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Houseplants and Hardcovers: A Sweet Rivals To Lovers Romance
When your online crush is your real-life rival, things are bound to get a little tangled.
After a brutal breakup, Juliet Chapman is sticking to the safety of an online her job, her friends, and Plantsguy95, the charming anonymous plant expert who's been helping keep her Maranta leuconeura alive. Her only in-person interaction is with her local Friends of the Library group, who just inherited the gorgeous Periwinkle Mansion, full of old books and secret reading nooks.
For decades, Lucas Geiss and his family have sought solace amongst the sprawling, plant-filled rooms of their beloved garden club. So when the late owner inexplicably leaves the entire property to another local organization, Lucas isn't going to let it go without a fight. Step annoy the living daylights out of the thorny yet enthralling Juliet, sent to help him clean out the house.
As far as Juliet is concerned, the quicker she clears the Periwinkle Mansion the quicker she gets the prestigious editing gig offered in return for her services. And the quicker she can escape the company of her prickly helping the irritating-and irritatingly handsome-Lucas.
With no close friends in town, Juliet turns to Plantsguy95 for advice about the house drama with the garden club. But as feelings take root, Juliet and Lucas's online and offline worlds collide, putting their budding relationship to the test.
After a brutal breakup, Juliet Chapman is sticking to the safety of an online her job, her friends, and Plantsguy95, the charming anonymous plant expert who's been helping keep her Maranta leuconeura alive. Her only in-person interaction is with her local Friends of the Library group, who just inherited the gorgeous Periwinkle Mansion, full of old books and secret reading nooks.
For decades, Lucas Geiss and his family have sought solace amongst the sprawling, plant-filled rooms of their beloved garden club. So when the late owner inexplicably leaves the entire property to another local organization, Lucas isn't going to let it go without a fight. Step annoy the living daylights out of the thorny yet enthralling Juliet, sent to help him clean out the house.
As far as Juliet is concerned, the quicker she clears the Periwinkle Mansion the quicker she gets the prestigious editing gig offered in return for her services. And the quicker she can escape the company of her prickly helping the irritating-and irritatingly handsome-Lucas.
With no close friends in town, Juliet turns to Plantsguy95 for advice about the house drama with the garden club. But as feelings take root, Juliet and Lucas's online and offline worlds collide, putting their budding relationship to the test.
266 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2023
18 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 11, 2023
A great story.
I enjoyed the back and forth between this pair and the mention of pride and prejudice throughout the book was great, like an old friend coming to visit.
A lovely book to read in time for valentine.
I enjoyed the back and forth between this pair and the mention of pride and prejudice throughout the book was great, like an old friend coming to visit.
A lovely book to read in time for valentine.
January 31, 2023
LOVED this book! I am a plant lover and book lover so this book was super fun to read! Can I go live in Greenhaven and be apart of both groups.
If you love a good Rom-Com this is definitely a must! Plus I loved all the corny puns 🤣🤣.
Thank you to Daphne for giving me an ARC I will definitely be adding a physical copy to my shelf!!!
If you love a good Rom-Com this is definitely a must! Plus I loved all the corny puns 🤣🤣.
Thank you to Daphne for giving me an ARC I will definitely be adding a physical copy to my shelf!!!
February 3, 2023
Juliet is an editor who has some neglected plants that she wants help with. Lucas has a popular online account where he helps people with plant care. He also has a love for the garden club which is housed in a mansion. When the owner dies and leaves the home to a different organization,Lucas takes it upon himself to find a way to keep the location for his beloved garden club. He gets to know Juliet who is involved with the club that's taking over the house. They are tasked with cleaning the house out together and get to know each other. Lucas figures out that Juliet is the woman who's been asking him for plant advice but decides to keep that to himself. Before he can confess,Juliet finds out on her own and ends what was starting between them. Will Lucas find a way to win her back? This book was a sweet and fun read! I thank Author Daphne James Huff for an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars
I’ll admit the title of this book got my attention; I love plants (outdoor ones more than indoor) and I love books so I had to give it a go. This is a sweet romance and the premise was cute. Juliet needs help with the plants her mother foisted on her and Lucas runs a plant blog where he helps people and he’s been there for Juliet and they both have a bit of a crush on one another. Turns out they live in the same town unbeknownst to them. After a local senior passes away she leaves her home to the Friends of the Library group instead of the Garden Club that has been using it for many, many years, Juliet and Lucas end up having to work together to clear it out and during that time Lucas realizes that Juliet is the woman from his blog. There were some twists and turns as their friendship develops into more and I wasn’t really thrilled that Lucas wasn’t upfront with her when he realized who she was, but overall I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
I’ll admit the title of this book got my attention; I love plants (outdoor ones more than indoor) and I love books so I had to give it a go. This is a sweet romance and the premise was cute. Juliet needs help with the plants her mother foisted on her and Lucas runs a plant blog where he helps people and he’s been there for Juliet and they both have a bit of a crush on one another. Turns out they live in the same town unbeknownst to them. After a local senior passes away she leaves her home to the Friends of the Library group instead of the Garden Club that has been using it for many, many years, Juliet and Lucas end up having to work together to clear it out and during that time Lucas realizes that Juliet is the woman from his blog. There were some twists and turns as their friendship develops into more and I wasn’t really thrilled that Lucas wasn’t upfront with her when he realized who she was, but overall I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
August 14, 2025
This was such a cute, sweet read. For starters, I loved the set up, with the social media friendship and real life antagonism. I also loved the town of Greenhaven, with its perfect not-too-big-not-too-small size and bustling main street. And I loved how the book emphasizes the importance of community based organizations through the Friends of the Library and garden club. So all in all it was such a wholesome setting, and I felt that allowed the book to stay lighthearted despite the deep emotions the characters were experiencing. Both Juliet and Lucas had fantastic development. They both learned to open their lives and their hearts to others, and found friends and love thanks to it. I loved Juliet and Lucas together so much, and felt they complimented each other so well. I did struggle a bit with Lucas and his stupid scheme and how long it went on for, but I loved his relationship with his cousins. I also struggled a bit with Juliet, mostly the lack of resolution in her relationship with her mother. But overall I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
February 2, 2023
Thank you to Daphne James Huff for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was absolutely an adorable romance! One of my favorite aspects that authors can include in a story is some sort of emails, text messages, or similar forms of communication. I was sold when I saw just how many messages were sent in this book between the two main characters! I really loved getting to know the characters and learning more about plants, something I know nothing about, through these messages.
From the very first message in the story, I was getting major You've Got Mail vibes and I was absolutely here for that! You've Got Mail is one of my all time favorite movies, and reading that in book form was so fun! Now I want to find more books with similar vibes!
I also really enjoyed the aspect of the Periwinkle Mansion along with the "battles" between the garden club and the Friends of the Library group!
If the gorgeous cover of this story doesn't convince you to read the book, I'm positive the book's synopsis will!
This was absolutely an adorable romance! One of my favorite aspects that authors can include in a story is some sort of emails, text messages, or similar forms of communication. I was sold when I saw just how many messages were sent in this book between the two main characters! I really loved getting to know the characters and learning more about plants, something I know nothing about, through these messages.
From the very first message in the story, I was getting major You've Got Mail vibes and I was absolutely here for that! You've Got Mail is one of my all time favorite movies, and reading that in book form was so fun! Now I want to find more books with similar vibes!
I also really enjoyed the aspect of the Periwinkle Mansion along with the "battles" between the garden club and the Friends of the Library group!
If the gorgeous cover of this story doesn't convince you to read the book, I'm positive the book's synopsis will!
February 19, 2023
I had an opportunity to read an advanced copy of Houseplants and Hardcovers and oh man, this story was everything!
Rivals to lovers is my absolute favourite trope and getting to know Juliet and Lucas was the loveliest reminder of why I love this so much.
Juliet was relatable and I found myself hard core cheering for these two.
Lucas became an instant book boyfriend and I just wanted to head over to Juliet's and spend the day reading with her.
I read this book during a busy month and coming home and surrounding myself with loads of book and plant talk along with some online/offline banter and chemistry was the perfect ending to the day.
All the You've Got Mail vibes were a nostalgic delight!
Highly recommend this story and cannot wait to read Daphne's next book!
Rivals to lovers is my absolute favourite trope and getting to know Juliet and Lucas was the loveliest reminder of why I love this so much.
Juliet was relatable and I found myself hard core cheering for these two.
Lucas became an instant book boyfriend and I just wanted to head over to Juliet's and spend the day reading with her.
I read this book during a busy month and coming home and surrounding myself with loads of book and plant talk along with some online/offline banter and chemistry was the perfect ending to the day.
All the You've Got Mail vibes were a nostalgic delight!
Highly recommend this story and cannot wait to read Daphne's next book!
February 5, 2023
Cute but…
Such a slow burn & nothing really happens. Like zero spice. Two kisses, that’s it.
A little too clean. Holy Hostas! Flush and hanging (had to look that up). For the love of Oxford commas! Do people talk that way?
Also, for a grammar nerd/copy editor, she has a few grammatical errors that most of us speech geeks don’t make. If clauses use were, not was (e.g., If I were…”). Not picky, yes. But that’s what copy editors are.
Kinda cheesy with all the cousins having plant/flower names. I get one parent doing that, but all the parents?
Such a slow burn & nothing really happens. Like zero spice. Two kisses, that’s it.
A little too clean. Holy Hostas! Flush and hanging (had to look that up). For the love of Oxford commas! Do people talk that way?
Also, for a grammar nerd/copy editor, she has a few grammatical errors that most of us speech geeks don’t make. If clauses use were, not was (e.g., If I were…”). Not picky, yes. But that’s what copy editors are.
Kinda cheesy with all the cousins having plant/flower names. I get one parent doing that, but all the parents?
July 14, 2023
This was very cutesie and if I'm being honest filled with some great little plant puns. This one drew me because I love plants and books so it was like two sides of my personalities coming together. A nice easy read with two loveable and relatable main characters Juliet and Lucas. And come on who wouldn't love a guy with tats and a plant obsession 😆 a solid 3.8 stars from me.
My favourite quote was:
"Did you send her a picture?" Mari snickered and held a hand to her mouth. "Oh, Lucas, not a picture of your . . . plants, I hope. We raised you better then that."
My favourite quote was:
"Did you send her a picture?" Mari snickered and held a hand to her mouth. "Oh, Lucas, not a picture of your . . . plants, I hope. We raised you better then that."
February 1, 2023
Such a fun read! The characters were super relatable. Me and Juliet would be best buddies. Lucas, a passionate plant guy, is so cute in his interactions with Juliet and all his female cousins. The enemies to lovers story worked well and the Easter eggs that offer an homage to "You've Got Mail" are so perfectly woven into the story. All in all, this book had many of my favorite things all wrapped up in one. Will definitely be reading again!
February 23, 2023
This took me a while to read but I still liked it. It has a few popular tropes, forced proximity, enemies to lovers. I’m not a big fan of lying or withdrawing information in my romance books but this one was still good!
I liked the back and forth third person POV & the IG messages were done nicely! I also liked the authors note at the end!
I liked the back and forth third person POV & the IG messages were done nicely! I also liked the authors note at the end!
March 23, 2023
I am a bit bummed
I was so excited for this one. I love You've Got Mail so when I read this book was another version like if, I couldn't wait to start Reading. The premise is You've Got Mail based and follows the movie almost to a T, but it is slow paced and just Okay. There was nothing that made me really hooked.
I was so excited for this one. I love You've Got Mail so when I read this book was another version like if, I couldn't wait to start Reading. The premise is You've Got Mail based and follows the movie almost to a T, but it is slow paced and just Okay. There was nothing that made me really hooked.
February 1, 2023
A really fun, cute sweet romance, well-written by Huff. The story flows well and you want to keep reading to find out how it ends. The puns are fab. A must-read for any plants and book lovers. 5* in its genre. Can't wait for the hard copy!
February 8, 2023
Sweet story about when opposites attract.
I really liked this book better than most Rom Coms. The main characters had some awful past relationships and had to get past their issues. Good supporting characters.
I really liked this book better than most Rom Coms. The main characters had some awful past relationships and had to get past their issues. Good supporting characters.
February 24, 2023
An unique and funny book with a very original premise. I have enjoyed the characters, the trope enemies to lovers, the story and the change in the relationship of the chareacters. cant wait to read more from Daphne
February 2, 2023
I loved Juliet and Lucas' story. It is fun and witty. The premise was great too. I enjoyed my first book by Daphne and I am looking forward to more.
February 5, 2023
Such a cute and relatable book, especially if you like rom-coms and plants! The ending was lacking a bit but overall it was really good!
February 21, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It was comedic, romantic, relatable, and toe-curling adorable. Would definitely recommend and read again.
February 22, 2023
Cute, quick read
February 24, 2023
Enjoyed reading Plantguy95 and JCedits. Highly recommend to lovers of small-town romance.
January 28, 2024
I loved everything about this story. Juliet and Lucas gave me 100% Hallmark vibes. Likeable protagonists and a small town full of eccentric characters made this one so much fun to read.
February 13, 2024
If you want a sweet romance, no spice at all than this is for you. Especially if you love books & plants.
April 8, 2024
The book was fine. It wasn't my favorite, but the writing style was good and the story was original.
February 3, 2023
Such a fun read, enjoyed the MCs interactions in the beginning. The flirty back and forth plant talk, perfection. Love the plant talk, learned a few plant care tips. The pacing and writing were stellar, the characters were well developed. I perfect rom-com read.
February 12, 2023
Thank you to Daphne James Huff for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This was such a fun and sweet book! I really enjoyed the puns that each character used that were related to their passions, and I enjoyed the tension between Juliet and Lucas. I felt like the pacing was done perfectly and the vibes were impeccable! The perfect read for book lovers, plant lovers, and romance readers alike 🤗
September 29, 2023
such a fricken cute rom com, I hope this author and her writing get the recognition they deserve because this should be a best selling book 🫶
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July 10, 2023Super fun & cute read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews