Dear Plant Daddy

by Shenee Howard

Think of it as “You’ve Got Mail,” but with plants, a diverse cast, and some spice—set in sunny Long Beach, CA.

Tessa’s life has been comfortably predictable for years, revolving around her cozy little plant shop, Plant Therapy.

That all changes when The Botanical Brothers, a pair of shirtless plant influencers set up shop down the street.

For Tessa, this means war, as she’s determined to hold on to her beloved plant store—the one place she feels truly safe in this world.

But here's the she can’t seem to get one of The Botanical Brothers out of mind.

Her only escape is her fellow plant nerd "Plant Daddy," her anonymous confidante she met on a Reddit board. He's nothing like the Botanical Brothers. Right?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2023

Reviews

[Jacqueline Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book captivated me enough to have me finish reading it in one day! That says a lot because I’m a busy mom of two kiddos. The book was a perfect mix of romance and self discovery and even had me thinking about my own life & what I want to do. I’m going to gift this book to my girlfriends for the holidays! I know they will love it!

[Payton Willetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

When beginning this book, i had no knowledge of plants or really how much i was going to enjoy this book. Being a bigger girl, this story really resonated with me since we hardly ever see larger main characters. I truly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling lost (just like me) and going on a journey of self discovery.



P.S. i totally pictured Leo as Paxton Hall Yoshida from Never Have I Ever and it rly helped w the story hahaha

P.P.S thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader on this amazing book. I cannot wait for the next read :)

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I very much loved this book. While I’m not a huge plant person I still was able to understand everything happening in here. I also loved that most of the chapters started with a Reddit chat. The story was fun and while some were a bit predictable there were still surprises that I was not expecting especially with the brother Paul. I loved the banter between Tessa and Leo. I loved that they both had dogs even if Alfred (Leo’s dog) didn’t show up as much as Wildcat (Tessa’s dog). I feel that Tessa is very relatable, especially with her anxieties and I did cry a couple of times while reading. Norma was a hoot too. Honestly, I just enjoyed all the characters and the community. I’m pretty sure I saw this was going to be a series so I will continue if that’s true.

[Ceej · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review*

As a crazy plant lady (I definitely relate to Adeline's hoya addiction), I knew I had to read this book as soon as I saw the title. It’s a different vibe from the romance books I tend to read, but it was honestly such a fun and refreshing book and I enjoyed every minute of it. The pacing felt natural, the characters were genuine, and I really enjoyed seeing how they each grew as the story progresses. I feel that as readers, we can always take away some lesson or personal reflection from each book we read. For me, this story was really a reminder to stop and examine the struggles and fears that are restricting us, whether self-inflicted or caused by circumstance, so that we can fully recognize what’s right in front of us. All around, it was a fantastic read and one that I definitely see myself returning to again in the future.

[kase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really liked this book! At times it’s a bit millennial cringe but overall for being contemporary “enemies” to lovers it was good! I definitely expected to pick this apart more so I’m so pleasantly surprised! Super trend of plants plus Reddit mentions somehow is a book that doesn’t feel too cliche or played out.

I also really wish I hadn’t let so many plants die this past year lol

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rayona Hysaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVEDD this book!
I legit sat and read it in one day. Had ya girl in a choke hold!
I felt the chemistry between Tessa and Leo! From Plant daddy to the first time they met.

Imma be honest I did not really care for her bestie Allison. I felt like she was so preoccupied that she wasn’t there for Tessa the way she should have been. But I also thinks that’s what makes it so relatable
I think the author did an amazing job with Paul. I knew from the moment he was introduced I wasn’t going to Mike him. I’m looking forward to the next book. Hopefully it will update us or be about Paul. He could use some redemption.

I related so much to Tessa. Being so comfortable with where you are that you ultimately become stuck and stop growing. The way that she was pushed out of her comfort zone and forced to actually live life… sometimes drastic measures are needed to get momentum. I feel like the closure of PT was what Tessa needed to finally move on live a happy life again. I absolutely adore Leo and how he supported her and chose her over and over again. He is my dream man for sure. I love how they both were able to create something new that was perfect for them both! I look forward to reading more from this author.

Spice : 🌶️🌶️.5
A delicious Slow burn 🥵🔥

[Doga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had received an ARC copy of this book and below is my honest review

Let me start by saying, Tessa felt like a close friend, probably also because we’re the same age and pretty much having the similar crises. Saturn returns are hard, am I right?

I am, personally, not a big fan of the present tense narrative, though it did not took me out as much as I thought it would. The book was an easy read and just the escape I needed.

I know absolutely nothing about plants yet always had been quite interested in starting my collection so I had definitely took some notes. However, I am too lazy to search just to be able to visualize a setting so I must admit some things just had to flew over my head.

I have been following Shenee’s work for a while now and so happy to see her creativity shine through. All in all, I found Dear Plant Daddy to be a great debut novel, and excited to read more of her works.

A few more faves:
-the juxtaposition between Plant Therapy and the Botanical Brothers
-the name Wildcat
-Bill

[McKayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily ✨

This was a “stay up later than usual because this book is so good it must be finished in one sitting”, type of read. It was funny, captivating, unique, and for all you plant lovers out there it’ll speak directly to your heart. I love that the author is a WOC and LOVED the representation of black plant daddies was in this book. The characters were charming, the excitement for the two of them walking on such a fine line had me on my toes for much of the book. The layers we get to see slowly unpacked for both Tessa and Leo was perfection and I felt like I was emotionally connected with the two of them. The banter was witty and the inner dialogue was all sass and sarcasm. This book had me laughing, smiling, kicking my feet, and having a hand over my heart the whole way through. Fantastic debut novel by Shenee.

[R Mmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be a play on You’ve Got Mail. In certain ways it was but it was entirely it’s own story. I’m not thrilled about the way the ending played out . Tessa this beautiful strong black woman who has some insecurities about herself but is confident in all other ways. I was disappointed when it mattered most she didn’t stand up for what was right no matter the outcome. What made me cringe throughout the book was the use of “gonna” from every character. Here are these intelligent business owners/ grown adults using the word way too much. I am in no means anyone who knows the in’s and outs of the proper ways of writing and word usage. This was just something although I did my best to ignore was problematic for me. I am grateful for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steph Beaudoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Plant Daddy by Shenee Howard

This book was excellent!

Things I am here for:
Tessa is a big beautiful black woman
Black women in horticulture!
Plants!
Leo is the dreamiest of dreams
Plants!
Wildcat is a wonderful shop dog

This is an ARC, so it's possible this quote won't make it into the final book. I adore this idea of caring for plants.

“She doesn’t ever actually buy a plant because she thinks she’ll kill it. I understand not wanting to flirt with death, which is a huge part of growing plants, although it’s really the only risk I find myself fine with taking.”

This is my 19th book for #23for23

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MoreThanAPrettyCover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I honestly have no complaints whatsoever. This book gave me the butterflies feeling multiple times and that is amazing 🥰

Tessa was very fun to watch grow and become more confident. I would love to see some fan art of that tomato costume not gonna lie 😂 Tessa just felt very relatable, like she's doing life and she's managing, but can't really see it herself. She has this great thing going in her plant store but doesn't realize she has so much more potential.

Leo, ugh Leo 😍 making my girl Tessa feel confident in her own body and practically worshipping her, plus he's a plant nerd, supports her in her decisions. Like can he be real please?

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first time read for me by this author so I really didn't know what to expect, but I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. This was an enemies to lovers trope with a unique storyline, and it caught my attention from the very start and kept me interested till the end. Charming and diverse characters definitely kept me interested and reading along. I loved the banter and the witty dialogue, I had such fun reading it! A well-written and entertaining story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
My thanks to BookSirens for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa and Leo have a "You've Got Mail," style love story going on and I totally dig it. The competing stores, the mysterious online stranger, the connections they can't deny.

I appreciated learning a thing or two about plants too, it was a fun aspect to the story and the characters' passion for plants is evident. The side characters are well developed and there are smattering of spice.

Over all, a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kris McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and the descriptions of plants was really nice. The play on "You've Got Mail" was really cool, plant shops instead of book stores felt like a fresh twist.

Tessa being a beautiful, plus-sized black woman who loved plants was such a great look for the FMC. I enjoyed the book, but being someone who has accidentally killed a cactus by looking at it too long, I just didn't fully vibe with it. But that is on me, not the book, the characters, or Shenee Howard.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sold on the premise of You've Got Mail but diverse and with plants... and that delivered! I really related to Tessa's struggles with figuring our what to do with her life. I also loved learning more about plants! The tension between Tessa and plant daddy and Leo was great! I loved the spice when it finally came in, it was very nice. I think I just didn't love the conclusion of Plant Therapy. I am excited that there will be more in the series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meghan Coltrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically choose rom/com type stories, but I love plants and thought I would give this book a try. I loved it! The main character makes being a plant nerd sexy and cool. She's so relatable and I rooted for her all the way through as if she was my friend. I appreciate that the love story is complicated and not perfect. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say I can't wait to see more from Shenee Howard.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC. Review is my own and written voluntarily.**

This story was fun and cute! I love that the love interest is the BIGGEST simp for the FMC. I looked forward to the beginning of each chapter to see what Reddit messages or texts would happen next. I think Shenee did a pretty good job with the pacing of the story and there was always something new popping up to hold my interest.

[Ariel Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion*

I genuinely enjoyed this story from start to finish. Tessa feels like someone I would love to actually meet and talk to and just felt so real to me. She's not perfect but she genuinely tries and I love that. The main thing that stuck out is how well paced the conflict felt. Nothing ever felt too dramatic which I enjoyed. I also love a good "villain" and oh boy does this book have one! This was a great light read for sure.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love plants. My house and office are stuffed with them. So when I saw the tagline I was hooked. But based on that tagline I was expecting more 🌶️. I give this a 1/5 on the spicy scale. Not that that’s bad, but I personally wanted a little more. Overall, good story and I loved all the plant talk. Thanks to the author and BookSorens for the arc to read/review for free.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plant nerds, curvy black girls, and hot Asian men? Seriously, this is the romcom of my dreams. I’ve love Shenee’s work since Fan Wars: The Empire Claps Back. It is no surprise I was going to enjoy this book!

There are no big secrets or twists in this story, but the characters are so great that you are gladly on the path of self-discovery with them.

[mai ☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!! this is my first rom-com esque book and i have to say it pulled me out of my reading slump!! i enjoyed the funny moments, the real moments, the sad moments, etc. this book was so well written, and have to say that I’ve known Shenee previously as a content creator on tiktok, and i am just happy to see her grow as an author and content creator!! i hope there will be more books!! 🤍

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO fun - I couldn't put it down! I rarely like the MMC in romcom novels, but Leo is EVERYTHING. He's swoony and actually feels like a real guy. The story has heart and depth and the Long Beach setting is so fun. Also, who doesn't want a cute dog named Wildcat? :)

[Kaylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had received an ARC copy of this book.

I read majority of the book in day, it's very easy to binge. The story pacing was perfect, loved the tension with the main characters, loved the author's writing style, overall a fun read.

[Jeanne Feeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my yes! I don’t know if it’s because I like plants that I found my self unable to put this love/hate romance down but I am here for it. There is a lot of chemistry Tessie and Leo and a bit of steam too. I just loved all the characters. Definitely read this one with your favorite plant baby.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story. I was captivated from the beginning, and really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I thought it was well written, and the story flowed very well. I thought the story was super cute.

[Laikyn Meng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of it, the tagline of "You've got mail," sold me. (except it's plants).

This is a wonderful natural affectionate story. It's very cute (not in the demeaning way ;)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Slow the burn.

[Sarah Wrightsman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute, contemporary romance, but with plants, which is the best! There are some tropes in here that aren't my favorite (third act breakup, career change as a device for character development), but the plants and chemistry and side characters were all good!

[Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just want to say that this book deserves more attention! I haven't actually finished yet but I am LOVING it! The writing is.... *chefs kiss*. I'm loving the twisty-keeps-me-guessing plot, the cool characters - main AND supporting - Hey Bill and Wildcat 👋... and the storyline and settings in general. It's modern day life that feels so real and relatable you could just step onto their street & start chatting with them all over coffee.

[Hannah Howle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

I loved Tessa and Leo. Tessa is a relatable character and I loved the build up of her relantionship with Leo.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters were very entertaining as far as texts go.
Love the trope- online dating, sort of.
Author uses humor and wit to move this novel along.
Read this book full of hilarity and romance.