What do you think?
Rate this book
Bloom Rivals
When a strict city planner meets a tulip-obsessed festival organizer, sparks—and flower petals—fly.
Ava Thompson is fiercely devoted to her late mother’s legacy and the city’s beloved Tulip Festival, pouring her heart into making each spring bloom brighter than the last.
Liam Henderson is a straight-laced city planner determined to upgrade public works and stick to regulations—no matter how many toes he steps on.
When new rules threaten the festival’s ambitious expansion, their clashing visions explode into a battle of wills, forcing them to confront more than just city permits.
Ava and Liam must find a way to bridge their differences—or risk losing the unexpected chance at a love that blossoms in the unlikeliest of places.
“Bloom Rivals” is a heartfelt clash between tradition and modernization, set against Ottawa’s famed Tulip Festival. With emotional stakes and quick banter, readers will cheer for two unlikely partners forced to find common ground.
For Fans of Low-Angst Cozy Contemporary Romance: This novel delivers a sweet, slow-burn love story with zero explicit content and mild swearing.
Ava Thompson is fiercely devoted to her late mother’s legacy and the city’s beloved Tulip Festival, pouring her heart into making each spring bloom brighter than the last.
Liam Henderson is a straight-laced city planner determined to upgrade public works and stick to regulations—no matter how many toes he steps on.
When new rules threaten the festival’s ambitious expansion, their clashing visions explode into a battle of wills, forcing them to confront more than just city permits.
Ava and Liam must find a way to bridge their differences—or risk losing the unexpected chance at a love that blossoms in the unlikeliest of places.
“Bloom Rivals” is a heartfelt clash between tradition and modernization, set against Ottawa’s famed Tulip Festival. With emotional stakes and quick banter, readers will cheer for two unlikely partners forced to find common ground.
For Fans of Low-Angst Cozy Contemporary Romance: This novel delivers a sweet, slow-burn love story with zero explicit content and mild swearing.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2024
41 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Tina Cyr
16 books45 followersTina, a Canadian author, draws inspiration from her travels, revisiting places she’s been to in her novels and integrating places she dreams of visiting, sparking a sense of adventure and curiosity in her readers.
She loves Happily Ever After stories with all the fluff but aims to write stories and characters with a sense of realism.
She loves Happily Ever After stories with all the fluff but aims to write stories and characters with a sense of realism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 27, 2025
ꪆৎ thoughts:
i was lied to. this was not enemies to lovers. this was just a forced collaboration.
𝜗𝜚⋆ "so, ava, did you ever imagine our forced collaboration would end up on stage with the mayor?" i asked.
╰┈➤ ava thompson: she was insufferable. she was indecisive. i admired her determination in the beginning but by the end i felt nothing for her.
𝜗𝜚⋆ i’m beginning to think you’re the best kind of trouble.
╰┈➤ liam henderson: his chapters weren’t interesting at the start either. midway? tolerable. by the end? same as ava’s — annoying.
𝜗𝜚⋆ she trusts me? those simple words washed over me. i’ve got to make sure i don’t let her down.
ᯓ pacing
slow start. slow middle. slow end.
⌗ what slayed
me.
finishing it.
that’s it.
𝜗𝜚⋆ you can’t let fear dictate your life, liam. yes, you might get hurt. yes, it might not work out. but what if it does? you can’t find happiness if you’re unwilling to take that leap.
⌗ what didn’t work out (at least for me)
so much.
it felt like reading plain ink on paper. you know how you want a book to pull you in, make time disappear, make you feel? yeah, none of that here. reading this felt like doing a chore. i kept zoning out or just staring at the page.
the writing. i’m no expert, but it didn’t flow. it felt overly done.
the banter. forced.
“the only thing liam meets regularly is the snooze button on his alarm clock." BAHAHA yeah… no.
no chemistry. it felt like the characters were reading off a script.
dialogues. weirdly formal. who talks like that with friends??
telling > showing. don’t tell me the room’s full of tension, show it maybe??
same personality. at some point it felt like i was reading the same character. they had “besties” (elliot + marc) they share everything with. and random jealousy like “oh no he/she is talking to someone else”—okay???
repetitive lines. pls ✋🏻
𝜗𝜚⋆ my body knew before my mind did — i definitely felt more for ava than just respect or friendship.
ᥫ᭡ recommend to
no one.
𝜗𝜚⋆ life’s about change, about taking risks.
especially when it comes to love.
(don't let these quotes fool you)
────୨ৎ────
𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 pre-read:
saw this in a rec video labeled as enemies to lovers with no spice—and YESS, i’m starting this 😚🤭. i just hope it doesn’t disappoint 😔.
i was lied to. this was not enemies to lovers. this was just a forced collaboration.
𝜗𝜚⋆ "so, ava, did you ever imagine our forced collaboration would end up on stage with the mayor?" i asked.
╰┈➤ ava thompson: she was insufferable. she was indecisive. i admired her determination in the beginning but by the end i felt nothing for her.
𝜗𝜚⋆ i’m beginning to think you’re the best kind of trouble.
╰┈➤ liam henderson: his chapters weren’t interesting at the start either. midway? tolerable. by the end? same as ava’s — annoying.
𝜗𝜚⋆ she trusts me? those simple words washed over me. i’ve got to make sure i don’t let her down.
ᯓ pacing
slow start. slow middle. slow end.
⌗ what slayed
me.
finishing it.
that’s it.
𝜗𝜚⋆ you can’t let fear dictate your life, liam. yes, you might get hurt. yes, it might not work out. but what if it does? you can’t find happiness if you’re unwilling to take that leap.
⌗ what didn’t work out (at least for me)
so much.
it felt like reading plain ink on paper. you know how you want a book to pull you in, make time disappear, make you feel? yeah, none of that here. reading this felt like doing a chore. i kept zoning out or just staring at the page.
the writing. i’m no expert, but it didn’t flow. it felt overly done.
the banter. forced.
“the only thing liam meets regularly is the snooze button on his alarm clock." BAHAHA yeah… no.
no chemistry. it felt like the characters were reading off a script.
dialogues. weirdly formal. who talks like that with friends??
telling > showing. don’t tell me the room’s full of tension, show it maybe??
same personality. at some point it felt like i was reading the same character. they had “besties” (elliot + marc) they share everything with. and random jealousy like “oh no he/she is talking to someone else”—okay???
repetitive lines. pls ✋🏻
𝜗𝜚⋆ my body knew before my mind did — i definitely felt more for ava than just respect or friendship.
ᥫ᭡ recommend to
no one.
𝜗𝜚⋆ life’s about change, about taking risks.
especially when it comes to love.
(don't let these quotes fool you)
────୨ৎ────
𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 pre-read:
saw this in a rec video labeled as enemies to lovers with no spice—and YESS, i’m starting this 😚🤭. i just hope it doesn’t disappoint 😔.
May 5, 2025
Bloom Rivals is a tender, enemies-to-lovers small-town romance that does exactly what it promises: delivers charm, wit, emotional stakes, a big event, and characters you root for.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Bloom Rivals" by Tina Cyr! She paints a vivid picture of the annual tulip festival, and the clash between Ava's imaginative plans and Liam's focus on regulations creates a compelling and humorous dynamic. The enemies-to-lovers trope is so well-executed, with a most relatable buildup as the story goes on.
If you're looking for a feel-good romance with just the right amount of sweet tension, definitely pick this one up!
Perfect for readers who love:
- Cozy, small-town chaos
- Found family
- A driven FMC, an intense MMC
- A beautiful Tulip Festival
- Grumpy x sunshine dynamics
Highly recommend for fans of Tessa Bailey’s softer moments or Emily Henry’s emotional arcs — this one sticks with you. 💘
I thoroughly enjoyed "Bloom Rivals" by Tina Cyr! She paints a vivid picture of the annual tulip festival, and the clash between Ava's imaginative plans and Liam's focus on regulations creates a compelling and humorous dynamic. The enemies-to-lovers trope is so well-executed, with a most relatable buildup as the story goes on.
If you're looking for a feel-good romance with just the right amount of sweet tension, definitely pick this one up!
Perfect for readers who love:
- Cozy, small-town chaos
- Found family
- A driven FMC, an intense MMC
- A beautiful Tulip Festival
- Grumpy x sunshine dynamics
Highly recommend for fans of Tessa Bailey’s softer moments or Emily Henry’s emotional arcs — this one sticks with you. 💘
October 18, 2024
Romance and tulips are the backdrop behind this cozy, quick read novel. Ava, an industrious landscape developer, is in charge of creating a yearly tulip festival for her small town. Liam is the new town management overseer who goes head to head with Ava's multi-level idea proposals. Through a series of misunderstandings, mistakes, and bad timing, both Liam and Ava come to discover that their strengths and weaknesses as individuals, if used wisely, could enable them to create a festival far beyond their expectations.
I enjoyed the pace of this book as well as the amazing descriptors when referring to the beauty and radiance of a tulip garden. "My gaze sweeps over the sea of tulips, a riot of colors stretching into infinity. "
Tina Cyr's masterful use of phrasing and word textures allows the reader to experience characters and their feelings in a way that is nearly palpable. I will most definitely be looking out for other books by this author for sure!
I enjoyed the pace of this book as well as the amazing descriptors when referring to the beauty and radiance of a tulip garden. "My gaze sweeps over the sea of tulips, a riot of colors stretching into infinity. "
Tina Cyr's masterful use of phrasing and word textures allows the reader to experience characters and their feelings in a way that is nearly palpable. I will most definitely be looking out for other books by this author for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
*Bloom Rivals* by Tina Cyr is a sweet, cozy romance that feels like stepping into a cozy romance movie. The story of Ava, a creative landscape developer, and Liam, a by-the-book town overseer, brings a fun "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic as they clash while working on a tulip festival. The vivid descriptions of the tulip gardens really pull you in, making the setting feel alive.
I loved how their relationship develops from tension to sparks, with lots of witty banter along the way. It's a perfect, feel-good read with a satisfying happy ending—definitely worth picking up for a quick escape from life!
I loved how their relationship develops from tension to sparks, with lots of witty banter along the way. It's a perfect, feel-good read with a satisfying happy ending—definitely worth picking up for a quick escape from life!
April 3, 2025
Ava is still grieving her mother and wants to continue the tulip festival that makes her feel more connected to her mother. Liam is in charge of implementing a policy of city which would prevent the tulip festival from happening that year. They both have to work together to come up with a solution that will leave both of them satisfied. They immediately caught feelings for each other but the build of their relationship was slow burn. The ending felt too rushed which and it made the flow of the relationship towards the ending feel unrealistic. It was a cute story with likable characters that had interesting backstories.
October 22, 2024
This book is too cute! I absolutely loved it. It's like reading a Hallmark movie. I could picture the scenes as I was reading...LOL...You're not just following the journey with Liam and Ava to their happily ever after but you feel aa though you're right along with them. It's all so perfectly normal that you feel like it could happen to you.
A sweet romance with a little bit of everything. You definitely root for the FMC and MMC to find some common ground. And you get equally upset when that common ground gets threatened. HEA is guaranteed and that's just how I like it.
A sweet romance with a little bit of everything. You definitely root for the FMC and MMC to find some common ground. And you get equally upset when that common ground gets threatened. HEA is guaranteed and that's just how I like it.
October 24, 2024
What a fantastic book! The way it's written is simply amazing. Tina is such a talented author, and all of her work is truly impressive.
I loved the chemistry between Ava and Liam right from the start. They fit together so well! Their banter and conversations were a joy to read. They’re so relatable, and I felt a strong connection with them from the very beginning. Their story is sweet, powerful, and overall just really well done.
You should definitely buy the book and discover more about them for yourself.
I loved the chemistry between Ava and Liam right from the start. They fit together so well! Their banter and conversations were a joy to read. They’re so relatable, and I felt a strong connection with them from the very beginning. Their story is sweet, powerful, and overall just really well done.
You should definitely buy the book and discover more about them for yourself.
October 25, 2024
Such a great book, with clashing views and maturity to acknowledge the differences and using them to create something spectacular.
Just like a flower, the characters' journey is long and needs to be nurtured in order to grow and bloom into something incredible.
Although they are quite distinctive, they communicate and learn to understand each other.
With lots of banter, laughter, hiccups and some miscommunication, it gives a good read that will warm you inside, like the festival does with all the colors and displays.
I highly recommend it.
Just like a flower, the characters' journey is long and needs to be nurtured in order to grow and bloom into something incredible.
Although they are quite distinctive, they communicate and learn to understand each other.
With lots of banter, laughter, hiccups and some miscommunication, it gives a good read that will warm you inside, like the festival does with all the colors and displays.
I highly recommend it.
June 5, 2025
You can tell these two hate each other from their first encounter. Each of them thinking the other is the reason why they are having such difficulties with what they are trying to accomplish.
The banter between them keeps the book moving. The ups and downs. The traumatic experiences that bestow them. We slowly learn that what they think separates them is truly what is bringing them together.
A just kisses, sweet, slow burn, with the rest of their lives to figure it out, like no other. Cyr does it again with this beautifully curated romance. A quick read. I couldn't put down.
The banter between them keeps the book moving. The ups and downs. The traumatic experiences that bestow them. We slowly learn that what they think separates them is truly what is bringing them together.
A just kisses, sweet, slow burn, with the rest of their lives to figure it out, like no other. Cyr does it again with this beautifully curated romance. A quick read. I couldn't put down.
March 26, 2025
This is such a sweet workplace romance. Liam is a hardworking city planner, and Ava plans the large and infamous tulip festival. Tension builds when they cross each other and make each other's jobs difficult.
Feelings grow in the most interesting ways, and, just like the tulips, love will bloom when ready.
Tina Cyr creates magic in her lovely descriptions and characters. I absolutely love her writing ❤️
Feelings grow in the most interesting ways, and, just like the tulips, love will bloom when ready.
Tina Cyr creates magic in her lovely descriptions and characters. I absolutely love her writing ❤️
October 26, 2024
This story blossoms throughout and in the end fully blooms with a sweet, romantic ending. The characters witty banter and juxtaposition of personalities set up a delightful storyline that keeps you engaged and wanting to know what will happen next between Ava and Liam and how they will support each other. Definitely an enjoyable and sweet closed door read!
December 4, 2024
In "Bloom Rivals", Tina Cyr explores rivalry, growth, and unexpected romance in a story that is equal parts sweet and compelling. The lush imagery and emotional depth make this book a standout in contemporary romance. Cyr writes with a keen eye for detail, bringing her characters and their world vividly to life.
October 6, 2024
This book was such a sweet read. Ava and Liam's journey is beautifully chronicled in Bloom Rivals and Tina Cyr masterfully describes the festival and the city, making them feel like characters in their own right. A wonderful read for a weekend.
October 23, 2024
I've read a few of Tina's books now & I love them! They're captivating & pull you in so easily! I can't put them down, which usually means I finish them within 72 hours which leaves me wanting to go back & read them again straight away. I'm no stranger to this phenomenon though! lol
October 24, 2024
What a charming read for those who enjoy a slow burn, closed door romance!
The relationship between Ava and Liam is beautifully developed, allowing the tension and emotional connection to take center stage without any explicit scenes.
The clever dialogue and relatable moments captivated me from the start, making it a sweet reminder that love can often "bloom" from unexpected beginnings 🌷
The relationship between Ava and Liam is beautifully developed, allowing the tension and emotional connection to take center stage without any explicit scenes.
The clever dialogue and relatable moments captivated me from the start, making it a sweet reminder that love can often "bloom" from unexpected beginnings 🌷
October 26, 2024
I found this book slow at the beginning. The pace picked up after the first 10 chapters and I started enjoying it. It is a cute sweet romance. You could easily read it in a day or weekend. The slow burn between Liam and Ava is very relatable. I loved the HEA at the end.
October 28, 2024
I loved this sweet enemies to lovers read! The passion and tension between Ava and Liam is everything! They are complete opposites who have to work together to put the festival together and make it perfect! I definitely recommend if you love a sweet, funny and easy enemies to lovers read!
October 30, 2024
Bloom rivals
Tina Cyr
Rating: 4/5
This is your typical romance, cute, sweet, an easy breezy read. It has good dialogue and builds a good bit of tension in the story. I love enemies to lovers trope and this one gives you the warm cozies.
Tina Cyr
Rating: 4/5
This is your typical romance, cute, sweet, an easy breezy read. It has good dialogue and builds a good bit of tension in the story. I love enemies to lovers trope and this one gives you the warm cozies.
December 8, 2024
This is your typical romance, cute, sweet, an easy breezy read. It has good dialogue and builds a good bit of tension in the story. I love enemies to lovers trope and this one gives you the warm cozies.
Amanda
Amanda
September 17, 2024
What can I say about this, I admit I found it a bit of a struggle to read at times, but it seemed once it got going it got so much better
October 25, 2024
Amazing! So sweet too, definitely worth reading
October 28, 2024
Such a great, fun story! The banter and chemistry really made this book very entertaining! Loved the storyline and how the hated each other but worked together and feelings changed! So good!
December 3, 2024
This was a good read. Found the story, despite my reading slum, a very nice read.
There were some witty banter, relatable and interesting story line.
There were some witty banter, relatable and interesting story line.
January 8, 2025
Super cute story
Loved this story! Had me dreaming of tulips. The slow burn between Ava and Liam had me rooting for them and unable to stop reading every chance I had.
Loved this story! Had me dreaming of tulips. The slow burn between Ava and Liam had me rooting for them and unable to stop reading every chance I had.
October 21, 2024
Really cute low risk romance. The two go from hating each other to having to work together to bring the tulip festival and city safety to a beautiful compromise. The banter is witty and the love satisfying
May 1, 2025
This story is brilliantly crafted and almost does not feel like fiction. The characters are very real and I can see the world through their eyes! The characters' feelings, uncertainties and quirks are relatable.
Tina Cyr does not just write stories, she creates places, people and situations that stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
Tina Cyr does not just write stories, she creates places, people and situations that stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
October 28, 2024
I'm very picky about the genres that I read. It has to hook me in and this slow-burn, sweet romance did just that. Tina is an amazing writer. I loved the characters, I was rooting for Ava and Liam all the way. I look forward to reading more books by Tina. I recommend you read this book!
October 23, 2024
A cute hallmark type book.
You will fall in love with Liam and Ava. From their banter to their shared sweet moments. He is a by the book rules and regulations guy and she is carefree and appreciates the beauty around her. when they Rw forced to work together the sparks fly. Enemies to lovers, slow burn, forced to work together. What more could you want in a sweet romance? Seriously Hallmark, let’s make this a movie.
You will fall in love with Liam and Ava. From their banter to their shared sweet moments. He is a by the book rules and regulations guy and she is carefree and appreciates the beauty around her. when they Rw forced to work together the sparks fly. Enemies to lovers, slow burn, forced to work together. What more could you want in a sweet romance? Seriously Hallmark, let’s make this a movie.
June 8, 2025
Okay, I restarted this book five times before it finally clicked for me. But once it did? I was IN. I flew through the rest because I needed to know how everything played out. While it wasn’t a new favorite, I still really enjoyed the story. The dynamic between the characters had its charm, and I appreciated the tension and buildup once things got moving. Definitely a slow start for me, but worth the push in the end!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews