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Love is Beautiful When in Bloom
Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is a buoyant and soft collection of seven short stories that explore what it means when people meet and form a connection that ultimately blossoms into love.
The collection begins with "Full Circle", a story that expresses the sweetness of requited love to "A Binding Encounter", where the bittersweet and endearing possibility of love and grief coexist.
Written with compassion, care and love, these light and sweet stories will keep you captivated as you encounter different facets of intimacy, self-discovery, pain, friendship and joy.
For readers looking to soothe their hearts, Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is the book you need to read.
The collection begins with "Full Circle", a story that expresses the sweetness of requited love to "A Binding Encounter", where the bittersweet and endearing possibility of love and grief coexist.
Written with compassion, care and love, these light and sweet stories will keep you captivated as you encounter different facets of intimacy, self-discovery, pain, friendship and joy.
For readers looking to soothe their hearts, Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is the book you need to read.
- GenresRomance
195 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2021
2 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Lara T. Kareem
5 books101 followersLara T. Kareem is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist whose work spans writing, poetry, visual art, and photography. Her latest project, Àànú Ifẹ́, brings together these forms to create an immersive story that explores themes of healing, love, and resilience. Known for her emotional and relatable storytelling, Lara’s previous works, including her novel Not Just Another Interlude and her short story collection Love is Beautiful When in Bloom, capture her love for weaving heartfelt narratives. When not working or creating her next piece, Lara enjoys Korean dramas, anime, and reading manhwas and manga. She lives with her cat, Sisi, in the ever-bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 10, 2021
Book 284 of 2021
3.5✨
Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is a beautifully written collection of short stories that feel like a warm hug.
Tropes – second chance romance, one night stand, single parent romance, fake proposal, unrequited love.
TWs – death of a loved one, parental abandonment
This is a collection of stories that cut across various tropes, which shows off the author’s range. There are six main stories and one bonus story, so seven stories in total. My favorite stories are story two (The Kiss That Meant Nothing), story five (A Binding Encounter), and story seven (Sweet Butterflies).
These stories draw you in and make you fall head over heels with the characters and form an emotional investment in their stories. The writing was beautiful and the romances are warm and fuzzy.
I love that some romances in this book – story three (A Rose In Bloom) and story seven (Sweet Butterflies) – are written in dual POV, which I love.
This book also has queer rep, which was refreshing by a Nigerian author.
I enjoyed reading this collection and I recommend getting your copy.
3.5✨
Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is a beautifully written collection of short stories that feel like a warm hug.
Tropes – second chance romance, one night stand, single parent romance, fake proposal, unrequited love.
TWs – death of a loved one, parental abandonment
This is a collection of stories that cut across various tropes, which shows off the author’s range. There are six main stories and one bonus story, so seven stories in total. My favorite stories are story two (The Kiss That Meant Nothing), story five (A Binding Encounter), and story seven (Sweet Butterflies).
These stories draw you in and make you fall head over heels with the characters and form an emotional investment in their stories. The writing was beautiful and the romances are warm and fuzzy.
I love that some romances in this book – story three (A Rose In Bloom) and story seven (Sweet Butterflies) – are written in dual POV, which I love.
This book also has queer rep, which was refreshing by a Nigerian author.
I enjoyed reading this collection and I recommend getting your copy.
September 11, 2021
The stories were very beautiful.
The story I liked most was Sweet butterflies. It was lovely to read that one.
The story I liked most was Sweet butterflies. It was lovely to read that one.
August 9, 2021
I love this book so much that words cannot be enough to review it. But with just three words: it’s beautiful, heartwarming and amazing
July 16, 2021
I want to say a big thanks to Lara for including me in the Cover reveal and sending me an Advanced Review Copy.
Im glad I was able to finish reading on Cover Reveal Day and I can drop a review.
Words to describe this book.
Warm. Cute. Sweet. Romantic. Delightful.
It’s the kind of book you can gift someone who has been in a reading hiatus. It will get them reading again. Because that’s what a good book does.
It’s filled with light hearted stories with lots of romance and amazing characters. You can decide to read the shorter stories first which is what I did. Then you can read the longer ones.
These stories will make you feel all the feels. Which makes it difficult to pick a favourite story. But gun to my head I had to pick I’ll pick Full Circle. I wanted Nike to be happy and I’m glad she found it in Khalid. A man who knows what he wants and will not let go of a good thing. Those are the kind of men I want to see in my books and my movies. The kind of men we need in our lives as lovers and husbands.
Also King can go to hell!
Coming in second would be Can I Still Love You. It’s a short and sweet story. This might be a little spoilery but I loved the end and can picture Ronami and Dare getting back together. Sometimes in a relationship you just have to talk things through. Yes emotions can run high and really bad decisions are easy to make, but communication can fix a lot of things. I’m glad Dare overcame his fear and stepped forward boldly to take back his girl. Although we have some jealousy to thank for it 😄
I'm already recommending this book to everyone and you should too.
Im glad I was able to finish reading on Cover Reveal Day and I can drop a review.
Words to describe this book.
Warm. Cute. Sweet. Romantic. Delightful.
It’s the kind of book you can gift someone who has been in a reading hiatus. It will get them reading again. Because that’s what a good book does.
It’s filled with light hearted stories with lots of romance and amazing characters. You can decide to read the shorter stories first which is what I did. Then you can read the longer ones.
These stories will make you feel all the feels. Which makes it difficult to pick a favourite story. But gun to my head I had to pick I’ll pick Full Circle. I wanted Nike to be happy and I’m glad she found it in Khalid. A man who knows what he wants and will not let go of a good thing. Those are the kind of men I want to see in my books and my movies. The kind of men we need in our lives as lovers and husbands.
Also King can go to hell!
Coming in second would be Can I Still Love You. It’s a short and sweet story. This might be a little spoilery but I loved the end and can picture Ronami and Dare getting back together. Sometimes in a relationship you just have to talk things through. Yes emotions can run high and really bad decisions are easy to make, but communication can fix a lot of things. I’m glad Dare overcame his fear and stepped forward boldly to take back his girl. Although we have some jealousy to thank for it 😄
I'm already recommending this book to everyone and you should too.
September 4, 2021
I picked up this book because I was looking for something light to read, and I was shocked to find some wonderfully queer characters included in this sweet sweet collection by Nigerian author Lara T. Kareem.
There are seven love stories, which made me swoon and get in my feels. I recommend it 100%
There are seven love stories, which made me swoon and get in my feels. I recommend it 100%
September 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading this collection of short stories
September 8, 2021
Sarcastic and funny. Sweet. A true delight to read!
Although i wished the stories were longer. Some of them felt too fleeting and like parts of them were missing. My fave short story was A Rose in Bloom, about finding love in unexpected places!
I would love to see this author write a full novel.
Although i wished the stories were longer. Some of them felt too fleeting and like parts of them were missing. My fave short story was A Rose in Bloom, about finding love in unexpected places!
I would love to see this author write a full novel.
May 4, 2022
2.5 stars most of the stories had instalove undertone which I'm not a big fan of
September 12, 2022
bruh, im just trying to meet my goodreads reading goals this year man.
i usually know what rating I'm going to give my books about 20% into reading them; sometimes it goes higher, and other times, it goes lower..this, unfortunately fell on the latter end. I really hate giving books low ratings cos I know how much hard work and effort goes into writing, but tbh I just felt like this wanted to do smth, but just failed miserably. it's supposed to be "love" stories, but I didn't feel any love connection or chemistry bw any of the characters. it all felt v insta-lovey to me (I mean, literally all the characters expressed her attraction or love for the other as them "going crazy", so yeah, and if that's not a red flag then idk what is) and although i know its supposed to be a short story collection, I still feel like if it wanted to eat and deliver love stories in a way that'll make me truly feel the romance, it def had the potential to do so.
i usually know what rating I'm going to give my books about 20% into reading them; sometimes it goes higher, and other times, it goes lower..this, unfortunately fell on the latter end. I really hate giving books low ratings cos I know how much hard work and effort goes into writing, but tbh I just felt like this wanted to do smth, but just failed miserably. it's supposed to be "love" stories, but I didn't feel any love connection or chemistry bw any of the characters. it all felt v insta-lovey to me (I mean, literally all the characters expressed her attraction or love for the other as them "going crazy", so yeah, and if that's not a red flag then idk what is) and although i know its supposed to be a short story collection, I still feel like if it wanted to eat and deliver love stories in a way that'll make me truly feel the romance, it def had the potential to do so.
October 2, 2021
I’m always here for Nigerian authors being inclusive and this book did just that with the queer representation in not just one story but two!
I can’t really decide which is my favorite story but I definitely really liked “can i still love you” because I love reconciliations and rekindling with “the one that got away” and although it was a short story but the writer somehow allowed us get to understand the feelings of the main character and I especially loved how it was written in the Male’s POV.
The next story I liked was “the blinding encounter”, This story was the one that had my heart soaring with butterflies then crushed it without a second thought
The stories in this book were good but I guess the sad thing about short stories, you want so much more than the writer is giving you. The author did a good job on this one, can’t wait to read more books from her.
I can’t really decide which is my favorite story but I definitely really liked “can i still love you” because I love reconciliations and rekindling with “the one that got away” and although it was a short story but the writer somehow allowed us get to understand the feelings of the main character and I especially loved how it was written in the Male’s POV.
The next story I liked was “the blinding encounter”, This story was the one that had my heart soaring with butterflies then crushed it without a second thought
The stories in this book were good but I guess the sad thing about short stories, you want so much more than the writer is giving you. The author did a good job on this one, can’t wait to read more books from her.
October 23, 2021
3.8✨ stars!
This was such a chill, fast-paced and heartwarming book which is a collection of short-stories to read💗
Topics and themes that were tackled in this book were mainly about love, different relationships (e.g between couples, a parent and a child, and even within ourselves) also, how a single spark or a certain connection you feel toward a person could eventually blossom into something meaningful. I love how the author made these short-stories relatable and light. Among the seven stories, my favorites were A Rose in Bloom and Sweet Butterflies💗
This was such a chill, fast-paced and heartwarming book which is a collection of short-stories to read💗
Topics and themes that were tackled in this book were mainly about love, different relationships (e.g between couples, a parent and a child, and even within ourselves) also, how a single spark or a certain connection you feel toward a person could eventually blossom into something meaningful. I love how the author made these short-stories relatable and light. Among the seven stories, my favorites were A Rose in Bloom and Sweet Butterflies💗
June 30, 2022
3.5⭐️
A collection of love stories, what it means when people meet and form a connection that leads to love. There were seven stories in all.
I liked the fact that not all the stories have a happy ending which is so realistic.
My favorite is A Rose in bloom
I enjoyed the story right from the beginning to the end.
Full circle was good, I enjoyed A kiss that meant nothing as well though it was quite sad.
I think some of the stories were rather too short and ended quite abrupt but it was still ok, though I felt it could have been better.
A collection of love stories, what it means when people meet and form a connection that leads to love. There were seven stories in all.
I liked the fact that not all the stories have a happy ending which is so realistic.
My favorite is A Rose in bloom
I enjoyed the story right from the beginning to the end.
Full circle was good, I enjoyed A kiss that meant nothing as well though it was quite sad.
I think some of the stories were rather too short and ended quite abrupt but it was still ok, though I felt it could have been better.
September 2, 2021
I bought this book because it caught my attention on Instagram. I loved the cover and didn't know what to expect regarding the writing, but I was in short blown away. Love is Beautiful When in Bloom is a delightful surprise, because I easily breezed through this book. There are seven stories in this collection and they're all very light, sweet and wholeshome.
I opened an account, to review this book, because of the prompt in my book mail, looking forward to checking out Lara's other works.
I opened an account, to review this book, because of the prompt in my book mail, looking forward to checking out Lara's other works.
October 18, 2021
One of the best books I've read this year, it's a collection of seven short stories that cut across different themes (Love, Self-discovery/acceptance, e.t.c.) but all woven in one genre.
Each story was beautiful and uniquely written.
With "Rose In Bloom" being my number 1 favorite of course🤗
I enjoyed all stories, some got me awning, while others made me forget how stressful my day was.
It was a light read but got me glued till the end.
Each story was beautiful and uniquely written.
With "Rose In Bloom" being my number 1 favorite of course🤗
I enjoyed all stories, some got me awning, while others made me forget how stressful my day was.
It was a light read but got me glued till the end.
October 17, 2021
This is a collection of seven short stories about different kinds of love. I like how the women are represented here as strong and vulnerable at the same time.
My favorite of them all is the one titled The Kiss That Meant Nothing. Here's a quote that pierced my heart more: Hope was nothing but a dangerous feeling.
Now wouldn't that convince you more to read this book?
My favorite of them all is the one titled The Kiss That Meant Nothing. Here's a quote that pierced my heart more: Hope was nothing but a dangerous feeling.
Now wouldn't that convince you more to read this book?
April 14, 2025
I read Love is Beautiful When in Bloom in 2023, and it completely stole my heart. This charming collection of seven short stories beautifully captures the magic of connection and how it blossoms into love.
I love this book so much that words can't do it justice. But if I had to sum it up in three words: beautiful, heartwarming, and Delightful!
I love this book so much that words can't do it justice. But if I had to sum it up in three words: beautiful, heartwarming, and Delightful!
August 2, 2025
2.75 ⭐️s
This a collection of short stories about discovery and love to me and as much as I loved the beginning, I felt the characters and their stories and plot were not connected in anyway. The instant gratification and yeah again I really did not care for some of them. I do applaud the storytelling but it was just not something to make me pause or memorable.
This a collection of short stories about discovery and love to me and as much as I loved the beginning, I felt the characters and their stories and plot were not connected in anyway. The instant gratification and yeah again I really did not care for some of them. I do applaud the storytelling but it was just not something to make me pause or memorable.
November 27, 2023
This book is a collection of seven short stories about love. It's a light read that presents a lot of cliche love situations that capture different connections on love and romance.
The stories are enjoyable and are the everyday love scenarios you can easily relate to.
The stories are enjoyable and are the everyday love scenarios you can easily relate to.
January 28, 2022
I loved reading this 🥰
September 9, 2023
One of my bookish pet peeves would be fast paced stories. Read this completely blind and I didn’t really vibe with the fast pacing of each stories. It didn’t stop me on picking a favorite story among them. I love each characters brings each stories to life. You just can’t help but root for all them.
December 19, 2022
Loved most stories, wish they were longer. Sweet butterflies was the perfect length.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews