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Some Kind of Love #4
Love in Bloom
Hating Cameron Hunter shouldn't be this easy.
I'm basically a golden retriever puppy. I love everyone and want everyone to love me.
Cameron is the singular exception to my love-everyone rule, and the hatred goes both ways.
First of all, he’s one of those guys, the kind that looks like he belongs on the cover of Yacht Club Weekly. Second of all, he’s way too good at his job. The man is a walking Wikipedia; his walking tours of historic downtown Charleston stay booked weeks in advance.
Did I mention I run tours along the same route?
When we’re both up for a magazine feature that could kick our respective careers to the next level, our rivalry turns into a heated competition.
Then we unexpectedly kiss (it's a loooong story), and things get really complicated. Now, my blood is boiling over Cameron for an entirely different reason.
Only one of us can win. Can I trust a man who used to be my enemy, or is everything—even our relationship—just part of his plan to take me down?
Love In Bloom is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with characters you'll love and the sizzling chemistry you want in a closed-door romance.
I'm basically a golden retriever puppy. I love everyone and want everyone to love me.
Cameron is the singular exception to my love-everyone rule, and the hatred goes both ways.
First of all, he’s one of those guys, the kind that looks like he belongs on the cover of Yacht Club Weekly. Second of all, he’s way too good at his job. The man is a walking Wikipedia; his walking tours of historic downtown Charleston stay booked weeks in advance.
Did I mention I run tours along the same route?
When we’re both up for a magazine feature that could kick our respective careers to the next level, our rivalry turns into a heated competition.
Then we unexpectedly kiss (it's a loooong story), and things get really complicated. Now, my blood is boiling over Cameron for an entirely different reason.
Only one of us can win. Can I trust a man who used to be my enemy, or is everything—even our relationship—just part of his plan to take me down?
Love In Bloom is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with characters you'll love and the sizzling chemistry you want in a closed-door romance.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
496 people are currently reading
3840 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Proctor
39 books2,181 followersJenny Proctor is an award-winning author of more than fourteen romantic comedies and an Amazon bestseller. She began her career in publishing in 2013; her writing has been a constant since then, but she's also spent time as the owner and managing editor of Midnight Owl Editors and the chair of the Storymakers Conference. Wired for relationships, Jenny loves public speaking, teaching, and building lasting connections.
Jenny was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she considers one of the loveliest on earth. She loves to hike with her family and spend time outdoors, but she also adores lounging around her home, reading great books or watching great movies and, when she’s lucky, eating delicious food she doesn’t have to prepare herself.
Jenny was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she considers one of the loveliest on earth. She loves to hike with her family and spend time outdoors, but she also adores lounging around her home, reading great books or watching great movies and, when she’s lucky, eating delicious food she doesn’t have to prepare herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
June 11, 2022
This is fourth in a series with some characters spilling over from previous stories. This one is relatively isolated from those with only occasional intrusion by the others. I recommend reading in order for the full impact, but you don't have to.
It was easy for me to engage with Darcy. She doesn't love the work she's doing, but it's the best plan she has for getting to where she wants to be. I like her positivity and ease with people and how she uses her powers of observation to help and support those around her. She's a bit "do it myself" for my taste and her self confidence is pretty low, but she's engaged and working on it and I found that attractive. I'm not a huge fan of the whole "I like the guy despite all our interactions being antagonistic". That sounds like a recipe for doormat, to me. But at least Cameron has the hidden depth to make that payoff eventually.
Cameron was engaging at first, but he wore on me over time. The whole "match expectations so people listen and engage" was interesting, but a façade that strong and consistent invites the question of whether that's all there is. And then we get to know his "wall" issues. As in, he's psychologically unable to let people in. Which you just know is going to hurt Darcy. And the thing I hate is when a character knows they're doing something hurtful to someone they love and they do it anyway. Because he just can't bring himself to let her in. Or something. This has the same function as a negative motivation* because it slows down the plot and the only thing holding it up is the character getting over themselves.
Proctor actually pulls it together in the end with the right level of reconciliation all around. So despite a late-story slump, it comes together just as it needed to. This is no small thing and the sole reason this made it to four stars for me. Darcy and Cameron are a great match, once Cam got over himself. Plus, kudos for explicitly bringing therapy into the equation, even if only in the epilogue.
A note about Chaste: There's only some kissing and yearning in the story, so it's fairly chaste. This is the first time that it felt artificial in a Proctor story—at least to me. There's a stretch where they're in a kissing relationship with growing intimacy and it progresses a week or two. That's enough time that sex should be on their mind and where most couples would have a talk about expectations. Neither is the type to sleep around and it wouldn't have taken much to make that explicit so I'm not sure why Proctor didn't do so. I felt the absence, though.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
It was easy for me to engage with Darcy. She doesn't love the work she's doing, but it's the best plan she has for getting to where she wants to be. I like her positivity and ease with people and how she uses her powers of observation to help and support those around her. She's a bit "do it myself" for my taste and her self confidence is pretty low, but she's engaged and working on it and I found that attractive. I'm not a huge fan of the whole "I like the guy despite all our interactions being antagonistic". That sounds like a recipe for doormat, to me. But at least Cameron has the hidden depth to make that payoff eventually.
Cameron was engaging at first, but he wore on me over time. The whole "match expectations so people listen and engage" was interesting, but a façade that strong and consistent invites the question of whether that's all there is. And then we get to know his "wall" issues. As in, he's psychologically unable to let people in. Which you just know is going to hurt Darcy. And the thing I hate is when a character knows they're doing something hurtful to someone they love and they do it anyway. Because he just can't bring himself to let her in. Or something. This has the same function as a negative motivation* because it slows down the plot and the only thing holding it up is the character getting over themselves.
Proctor actually pulls it together in the end with the right level of reconciliation all around. So despite a late-story slump, it comes together just as it needed to. This is no small thing and the sole reason this made it to four stars for me. Darcy and Cameron are a great match, once Cam got over himself. Plus, kudos for explicitly bringing therapy into the equation, even if only in the epilogue.
A note about Chaste: There's only some kissing and yearning in the story, so it's fairly chaste. This is the first time that it felt artificial in a Proctor story—at least to me. There's a stretch where they're in a kissing relationship with growing intimacy and it progresses a week or two. That's enough time that sex should be on their mind and where most couples would have a talk about expectations. Neither is the type to sleep around and it wouldn't have taken much to make that explicit so I'm not sure why Proctor didn't do so. I felt the absence, though.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
July 20, 2022
This one took me on a mini vacation to Charleston, South Carolina! There's so much history woven throughout the story. I absolutely loved that!
Following rival tour guides Darcy and Cameron, the two chase the opportunity for a feature in a magazine. It's really fun, filled with pranks, banter, sweet kisses, a haunted apartment, and a swoonworthy locked-in-a-dungeon scene.
With Darcy having a true passion for urban landscaping design, I loved seeing Cameron wholeheartedly support her dream. He was so sweet!
But since the enemies portion was so short lived and based primarily on misconceptions, a lot of time was spent simply waiting for Cameron to open up more to Darcy. I really liked him, but admittedly became very frustrated with his actions.
I know this one is a favourite of the series for many readers, so take my opinion with a grain of salt!
Following rival tour guides Darcy and Cameron, the two chase the opportunity for a feature in a magazine. It's really fun, filled with pranks, banter, sweet kisses, a haunted apartment, and a swoonworthy locked-in-a-dungeon scene.
With Darcy having a true passion for urban landscaping design, I loved seeing Cameron wholeheartedly support her dream. He was so sweet!
But since the enemies portion was so short lived and based primarily on misconceptions, a lot of time was spent simply waiting for Cameron to open up more to Darcy. I really liked him, but admittedly became very frustrated with his actions.
I know this one is a favourite of the series for many readers, so take my opinion with a grain of salt!
April 6, 2023
For a main character that is told to have a lot of empathy, she sure doesn't!
Cam has some deep-seated trauma but does Darcy care? Not really. (Because she hates him, duh)
This is the entire conflict of the story: This is two/three weeks into their relationship
Darcy: he tells me NOTHING about his trauma but I told him about my love for flowers!!!! he doesn't care about me!!!!
*Cam's dad gets sick and goes to the hospital. Cam goes by himself, not taking Darcy. Mind you this is still three weeks into relationship*
Darcy: HE DIDN'T TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ME. I'M GOING TO BREAK UP WITH HIM
*She stomps over to the hospital with food, Cam is appreciative*
Cam: yo you wanna stay with me?
Darcy: NO YOU DON'T LOVE ME. I HAVE TO GO. YOU HAVE TO EARN ME BACK, WE ARE OVER.
bro's dad is literally is the icu and his girlfriend broke up with him because he didn't take her to the hospital. even after he LITERALLY ASKED IF SHE WANTED TO STAYYYY
Cam has some deep-seated trauma but does Darcy care? Not really. (Because she hates him, duh)
This is the entire conflict of the story: This is two/three weeks into their relationship
Darcy: he tells me NOTHING about his trauma but I told him about my love for flowers!!!! he doesn't care about me!!!!
*Cam's dad gets sick and goes to the hospital. Cam goes by himself, not taking Darcy. Mind you this is still three weeks into relationship*
Darcy: HE DIDN'T TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ME. I'M GOING TO BREAK UP WITH HIM
*She stomps over to the hospital with food, Cam is appreciative*
Cam: yo you wanna stay with me?
Darcy: NO YOU DON'T LOVE ME. I HAVE TO GO. YOU HAVE TO EARN ME BACK, WE ARE OVER.
bro's dad is literally is the icu and his girlfriend broke up with him because he didn't take her to the hospital. even after he LITERALLY ASKED IF SHE WANTED TO STAYYYY
February 19, 2022
This book lingers, friends. Not in a horror movie way, but in a holiday kind of way, the joy spreads and keeps you feeling warm even when you aren't reading it. I thought about this book when I had to take breaks from reading (life..blech)
.
Cameron and Darcy have such wonderful chemistry, they play off each other in a way dreams are made of. They both experience so much growth and learn that it is okay, even good, to depend on others. They sacrifice for one another. And they prank one another. (The clowns. Oh gosh)
.
Cameron and Darcy have such wonderful chemistry, they play off each other in a way dreams are made of. They both experience so much growth and learn that it is okay, even good, to depend on others. They sacrifice for one another. And they prank one another. (The clowns. Oh gosh)
July 17, 2023
Not only was this book super cute, it's set in one of my favorite places in the entire world.♡ Darcy and Cameron were super fun to follow and I loved watching their relationship progress. Though they did pull some pranks on each other, they didn't feel overly childish and for the most part, acted like adults. It was a really sweet, easy read that I would definitely recommend. :)
May 11, 2022
love in bloom review - 4/5 ✰
thank you jenny proctor for sending me this!
enemies to lovers has always been my #1 trope, so when i heard that this was one, with dual pov, i was ecstatic to get to it!
i have to admit, a rivalry between two tour guides, was an entirely new concept to me, but i was beyond intrigued. not only did jenny’s writing make me fall in love with this story but also with cam, are you kidding me? i love him. while i do wish there had been a bit more development, the overall story was extremely enjoyable!
