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A Love that Blooms
Claire Cassidy wants to find love like her best friend, Emma. After many failed dates from dating apps, Claire has given up on looking for love and date for Emma's upcoming wedding. That is until Claire meets Reid, a customer at the flower shop that Emma and Claire own. All it takes is one date with Reid for Claire to know this relationship has some potential.
Ryan Hayes, brother to Emma's fiance Baker Hayes is Claire's new best friend. Ryan has changed his bad-boy ways and has been close to Claire for over a year now. Anytime Claire needs help with anything, Ryan is there to help. When he finds out Claire has been seeing Reid, it is time for him to let Claire know about the feelings he has had for her.
Emma and Baker need help with their wedding and the perfect people for the job are Claire and Ryan. They are sent to spend a week together in Ryan's parents' guest house, so they can get everything planned for the beach wedding of Emma and Baker's dreams. Will the week away be just what Ryan needs to finally share his feelings for Claire? Will she even feel that same?
This closed-door, duel POV romance is the perfect amount of banter and sweetness.
Will Ryan finally get the girl he's always wanted? And will Claire finally find the love she was looking for all along?
Ryan Hayes, brother to Emma's fiance Baker Hayes is Claire's new best friend. Ryan has changed his bad-boy ways and has been close to Claire for over a year now. Anytime Claire needs help with anything, Ryan is there to help. When he finds out Claire has been seeing Reid, it is time for him to let Claire know about the feelings he has had for her.
Emma and Baker need help with their wedding and the perfect people for the job are Claire and Ryan. They are sent to spend a week together in Ryan's parents' guest house, so they can get everything planned for the beach wedding of Emma and Baker's dreams. Will the week away be just what Ryan needs to finally share his feelings for Claire? Will she even feel that same?
This closed-door, duel POV romance is the perfect amount of banter and sweetness.
Will Ryan finally get the girl he's always wanted? And will Claire finally find the love she was looking for all along?
- GenresRomance
324 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2022
5 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 19, 2022
Gahhhh! This book! It has a piece of my heart. Ryan, Baker’s brother is not a good guy in The Deal-Breaker. However, he has grown up a lot in the year that has passed since we last saw him. He and Claire, Emma’s best friend, became friends in The Deal-Breaker and now we get to watch their love grow! I love this enemies to friends to lovers relationship that felt SO real. The character growth is incredible and the little details throughout this book are absolutely beautiful! I love the relationship between Ryan and Claire but also their relationships with the side characters. As with TDB, there are lots of turns that I was not expecting. I love that about Holly’s writing! You need this book!
August 6, 2023
Reid can kick it, but I loved Claire and Ryan together. And I’m glad he came around for her. I adored Emma and Claire’s friendship. (Unfortunately, I didn’t read Deal Breaker first, but it felt like I could read them separately.)
Did I mention there’s a dog?! I feel like I never get to read about little animal companions. 🥹
What a sweet little love story. I finished it this morning and swooon. It was just what I needed. I loved the ending.
(There were updates on the Kindle version but I’m a paperback girl through and through. So I switched back to reading the paperback. Hopefully I didn’t miss anything major!)
Did I mention there’s a dog?! I feel like I never get to read about little animal companions. 🥹
What a sweet little love story. I finished it this morning and swooon. It was just what I needed. I loved the ending.
(There were updates on the Kindle version but I’m a paperback girl through and through. So I switched back to reading the paperback. Hopefully I didn’t miss anything major!)
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January 28, 2023What a sweet story, & a lovely follow up! I loved seeing Ryan & Claire’s relationship develop, & I couldn’t help but root for them 💗 the updates with Baker & Emma were lovely to see, & that ending really tugged at the heartstrings 🥰😭
Overall, both of these stories were joys to read. And you better believe I got that bonus chapter ASAP!!
Overall, both of these stories were joys to read. And you better believe I got that bonus chapter ASAP!!
December 26, 2022
Loved!!! Friends to lovers, lots of twists and a perfect ending!
March 31, 2023
Ryan knows that he isn't the same man that first came across flower shop owners Emma & Claire at The Bar. The last year has changed him for the better, largely due to his deepening friendship with Claire and witnessing his brother Baker fall for Emma. So when they need help planning their wedding, Ryan and Claire are ready to step in and shoulder the burden.
After spending a week working together at his parents home in the Hamptons, Ryan realises that he's falling for Claire. But there is just one problem... she has a new beau. Can Ryan prove to Claire that he's left his bad boy ways behind and is ready to commit?
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Hughes brothers books. Witnessing Ryan's personal growth and the level of healing Claire has accomplished (after her boyfriend James from the Deal Breaker) was lovely. I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance with a dual point of view so this was right up my alley! It's a clean romance so don't expect any spice, but the epilogue 4 years in the future was absolutely perfect for both Ryan & Claire, and Baker & Emma!
After spending a week working together at his parents home in the Hamptons, Ryan realises that he's falling for Claire. But there is just one problem... she has a new beau. Can Ryan prove to Claire that he's left his bad boy ways behind and is ready to commit?
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Hughes brothers books. Witnessing Ryan's personal growth and the level of healing Claire has accomplished (after her boyfriend James from the Deal Breaker) was lovely. I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance with a dual point of view so this was right up my alley! It's a clean romance so don't expect any spice, but the epilogue 4 years in the future was absolutely perfect for both Ryan & Claire, and Baker & Emma!
March 26, 2023
This is the second book in the Claire and Emma friendship, and it is just as sweet and lovable as the first! You could read this as a stand-alone book, but I would highly recommend reading and enjoying The Deal-Breaker first, so nothing gets spoiled, and you get more time with this great duo of friends. This book follows Claire, co-owner of Bloom and BFF of Emma who hasn't always had the best of luck when it comes to picking guys. She has the sweetest heart and will literally do anything for her best friend, including help plan her wedding. Ryan is Baker's brother and used to be womanizer. He has a history of dating multiple / many women and not taking relationships seriously, but he is trying hard to show that he isn't that person anymore. There is one very big reason why he's made that change and he's hoping to convince everyone around him he's a changed man. Holly does an amazing job of writing such a great story with sweet twists and turns that make your heart stop and leap. This story is filled with sweet friendships, new furry family members, he falls hard, Dirty Dancing moment, wedding planning mishaps, Holly's classic twists and turns, and just kisses romance.
November 17, 2022
a sweet friends to lovers
This is a swoony duo pov friends to lovers story about Ryan and Claire; two friends that met in a previous book (the deal breaker), and have since gotten even closer.
Claire has harboured feelings for Ryan for some time, watching him grow and mature into a trustworthy, kindhearted & loyal man. But the timing was off, and she valued their friendship too much to risk it.
However as soon as Claire meets someone new and starts dating more regularly, Ryan is confronted by his own feelings for Claire.
As they help to plan the wedding of Ryan’s brother and Claire’s best friend, they have to face their feelings.
This story is adorable. And it took me by surprise a couple times. My emotions may never be the same lol.
This book was written, edited and published solely by Holly, independently. It may be less than perfect in style and format at times, but it was easy to overlook when I became invested in the story itself. Very lovable characters, some friendly hi-jinx, and a whole lot to love about this one!
This is a swoony duo pov friends to lovers story about Ryan and Claire; two friends that met in a previous book (the deal breaker), and have since gotten even closer.
Claire has harboured feelings for Ryan for some time, watching him grow and mature into a trustworthy, kindhearted & loyal man. But the timing was off, and she valued their friendship too much to risk it.
However as soon as Claire meets someone new and starts dating more regularly, Ryan is confronted by his own feelings for Claire.
As they help to plan the wedding of Ryan’s brother and Claire’s best friend, they have to face their feelings.
This story is adorable. And it took me by surprise a couple times. My emotions may never be the same lol.
This book was written, edited and published solely by Holly, independently. It may be less than perfect in style and format at times, but it was easy to overlook when I became invested in the story itself. Very lovable characters, some friendly hi-jinx, and a whole lot to love about this one!
