Bloom, a new standalone novel, from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deborah Bladon. Liam Wolf should come with a warning. The man is all kinds of hot. He’s nailed down the tall, tattooed, gorgeous-as-sin look. I shouldn’t be swooning over him. He’s in my floral shop to order a bouquet for the woman of his dreams. I swallow the bitter taste of envy and design a to die for arrangement. I offer to deliver the flowers personally because I’m a glutton for punishment. The delivery should go off without a hitch. It doesn’t. I end up at Liam’s office with the bouquet in one hand and a no thank you note from his ex-girlfriend in the other. I walk away. Liam follows me. What blooms between us is based on a rebound. We agree to a simple no-strings-attached fling, but I soon discover that nothing in Liam’s world is simple.
Deborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
What an unexpected treat! I went into this hoping for a cute and quick distraction but ended up with so much more. The premise of the story and characters in general were good, but the writing put this into a rare 5 star read for me.
Even though the ending of this story was super sweet, for 90% this book was very very boring. It's a pity that the writer decided to drop everything in the last pages. The whole book was a boring affair with nothing happening, just two people who were more interested in their own jobs than getting to know each other. They would go to days without speaking to each other. It looked like a story of a couple in the time of divorce than two people connecting and falling in love. There was no characters development, just boring dialog with job colleagues or family members. I expected things to change page after page but no...it dragged to infinity. I didn't want to leave an other unfinished book, so I made the effort to go through the boring process. In the last 10% things started to move, in the last 5% things got better, but it was to late. It was a pity, because Deborah has written some great stories, but a miss happens to all.
Every book that I read from Deborah just keeps getting better and better. She has a way with words and knows how to pull at the heartstrings in the best possible way. Liam Wolf is Sebastian's brother, who has also found his HEA. Liam is a grief counselor and one night after buying a floral arrangement, he sets upon a new path when he meets Athena. She is the owner of Wild Lilac.
These two begin seeing each other, but remain tight lipped about their personal lives. Both have hang ups and baggage that they are unwilling to burden each other with. However, sometimes fate steps in and makes the call for them. I loved their chemistry and definitely thought they both bought out the best in one another. Another fantastic read. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
As a fan of Deborah Blaydon I always look forward to her new release. If you're also a fan you know that she includes characters from her previous books in her new ones. We were introduced to Liam Wolf in a book about his brother Sebastian. Athena is a new addition. She owns a Flower shop & meets Liam there. No spoilers here but there are twists & turns that keep you turning the pages. Another winner from Deborah Bladon.
"Bloom" is surprisingly more emotive and evocative than many of her other books.
I actually FELT what Athena was going through, how her emotions were processed as she actively experienced her insecurities over Liam, her sense of being adrift, alone, despite having an older brother who loved her unconditionally. Before, Bladon's characters would SAY how they felt, but more clinically and.dispassionately, as though it didn't really matter or pertain to them. It was a weird feeling, but the way Deborah Bladon writes. Only readers who have vivid imaginations would fully enjoy her stories and technique.
Liam conveyed an intensity, a passionate nature toward Athena that transcended anything he'd ever experienced before with any other woman, and it broadcasted clearly despite Athena's uncertainty and inexperience. Liam' s professional background in grievance counseling fortunately kicked in so he recognized where her fears, anxiety, and mixed reactions really were coming from. It's hard not to love a man who's nothing but patient, gentle and focused entirely on Athena -- she knew exactly how much effort he put into courting her trust and schooling his desires.
Liam and Athena had a sizzling awareness of each other that was off the charts, which made for an exciting read. Watching the patterns and complex connections between the characters from previous books, seeing them coalesce into relationships and family/friendship mergers speaks to the storytelling skill of a unique writer whom I would not have liked or appreciated twenty years ago. Nicely done for five stars! (I've never given this writer's books more than a tour star rating before)
Athena has a flower shop in Manhattan and meets Liam when he comes into her shop to place an order for his girlfriend. Things take a turn quickly when she delivers the flowers. There is something drawing these two together. The chemistry is so there for these two, she feels it with him but she thinks he is nursing a broken heart, but Liam is also confused at his draw with this florist.
I really enjoyed this story. These two were really great with each other. You could feel the friendship build and the attraction grow even stronger. Liam is a grief counselor and the twist and turns are just like WOW! I loved seeing the characters from the past books come through. They are such a good cast of characters. I always know Deborah will write a book where I just cannot put down!
Athena meets Liam when he orders flowers for his girlfriend. Athena delivers the flowers the person wanted he wanted, but the women doesn't want his flowers, instead she says she is just done! The a has her own business with the flowers that she loves so much. Lain inserts himself into her life. Athena has her own secrets, as they go.... Her own parents are criminals and are in jail for stealing other peoples money. Liam is a therapist, helping people deal with their grieve. He cares about his patients. Liam has a secret too. They start going out and falling in bed together forming a relationship. As you can see... You'll got to read this delicious story to find out what ever happens to them! I enjoyed reading this story. Its the third book in the series and final one. ENJOY lll
I stumbled upon reading a book from the author while I was browsing through Amazon. I read Ruthless and loved it. It got me out of a funk and so I continued to read another book from the author.
Although the storyline isn't something I haven't read before, it held it's uniqueness. It actually reminded me a bit of one of my favorite books, When You're Ready by JL Berg... some parts of it anyway.
I read it overnight. Right after Ruthless, I read this immediately. This book fed the romantic sap in me... I wish there was a longer epilogue though but thats just me.
Anyway, I can't recommend it enough. I enjoyed reading about Liam and Athena's story. If you're a fan of Winter Renshaw, JL Berg, Melanie Harlow, Rachel Van Dyken and KL Kreig, then this is the book to pick up next.
I think this book is appropriately titled because the entire story reminded me of love in bloom. I was hooked right from the start and couldn't get enough of Liam and Athena plus I really enjoyed the way these two meet. I don't think it's everyday that you end up with the florist but it sure makes for a great story. I have to admit that I didn't see the twists coming, I suspected that Liam was keeping a secret but never did I expect the depths of that secret. And even though Athena's childhood fantasy didn't play out as she envisioned she was able to get some closure. This was definitely a fulfilling story that left me with FEELS.
I get why the title Bloom. But it did not prepare me for this complete story. It sat on my list for a couple of weeks while I finished some others. I could have read it in one sitting if I did not require sleep and earning a living. It was very hard to put down. This is a can’t miss story. Everything about it held my attention. The characters were so believable and so, everything. I do not want to give any part of the story away but this Author never fails to provide, love, life, and true friends in love. Thank you again.
I love that when reading Deborah's books you get a glimpse of past characters from other books they intertwine. The writing is passionate and has the power to make you feel . I seriously tried to wait to read this one only because I knew once I started I wouldn't stop and then when I'm finished I'm sad because I have to wait for another book to be ready she's that great of a writer. The story is great i love Athena and Wolfe strong characters with a strong connection . You won't be disappointed.
Athena and Liam are soooo stinking cute. I love the theme off forgiveness and second chances that runs throughout their story. I can’t believe all the secrets that we find out in this story but I love the wolf families so much.
This story is so beautiful, encouraging and motivating to me. Athena works through her past and letting things go. Liam has to deal with the consequences of his past in his present but does it so well. I love their hearts and the way they push through.
This story flows so effortlessly. Saying it was a simple love story might not seem complimentary but trust me, it’s a huge compliment. I read a lot & sometimes I feel like every romance book competes to be the one with the most angst so this was a lovely departure from that. I really loved Liam & Athena. I’m so happy I stumbled across this book & if you find yourself reading this review then I hope it leads to a one click.
I randomly came across Bloom on Amazon and was intrigued by the blurb. I am so glad I read this book. It was a captivating and beautiful love story that had a twist I did not see coming and that had me in tears. The characters were likable and it’s definitely a slow burn with tons of steam and passion. I highly recommend this book. This is my first book by Deborah but I will definitely be reading more of her books.
This well-written, heartwarming storyline is as engaging as the main characters. Two people with messy pasts meet, there's a slow burn and love blossoms. Lovely romance with a touch of drama, great secondary characters, reacquaintances with characters from Deborah's previous books I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
This book was everything!! The characters were 2 of my favorites! I was sort of in a book slump before this came out. I just couldn't stay motivated to finish any books. This book I devoured and I never wanted it to end. I love the connections to characters from her other books. I highly recommend this one as your next read!!
It's great to go back to New York with Deborah 's amazing characters. Liam Wolf is a grief counselor and is a work-a-holic. Athena owns Wild Lilac a floral shop in Manhattan. I loved these two who seemed to be fated to meet, Bloom is a sweet story with a twist you won't see coming.
Athena is a florist who has bought her own business. Her brother helped her with the financial part. Business is starting to increase. She single. Her clients in Manhattan are gorgeous men. Who come to her for flowers for their wives or girlfriends. Until she meets Laim.... read to see what happens.
Can't say I was overly impressed with this book. It didn't carry any depth to it. The struggle both the main characters face (individually) are mentioned briefly with no real build up and then dumped and swept away within a page or two. It wasn't a short and sweet kind of read either. Which maybe you could then understand. Unfortunately, I would not recommend.
Liam is a grief counselor on call 24/7 he is a few years older than Athena. She's 23 owns and operates a flower shop. Am I alone thinking 23 is really young to own a Manhattan flower shop? Both have a unique past. Romance blooms until one is ghosted. The story twists and turns righting itself only after you shed tears in the process.
I devoured this book is 2 sittings. What a cute, fun read! I loved every minute of it. Sections of the book were a bit slow, but never boring. It picks up at the end with a nice little surprise twist that I didn’t see coming! Highly recommend this one and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author!
It's a cute read. But for a big part of the book nothing really happens. We don't really learn much about Liam or Athena and they kind of seem to be nervous around eachother for 80% of the book. All the revelations happen at the end. It might have been better if some of their "issues" were explained to us earlier to add some suspense.
As always I enjoyed Deborah writing style with likeable strong characters. I notice some have commented about Athena actually delivering liams girlfriend flowers and the fact that he then pursues Athena but I think it works okay and is handled well. I like the usual twist at the end of Deborah writing that she always manages to do.
What a great book an an unexpected ending. There is lots of sex thrown in but it's the rest of the book that makes it really interesting. I don't like it when people review books and feel inclined to tell every detail. Read it for yourself and keep reading as it gets better with every chapter! For mature readers only. I highly recommend this book and author.
This is the second book I’m reading by Deborah and It was an absolute treat. I enjoyed the first book I read by her but this story was definitely more captivating and quite engaging. The story was heartwarming definitely pulls heartstrings. Deborah is a fabulous author and I can’t wait to read and discover more of her books. A satisfyingly enjoyable read .
This is a slow burn. It should be a slow burn. I loved that Liam and Athena took time to get to know each other. I'm glad that what could have been angsty drama wasn't angsty drama. I loved that these two actually talked to each other, and they had a lot of baggage to unpack.
I honestly don't think that there is a Deborah Bladon book I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.
I was say this is your best with every book I read of yours but the story of Liam and Athena was amazing I loved it so emotional so beautiful can't say enough good things about this book you rock Deborah Bladon!!!
I chose the five star rating because all of the previous characters were mentioned and were in this book. This was a great wrap around book with two sexy and broken people that found each other and fell in love.