we don’t often get to see the vulnerable side to men in media, so i really enjoyed this book’s take on it! cam & darcy were incredibly written & i had so much fun reading this!
if you’re looking for a short, fast paced, cute, enemies to lovers, definitely check this out!
thank you jenny proctor for sending me this!
enemies to lovers has always been my #1 trope, so when i heard that this was one, with dual pov, i was ecstatic to get to it!
i have to admit, a rivalry between two tour guides, was an entirely new concept to me, but i was beyond intrigued. not only did jenny’s writing make me fall in love with this story but also with cam, are you kidding me? i love him. while i do wish there had been a bit more development, the overall story was extremely enjoyable!
we don’t often get to see the vulnerable side to men in media, so i really enjoyed this book’s take on it! cam & darcy were incredibly written & i had so much fun reading this!
if you’re looking for a short, fast paced, cute, enemies to lovers, definitely check this out!
February 22, 2022
Happy release day @jennyproctorbooks and thank you for letting me read this delightful book early!
This was an adorably sweet rom com that you just want to curl up and get lost in. I adored the Charleston setting.
Cameron is the perfect amount of giant flirt, sweet spirited, and deep. Darcy was hilarious, loyal, and wonderful. The two were perfect together and I loved watching them
Their banter was just what I was wanting in my romcom, but it also had the depth and heart that makes it really sweet. I need to read the rest of this series! Asap.
This was an adorably sweet rom com that you just want to curl up and get lost in. I adored the Charleston setting.
Cameron is the perfect amount of giant flirt, sweet spirited, and deep. Darcy was hilarious, loyal, and wonderful. The two were perfect together and I loved watching them
Their banter was just what I was wanting in my romcom, but it also had the depth and heart that makes it really sweet. I need to read the rest of this series! Asap.
August 29, 2022
SO DANG SWEET.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I adored this story. Favorite of the series for me. I would first say that this isn’t classic enemies to lovers, it’s more of a soft workplace rivals to lovers. Fortunately for me, that didn’t sway my overall thoughts, but it’s worth noting since that trope is broad in definition.
I LOVE when the guy falls first and Cameron is obviously smitten from nearly the beginning. I thought he was precious and even with all of his walls, made an effort to be in Darcy’s life. I loved Darcy as the FMC. I liked her spunk and drive. And finally going after what kind of career she wanted really resonated with me and all the flower talk made me wish I had my own greenhouse. Both of these lovebirds together were the sweetest. I couldn’t get enough of the relationship development and how the slow burn of rivals to friends to lovers came about.
The third act conflict was [hallelujah] relevant and not drawn out. Even more so, both parties handled it like actual adults without blown out drama. Cameron truly did have some things he needed to work on and I love that Darcy took the time to put him in his place, AND listen to him. They both worked for their relationship with compassion and I felt all the warm fuzzies reading this book y’all.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: MMC Dad has cancer (in remission by end)
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I adored this story. Favorite of the series for me. I would first say that this isn’t classic enemies to lovers, it’s more of a soft workplace rivals to lovers. Fortunately for me, that didn’t sway my overall thoughts, but it’s worth noting since that trope is broad in definition.
I LOVE when the guy falls first and Cameron is obviously smitten from nearly the beginning. I thought he was precious and even with all of his walls, made an effort to be in Darcy’s life. I loved Darcy as the FMC. I liked her spunk and drive. And finally going after what kind of career she wanted really resonated with me and all the flower talk made me wish I had my own greenhouse. Both of these lovebirds together were the sweetest. I couldn’t get enough of the relationship development and how the slow burn of rivals to friends to lovers came about.
The third act conflict was [hallelujah] relevant and not drawn out. Even more so, both parties handled it like actual adults without blown out drama. Cameron truly did have some things he needed to work on and I love that Darcy took the time to put him in his place, AND listen to him. They both worked for their relationship with compassion and I felt all the warm fuzzies reading this book y’all.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: MMC Dad has cancer (in remission by end)
April 13, 2022
Cameron and Darcy are both tour guides. Darcy gets along with everyone except there's something about Cameron that just pushes her buttons the wrong way.
Enemies to lovers is my favourite and this book was down right adorable. I have nothing more to say except that I will now be reading the entire backlist of this author. If you enjoy happy clean romances, you'll like this one.
Enemies to lovers is my favourite and this book was down right adorable. I have nothing more to say except that I will now be reading the entire backlist of this author. If you enjoy happy clean romances, you'll like this one.
February 21, 2022
I can do nothing but rave about this book! Seriously... I'm going to have a swoony romance hangover for days! Two competitive tour guides, witty banter, the sweetest kind of chemistry... just gahhhhh.
Loved:
* Characters... I will truly miss my new friends, Darcy, Cam, Rachel, Jerome... etc
* Introvert and Extrovert! I love how the author captures this in the Cam and Darcy's internal and external dialogue.
* Sometimes in romance we anxiously await for the steamy hook-up moment, but I genuinely was just dying for them to be in-love and realize it
* The friendship between Darcy and Rachel (Dear Jenny Procter-please give Rachel a book )
* Rachel literally says "Ri-we-bwig" because she has ice cream shoved in her mouth... a girl after my own heart (okay enough about Rachel, sorry, I just love her)
* Unique setting... to me history is boring but these characters show it's value and make it fun
* This quote: "Her kiss is feather-light, her lips warm, and she tastes like salted caramel and vanilla and the future I want for myself"
Would Have Loved:
* Not a thing more or different... this book is perfection and Jenny Proctor is officially on my auto read list... I shall now binge on her backlist; you can find me in my blanket fort.
Overall:
Just read it please. It will fill your heart with joy, remind you that flowers make the world brighter, and that hearts can grow and change with the right person there to love them back.
Thank you to the author, Jenny Proctor, for the complimentary advanced readers copy. This is my honest review.
Loved:
* Characters... I will truly miss my new friends, Darcy, Cam, Rachel, Jerome... etc
* Introvert and Extrovert! I love how the author captures this in the Cam and Darcy's internal and external dialogue.
* Sometimes in romance we anxiously await for the steamy hook-up moment, but I genuinely was just dying for them to be in-love and realize it
* The friendship between Darcy and Rachel (Dear Jenny Procter-please give Rachel a book )
* Rachel literally says "Ri-we-bwig" because she has ice cream shoved in her mouth... a girl after my own heart (okay enough about Rachel, sorry, I just love her)
* Unique setting... to me history is boring but these characters show it's value and make it fun
* This quote: "Her kiss is feather-light, her lips warm, and she tastes like salted caramel and vanilla and the future I want for myself"
Would Have Loved:
* Not a thing more or different... this book is perfection and Jenny Proctor is officially on my auto read list... I shall now binge on her backlist; you can find me in my blanket fort.
Overall:
Just read it please. It will fill your heart with joy, remind you that flowers make the world brighter, and that hearts can grow and change with the right person there to love them back.
Thank you to the author, Jenny Proctor, for the complimentary advanced readers copy. This is my honest review.
February 18, 2022
“I suddenly suspect that Darcy is exactly the kind of person that, if given the opportunity, will pick up any person’s burden and carry it along beside them. She has that warmth, an empathy that radiates from every inch of her. If I give her this, she’ll take it, she’ll make it hers. She’ll want me to talk about it. To give her updates. She’ll care too much.”
Love in Bloom
by Jenny Proctor
Release date: February 22, 2022
Synopsis: Darcy and Cameron are rival Charleston, South Carolina tour guides. Cameron looks like he belongs on the cover of a yacht club magazine and is charming to boot. Darcy is sweet and loves everyone. Everyone but Cameron that is. When they both are up for a magazine feature that would take their tour guide businesses to the next level, their rivalry turns in to a heated competition.
Book Review:
I picked this book up thinking I’d read a couple chapters before doing some homework, but I couldn’t put it down! I ended up spending every second I could find reading it! Darcy and Cameron’s rivalry is so fun to watch. From removing the insoles of shoes to creepy clowns and everything in between, it kept me laughing. As their relationship develops and they learn to trust each other with their dreams and their hardest things, you get all the feels and you find yourself cheering them on! Do yourself a favor and order this book!
Love in Bloom
by Jenny Proctor
Release date: February 22, 2022
Synopsis: Darcy and Cameron are rival Charleston, South Carolina tour guides. Cameron looks like he belongs on the cover of a yacht club magazine and is charming to boot. Darcy is sweet and loves everyone. Everyone but Cameron that is. When they both are up for a magazine feature that would take their tour guide businesses to the next level, their rivalry turns in to a heated competition.
Book Review:
I picked this book up thinking I’d read a couple chapters before doing some homework, but I couldn’t put it down! I ended up spending every second I could find reading it! Darcy and Cameron’s rivalry is so fun to watch. From removing the insoles of shoes to creepy clowns and everything in between, it kept me laughing. As their relationship develops and they learn to trust each other with their dreams and their hardest things, you get all the feels and you find yourself cheering them on! Do yourself a favor and order this book!
March 14, 2022
This book was everything that I love about romcoms! Jenny does such an amazing job developing characters with crackling chemistry that you root for from page one and her style of humor is so entertaining and has me smiling all the way through!
Love In Bloom was definitely my favorite of this series! Darcy and Cameron have my whole heart, and their enemies-to-lovers arc was *chefs kiss* amazing! Their story was emotional and real while still being swoony and hysterically funny, and their banter and dynamic together positively jumped off the page! This series is almost exclusively responsible for my obsession with Charleston, and this book multiplied it by 1000!
I read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved it! I wish I could go back in time and read them again for the first time because of how happy they made me! You can definitely count on seeing rereads of these in the future!
If you haven’t checked out this series, or you’re like me and have started it but haven’t continued, I highly recommend you do! These are closed-door romcom GOLD, and I can’t wait to see what Jenny Proctor does next!
Love In Bloom was definitely my favorite of this series! Darcy and Cameron have my whole heart, and their enemies-to-lovers arc was *chefs kiss* amazing! Their story was emotional and real while still being swoony and hysterically funny, and their banter and dynamic together positively jumped off the page! This series is almost exclusively responsible for my obsession with Charleston, and this book multiplied it by 1000!
I read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved it! I wish I could go back in time and read them again for the first time because of how happy they made me! You can definitely count on seeing rereads of these in the future!
If you haven’t checked out this series, or you’re like me and have started it but haven’t continued, I highly recommend you do! These are closed-door romcom GOLD, and I can’t wait to see what Jenny Proctor does next!
March 2, 2022
I've loved each of the books in this series, especially the first one Love Redesigned, but Love in Bloom is my absolute favorite!!! It's an adorable enemies to love story that made me laugh out loud several times. This book hooked me from the start and I read it in a day and a half. Let's just say not much else was accomplished once I started reading it.
Darcy and Cameron are SO adorable!! Yes, I've already said it's an adorable story but you're going to hear that word a lot from me when describing this book. The banter, the pranks they pull on each other in their competition to be chosen for the magazine feature put so many smiles on my face. Then there are the swoony and sizzling kisses!! Cameron is hotter than a South Carolina summer's day, and take it from a southern girl--those are hot!
Things I loved: The dual point of view; Mrs. Abernathy and Darcy; Cameron and Darcy doing sweet things for each other without letting the other know, Cameron's relationship with his family; Cameron's hilarious blind date gone horribly wrong; the growth of both characters; and of course the adorably perfect ending.
Do yourself a huge favor and read this adorable love story. You won't be sorry. I received a complimentary copy for review but also bought a digital copy for my personal library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Darcy and Cameron are SO adorable!! Yes, I've already said it's an adorable story but you're going to hear that word a lot from me when describing this book. The banter, the pranks they pull on each other in their competition to be chosen for the magazine feature put so many smiles on my face. Then there are the swoony and sizzling kisses!! Cameron is hotter than a South Carolina summer's day, and take it from a southern girl--those are hot!
Things I loved: The dual point of view; Mrs. Abernathy and Darcy; Cameron and Darcy doing sweet things for each other without letting the other know, Cameron's relationship with his family; Cameron's hilarious blind date gone horribly wrong; the growth of both characters; and of course the adorably perfect ending.
Do yourself a huge favor and read this adorable love story. You won't be sorry. I received a complimentary copy for review but also bought a digital copy for my personal library. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
March 5, 2022
I love a good enemies to lovers story. And Jenny Proctor has written a great one! I loved her characters, the location, all of the facts about Charleston. One of my favorite things was that she made me laugh.
Darcy is such a great character! She’s a tour guide for downtown Charleston. But she has a secret ambition. I loved that about her. But the bane of her existence is Cameron. He is also a tour guide for downtown Charleston. And he seemingly does everything he can to annoy Darcy.
I really liked that Cameron was not what anyone, especially Darcy, thought he was. He was one of those characters who didn’t want to open up. And that leaves him not really known by anyone. But, like all of us, Cameron was able to grow and change. And that was a beautiful thing in this book!
The pranks these two played on each other were the best! I don’t want to leave you any spoilers, so you’ll have to read it to find out. But it’s well worth it.
Another of my favorite things was all of the other characters from this series that the reader gets to see again. That just made me happy!
This is such a great book! Make sure you read it!
I was sent a copy of Love in Bloom as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Darcy is such a great character! She’s a tour guide for downtown Charleston. But she has a secret ambition. I loved that about her. But the bane of her existence is Cameron. He is also a tour guide for downtown Charleston. And he seemingly does everything he can to annoy Darcy.
I really liked that Cameron was not what anyone, especially Darcy, thought he was. He was one of those characters who didn’t want to open up. And that leaves him not really known by anyone. But, like all of us, Cameron was able to grow and change. And that was a beautiful thing in this book!
The pranks these two played on each other were the best! I don’t want to leave you any spoilers, so you’ll have to read it to find out. But it’s well worth it.
Another of my favorite things was all of the other characters from this series that the reader gets to see again. That just made me happy!
This is such a great book! Make sure you read it!
I was sent a copy of Love in Bloom as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2024
Enjoyed the book. Good characters and development. The part that I absolutely adored was that the book is set in Charleston, SC, which holds my heart and is one of the most special places in the world. I didn’t grow up there but spent a huge amount of time there with my grandparents and other relatives.
February 23, 2022
Happy Release Day - Love in Bloom!
✨ B O O K R E V I E W✨
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Okay can I just say that I loved this book?! This enemies to lovers romance was so delightful and had me swooning the whole way through. There was so much depth to the main characters and I loved all of their witty banter. The story takes place in Charleston and the author paints such a beautiful picture of the city and its rich history that I want to take a trip there right now! This was such a sweet romcom with so many great and funny moments and now I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
Seriously - if you’re looking for a new romcom to read, make this book be it!
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Thank you so much to @jennyproctorbooks and Four Petal Press for this ARC!
✨ B O O K R E V I E W✨
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Okay can I just say that I loved this book?! This enemies to lovers romance was so delightful and had me swooning the whole way through. There was so much depth to the main characters and I loved all of their witty banter. The story takes place in Charleston and the author paints such a beautiful picture of the city and its rich history that I want to take a trip there right now! This was such a sweet romcom with so many great and funny moments and now I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
Seriously - if you’re looking for a new romcom to read, make this book be it!
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Thank you so much to @jennyproctorbooks and Four Petal Press for this ARC!
February 22, 2025
2.5 I just didn’t rlly love it. It’s not like the worst book to read but just didn’t rlly connect with it. It was fun that there were a few characters from her other series that were mentioned!
Read
October 22, 2025DNF. Screwball comedy and pranking are not my thing. Ah well... Books 0.5 through 3 were wonderful and are all definite future re-reads for me.
March 28, 2022
In the fourth book of the Some Kind of Love series, we're back in Charleston and meet Darcy and Cameron, competing tour guides. In this enemies to lovers romance, the pair will do anything to thwart the other in their pursuit of winning monetary prize that would ensure both of their futures. But when the pair decide to bury the hatchet, they just might find that there is more to each other than meets the eye.
Love in Bloom had me at history. I absolutely loved this book and think it's the best one in the series. The chemistry between Darcy and Cameron was on fire from the beginning and it was so fun to experience the history of Charleston through their eyes. And of course, typical with this series, between the witty banter and comical antics, I was laughing the entire book.
Both main characters were multi-dimensional and kept surprising me. Determined and full of grit, Darcy loves history, but has a special passion for urban landscape design. She works hard, but has a tough exterior that only Cameron can seem to crack. Despite Cameron's outward persona, he is caring and genuine. I loved that he strove to tell the true, authentic history of the town, not just the cookie-cutter happily ever after parts of it. I loved their pranks on each other's tour groups, but even more, I loved how they supported each other to find their perspective dreams.
The Charleston setting was basically a third main character and I thought Jenny did a fantastic job describing the feel of the town. I can't wait to go there this summer and go on a historical tour to see all the fun sights mentioned in the book. I hate that this series has to end, but I loved that it ended on such a high note.
Love in Bloom can be read as a standalone. A special thanks to the author for the advanced copy!
Love in Bloom had me at history. I absolutely loved this book and think it's the best one in the series. The chemistry between Darcy and Cameron was on fire from the beginning and it was so fun to experience the history of Charleston through their eyes. And of course, typical with this series, between the witty banter and comical antics, I was laughing the entire book.
Both main characters were multi-dimensional and kept surprising me. Determined and full of grit, Darcy loves history, but has a special passion for urban landscape design. She works hard, but has a tough exterior that only Cameron can seem to crack. Despite Cameron's outward persona, he is caring and genuine. I loved that he strove to tell the true, authentic history of the town, not just the cookie-cutter happily ever after parts of it. I loved their pranks on each other's tour groups, but even more, I loved how they supported each other to find their perspective dreams.
The Charleston setting was basically a third main character and I thought Jenny did a fantastic job describing the feel of the town. I can't wait to go there this summer and go on a historical tour to see all the fun sights mentioned in the book. I hate that this series has to end, but I loved that it ended on such a high note.
Love in Bloom can be read as a standalone. A special thanks to the author for the advanced copy!
February 25, 2022
Love In Bloom is the 4th book of the Some Kind Of Love series and it is about Cameron and Darcy. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, which is my ultimate favourite trope of all time ;) But this book didn’t quite convince me, that the main characters were actual enemies and here’s why.
The story resembles a typical Hallmark movie. Throw in two goody-two-shoes, a (very short lived) rivalry and lingering emotions and you got yourself a closed-door romance, which entertained me for a few hours.
The author tries to give the characters depth and a nice backstory, but I just didn’t feel it. The H was so insecure and uncommunicative, he infuriated me most of the time. Even though they are described as enemies, they don’t really hate each other. They are just led by a ridiculous amount of prejudices and wrong assumptions.
There were a few funny moments (the ghost in the flat, them sabotaging each others tours, etc.) but I feel like the story had so much more potential.
You can absolutely feel the authors love for Charleston and its history, which was a total plus. I loved the idea of the flower windows/displays, which was a totally new concept for me. Is that something people in South Carolina really do?
The story resembles a typical Hallmark movie. Throw in two goody-two-shoes, a (very short lived) rivalry and lingering emotions and you got yourself a closed-door romance, which entertained me for a few hours.
The author tries to give the characters depth and a nice backstory, but I just didn’t feel it. The H was so insecure and uncommunicative, he infuriated me most of the time. Even though they are described as enemies, they don’t really hate each other. They are just led by a ridiculous amount of prejudices and wrong assumptions.
There were a few funny moments (the ghost in the flat, them sabotaging each others tours, etc.) but I feel like the story had so much more potential.
You can absolutely feel the authors love for Charleston and its history, which was a total plus. I loved the idea of the flower windows/displays, which was a totally new concept for me. Is that something people in South Carolina really do?
May 31, 2023
Immature protagonists
It is, unfortunately, almost impossible to find a well-written, "enemies to lovers," romantic comedy. Far too frequently, the romantic protagonists are enemies because they are both rude, unlikable people, who constantly tease and torment each other, even carrying their infantile shenanigans to the point of unconscionable pranks. Such is the case in this novel. The enmity between the two protagonists is due to the fact that they are each constantly, arrogantly, sneering at each other. It makes both of them extremely unsympathetic. I found it impossible to care whether these two mean-spirited individuals would manage to eke out an undeserved HEA with each other.
DNF.
It is, unfortunately, almost impossible to find a well-written, "enemies to lovers," romantic comedy. Far too frequently, the romantic protagonists are enemies because they are both rude, unlikable people, who constantly tease and torment each other, even carrying their infantile shenanigans to the point of unconscionable pranks. Such is the case in this novel. The enmity between the two protagonists is due to the fact that they are each constantly, arrogantly, sneering at each other. It makes both of them extremely unsympathetic. I found it impossible to care whether these two mean-spirited individuals would manage to eke out an undeserved HEA with each other.
DNF.
March 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is the perfect way of how enemies to lovers should be execute it. Darcy and Cameron are such a wonderful couple together. Their chemistry is all sizzling and so cute.
Darcy is an amazing character. I love how she just cares for everyone. She honestly is a golden retriever without being a pushover. Another thing I loved about her was that she really wanted a relationship with Cameron but she also stood her ground. Cameron is so freaking sweet. I love how he cares about Darcy. You know that he is in love with her but because he is so private he just puts up such a front that he can kind of turn people off.
The romance is amazing. I just loved it so much. It was sizzling and so sweet. But what I loved about it was how important the family connection is. The issues between each of the characters and dealing with the past issues of their family really shaped how they view romantic relationships and I love how in each of the characters they had to do the work.
I also love the setting of this book. The history is so well done and so accurate. I love how each of the characters are so passion about their respective carriers and the fact that the history of Charleston is so heavy live feature is amazing.
I love this book so much. I should just shut up because I can’t stop rambling about how awesome it is.
Darcy is an amazing character. I love how she just cares for everyone. She honestly is a golden retriever without being a pushover. Another thing I loved about her was that she really wanted a relationship with Cameron but she also stood her ground. Cameron is so freaking sweet. I love how he cares about Darcy. You know that he is in love with her but because he is so private he just puts up such a front that he can kind of turn people off.
The romance is amazing. I just loved it so much. It was sizzling and so sweet. But what I loved about it was how important the family connection is. The issues between each of the characters and dealing with the past issues of their family really shaped how they view romantic relationships and I love how in each of the characters they had to do the work.
I also love the setting of this book. The history is so well done and so accurate. I love how each of the characters are so passion about their respective carriers and the fact that the history of Charleston is so heavy live feature is amazing.
I love this book so much. I should just shut up because I can’t stop rambling about how awesome it is.
March 11, 2022
Now! That's what I call a book-gazing ending
I was as excited to read this one as I was for the School Break ( that's the highest y'all 😁) for this book
When I finally got the book even though I was excited I didn't want it to end, this beautiful series of the family is going to end, it was a bittersweet moment because I loveeee the last 2 books so much, they were such a joy...well! That's no new I'll be bragging and no talking if allowed anyways you Get it!! 😁
It was a beautiful series, A family you don't want to miss!!
Yeah! This final book, I'm so glad I read it I really enjoyed Darcy's story, let me tell you not only does Cameron looks like he's from a Yacht Party or Gucci Magazine He's also the one who's gonna open your eyes and hearts for how real, handsome in heart and struggling to express or be open Men can be, Which in reality is True!!
I love it when a Fictional Man makes me realize the struggles of being a real man and makes me want to look beyond the standards the world sets
It's this one more thing that made me happy about this book,
Cameron is not old money or billionaire or someone who can solve all financial struggles in a sec( Not that I don't like billionaire trope...I do, I just appreciate a good reality check in books too)
I love his intentions, his job enthusiasm, and love to help
Darcy is your extrovert smiling & cheering girlfriend who you couldn't help but love back 😄
I like how she was patient with him, How she was the one to make a clear move and give him a chance for more
Not everyone's love language is words
Get ready to be Swooned by Cameron's actions(and kisses) 😉😁
Well, that said This book was fun too!
The pranks, jokes, dares, banter, kisses, and revisiting the old memories...nothing better to end your weekend with a happy note
Overall! I still think Tyler is my favorite ( it's the baby goat & shirtless y'all 😂😂)
I would definitely recommend this series
I was as excited to read this one as I was for the School Break ( that's the highest y'all 😁) for this book
When I finally got the book even though I was excited I didn't want it to end, this beautiful series of the family is going to end, it was a bittersweet moment because I loveeee the last 2 books so much, they were such a joy...well! That's no new I'll be bragging and no talking if allowed anyways you Get it!! 😁
It was a beautiful series, A family you don't want to miss!!
Yeah! This final book, I'm so glad I read it I really enjoyed Darcy's story, let me tell you not only does Cameron looks like he's from a Yacht Party or Gucci Magazine He's also the one who's gonna open your eyes and hearts for how real, handsome in heart and struggling to express or be open Men can be, Which in reality is True!!
I love it when a Fictional Man makes me realize the struggles of being a real man and makes me want to look beyond the standards the world sets
It's this one more thing that made me happy about this book,
Cameron is not old money or billionaire or someone who can solve all financial struggles in a sec( Not that I don't like billionaire trope...I do, I just appreciate a good reality check in books too)
I love his intentions, his job enthusiasm, and love to help
Darcy is your extrovert smiling & cheering girlfriend who you couldn't help but love back 😄
I like how she was patient with him, How she was the one to make a clear move and give him a chance for more
Not everyone's love language is words
Get ready to be Swooned by Cameron's actions(and kisses) 😉😁
Well, that said This book was fun too!
The pranks, jokes, dares, banter, kisses, and revisiting the old memories...nothing better to end your weekend with a happy note
Overall! I still think Tyler is my favorite ( it's the baby goat & shirtless y'all 😂😂)
I would definitely recommend this series
March 12, 2022
This is my first read from this series, its definitely a standalone. However, it was such a sweet romantic book that I look forward to reading the other books.
The banter and pranks that happen between Darcy and Cameron was very entertaining. I liked how their relationship coincided with the growth of them as individuals, from finding out what they really wanted to do and how they knowing and unknowingly encouraged and motivated each other in finding their individual passion.
There was also a bit of detailed history (real or not) that really helped make this story come more alive since Cameron and Darcy’s lives revolved around it being that they were tour guides.
This was quite the page turner and I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
The banter and pranks that happen between Darcy and Cameron was very entertaining. I liked how their relationship coincided with the growth of them as individuals, from finding out what they really wanted to do and how they knowing and unknowingly encouraged and motivated each other in finding their individual passion.
There was also a bit of detailed history (real or not) that really helped make this story come more alive since Cameron and Darcy’s lives revolved around it being that they were tour guides.
This was quite the page turner and I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
February 22, 2022
4.5 stars - This book just might be the best in the series. I absolutely adored every single character. Darcy, Cameron, Vivian, the cameos from previous books... They're all wonderful!!
Normally, I have a hard time with prank books because they often cross the line between funny and mean. The pranks here never cross that line. I love that they stayed firmly in the "just a hilarious distraction" side of things.
The conflict is resolved well and each character stays true to who they are, which I loved. Definitely pick this up when you're looking for a sweet romantic comedy!
Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
Normally, I have a hard time with prank books because they often cross the line between funny and mean. The pranks here never cross that line. I love that they stayed firmly in the "just a hilarious distraction" side of things.
The conflict is resolved well and each character stays true to who they are, which I loved. Definitely pick this up when you're looking for a sweet romantic comedy!
Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
February 24, 2022
This is the final (sadly) installment of the "Some Kind of Love" series, and I'm bummed to say it was probably my least favorite. I think it's because I somehow found Darcy to be the least endearing of the four female leads. Cameron is a great male lead, and he is realistic. Which is what I love about him. This probably has my least favorite story/plot, but it definitely has the best kisses.
Since this is the final installment, here is my ranking of the four:
1. Love Redesigned - Dani is the best female lead of the four.
2. Love Unexpected - Best plot/story.
3. Love Off-Limits - Tyler is the dreamiest man ever, definitely the best male lead.
4. Love in Bloom - Best kisses.
Even though it was my least favorite of the four, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting quick and easy story with a happy ending.
Since this is the final installment, here is my ranking of the four:
1. Love Redesigned - Dani is the best female lead of the four.
2. Love Unexpected - Best plot/story.
3. Love Off-Limits - Tyler is the dreamiest man ever, definitely the best male lead.
4. Love in Bloom - Best kisses.
Even though it was my least favorite of the four, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting quick and easy story with a happy ending.
February 19, 2022
4.5!
First, thank you for the #gifted copy of this lovely book! This was my first ever ARC and I was stoked to have this be my first one! This was also my first ebook that I’ve read (weird, right?) but I do prefer reading paperbacks.
Cameron & Darcy. Enemies to lovers. Pranks. Bets. Banter. A closed door romance. Amazing side characters.
Throughout this book, I constantly kept thinking that it reminded me of The Hating Game. (Aka a competition, pranks, bets, banter, etc.) I usually go for steamy romances, don’t get my wrong, but this book had so. much. chemistry. that I just don’t see in other books. It was a great change!
Proctor had an eye for detail and a heck of a story for these two love-birds. I was a tour guide for a few semesters at college so I could really relate to this story. I also love flowers, so this was the perfect book for me.
I came to the conclusion that I need to read her other books! On paperback of course, just so I can add it to my physical library.
I only knocked it down .5 of a star because I reserve my 5 star reads for books that I absolutely cannot put down. This one came pretty darn close!📚
First, thank you for the #gifted copy of this lovely book! This was my first ever ARC and I was stoked to have this be my first one! This was also my first ebook that I’ve read (weird, right?) but I do prefer reading paperbacks.
Cameron & Darcy. Enemies to lovers. Pranks. Bets. Banter. A closed door romance. Amazing side characters.
Throughout this book, I constantly kept thinking that it reminded me of The Hating Game. (Aka a competition, pranks, bets, banter, etc.) I usually go for steamy romances, don’t get my wrong, but this book had so. much. chemistry. that I just don’t see in other books. It was a great change!
Proctor had an eye for detail and a heck of a story for these two love-birds. I was a tour guide for a few semesters at college so I could really relate to this story. I also love flowers, so this was the perfect book for me.
I came to the conclusion that I need to read her other books! On paperback of course, just so I can add it to my physical library.
I only knocked it down .5 of a star because I reserve my 5 star reads for books that I absolutely cannot put down. This one came pretty darn close!📚
February 22, 2022
✨️Book Review✨️
📖 Love in Bloom
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Pub: Feb 22, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Jenny Proctor and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Love in Bloom is full of undeniable chemistry, heart and just enough heat to keep you hooked.
Synopsis:
Cameron Hunter and Darcy Marino are walking tour guides in the historic downtown of Charleston. They are both competing to win the chance to be featured in the Southern Country magazine to help bring their careers to the next level. Cameron and Darcy try and sabotage each others chances thru fun pranks and silly antics all while navigating their feeling for one another.
I really loved that the story was told thru both Camerons and Darcys perspectives.
Thank you to @jennyproctorbooks for providing me with the ARC of Love In Bloom in exchange for an honest review.
#bookreview #jennyproctorbooks #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookworm #romance #romancebooks
📖 Love in Bloom
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Pub: Feb 22, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Jenny Proctor and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Love in Bloom is full of undeniable chemistry, heart and just enough heat to keep you hooked.
Synopsis:
Cameron Hunter and Darcy Marino are walking tour guides in the historic downtown of Charleston. They are both competing to win the chance to be featured in the Southern Country magazine to help bring their careers to the next level. Cameron and Darcy try and sabotage each others chances thru fun pranks and silly antics all while navigating their feeling for one another.
I really loved that the story was told thru both Camerons and Darcys perspectives.
Thank you to @jennyproctorbooks for providing me with the ARC of Love In Bloom in exchange for an honest review.
#bookreview #jennyproctorbooks #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookworm #romance #romancebooks
March 9, 2022
I feel like each book on this series got better. I loved Tyler and Olivia’s story but Cameron’s and Darcy were so sweet. I loved seeing him with his siblings. And Darcy and Tyler’s relationship. The dungeon 😂 All the tour guide mishaps. And seeing Cameron start to let her in, and the ending was adorable 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
This is a sweet enemies to love contemporary romance set in Charleston. Darcy and Cameron are tour guides for downtown Charleston who are a little bit competitive with each other. There are some misunderstandings that get cleared up, and they grow to be friends and then some! I could easily picture the streets of Charleston from Jenny Proctor's descriptions, and it's made me want to go on a trip there asap! I highly recommend this engaging romance and am looking forward to the rest of the series! Thank you so much Jenny Proctor and Four Petals Press for the ARC of this awesome book!
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