’s nice to not have that, and In Bloom was so good without it. I was captured from the very first page, and had zero intention of putting my Kindle down until I saw “The end”.
Ok, so meet Olivia Bloom. A newcomer to Los Angeles straight from Pittsburgh, PA. She’s trying to make it as a stylist, while also trying to figure out life and the “rules” in L.A. Between coworkers and bosses, her friends, and the celebrities, it’s a long ways from Pennsylvania. She’s hilarious, witty, and a ton of fun.
Then of course, there’s the guy and this one is a doozy. Meet Berkeley Dalton – Beautiful, talented, and above all else: a NICE guy! He’s the good guy, an A-list celebrity, and genuinely loves just playing music. He’s dreamy. He has officially shot to near the top of my book boyfriend list. He’s up there with Kellan, Jameson, and Ryan. He’s just…*sigh*
Without making this review too horribly long, basically Olivia and Berkeley meet. Their first encounter is completely adorable. He’s the frontman of Berkeley & the Brightside, who happens to be Olivia’s favorite band of all time. She’s so awkward and he’s so charming, they just worked and made you cheer for them from the get go. They’re relationship is so romantic. They’re falling for each other hard, and it makes you all warm and fuzzy to experience their moments together. It’s like a fairy tale. The question is if Olivia is ready to accept everything that comes with Berkeley’s world (the paparazzi, the gossip, etc) knowing in return, she gets to be with him. Is he worth it? (I LOVE him, so yes, he would absolutely be worth it)
Overall, In Bloom is so refreshing. Katie has a great writing style. Everything felt very realistic. Of course, I don’t live in L.A. but it felt as though she was very knowledgeable with a lot of the details. The characters are fantastic. If you’re looking for something outside of the box, without so much raunchiness and focused on an actual love story, In Bloom is the book for you. I just funking (you’ll see) loved it.
<3 Erin
Let me say it again. OH MY GOD! This book. I love this book. Not love it as in, “Wow that was pretty good, I’ll definitely keep it in mind for book buddy recommendations”. Not love it as is in, “I’m so glad I signed up for this ARC and it wasn’t awful. Yay!” No. I love In Bloom, as in one of my new favorite reads…ever. I always try to make my reviews make sense, be organized, so on and so forth. I just can’t make my mind stop running through these characters and their world long enough to do that. So an excited, completely unorganized review it will be!
The best way I can think of to describe this book is taking the fashion of The Devil Wears Prada + the L.A. life of The Hills + the fairy tale love story of Love Unscripted = In Bloom. In a genre that sometimes (let’s be honest) all sort of run together, this was such a breath of fresh air. It’s just so different. Katie Delahanty is amazing. Her writing style, her character development, and the descriptions used for the people and places Olivia encounters. It’s just all perfection. It also wasn’t our normal smut. Sometimes it’s nice to not have that, and In Bloom was so good without it. I was captured from the very first page, and had zero intention of putting my Kindle down until I saw “The end”.
Ok, so meet Olivia Bloom. A newcomer to Los Angeles straight from Pittsburgh, PA. She’s trying to make it as a stylist, while also trying to figure out life and the “rules” in L.A. Between coworkers and bosses, her friends, and the celebrities, it’s a long ways from Pennsylvania. She’s hilarious, witty, and a ton of fun.
Then of course, there’s the guy and this one is a doozy. Meet Berkeley Dalton – Beautiful, talented, and above all else: a NICE guy! He’s the good guy, an A-list celebrity, and genuinely loves just playing music. He’s dreamy. He has officially shot to near the top of my book boyfriend list. He’s up there with Kellan, Jameson, and Ryan. He’s just…*sigh*
Without making this review too horribly long, basically Olivia and Berkeley meet. Their first encounter is completely adorable. He’s the frontman of Berkeley & the Brightside, who happens to be Olivia’s favorite band of all time. She’s so awkward and he’s so charming, they just worked and made you cheer for them from the get go. They’re relationship is so romantic. They’re falling for each other hard, and it makes you all warm and fuzzy to experience their moments together. It’s like a fairy tale. The question is if Olivia is ready to accept everything that comes with Berkeley’s world (the paparazzi, the gossip, etc) knowing in return, she gets to be with him. Is he worth it? (I LOVE him, so yes, he would absolutely be worth it)
Overall, In Bloom is so refreshing. Katie has a great writing style. Everything felt very realistic. Of course, I don’t live in L.A. but it felt as though she was very knowledgeable with a lot of the details. The characters are fantastic. If you’re looking for something outside of the box, without so much raunchiness and focused on an actual love story, In Bloom is the book for you. I just funking (you’ll see) loved it.
<3 Erin
March 5, 2014
Originally reviewed on The Escapist.
***
Bands, LA, ordinary girl, and a promise of an epic you-and-me-against-the-world love story. This the the formula of some of the books that I loved such as Thoughtless by S.C Stephens and A Song For Julia by Charles Sheehan-Mile, to name a few. So whenever I came across a book sounding like them, I check it out and read the synopsis thoroughly. And In Bloom captured me.
In Bloom is about Olivia Bloom--an ordinary girl trying to live an ordinary life. But her life changed when she met Berkeley, the frontman of the famous--and her favorite--Berkeley and the Brightside band. The first chapter hooked me up instantly and I became more interested in this book. Olivia's perspective was fun and very fangirl that it was easier for me to read and like.
Even though the love story was a bit fast for me, I have to say that the chemistry between Olivia and Berkeley was undeniable. I had the feels and it made me smile and feel ticklish. I enjoy reading their moments together.
The title was different from the main story of this book. In Bloom turned out to be a lingerie line named after Olivia. It was cool, but the connection between the title and the story wasn't strong enough. I hope it was more related. However, I found an interesting fact about this book and the characters. I read Katie Delahanty thanked Sara Bareilles for [early] tweeting about the book on her Acknowledgements. I searched for the tweet on Google and found more interesting and fun stuff. In Bloom is a true-to-life lingerie line and the book was first an "interactive, fictional fashion-romance novel being presented in blog format". (Check it out here.) Upon further research, I found out that the famous-from-the-book Twitter handles of Olivia Bloom, Berkeley Dalton, Parker Mifflin, Blair Hamilton, Mrs. Bloom, and more. Which was reaaally cool. I also read their tweets and those were the exact tweets they exchanged as featured in the book. These things makes Olivia, Berkeley, and In Bloom's world more realistic. Fun!
Overall, In Bloom was an enjoyable read. I like most of it but I feel like there's something lacking. I'm so glad that this is actually a series. I'm excited to find out what happens next. Readers who like YA/NA contemporary romance or chick-lits would enjoy this book. If you also liked the two books I mentioned above, Thoughtless and A Song For Julia, you'd want to read this as well.
*Book contains minor sexual references and occasional coarse language.
Thanks to Entangled Embrace and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book!
***
Bands, LA, ordinary girl, and a promise of an epic you-and-me-against-the-world love story. This the the formula of some of the books that I loved such as Thoughtless by S.C Stephens and A Song For Julia by Charles Sheehan-Mile, to name a few. So whenever I came across a book sounding like them, I check it out and read the synopsis thoroughly. And In Bloom captured me.
In Bloom is about Olivia Bloom--an ordinary girl trying to live an ordinary life. But her life changed when she met Berkeley, the frontman of the famous--and her favorite--Berkeley and the Brightside band. The first chapter hooked me up instantly and I became more interested in this book. Olivia's perspective was fun and very fangirl that it was easier for me to read and like.
Even though the love story was a bit fast for me, I have to say that the chemistry between Olivia and Berkeley was undeniable. I had the feels and it made me smile and feel ticklish. I enjoy reading their moments together.
The title was different from the main story of this book. In Bloom turned out to be a lingerie line named after Olivia. It was cool, but the connection between the title and the story wasn't strong enough. I hope it was more related. However, I found an interesting fact about this book and the characters. I read Katie Delahanty thanked Sara Bareilles for [early] tweeting about the book on her Acknowledgements. I searched for the tweet on Google and found more interesting and fun stuff. In Bloom is a true-to-life lingerie line and the book was first an "interactive, fictional fashion-romance novel being presented in blog format". (Check it out here.) Upon further research, I found out that the famous-from-the-book Twitter handles of Olivia Bloom, Berkeley Dalton, Parker Mifflin, Blair Hamilton, Mrs. Bloom, and more. Which was reaaally cool. I also read their tweets and those were the exact tweets they exchanged as featured in the book. These things makes Olivia, Berkeley, and In Bloom's world more realistic. Fun!
Overall, In Bloom was an enjoyable read. I like most of it but I feel like there's something lacking. I'm so glad that this is actually a series. I'm excited to find out what happens next. Readers who like YA/NA contemporary romance or chick-lits would enjoy this book. If you also liked the two books I mentioned above, Thoughtless and A Song For Julia, you'd want to read this as well.
*Book contains minor sexual references and occasional coarse language.
Thanks to Entangled Embrace and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book!
September 18, 2014
sitename] http://www.karmaforlifechick.com http://www.karmaforlifechick.com/book...
My Review
I received a copy of In Bloom by Katie Delahanty in exchange for an honest review.
In Bloom in the first book in The Brightside Series and tells the story of Olivia Bloom who left Pittsburgh after a relationship went wrong. She moves to LA and becomes friends with two Hollywood insiders who take her under their wing and turn her into an LA girl. Olivia lands a job with a lingerie company, her career is going in the direction it should and one day during a chance meeting with her favorite music idol everything changes. Berkeley is everything she could ever want in a boyfriend, but how can she put herself out there when she could be torn apart by the paparazzi and the public at large. This book was somewhat predictable, but that being said I could not put it down. It was a warm, fuzzy read and even though this book is set in LA, which is like another planet (I know because I lived there), ultimately this book is a love story and which of us cannot relate to that! The characters were colorful and full of personality, from Olivia's mom to Olivia's best friend, who is also her cousin) Boots and her neighbors who were forever loyal. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. Can't wait to meet Olivia and Berkeley again!
Connect with the Author
Website: http://www.KatieDelahanty.com
Twitter: KTDelahanty
Buy the Book
This review was originally posted on
I received a copy of In Bloom by Katie Delahanty in exchange for an honest review.
In Bloom in the first book in The Brightside Series and tells the story of Olivia Bloom who left Pittsburgh after a relationship went wrong. She moves to LA and becomes friends with two Hollywood insiders who take her under their wing and turn her into an LA girl. Olivia lands a job with a lingerie company, her career is going in the direction it should and one day during a chance meeting with her favorite music idol everything changes. Berkeley is everything she could ever want in a boyfriend, but how can she put herself out there when she could be torn apart by the paparazzi and the public at large. This book was somewhat predictable, but that being said I could not put it down. It was a warm, fuzzy read and even though this book is set in LA, which is like another planet (I know because I lived there), ultimately this book is a love story and which of us cannot relate to that! The characters were colorful and full of personality, from Olivia's mom to Olivia's best friend, who is also her cousin) Boots and her neighbors who were forever loyal. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. Can't wait to meet Olivia and Berkeley again!
Connect with the Author
Website: http://www.KatieDelahanty.com
Twitter: KTDelahanty
Buy the Book
This review was originally posted on
September 23, 2014
I haven't read any New Adult fiction in awhile, and this one could have gone either way; surprisingly, I was drawn in from the very start! The author's writing is heartfelt and relatable, and I fell in love with the characters immediately. Olivia is one of those gals who is in a position many of us have been before: finished college; equipped with a degree in something we are interested in, but have no idea what to do with it; want to experience new adventures and meet new people; looking for love, but scarred by previous experiences.
I could relate to everything Olivia was going through when we are introduced to her, and I loved the author's description of her apartment complex and the friends she makes with other tenants; their "courtyard" barbecues and evening wine recaps had me feeling like I was part of their crew! They discuss their personal and professional successes and failures with flair and there are definitely some laughable moments.
Olivia is endearing because she has a tendency to second-guess herself and she does not realize her own worth; her friends Blair and Parker attempt to boost her confidence, via "Operation Loverly," but she's still not sure she measures up to the LA standard. Then, in a chance encounter, she meets the lead singer of her favorite band and subsequently beats herself up over the way she handled their meeting; little does she know that her perception of their introduction as a horror has the opposite effect on Berkeley.
While trying to establish herself in her new job, fend off the unwanted predictions of her "psychic" mom, and wrestle with the implications of her potential love interest, Liv struggles with the differences in her life as a "nobody" in Pittsburgh and the life she is faced with now, under the scrutiny of Hollywood's finest tabloids. This is not your typical Hollywood romance novel; there is much more depth to these characters, and Delahanty gives us a new perspective that is delightful!
Katie Delahanty was offered a three-book deal last year, so I imagine there will be much more to come from Liv, Berkeley, Blair, Parker, Psychic Mom and others; I am definitely anticipating great things from Ms. Delahanty and her cast of characters!
I could relate to everything Olivia was going through when we are introduced to her, and I loved the author's description of her apartment complex and the friends she makes with other tenants; their "courtyard" barbecues and evening wine recaps had me feeling like I was part of their crew! They discuss their personal and professional successes and failures with flair and there are definitely some laughable moments.
Olivia is endearing because she has a tendency to second-guess herself and she does not realize her own worth; her friends Blair and Parker attempt to boost her confidence, via "Operation Loverly," but she's still not sure she measures up to the LA standard. Then, in a chance encounter, she meets the lead singer of her favorite band and subsequently beats herself up over the way she handled their meeting; little does she know that her perception of their introduction as a horror has the opposite effect on Berkeley.
While trying to establish herself in her new job, fend off the unwanted predictions of her "psychic" mom, and wrestle with the implications of her potential love interest, Liv struggles with the differences in her life as a "nobody" in Pittsburgh and the life she is faced with now, under the scrutiny of Hollywood's finest tabloids. This is not your typical Hollywood romance novel; there is much more depth to these characters, and Delahanty gives us a new perspective that is delightful!
Katie Delahanty was offered a three-book deal last year, so I imagine there will be much more to come from Liv, Berkeley, Blair, Parker, Psychic Mom and others; I am definitely anticipating great things from Ms. Delahanty and her cast of characters!
February 15, 2014
I absolutely adored this book!! It's a fairy tale for sure, but it is served with a sweet heroine, a rock star, and an incredibly charming cast of supporting characters who I can't wait to read more about. Each chapter starts with tweets between the characters and they are so funny. Liv even has a psychic mom and throughout the entire book it's hilarious watching her dodge all of her "prophecies" and predictions.
Olivia Bloom left behind her life and cheating boyfriend in Pittsburgh to follow her dreams in LA. She lives in an apartment complex in the Valley called The Vincente. I bring this up because the author did such a good job describing it, I could actually see it in my mind. The courtyard, Liv, Parker, and Blair all meeting in the evenings for cocktails, even Willie keeping out all of the "RiffRaff".
Anyway back to Liv, while working at a fashion show her path crosses with Berkley Dalton, lead singer for Berkley and The Brightsides who happens to be her favorite band. Of course, she thinks she made a complete fool out of herself being that she was completely starstruck, and she writes it off as just something that happened. Imagine her surprise when he actually starts to pursue her.
This is part of what I loved so much about this book, I absolutely love Liv. She's someone I would be friends with in real life. She's flawed, funny, and so completely self-efacing you just can't help but adore her. Throughout the story her mis-steps are so much fun and add so much humor. All of the characters are just so real.
And then there's Berkley, I totally fell in love with Berkley. I love that the author didn't fall back on the typical rocker bad boy image to carry off this amazing Hero. He's just genuinely a great guy who is truly interested in Liv, but is trying to figure out how to fit a normal relationship into his completely not normal life.
I love rock star stories, and this is no exception. I think you'll find it very different from what else is out there right now though. You don't want to miss this book!!
Olivia Bloom left behind her life and cheating boyfriend in Pittsburgh to follow her dreams in LA. She lives in an apartment complex in the Valley called The Vincente. I bring this up because the author did such a good job describing it, I could actually see it in my mind. The courtyard, Liv, Parker, and Blair all meeting in the evenings for cocktails, even Willie keeping out all of the "RiffRaff".
Anyway back to Liv, while working at a fashion show her path crosses with Berkley Dalton, lead singer for Berkley and The Brightsides who happens to be her favorite band. Of course, she thinks she made a complete fool out of herself being that she was completely starstruck, and she writes it off as just something that happened. Imagine her surprise when he actually starts to pursue her.
This is part of what I loved so much about this book, I absolutely love Liv. She's someone I would be friends with in real life. She's flawed, funny, and so completely self-efacing you just can't help but adore her. Throughout the story her mis-steps are so much fun and add so much humor. All of the characters are just so real.
And then there's Berkley, I totally fell in love with Berkley. I love that the author didn't fall back on the typical rocker bad boy image to carry off this amazing Hero. He's just genuinely a great guy who is truly interested in Liv, but is trying to figure out how to fit a normal relationship into his completely not normal life.
I love rock star stories, and this is no exception. I think you'll find it very different from what else is out there right now though. You don't want to miss this book!!
March 7, 2014
Love Love Love Love LOVE!!!
Seriously, Loved this book.
I transported me off to LA and into the life of Olivia Bloom, who is a quirky (early) twenty-something trying to find out who she is, what she wants and build a new start for herself in LA.
She is really likable and despite the insanity, glitz and glamour that surrounds her in this book she is relatable. She has issues with self-confidence, she doesn't see herself clearly, she is awkward in the glitzy settings around the rich and famous and her brain to mouth filter is faulty.
She is just so real - so human - and that is probably what makes this book work as the situations she finds herself in and the events of the novel are so unreal. Well, to me they are. I have no idea what's normal in LA, lol.
She is surrounded by a mad cast of secondary characters who are slightly crazy and highly amusing, my favourites being her flamboyant neighbour - Parker - and her mystic-mad mother.
Then there is Berkeley. Oh, Berkeley. Oh my. Yummy yummy rockstar who falls for our loveable leading lady. Some might moan that they fell in love too fast blah blah. I'm not one of them, my question would be how they didn't fall in love with Berkeley? The guy is kinda perfect and if I was Liv I'd have fallen to my knees and begged him for his babies.
He reminded me of Alex Reid from Lindsey Kelk's I Heart Series... And I love Mr. Reid so I was in rocker heaven.
It's such a feel good book. Glitz and glamour, actresses, rockstars, mad PR people, paparazzi, crazy exes and overly forgiving employers... It's a whirlwind that I was more than happy to be drawn into and I am so happy that there is going to be another book with Liv and Berkeley. The ending of the story could stand on it's own if you don't want to be drawn into a series but I want more so *happy dance*.
Read it if you want to escape into a different world. Read it if you want to fall in love. I'd sat just read it, cause it's awesome!
(Review copy granted in exchange of a honest review)
Seriously, Loved this book.
I transported me off to LA and into the life of Olivia Bloom, who is a quirky (early) twenty-something trying to find out who she is, what she wants and build a new start for herself in LA.
She is really likable and despite the insanity, glitz and glamour that surrounds her in this book she is relatable. She has issues with self-confidence, she doesn't see herself clearly, she is awkward in the glitzy settings around the rich and famous and her brain to mouth filter is faulty.
She is just so real - so human - and that is probably what makes this book work as the situations she finds herself in and the events of the novel are so unreal. Well, to me they are. I have no idea what's normal in LA, lol.
She is surrounded by a mad cast of secondary characters who are slightly crazy and highly amusing, my favourites being her flamboyant neighbour - Parker - and her mystic-mad mother.
Then there is Berkeley. Oh, Berkeley. Oh my. Yummy yummy rockstar who falls for our loveable leading lady. Some might moan that they fell in love too fast blah blah. I'm not one of them, my question would be how they didn't fall in love with Berkeley? The guy is kinda perfect and if I was Liv I'd have fallen to my knees and begged him for his babies.
He reminded me of Alex Reid from Lindsey Kelk's I Heart Series... And I love Mr. Reid so I was in rocker heaven.
It's such a feel good book. Glitz and glamour, actresses, rockstars, mad PR people, paparazzi, crazy exes and overly forgiving employers... It's a whirlwind that I was more than happy to be drawn into and I am so happy that there is going to be another book with Liv and Berkeley. The ending of the story could stand on it's own if you don't want to be drawn into a series but I want more so *happy dance*.
Read it if you want to escape into a different world. Read it if you want to fall in love. I'd sat just read it, cause it's awesome!
(Review copy granted in exchange of a honest review)
February 17, 2014
What a breath of fresh air this book was!! You have Olivia, who is sweet, witty, and adorable. Then, you have Berkeley, a hot and sexy rocker with one of the best hearts I have ever seen. He's so down to earth, caring, and far from arrogant that you find in many rockstar books.
Olivia has left her old life of heartbreak behind and trying to start a new and fresh life. Her insecurities and predicaments are precious and I found myself feeling the emotions she felt. I was nervous for her and pulling for her all at the same time.
As much as she didn't want Berkeley to remember her from their first encounter, he is not one to quickly forget someone he wants. Even though Olivia's lifestyle is so 'plain Jane' compared to his rock star and fame, she finds herself so drawn to him. She's always been his number one fan and knows she will never survive in his world.
As things change and she finds herself in deep, the love they share is so endearing and I quickly fell in love with this couple. I love her friends and how they keep her motivated and the chapter tweets just made this book more down to earth and made everything so easy to relate to.
Their friendship quickly blossomed from something so innocent and sweet to a budding relationship and even though some of his past tried to wreak havoc, they stayed strong and true to each other. Berkeley is one hot rockstar who is definitely a new book boyfriend for me and the love he has for her really blew me away. I really look forward to reading more of Katie's books in the future!
Olivia has left her old life of heartbreak behind and trying to start a new and fresh life. Her insecurities and predicaments are precious and I found myself feeling the emotions she felt. I was nervous for her and pulling for her all at the same time.
As much as she didn't want Berkeley to remember her from their first encounter, he is not one to quickly forget someone he wants. Even though Olivia's lifestyle is so 'plain Jane' compared to his rock star and fame, she finds herself so drawn to him. She's always been his number one fan and knows she will never survive in his world.
As things change and she finds herself in deep, the love they share is so endearing and I quickly fell in love with this couple. I love her friends and how they keep her motivated and the chapter tweets just made this book more down to earth and made everything so easy to relate to.
Their friendship quickly blossomed from something so innocent and sweet to a budding relationship and even though some of his past tried to wreak havoc, they stayed strong and true to each other. Berkeley is one hot rockstar who is definitely a new book boyfriend for me and the love he has for her really blew me away. I really look forward to reading more of Katie's books in the future!
August 9, 2016
Rockstar romances are my fave, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked In Bloom.
The summary for this book is pretty spot on, so I won't repeat it for you and will instead just let you know what I liked and what didn't work for me. I'll start with Berkeley. Of course you know I loved him. He was surprisingly sweet and funny and hella hot. I liked Olivia, too. Their romance was swoony, and I loved the setting and felt like I could actually feel the pulse of Los Angeles.
So what didn't work for me? The whole idea for this story was a little too far-fetched for me. I hated Olivia's friends and felt like overall, it was just too unrealistic. I also felt like there wasn't very much plot here. Overall, this was a fast, fun read, with characters you'll like. Just not a whole lot else going on. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, though.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
The summary for this book is pretty spot on, so I won't repeat it for you and will instead just let you know what I liked and what didn't work for me. I'll start with Berkeley. Of course you know I loved him. He was surprisingly sweet and funny and hella hot. I liked Olivia, too. Their romance was swoony, and I loved the setting and felt like I could actually feel the pulse of Los Angeles.
So what didn't work for me? The whole idea for this story was a little too far-fetched for me. I hated Olivia's friends and felt like overall, it was just too unrealistic. I also felt like there wasn't very much plot here. Overall, this was a fast, fun read, with characters you'll like. Just not a whole lot else going on. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, though.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews