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Marigold
When enemies fall into temptation, love brings out the most delicious flavor of all.
Marigold Lavender lights up every room she enters. Then she’s left to turn out the lights and head home alone. Soft on the inside and a go-getter on the outside, Marigold just wants to make sure everyone else is okay before worrying about herself. When an awful big-city food critic trashes her sister Aster’s new restaurant, Marigold pauses her search for her own happily-ever to go to war with the woman, who happens to be just as delectable as she is sour.
Alexis Wakefield’s brutal honesty is what makes her successful. Her readers trust her judgment, and a few sharp strokes from her keyboard can make or break a new restaurant. When, on a whim, she reviews a small-town eatery getting lots of buzz, the owner’s sister sabotages everything, leaving her professional world in jeopardy. Marigold Lavender has gone too far and must pay for the damage she's caused.
Marigold Lavender lights up every room she enters. Then she’s left to turn out the lights and head home alone. Soft on the inside and a go-getter on the outside, Marigold just wants to make sure everyone else is okay before worrying about herself. When an awful big-city food critic trashes her sister Aster’s new restaurant, Marigold pauses her search for her own happily-ever to go to war with the woman, who happens to be just as delectable as she is sour.
Alexis Wakefield’s brutal honesty is what makes her successful. Her readers trust her judgment, and a few sharp strokes from her keyboard can make or break a new restaurant. When, on a whim, she reviews a small-town eatery getting lots of buzz, the owner’s sister sabotages everything, leaving her professional world in jeopardy. Marigold Lavender has gone too far and must pay for the damage she's caused.
257 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2023
40 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,757 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 13, 2023
I decided to try the new book by Melissa Brayden, despite the fact that her latest books did not quite convince me, I am not saying that they were bad, what happened to me is that her formula is quite repeated and well-known and it seems that if she deviates from the usual patterns is going to be problematic. In her stories there are few surprises and plenty of predictability. This one pretty much follows her usual script.
And now that I'm writing the review several days after finishing it, I realize that it's hard for me to remember, which is not a good sign.
The protagonist and woman who gives the book its title is Marigold Lavender, who is the sister of the protagonist of a previous novel by this author, The Last Lavender Sister, which is why she also appears here. Along with the rest of the family, another sister, nieces, nephews, in-laws. And they show up a lot because the story is set in a small rural town, where everyone knows each other.
Marigold is dreamy and somewhat naive, an excellent person above all else, but the strong protective sense of her family makes her react in an unexpected way to a culinary criticism received by her sister's restaurant, the protagonist of the previous book. Thus, in this way, the paths of Marigold and Alexis, two completely opposite women in their way of life and their vital choices, cross.
And the usual patterns begin: meeting, instant attraction, tug of war, misunderstandings, drama in 80% of the novel and final HEA. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but taste lies in variety.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
And now that I'm writing the review several days after finishing it, I realize that it's hard for me to remember, which is not a good sign.
The protagonist and woman who gives the book its title is Marigold Lavender, who is the sister of the protagonist of a previous novel by this author, The Last Lavender Sister, which is why she also appears here. Along with the rest of the family, another sister, nieces, nephews, in-laws. And they show up a lot because the story is set in a small rural town, where everyone knows each other.
Marigold is dreamy and somewhat naive, an excellent person above all else, but the strong protective sense of her family makes her react in an unexpected way to a culinary criticism received by her sister's restaurant, the protagonist of the previous book. Thus, in this way, the paths of Marigold and Alexis, two completely opposite women in their way of life and their vital choices, cross.
And the usual patterns begin: meeting, instant attraction, tug of war, misunderstandings, drama in 80% of the novel and final HEA. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but taste lies in variety.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
August 20, 2023
The Last Lavender Sister is a favourite, maybe because Aster is so different from most of Melissa Brayden’s characters and yet she’s just as wonderful. With Marigold, starring another Lavender sister, Brayden goes back to tried and sure, with a twist. The first third of the book is all bright and peppy, all technicolor glory. A bit exhausting, to be honest. There’s more to Marigold (both the character and the book) than meets the eye, however.
Marigold Lavender is quick to rise in defence of the people she loves and she does exactly that when an out-of-town food critic publishes a less-than-kind review of her sister Aster’s restaurant. Alexis Wakefield has made a name for herself, away from her Hollywood-famous sister Aspen (if the name sounds familiar, you’re not wrong), with her witty and sometimes downright snarky eatery reviews. When Marigold’s video goes viral and Alexis loses her column, she goes back to the scene of the crime for reasons she can’t really explain even to herself. Homer’s Bluff feels safe and she needs safe to figure out her life.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers romance where lust gives way to big feelings neither MC knows how to navigate? Then, just when you think this book is the perfect summer read, light and breezy, Brayden hits you with potential tragedy. Not only does worry about a well-loved character appear but the MCs start showing their layers of vulnerability and uncertainty and the technicolor world begins crumbling into a much more relatable story. Feelings everywhere. And in the end, once again, Brayden gives us endearing characters to root for and a heartwarming HEA to brighten the day.
Also, Carrot is such a great name for a dog (and what is it about Melissa Brayden and carrots?).
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
August 9, 2023
I need to get this out of the way before we proceed: What is that cover? Why is that cover? It's like Bold Strokes Books took the saying "You can't judge a book by its cover" and decided it was a personal challenge to see if people will actually still read books with such awful covers.
Okay. Now that that's out of my system...
I've been pretty harsh on Melissa Brayden's latest novels--I think since the second one on the winery series(?). It's been a rough few years. And while I know I can stop reading at any time, I started this spreadsheet to track Melissa Brayden's Easter Eggs (and other data points: see * below), and I'm invested in that now. The one bright spot in run of books was The Last Lavender Sister. And I knew then that I wanted a story about Marigold Lavender and Brayden delivered.
And honestly? Marigold was fine. It was an enjoyable read and I really liked seeing Aster and Brynn again. But Brayden's inability to deviate from her formula makes this really run-of-the-mill. There's nothing here that's going to excite you or tug at your heartstrings or anything. It's completely unremarkable. But I also didn't hate it.
Okay, there is one thing I hated. Brayden's characters don't speak like normal people. In her early novels, you'd have that one off-the-wall, quirky character with some zany dialogue. See Brooklyn Campbell as an example. But Brooklyn Campbell works because no one else around her is like that. The last couple of Brayden novels--and especially this novel--it seems that Brayden is doing this more widely and I don't like it. Here's an example from Marigold. Marigold's best friend, Tillman, has invited her to a dart tournament at a local bar:
Why does she need to dress like a "hoochie" to go to the local dive where, because this is small town, everyone knows everyone? And what's the need for the word "hoochie" anyway? Who talks like that? And then we have Tillman. "Get it, girl"? From a straight many in 2023? And then with him talking about his "luscious locks"? I know Brayden's trying to make her characters playful but this is pretty awful stuff. It makes me like these two characters less because they're obviously not real people (okay, this is fiction but c'mon) and it also feels really dated. And this is just one example from a book littered with moments like these.
I want early Brayden back. I don't know if that's possible when she's publishing 2.5 books a year, but I know she's capable of writing an engaging novel. It's just really apparent that either she and/or the publishing house doesn't really care. As long as her name is on the cover, they're willing to ride the loyalty that Brayden's reputation once earned. What it's done for me, though? Brayden used to be a day 1 buy and read. Now I will patiently wait for my library to get a copy because I'm not spending money on her books as they are right now.
* A note on eye color: bright but light blue for Marigold and "deep blue eyes, almost royal" for Alexis. I think that's 3 books in a row now without a brown-eyed protagonist.
Okay. Now that that's out of my system...
I've been pretty harsh on Melissa Brayden's latest novels--I think since the second one on the winery series(?). It's been a rough few years. And while I know I can stop reading at any time, I started this spreadsheet to track Melissa Brayden's Easter Eggs (and other data points: see * below), and I'm invested in that now. The one bright spot in run of books was The Last Lavender Sister. And I knew then that I wanted a story about Marigold Lavender and Brayden delivered.
And honestly? Marigold was fine. It was an enjoyable read and I really liked seeing Aster and Brynn again. But Brayden's inability to deviate from her formula makes this really run-of-the-mill. There's nothing here that's going to excite you or tug at your heartstrings or anything. It's completely unremarkable. But I also didn't hate it.
Okay, there is one thing I hated. Brayden's characters don't speak like normal people. In her early novels, you'd have that one off-the-wall, quirky character with some zany dialogue. See Brooklyn Campbell as an example. But Brooklyn Campbell works because no one else around her is like that. The last couple of Brayden novels--and especially this novel--it seems that Brayden is doing this more widely and I don't like it. Here's an example from Marigold. Marigold's best friend, Tillman, has invited her to a dart tournament at a local bar:
Marigold scrambled to her feet. "I'm game. Let me get my hoochie outfit on."
He supplied a hip bump. "I'll run my fingers though my luscious locks and meet you in the truck in fifteen."
"Done." Marigold shimmied into her good jeans and navy spaghetti-strap top and draped a white button-down over her arm in case it got chilly. Hoochie status was important, but the cold trumped everything.
"Get it, girl," Tillman said as she hopped in the truck."
Why does she need to dress like a "hoochie" to go to the local dive where, because this is small town, everyone knows everyone? And what's the need for the word "hoochie" anyway? Who talks like that? And then we have Tillman. "Get it, girl"? From a straight many in 2023? And then with him talking about his "luscious locks"? I know Brayden's trying to make her characters playful but this is pretty awful stuff. It makes me like these two characters less because they're obviously not real people (okay, this is fiction but c'mon) and it also feels really dated. And this is just one example from a book littered with moments like these.
I want early Brayden back. I don't know if that's possible when she's publishing 2.5 books a year, but I know she's capable of writing an engaging novel. It's just really apparent that either she and/or the publishing house doesn't really care. As long as her name is on the cover, they're willing to ride the loyalty that Brayden's reputation once earned. What it's done for me, though? Brayden used to be a day 1 buy and read. Now I will patiently wait for my library to get a copy because I'm not spending money on her books as they are right now.
* A note on eye color: bright but light blue for Marigold and "deep blue eyes, almost royal" for Alexis. I think that's 3 books in a row now without a brown-eyed protagonist.
September 18, 2023
After Marigold Lavender’s announcement she was gay in “The Last Lavender Sister” I was hoping we’d get her story. And here it is! I was also really happy to catch up with Aster and Brynn as I really liked them.
I thought this was a pretty good read. Marigold and Alexis are opposites and this has a bit of an enemies-to-lovers trope, which I love. Alexis is a food critic and writes a pretty vicious article about Aster’s restaurant. Marigold takes offense and makes a video that goes viral and gets Alexis “canceled” and fired from her job. Afterwards, Alexis decides to go back to Homer Bluff (Marigold’s hometown) and lay low for a while and reflect on her career choices.
Marigold and Aster have great chemistry right from the beginning. I really liked how they were with one another and the care they showed for the other. I loved all the family dynamics. We don’t always get to see such loving family support in romance but “Marigold” has it in spades.
My main problem was the whimsical way in which Marigold speaks and goes through life. After a while she started irritating me and it lessened my enjoyment. I also had issue with all the witty banter. I’m good with it when it’s among close friends/relatives but it’s too much when it’s with strangers as well. Everyone has witty banter with everyone here. Alexis would meet someone for the first time and there would be witty banter. I just found it odd and unbelievable, especially with how Alexis is when we first meet her.
My favorite thing was Alexis’ arc. Her development was great and I found it fun to read. Although, how one person with no following can cause someone to be canceled is something that I found to be a bit of a stretch. Regardless, I liked how it opened her eyes to want to makes some changes for a happier life.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a pretty good read. Marigold and Alexis are opposites and this has a bit of an enemies-to-lovers trope, which I love. Alexis is a food critic and writes a pretty vicious article about Aster’s restaurant. Marigold takes offense and makes a video that goes viral and gets Alexis “canceled” and fired from her job. Afterwards, Alexis decides to go back to Homer Bluff (Marigold’s hometown) and lay low for a while and reflect on her career choices.
Marigold and Aster have great chemistry right from the beginning. I really liked how they were with one another and the care they showed for the other. I loved all the family dynamics. We don’t always get to see such loving family support in romance but “Marigold” has it in spades.
My main problem was the whimsical way in which Marigold speaks and goes through life. After a while she started irritating me and it lessened my enjoyment. I also had issue with all the witty banter. I’m good with it when it’s among close friends/relatives but it’s too much when it’s with strangers as well. Everyone has witty banter with everyone here. Alexis would meet someone for the first time and there would be witty banter. I just found it odd and unbelievable, especially with how Alexis is when we first meet her.
My favorite thing was Alexis’ arc. Her development was great and I found it fun to read. Although, how one person with no following can cause someone to be canceled is something that I found to be a bit of a stretch. Regardless, I liked how it opened her eyes to want to makes some changes for a happier life.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2023
A pretty delectable romance.
This is the second book of the Lavender Sisters series and it is a delightful and cute novel that revolves around Marigold, a warm-hearted and compassionate woman, whose world turned upside down when her sister's restaurant faces a scathing critique from Alexis, a brutally honest big-city food critic. As they engage in a battle of words, what unfolds is a good romance that is pretty enjoyable.
The novel explores the enemies-to-lovers trope, depicting how love and hate can be two sides of the same coin and I thought this is well executed, with Marigold and Alexis gradually unraveling each other's layers, learning that there is more to their dynamic than meets the eye. The chemistry between the two creates some really cute moments too that kept me glued to the pages.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book of the Lavender Sisters series and it is a delightful and cute novel that revolves around Marigold, a warm-hearted and compassionate woman, whose world turned upside down when her sister's restaurant faces a scathing critique from Alexis, a brutally honest big-city food critic. As they engage in a battle of words, what unfolds is a good romance that is pretty enjoyable.
The novel explores the enemies-to-lovers trope, depicting how love and hate can be two sides of the same coin and I thought this is well executed, with Marigold and Alexis gradually unraveling each other's layers, learning that there is more to their dynamic than meets the eye. The chemistry between the two creates some really cute moments too that kept me glued to the pages.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
3.5 rounded up
This story is part two of the Lavender Sisters series. This is about Marigold Lavender, MG, who works in her family gift shop selling items grown and made from her family farm. MG is a romantic dreamer and wishes to find her soul mate. Marigold’s younger sister Aster owns and runs their own restaurant and is the mc in book one of the series.
Alexis Wakefield is a food critic writing for the SF Chronicle and has a huge social media following. Alexis visits Asher’s restaurant and leaves a scathing review. Well MG can’t stand anyone treating her family badly so she records herself reproaching Alexis for her mean and nasty review on line in response to the bad review.
From the start this is an enemies to lovers tale. With lots of snarky comments between the MCs. They definitely have a love/hate relationship throughout the book.
I loved the Lavender Sisters book one and I enjoyed seeing those same characters in this second book in the series. And this book was good, but not great. I liked Alexis’s character and Marigold was ok. I wished she would stand up for herself more and have had a more interesting job.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
This story is part two of the Lavender Sisters series. This is about Marigold Lavender, MG, who works in her family gift shop selling items grown and made from her family farm. MG is a romantic dreamer and wishes to find her soul mate. Marigold’s younger sister Aster owns and runs their own restaurant and is the mc in book one of the series.
Alexis Wakefield is a food critic writing for the SF Chronicle and has a huge social media following. Alexis visits Asher’s restaurant and leaves a scathing review. Well MG can’t stand anyone treating her family badly so she records herself reproaching Alexis for her mean and nasty review on line in response to the bad review.
From the start this is an enemies to lovers tale. With lots of snarky comments between the MCs. They definitely have a love/hate relationship throughout the book.
I loved the Lavender Sisters book one and I enjoyed seeing those same characters in this second book in the series. And this book was good, but not great. I liked Alexis’s character and Marigold was ok. I wished she would stand up for herself more and have had a more interesting job.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
April 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Enemies-to-lovers romance with a feel-good factor built-in in the story, which either gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling or not. Besides romance, you get a feel of the strong kinship/bond among members of the Lavender family. Lovely and enjoyable read 😊
Enemies-to-lovers romance with a feel-good factor built-in in the story, which either gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling or not. Besides romance, you get a feel of the strong kinship/bond among members of the Lavender family. Lovely and enjoyable read 😊
July 4, 2023
"Marigold" by Melissa Brayden is an absolute gem of a novel with enemies to lovers, small town romance, and incredible family moments. It's a captivating tale of love, personal growth, and self-discovery that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart.
Brayden's writing is captivating and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters' emotions and the beautiful lavender-filled setting. The chemistry between Marigold and Alexis is electric, and their slow-burn romance had me eagerly turning the pages, rooting for their happily-ever-after. I absolutely adored Marigold's family in this, their characters are well-developed and add depth to the story, providing insight to their close-knit community. I haven't read "The Last Lavender Sister" yet, but it's officially on the top of my TBR.
The pacing was perfect & kept me engaged and invested in every twist and turn of MG & Alexis's journey. I identify so strongly with the character of Marigold -- spunky, family-oriented, from a small town with little romantic options -- so I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Alexis blossom over the course of the story.
"Marigold" is a heartwarming and uplifting read that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any sapphic romance lover. Thank you NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the ARC of this incredible story!
Brayden's writing is captivating and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters' emotions and the beautiful lavender-filled setting. The chemistry between Marigold and Alexis is electric, and their slow-burn romance had me eagerly turning the pages, rooting for their happily-ever-after. I absolutely adored Marigold's family in this, their characters are well-developed and add depth to the story, providing insight to their close-knit community. I haven't read "The Last Lavender Sister" yet, but it's officially on the top of my TBR.
The pacing was perfect & kept me engaged and invested in every twist and turn of MG & Alexis's journey. I identify so strongly with the character of Marigold -- spunky, family-oriented, from a small town with little romantic options -- so I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Alexis blossom over the course of the story.
"Marigold" is a heartwarming and uplifting read that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any sapphic romance lover. Thank you NetGalley and Boldstrokes Books for the ARC of this incredible story!
November 28, 2023
I loved the slow burn romance The Last Lavender Sister and was excited to read the second book in this series which features Marigold Lavender, Aster’s sister. Marigold helps run the family store in Homer’s Bluff with her older sister Violet and pines for the day someone special will come into her life. While she waits for love to find her she excels at helping others. When a food critic picks a bad night to review her sister Aster’s new restaurant, Marigold jumps on social media to defend her sister and the restaurant, slamming the reviewer, Alexis Wakefield as a vindictive, spiteful critic.
Alexis Wakefield loves her job as a food critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. In this age of cancel culture, she is shocked and surprised by the backlash her review receives thanks to some small town nobody’s need to defend her sister’s honour. Let go at the newspaper, Alexis retreats to her mother’s home only to find little sympathy and less support than she expected. What’s a food critic turned pariah supposed to do? Where did she feel the most comfortable before her career came crashing down around her? Strangely enough, Alexis heads back to Homer’s Bluff with her little dog Carrot.
I have mixed feelings about Marigold. On one hand I loved everything about Alexis Wakefield. She is a wonderful enemy in this enemies to lovers romance. Kudos to Ms Brayden, I don’t think I’ve read a better nasty character in this trope. Alexis is drawn so well. Her soft side (her love of Carrot) and her relationship with her family, as difficult as that may be, have shaped the woman who arrives in this tiny Kansas town trying to figure out how to reinvent herself. Alexis is so strong a character that Marigold pales in comparison. She’s nice. She’s friendly and she’s kind. She cares about her family. She’s bland. Even when she gets upset that Alexis had come back to Homer’s Bluff her reactions are muted. I did enjoy the happy moments mixed with the challenges faced by family and friends but felt the overall mood of the book to be one of melancholy.
3.5 stars bumped up to 4 stars for the most excellent Alexis Wakefield.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via Netgalley for review.
Alexis Wakefield loves her job as a food critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. In this age of cancel culture, she is shocked and surprised by the backlash her review receives thanks to some small town nobody’s need to defend her sister’s honour. Let go at the newspaper, Alexis retreats to her mother’s home only to find little sympathy and less support than she expected. What’s a food critic turned pariah supposed to do? Where did she feel the most comfortable before her career came crashing down around her? Strangely enough, Alexis heads back to Homer’s Bluff with her little dog Carrot.
I have mixed feelings about Marigold. On one hand I loved everything about Alexis Wakefield. She is a wonderful enemy in this enemies to lovers romance. Kudos to Ms Brayden, I don’t think I’ve read a better nasty character in this trope. Alexis is drawn so well. Her soft side (her love of Carrot) and her relationship with her family, as difficult as that may be, have shaped the woman who arrives in this tiny Kansas town trying to figure out how to reinvent herself. Alexis is so strong a character that Marigold pales in comparison. She’s nice. She’s friendly and she’s kind. She cares about her family. She’s bland. Even when she gets upset that Alexis had come back to Homer’s Bluff her reactions are muted. I did enjoy the happy moments mixed with the challenges faced by family and friends but felt the overall mood of the book to be one of melancholy.
3.5 stars bumped up to 4 stars for the most excellent Alexis Wakefield.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via Netgalley for review.
June 29, 2023
Marigold Lavender aka MG that everyone calls her puts everyone else needs before her own and she like that way but it’s stop her for living her own life. When her sister Aster gets a bad review she goes on the offense and attacks Alexis with her own review that goes viral resulting in Alexis losing her job. Alexis is unapologetic about her reviews but she fair even if some thinks she comes across as a bully when she loses her job she goes back to Homer Bluff to do a little soul searching while there she gets to know Marigold family and all the while hers and MG feelings for each other become more intensified and Alexis realizes she had been haste to write that review when she actually tastes Aster food and realizes she good. I enjoy this read I like that Alexis and MG both realize they were wrong about the other I love how Lavenders family have such a close bond and how they basically welcome Alexis into the fold although I was getting annoyed with Marigold because she thinks her family will fall apart without her that she almost lost Alexis because of it. I actually like that for once the person who lives in small town decides to leave it to be with the one they love because it’s always the other way around.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
July 12, 2023
Alexis is a food critic who will tear the food apart nastily if she has even a minor problem with it. She flys to Kansas to critique a restaurant in a small town owned by the chef Aster. But the night Alexis visits the restaurant her wife goes into labor and Aster leaves. Her sous chef has a melt down. And though Marigold, Aster's older sister explains to Alexis what is going on, she gives the restaurant a scathing review. Marigold then goes on Instagram and tells all of Alexis followers to tell her to apologize. After subsequent problems Alexis went back to Kansas to regroup. And keeps bumping into Marigold. The hate sparks fly, or do they?
This is a great enemies to lovers story. And more involved than this summary. Melissa knows how to tell a story with great side characters! This is a follow up to The Last Lavender Sister! Get this book!! 5 stars!!
This is a great enemies to lovers story. And more involved than this summary. Melissa knows how to tell a story with great side characters! This is a follow up to The Last Lavender Sister! Get this book!! 5 stars!!
June 28, 2023
Marigold has a heart of gold- yes, the pun is intended. Until her little sister is attacked by the seemingly heartless food critic Alexis. And then all gloves are off. An enemies to loves written in the unmistakably Brayden style. It has character development, steam, drama, romance and a HEA, what more could one want? A recommended read.
Free ARC via NetGalley
Free ARC via NetGalley
January 31, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
vitriolic food critic alexis wakefield writes a column about her views on the food that she eats and on the places that she visits, her column and social media are high octane
but her world is about to collapse when she writes her review on aster lavenders place because her sister marigold is angry....
the review was scathing in its attack and marigold goes on the warpath...her video released to the world goes ballistic and send alexis world crumbling as she is sacked from her job and loses her standing with her fellow colleagues... no one wants to associate with her
picking up the pieces alexis re-visits the town that brought about her downfall and maybe just maybe she can find her life again
wow i have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this book... such a lovely christmassy feel to it... and i always feel hungry after reading this one
vitriolic food critic alexis wakefield writes a column about her views on the food that she eats and on the places that she visits, her column and social media are high octane
but her world is about to collapse when she writes her review on aster lavenders place because her sister marigold is angry....
the review was scathing in its attack and marigold goes on the warpath...her video released to the world goes ballistic and send alexis world crumbling as she is sacked from her job and loses her standing with her fellow colleagues... no one wants to associate with her
picking up the pieces alexis re-visits the town that brought about her downfall and maybe just maybe she can find her life again
wow i have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this book... such a lovely christmassy feel to it... and i always feel hungry after reading this one
July 5, 2023
I could not stop smiling while reading! I loved Marigold and Alexis's journey together. Their arcs were believable and the characters, all of them, are so sweet. I wish it was just a little longer in the best way. Marigold is sassy and the spice is sweet.
July 14, 2023
3.5 stars
A cute predictable love story. Sweet characters, cute and clever dialog and lots and lots of family.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
A cute predictable love story. Sweet characters, cute and clever dialog and lots and lots of family.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2023
I adored the first in this series. You don't have to have read it before this but do read it at some point or you are missing a great book.
This starts with typical Brayden dialogue between two sisters. It's a bit like stepping in to a conversation between two people you don't know, but they know each other well. You are swept along and a bit unable to match pace and comfort level to join in.
By the time the second conversation happens, a chapter later, they are my besties! A hallmark of Brayden's writing.
I read most of this with a smile on my face. Zippy dialogue and comparatively little angst, what's not to like.
This starts with typical Brayden dialogue between two sisters. It's a bit like stepping in to a conversation between two people you don't know, but they know each other well. You are swept along and a bit unable to match pace and comfort level to join in.
By the time the second conversation happens, a chapter later, they are my besties! A hallmark of Brayden's writing.
I read most of this with a smile on my face. Zippy dialogue and comparatively little angst, what's not to like.
July 18, 2023
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Has Melissa Brayden ever steered you wrong? I don’t think so! I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of Marigold and it is the perfect follow up for The Last Lavender Sister. Brayden brings her A-game with hilarious banter, the pulling of all the heartstrings and some intense spicy scenes that’ll make you go fan yourself.
Marigold Lavender is a dreamer. She is the glue that holds her family together. She is the one that steps in whenever her siblings or dad need a hand. That leaves pretty little time for her own life and so she runs off into imaginary romances in her head. If only her actual dream woman would materialize.
Alexis Wakefield is at the top of her game. She’s a sought after food critic with her own column and an enormous social media following. Her readers and fans eat up her snarky reviews of restaurants all over the country. When she turns up in Homer’s Bluff to review Aster Lavender’s restaurant, she is less then impressed. But then her biting review of the place backfires epically when Aster’s sister Marigold takes to Social Media to tear Alexis down. Alexis’ career hits rock bottom and where better to go and lick her wounds than the little town it all went to hell in.
Marigold and Alexis are two wholly different people but the way Brayden brings them to life is so lifelike, you’d not be surprised to run in to them in town. Their connection is true and thrilling from the beginning and you’ll find yourself rooting for them from page one.
The tight knit Lavender family dynamic is source for envy. You’d wish you would be a part of it too! All the characters in this story feel real and approachable. I would love to browse the shelves of Lavender House and eavesdrop on the brilliant conversations between Marigold and her sister. This book has made me snicker out loud a good few times.
Melissa Brayden is the queen of sapphic romance. Her tales nestle in your heart and stay there for a long, long time, waiting for you to pay them a return visit. And be sure, my copy of Marigold will be at the top of the rotation!
Marigold Lavender is a dreamer. She is the glue that holds her family together. She is the one that steps in whenever her siblings or dad need a hand. That leaves pretty little time for her own life and so she runs off into imaginary romances in her head. If only her actual dream woman would materialize.
Alexis Wakefield is at the top of her game. She’s a sought after food critic with her own column and an enormous social media following. Her readers and fans eat up her snarky reviews of restaurants all over the country. When she turns up in Homer’s Bluff to review Aster Lavender’s restaurant, she is less then impressed. But then her biting review of the place backfires epically when Aster’s sister Marigold takes to Social Media to tear Alexis down. Alexis’ career hits rock bottom and where better to go and lick her wounds than the little town it all went to hell in.
Marigold and Alexis are two wholly different people but the way Brayden brings them to life is so lifelike, you’d not be surprised to run in to them in town. Their connection is true and thrilling from the beginning and you’ll find yourself rooting for them from page one.
The tight knit Lavender family dynamic is source for envy. You’d wish you would be a part of it too! All the characters in this story feel real and approachable. I would love to browse the shelves of Lavender House and eavesdrop on the brilliant conversations between Marigold and her sister. This book has made me snicker out loud a good few times.
Melissa Brayden is the queen of sapphic romance. Her tales nestle in your heart and stay there for a long, long time, waiting for you to pay them a return visit. And be sure, my copy of Marigold will be at the top of the rotation!
August 30, 2023
Aww. Okay, I really liked this in the end, and I was super nervous at the set-up, because I had zero sympathy for Alexis. She was mean, built an entire brand on being mean, and then threw "you're aggressive" as some sort of "we both share blame here" when... no. Those you punch down at don't owe you kindness, and Alexis was punching down.
That said, she gets there, and she turns it around, and getting into her head—and especially her family life—helped me (at first, grudgingly) decide she deserved some happiness after some self-reflection. I quite liked that she also pulled completely away, took time, took stock, and didn't try to repair her image until she knew what she wanted her voice to be. All of that did it. Also, like Marigold, I got to see Alexis was good to her dog, Carrot, and that goes a long way.
Marigold, oddly enough, I had a bit of a harder time connecting with in the back-end of the novel because her character flaw was very much "Family is more important than everything!" and this is probably as diametrically opposed a feeling to my own dear heart as one could have, and so the third-act crisis moment had me kind of annoyed on that level. This is partly my own failing, though, given my lens.
Ultimately, I liked seeing this family round out their happiness, thought the dad was cute as all heck, and the glimpses of Aster and her happiness were also lovely, and I'll even forgive the characters going all babies-are-the-bestest-ever because I hear a lot of humans feel that way. ;)
I know I can count on Brayden for a lovely story, and while I miss the other Melissa who used to do the audio performances—come back, Melissa Sternenberg!—Lula Larkin is slowly growing on me. Her men all tend to sound like the same dopey jock, but the range of her women voices is solid.
That said, she gets there, and she turns it around, and getting into her head—and especially her family life—helped me (at first, grudgingly) decide she deserved some happiness after some self-reflection. I quite liked that she also pulled completely away, took time, took stock, and didn't try to repair her image until she knew what she wanted her voice to be. All of that did it. Also, like Marigold, I got to see Alexis was good to her dog, Carrot, and that goes a long way.
Marigold, oddly enough, I had a bit of a harder time connecting with in the back-end of the novel because her character flaw was very much "Family is more important than everything!" and this is probably as diametrically opposed a feeling to my own dear heart as one could have, and so the third-act crisis moment had me kind of annoyed on that level. This is partly my own failing, though, given my lens.
Ultimately, I liked seeing this family round out their happiness, thought the dad was cute as all heck, and the glimpses of Aster and her happiness were also lovely, and I'll even forgive the characters going all babies-are-the-bestest-ever because I hear a lot of humans feel that way. ;)
I know I can count on Brayden for a lovely story, and while I miss the other Melissa who used to do the audio performances—come back, Melissa Sternenberg!—Lula Larkin is slowly growing on me. Her men all tend to sound like the same dopey jock, but the range of her women voices is solid.
December 26, 2023
4.25 stars
I've enjoyed a lot of Melissa Brayden books over the years. I consider this one to be somewhere near the middle of the pack. I enjoyed the read and liked the characters, but the pacing was slightly off for me and the romance didn't come together perfectly.
--- The Breakdown ---
Marigold Lavender daydreams about romance. Maybe someday the perfect woman will finally swoop into her life. But there aren't many single queer women in her small town, and let's be real—Marigold is too busy taking care of her entire family to date anyway. She's also extremely protective of her family, so when a well-known food critic publishes a scorching review of her sister's restaurant, Marigold is sure to give the woman a piece of her mind. Food critic Alexis Wakefield suddenly finds herself canceled after Marigold's message to her goes viral. Alexis needs a place to stay while this whole thing blows over. Marigold's little town might be the perfect place to hide, make some amends, and maybe... even fall in love.
cw: past parental death, cancer, abusive sibling relationship
The Characters: I feel like Brayden is great at adding quirks to her characters to give them a little extra sparkle. Well, Marigold is probably the quirkiest of her MCs that I've met so far. She is dreamy, romantic, and optimistic, but at the same time, an anchor for her family and a bit of a worrier. She's also stubborn and feisty and overprotective of those she cares for. I really liked Marigold's character, and I think she stayed true to herself, even when it led to a conflict that kind of annoyed me. Alexis's character is also likable. I almost wish she had been more of an ice queen, but she very quickly shows that she is a kind, warm person, unlike her work persona. I didn't read the first book, so I didn't have all the character backstories, but I like the small town vibe Brayden created in this book. Marigold's family stands out the most. Some of the other side characters seemed a little random and overly quirky. I thought some of the bits with Marigold's friend Tillman were weird, but they get less so as the book progresses.
The Romance: There was really great chemistry between Marigold and Alexis at the start. I felt like they resolved their issues and got together a little too quickly. I wish there had been more build up to their relationship. I also was not a fan of the conflict that later arose, though I know it's a realistic one. I like Marigold and Alexis together, but I also think there was something missing. I wanted to see their connection deepen more. Maybe it felt particularly unsatisfying because I don't think either MC actually fully dealt with her past issues.
The Plot: The plot mostly follows the romance, though there are side plots happening, like Alexis's career rebounding. The story was pretty engaging, for the most part. I did end up taking a break part way through (right before the conflict hits) because things had slowed down.
All in all: Brayden knows how to write lesfic. This is a solid one that I had fun with. Would recommend if you're in the mood for a (mostly) calm, quirky small town romance with great physical chemistry between the MCs.
** NetGalley provided me with a free ARC. All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed a lot of Melissa Brayden books over the years. I consider this one to be somewhere near the middle of the pack. I enjoyed the read and liked the characters, but the pacing was slightly off for me and the romance didn't come together perfectly.
--- The Breakdown ---
Marigold Lavender daydreams about romance. Maybe someday the perfect woman will finally swoop into her life. But there aren't many single queer women in her small town, and let's be real—Marigold is too busy taking care of her entire family to date anyway. She's also extremely protective of her family, so when a well-known food critic publishes a scorching review of her sister's restaurant, Marigold is sure to give the woman a piece of her mind. Food critic Alexis Wakefield suddenly finds herself canceled after Marigold's message to her goes viral. Alexis needs a place to stay while this whole thing blows over. Marigold's little town might be the perfect place to hide, make some amends, and maybe... even fall in love.
cw: past parental death, cancer, abusive sibling relationship
The Characters: I feel like Brayden is great at adding quirks to her characters to give them a little extra sparkle. Well, Marigold is probably the quirkiest of her MCs that I've met so far. She is dreamy, romantic, and optimistic, but at the same time, an anchor for her family and a bit of a worrier. She's also stubborn and feisty and overprotective of those she cares for. I really liked Marigold's character, and I think she stayed true to herself, even when it led to a conflict that kind of annoyed me. Alexis's character is also likable. I almost wish she had been more of an ice queen, but she very quickly shows that she is a kind, warm person, unlike her work persona. I didn't read the first book, so I didn't have all the character backstories, but I like the small town vibe Brayden created in this book. Marigold's family stands out the most. Some of the other side characters seemed a little random and overly quirky. I thought some of the bits with Marigold's friend Tillman were weird, but they get less so as the book progresses.
The Romance: There was really great chemistry between Marigold and Alexis at the start. I felt like they resolved their issues and got together a little too quickly. I wish there had been more build up to their relationship. I also was not a fan of the conflict that later arose, though I know it's a realistic one. I like Marigold and Alexis together, but I also think there was something missing. I wanted to see their connection deepen more. Maybe it felt particularly unsatisfying because I don't think either MC actually fully dealt with her past issues.
The Plot: The plot mostly follows the romance, though there are side plots happening, like Alexis's career rebounding. The story was pretty engaging, for the most part. I did end up taking a break part way through (right before the conflict hits) because things had slowed down.
All in all: Brayden knows how to write lesfic. This is a solid one that I had fun with. Would recommend if you're in the mood for a (mostly) calm, quirky small town romance with great physical chemistry between the MCs.
** NetGalley provided me with a free ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 29, 2023
5.0 stars because, after a slow start, I found it to be an absolute delight to read.
Marigold Lavender lived in an imaginary world. She had a love affair with life and her family. She simply needed to take care of everyone. Fiercely loyal, when her sister’s restaurant was reviewed by a renowned restaurant critic and horribly criticized, Marigold retaliated and fired off a scathing video against the critic calling for a boycott of the SF Chronicle. It went viral, causing the critic to lose her job when the public rallied behind Marigold.
Alexis Wakefield, a very popular food critic for the SF Chronicle, had a huge presence on social media that could make or break you with her snarky reviews. After she lost her job and her social media popularity, she ventured to the “nowhere” Kansas town of Homer’s Bluff, the scene of the “crime” where she’d take a look back on herself and re-examine the caustic tone that had made her so popular.
Of course the two ladies met, were wildly attracted to each other, recognized it but didn’t know what to do about it. Marigold, a hopeless romantic, lived completely in her own world of flash fantasies, dreaming of her perfect future with her perfect wife. Alexis realized that she lived in a pretentious world where she had no real friends, but only colleagues.
This was in no way a corny rom-com. It was full of delightful, spicy bantering and one-liners, joyful characters and content. It was also the very sexiest ever, and at the same time, the wittiest and tenderest.
My thanks to bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Marigold Lavender lived in an imaginary world. She had a love affair with life and her family. She simply needed to take care of everyone. Fiercely loyal, when her sister’s restaurant was reviewed by a renowned restaurant critic and horribly criticized, Marigold retaliated and fired off a scathing video against the critic calling for a boycott of the SF Chronicle. It went viral, causing the critic to lose her job when the public rallied behind Marigold.
Alexis Wakefield, a very popular food critic for the SF Chronicle, had a huge presence on social media that could make or break you with her snarky reviews. After she lost her job and her social media popularity, she ventured to the “nowhere” Kansas town of Homer’s Bluff, the scene of the “crime” where she’d take a look back on herself and re-examine the caustic tone that had made her so popular.
Of course the two ladies met, were wildly attracted to each other, recognized it but didn’t know what to do about it. Marigold, a hopeless romantic, lived completely in her own world of flash fantasies, dreaming of her perfect future with her perfect wife. Alexis realized that she lived in a pretentious world where she had no real friends, but only colleagues.
This was in no way a corny rom-com. It was full of delightful, spicy bantering and one-liners, joyful characters and content. It was also the very sexiest ever, and at the same time, the wittiest and tenderest.
My thanks to bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 9, 2023
This is an enemies to lovers romance. Alexis Wakefield, a well established food reviewer, wrote an honest but unfavourable review about a small town restaurant. She got into trouble when the sister of the restaurant owner, Marigold Lavender, expressed her thoughts about the review publicly. With her career in jeopardy, Alexis now finds herself in the small town that sets all this spiralling downhill. Sparks fly when she comes face to face with Marigold again, who still seems angry at her.
This was a really good read. There was definitely chemistry between the 2 main characters. You could see Alexis trying to reflect on who she was and how she may appear to others. She is truly a nice person despite how her reviews may come across. Marigold is a dreamer and tend to live in her make believe world. And she always there for everyone else around her.
I love the Lavender family. This is the second book of the series and I can’t wait to now read the first. Would definitely recommend this one.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really good read. There was definitely chemistry between the 2 main characters. You could see Alexis trying to reflect on who she was and how she may appear to others. She is truly a nice person despite how her reviews may come across. Marigold is a dreamer and tend to live in her make believe world. And she always there for everyone else around her.
I love the Lavender family. This is the second book of the series and I can’t wait to now read the first. Would definitely recommend this one.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2023
Melissa Brayden does it again with Marigold! I never have trouble losing myself in one of Brayden's novels, and I'm especially fond of the Lavender sisters and their charming community.
Marigold has the weight of her family on her shoulders, and has stepped into the role of caregiver after her mom's passing. She has to go through quite a bit of soul searching to find her happily ever after, but she gets there by the end.
I really enjoyed the arc of Alexis' tale, this lady has quite a journey to make. Between her career and her unsupportive family, Alexis has to dig deep to find the strength to make the changes she needs to find her best life.
Melissa Brayden's books always paint such a vivid picture of life and love. What a pleasure!
an advanced copy of Marigold was provided by Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Marigold has the weight of her family on her shoulders, and has stepped into the role of caregiver after her mom's passing. She has to go through quite a bit of soul searching to find her happily ever after, but she gets there by the end.
I really enjoyed the arc of Alexis' tale, this lady has quite a journey to make. Between her career and her unsupportive family, Alexis has to dig deep to find the strength to make the changes she needs to find her best life.
Melissa Brayden's books always paint such a vivid picture of life and love. What a pleasure!
an advanced copy of Marigold was provided by Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
October 3, 2023
Melissa Brayden is a machine. Her latest work is an enemies to lovers romance that really hits all the simple truths of this trope. Marigold and Aster have just enough sugar and spice to bring this autumn feeling in full force.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
September 27, 2023
Another great book from Melissa Brayden with Marigold. Small town romance with the enemies to lovers trope along with very well written characters that we are already acquainted with the loving continuing family dynamic of the Lavenders with Marigold getting her own book. It goes to show you don't mess around with Marigold's family especially with mother hen mentality especially with the speed of social media and gossip in small towns. Overall very good spark between the characters as well as good spice level, everything between both was very welled balanced. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you liked the first one.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the eARC
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the eARC
July 9, 2023
Marigold is a romantic, a caregiver, a middle child and the one that gives of herself to everyone around her. She is a person you want as your best friend, to be peas together in your pod. And her story is wonderful. Marigold lives in small Homer’s Bluff, Kansas and runs a shop selling lavender related products with her sister Violet. Her family owns and operates a large lavender farm. Her other sister Aster owns and is executive chef at an upscale comfort food restaurant named for their mother. The restaurant gets a snarky and poor review by a famous food critic. Marigold in response makes a video calling out the meanness of the reviewer which goes viral.
Alexis Wakefield is use to handing out brutal honesty in her reviews. She is always truthful but can pile it on thick in the name of entertainment. She wakes to find calls to boycott the SF Chronicle who fires her and is taking big hits on her large social media following. Not sure where to hide out she returns to Homer’s Bluff. She is enchanted with the town where the locals support their own but still welcome her. Marigold is wildly attracted to Alexis and doesn’t know what to do with all her feelings.
This is a feel good, enemies to lovers romance. Brayden again shows why she is the queen of banter. The sister-speak is honest and caring and comes with familiarity between characters. The couple also has their own way of wordplay. And holy moly I love the food and how Alexis embraces bites and tastes from hamburgers to pies. This is a low angst romance. I slowed my reading way down as I was nearing the end for fear of some huge drama. But Brayden delivers a realistic, loving and satisfying conslusion.
Extra kudos for showing loving and supportive family moments. And of course I consider Carrot the amazing dachshund one of the stars of the book. This is a stand alone sequel to The Last Lavender Sister (June 2022). Treat yourself and read both. I think my only negative is that I had hopes that Violet might get her own story. Sigh. I’ll have to accept she is straight. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Alexis Wakefield is use to handing out brutal honesty in her reviews. She is always truthful but can pile it on thick in the name of entertainment. She wakes to find calls to boycott the SF Chronicle who fires her and is taking big hits on her large social media following. Not sure where to hide out she returns to Homer’s Bluff. She is enchanted with the town where the locals support their own but still welcome her. Marigold is wildly attracted to Alexis and doesn’t know what to do with all her feelings.
This is a feel good, enemies to lovers romance. Brayden again shows why she is the queen of banter. The sister-speak is honest and caring and comes with familiarity between characters. The couple also has their own way of wordplay. And holy moly I love the food and how Alexis embraces bites and tastes from hamburgers to pies. This is a low angst romance. I slowed my reading way down as I was nearing the end for fear of some huge drama. But Brayden delivers a realistic, loving and satisfying conslusion.
Extra kudos for showing loving and supportive family moments. And of course I consider Carrot the amazing dachshund one of the stars of the book. This is a stand alone sequel to The Last Lavender Sister (June 2022). Treat yourself and read both. I think my only negative is that I had hopes that Violet might get her own story. Sigh. I’ll have to accept she is straight. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
August 23, 2023
Everyone needs a Marigold in their life!
Marigold is annoyed and upset on her sister, Aster’s behalf when Alexis, a food reviewer, produces a report on her experience at Aster’s restaurant. When her actions end up getting Alexis cancelled, Alexis returns with the intention of making sure Marigold pays for the damage but she ends up learning so much about Marigold that she actually ends up developing feelings she never expected to have.
Absolutely delicious story, with drama, intense moments, and so much cuteness and sunshine it just made me smile. Marigold is completely infectious and got right under my skin, just as she ended up doing to Alexis. She was passionate, loyal, but she had a deep routed sense of care for her family. All that made her such an emotionally complex character that I couldn’t help but be drawn to, admire, and want all the happiness in the world for. When Alexis came back, I was sure all hell might break loose, but as it turned out Marigold and her whole family were completely irresistible and it was great how they all got to know Alexis so we could also learn all about her beyond her status as a food reviewer.
I loved Marigold and Alexis together, both when they kept running into one another and Alexis was hesitant and awkward during their communications. When they finally started to realise that there might be room for one another in their lives, it was magical. Alexis got the most unexpected reaction from a town where she was sure her name was dirt and had completely ruined her career, and yet Marigold discovered the one thing she’d been searching for all her life and finally had the opportunities she’d always wanted to take but held back from out of need to worry and take care of everything and everyone else.
I adored every moment of the story and hope there will be more in future with Marigold and Alexis because an exciting future now awaits them. I couldn’t put this down and loved how every page held excitement, wonder, and heaps of positivity from Marigold, even when things seemed hopeless or not possible. Just an uplifting and fun romance.
Marigold is annoyed and upset on her sister, Aster’s behalf when Alexis, a food reviewer, produces a report on her experience at Aster’s restaurant. When her actions end up getting Alexis cancelled, Alexis returns with the intention of making sure Marigold pays for the damage but she ends up learning so much about Marigold that she actually ends up developing feelings she never expected to have.
Absolutely delicious story, with drama, intense moments, and so much cuteness and sunshine it just made me smile. Marigold is completely infectious and got right under my skin, just as she ended up doing to Alexis. She was passionate, loyal, but she had a deep routed sense of care for her family. All that made her such an emotionally complex character that I couldn’t help but be drawn to, admire, and want all the happiness in the world for. When Alexis came back, I was sure all hell might break loose, but as it turned out Marigold and her whole family were completely irresistible and it was great how they all got to know Alexis so we could also learn all about her beyond her status as a food reviewer.
I loved Marigold and Alexis together, both when they kept running into one another and Alexis was hesitant and awkward during their communications. When they finally started to realise that there might be room for one another in their lives, it was magical. Alexis got the most unexpected reaction from a town where she was sure her name was dirt and had completely ruined her career, and yet Marigold discovered the one thing she’d been searching for all her life and finally had the opportunities she’d always wanted to take but held back from out of need to worry and take care of everything and everyone else.
I adored every moment of the story and hope there will be more in future with Marigold and Alexis because an exciting future now awaits them. I couldn’t put this down and loved how every page held excitement, wonder, and heaps of positivity from Marigold, even when things seemed hopeless or not possible. Just an uplifting and fun romance.
July 7, 2023
Advanced reader's copy review
This was such a cute, wholesome read. For starters, it had so many amazing vibes and tropes. We get small town girl x big city girl, grumpy x sunshine, and tight knit family. Also, amazing descriptions of food! I loved both Marigold and Alexis. Marigold was such a bright, sweet character. She was so loyal to her family, and her relationships with her siblings and father were so incredibly wholesome. Marigold is always looking out for everyone. Of course, in doing so she often put herself and her happiness last. Over the course of the book, she learns to do things for herself and make her own path. Her character development is amazing, but it could have been a little faster. Alexis was also an amazing character with great development. She learns to open up and show her true, loving self. She discovers the true meaning of friends and family. Together, Marigold and Alexis make the perfect couple, full of love and passion. I enjoyed watching the ice between them thaw and a sweet yet fiery relationship blossom in its place. Overall, this was an adorable read and I highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute, wholesome read. For starters, it had so many amazing vibes and tropes. We get small town girl x big city girl, grumpy x sunshine, and tight knit family. Also, amazing descriptions of food! I loved both Marigold and Alexis. Marigold was such a bright, sweet character. She was so loyal to her family, and her relationships with her siblings and father were so incredibly wholesome. Marigold is always looking out for everyone. Of course, in doing so she often put herself and her happiness last. Over the course of the book, she learns to do things for herself and make her own path. Her character development is amazing, but it could have been a little faster. Alexis was also an amazing character with great development. She learns to open up and show her true, loving self. She discovers the true meaning of friends and family. Together, Marigold and Alexis make the perfect couple, full of love and passion. I enjoyed watching the ice between them thaw and a sweet yet fiery relationship blossom in its place. Overall, this was an adorable read and I highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Similarly to The Last Lavender Sister, I particularly liked the first half of this novel. Marigold and Alexis had sparks flying from the get go, and I loved the premise of their meeting, as well as Alexis' downfall. However, it then felt as though it lost its spark a bit - particularly with Marigold's character. She had little growth, so she felt underdeveloped. Meanwhile, Alexis had so much development, particularly with her job and her relationships.
Overall, Marigold is a sweet romance. For me, I enjoyed reading this novel mainly for Alexis' story of redemption.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, Marigold is a sweet romance. For me, I enjoyed reading this novel mainly for Alexis' story of redemption.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
2.75 Stars
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