March 21, 2023
I’m the loser who bought book two first…BUT I couldn’t let that stop me from cracking open this sweet little book and I’m so glad I didn’t wait! Needless to say, I’m even more eager to read the first in the series!
This friends to lovers has such an authenticity to it. With an attention to detail and mindful character growth, I felt like I was getting to know real people, not just book characters. I also enjoyed the sneak peek (follow ups to those who read this series in order 🫣) you get with Baker and Emma. I seriously enjoyed all of the characters so much!
This wasn’t a straightforward cookie cutter romance which I absolutely loved! There were twists and turns along the way, weaving together a beautiful and, dare I say, exciting story that ended perfectly. This is hands down a comfort read. With its beautiful settings and lovable cast of characters you won’t be disappointed picking up this series! Now time to buy book one!
This friends to lovers has such an authenticity to it. With an attention to detail and mindful character growth, I felt like I was getting to know real people, not just book characters. I also enjoyed the sneak peek (follow ups to those who read this series in order 🫣) you get with Baker and Emma. I seriously enjoyed all of the characters so much!
This wasn’t a straightforward cookie cutter romance which I absolutely loved! There were twists and turns along the way, weaving together a beautiful and, dare I say, exciting story that ended perfectly. This is hands down a comfort read. With its beautiful settings and lovable cast of characters you won’t be disappointed picking up this series! Now time to buy book one!
October 19, 2022
Sweet, Romantic Friends to lovers
Claire and Ryan make the perfect pair. As friends that is. Until the chemistry between them grows larger than their denial of feelings for each other.
Centered around a wedding of Claire’s best friend and Ryan’s brother comes a lovely friend to lovers romance.
This book is filled with such romantic settings of running a flower shop with her best friend (so jealous) the beach, & even the city. It is aesthetically pleasing to imagine as Holly takes you into their blooming relationship. Ryan is just so lovable and Claire is so down to earth. I love them together with Tuck. Read this when you need a comfort read and just want to dream of fluffy love and all things romantic and girly. ❤️ 💐 🏝
Claire and Ryan make the perfect pair. As friends that is. Until the chemistry between them grows larger than their denial of feelings for each other.
Centered around a wedding of Claire’s best friend and Ryan’s brother comes a lovely friend to lovers romance.
This book is filled with such romantic settings of running a flower shop with her best friend (so jealous) the beach, & even the city. It is aesthetically pleasing to imagine as Holly takes you into their blooming relationship. Ryan is just so lovable and Claire is so down to earth. I love them together with Tuck. Read this when you need a comfort read and just want to dream of fluffy love and all things romantic and girly. ❤️ 💐 🏝
April 16, 2023
Claire is on the dating scene but can’t seem to get a second date after any of her first dates. Her best friend, Ryan, is known to be dating around, but he is currently dating Lena.
Claire’s best friend, Emma, is getting married to Ryan’s brother, Baker. Claire and Ryan help them out with the wedding plans by ordering flowers, getting the arch done, picking out the cake, etc.
Spending even more time with each other, Claire and Ryan start developing even stronger feelings towards each other, but will they ever be on the same page?
This was a cute love story and a great continuation to the characters from “The Deal Breaker.” (You don’t have to read the first book to get this book.) I also liked the ending of this book as it was so sweet and showed how much Claire means to Emma.
Claire’s best friend, Emma, is getting married to Ryan’s brother, Baker. Claire and Ryan help them out with the wedding plans by ordering flowers, getting the arch done, picking out the cake, etc.
Spending even more time with each other, Claire and Ryan start developing even stronger feelings towards each other, but will they ever be on the same page?
This was a cute love story and a great continuation to the characters from “The Deal Breaker.” (You don’t have to read the first book to get this book.) I also liked the ending of this book as it was so sweet and showed how much Claire means to Emma.
March 31, 2023
A sweet love story between Ryan and Claire. The way this man patiently waited for her but also showed her that he changed his ways 🥹 Ryan Hayes gives off very much Golden Retriever, and I'm here for it! I could really feel his love for Claire which just made reading so much better. Ryan definitely was not like this from what I read in The Deal-Breaker, so it was wonderful to see his character development.
The twists were something that definitely caught me off guard and definitely kept me very interested. The side characters also really just helped bring this book, their love story, together- the good and bad ones.
The twists were something that definitely caught me off guard and definitely kept me very interested. The side characters also really just helped bring this book, their love story, together- the good and bad ones.
April 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved reading the second book in this series by Holly! I love when authors write books about side characters from the first book in the series! I loved Claire and Ryan's story so much. He has such a huge heart and cared so much for Claire through not only words but actions. I also loved how much of a family atmosphere Holly created with the Hayes'. Make sure to check this one out!
Read if you like:
🌸reformed playboy
🌸he falls first
🌸happy ever after
"Ryan's words don't surprise me. I know he feels that way. This week with him and his family has felt like home to me, and I know I never want this feeling to go away. I want to bottle it up, keeping it forever."
I loved reading the second book in this series by Holly! I love when authors write books about side characters from the first book in the series! I loved Claire and Ryan's story so much. He has such a huge heart and cared so much for Claire through not only words but actions. I also loved how much of a family atmosphere Holly created with the Hayes'. Make sure to check this one out!
Read if you like:
🌸reformed playboy
🌸he falls first
🌸happy ever after
"Ryan's words don't surprise me. I know he feels that way. This week with him and his family has felt like home to me, and I know I never want this feeling to go away. I want to bottle it up, keeping it forever."
October 21, 2024
I’m obsessed with Holly’s way of writing! It always takes time for me to get into a book because I have character hangover from my last book or because there’s so just much small details and small talk for the first 50 pages. Not with Holly! She jumps right into the story and the good stuff. I breeeeeze through her books so fast.
This book was a 4 star for me, until I read the epilogue. It is so emotional on a happy way. I love Claire and Emma’s friendship. I love Ryan’s transformation. I love Catherine’s relationship with her kids and their spouses. Just every thing. It’s happy and full of love. Great beach read.
This book was a 4 star for me, until I read the epilogue. It is so emotional on a happy way. I love Claire and Emma’s friendship. I love Ryan’s transformation. I love Catherine’s relationship with her kids and their spouses. Just every thing. It’s happy and full of love. Great beach read.
November 7, 2022
This follow up to The Deal Breaker truly shows the progress in Holly's writing.
This one follows Claire and Ryan who were introduced during Emma and Baker's story.
Somehow Ryan managed to go from the character I absolutely disliked to loving him so much in this story. Yet again we get to see the amazing friendship between Emma and Claire. The ending literally solidified the fact that these two are best friend goals, they are truly found family. That ending just made me smile!!!
I loved Claire and Ryan and was rooting for those two to be together from the beginning.
This one follows Claire and Ryan who were introduced during Emma and Baker's story.
Somehow Ryan managed to go from the character I absolutely disliked to loving him so much in this story. Yet again we get to see the amazing friendship between Emma and Claire. The ending literally solidified the fact that these two are best friend goals, they are truly found family. That ending just made me smile!!!
I loved Claire and Ryan and was rooting for those two to be together from the beginning.
November 19, 2023
Claire and Ryan first met in The Deal Breaker, which focuses on Claire's best friend and Ryan’s brother. Now Claire is trying to date and find the happiness her best friend has, meanwhile Ryan is trying to simmer down his playboy lifestyle. These two have become fast friends, but circumstance is driving them together more and more.
This was such a sweet read! There was just enough push and pull to keep me fully invested, but did not stress me out or frustrate me. I love having a nice comfort read to depend on and Ryan was the ultimate comfort MMC. He is pure golden retriever energy and so selfless. Had me swooning from early on.
While I predicted one plot twist, there were many twists that took me by surprise which is such a fun treat in a romance book! Also there is a dog!
This was such a sweet read! There was just enough push and pull to keep me fully invested, but did not stress me out or frustrate me. I love having a nice comfort read to depend on and Ryan was the ultimate comfort MMC. He is pure golden retriever energy and so selfless. Had me swooning from early on.
While I predicted one plot twist, there were many twists that took me by surprise which is such a fun treat in a romance book! Also there is a dog!
February 11, 2024
This story is just the sweetest heartwarming love story! Claire and Ryan have a wonderful friendship that grows through out the book. I loved Claire's quirky personality and her obsession with numbers. The love that Ryan's family has for everyone is amazing and I absolutely adore them. This review would not be complete without my mention of the adorable dog Tuck. Animals just bring a smile to my face and he brought Claire and Ryan such joy! A beautiful love story!
January 27, 2023
I loved this book. I knew the second I finished The Deal-Breaker that I'd love this one too, I was correct! I finished both books in one day because I simply could not put them down. Knowing Holly is a self edited and self published author makes me fall even more in love with these books. If you haven't picked either books up yet, you must! You won't be disappointed!
March 6, 2023
wanted to like it but I just couldn’t
I really wanted to love this book but I honestly couldn’t. I DNF it and skimmed to the end. The thing that got me was when I was ready it felt really formal and like serious. The framer also drove crazy I kept saying it a different way in my head that made more sense. I just couldn’t keep reading it while having to do that.
I really wanted to love this book but I honestly couldn’t. I DNF it and skimmed to the end. The thing that got me was when I was ready it felt really formal and like serious. The framer also drove crazy I kept saying it a different way in my head that made more sense. I just couldn’t keep reading it while having to do that.
October 25, 2022
A sweet romance laced with strong friendship, deep love, and a few unexpected twists.
November 14, 2022
Captivating
I loved this book so so much and I couldn’t put it down! I was absolutely invested in the characters and their lives! Such a great book!
I loved this book so so much and I couldn’t put it down! I was absolutely invested in the characters and their lives! Such a great book!
February 2, 2023
Loved this romance storyline! There were some twists that got me but it wrapped everything up from the deal breaker too!
October 18, 2023
I loved this book with all my heart. Ryan and Claire own a piece of my heart. The character growth is SO good. I love Emma and Claire's friendship. This book is beautiful in every way.
April 27, 2023
💐 A LOVE THAT BLOOMS 💐
4.5⭐️
ALTB tells the story of Claire and Ryan, and oh gosh I loved them so so much. Ryan used to be a bad boy, but has changed his ways, and all he wants is to prove to Claire that they can be more than friends. Claire is hesitant to risk their friendship for something more. Ryan had one week in the Hamptons to prove he has changed and that they can be something more.
Out of the two books, this one is my favourite, and I still really liked the deal breaker. I LOVE Ryan. He falls first, and he falls hard 🫠😍 He does so many small things for Claire, and is just the sweetest. Claire can only hold back so long until she lets him in♥️ Also, the ending of this book will have you going 🤯 but in a good way! I seriously love the ending so so much, and thought it was just the best ♥️
4.5⭐️
ALTB tells the story of Claire and Ryan, and oh gosh I loved them so so much. Ryan used to be a bad boy, but has changed his ways, and all he wants is to prove to Claire that they can be more than friends. Claire is hesitant to risk their friendship for something more. Ryan had one week in the Hamptons to prove he has changed and that they can be something more.
Out of the two books, this one is my favourite, and I still really liked the deal breaker. I LOVE Ryan. He falls first, and he falls hard 🫠😍 He does so many small things for Claire, and is just the sweetest. Claire can only hold back so long until she lets him in♥️ Also, the ending of this book will have you going 🤯 but in a good way! I seriously love the ending so so much, and thought it was just the best ♥️
December 31, 2023
A Love That Blooms has a cute story line of 2 long time friends that become lovers. But there are some twists and turns to overcome with maybe a little love triangle in the mix 😏.
Check it out for yourselves give it a shot 💕
Check it out for yourselves give it a shot 💕
September 20, 2023
The sweetest friends to lovers romance with the Hamptons and flower shop aesthetic. Claire and Ryan’s friendship grows into something more while they are helping Emma and Baker plan their wedding💐
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews