What do you think?


Love in Fairwick Falls #2
Wallflower in Bloom
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.
Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive.
The two team agree to fake date for the summer as they promote Bloom as the resident ‘Plant Parents.’ But as they grow closer, their fake relationship starts to feel all too real.
Things start to blur when Jack finds out about Violet's very secret, not-so-wholesome 'want to try list' and they agree to no-strings pleasure for the summer. Will they be able to keep their hearts to themselves, or will this fake relationship make their strings get permanently tangled together in love?
Featuring:
• Forced Proximity (Roommates)
• Fake Dating
• Shy curvy FMC
• British celeb MMC
• Hurt / Comfort
• Cozy cottage vibes
• Plants, plants, plants!
• Confidence journey
• Spicy scenes
Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive.
The two team agree to fake date for the summer as they promote Bloom as the resident ‘Plant Parents.’ But as they grow closer, their fake relationship starts to feel all too real.
Things start to blur when Jack finds out about Violet's very secret, not-so-wholesome 'want to try list' and they agree to no-strings pleasure for the summer. Will they be able to keep their hearts to themselves, or will this fake relationship make their strings get permanently tangled together in love?
Featuring:
• Forced Proximity (Roommates)
• Fake Dating
• Shy curvy FMC
• British celeb MMC
• Hurt / Comfort
• Cozy cottage vibes
• Plants, plants, plants!
• Confidence journey
• Spicy scenes
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
About the author
Elise Kennedy
18 books312 followersI write cozy, steamy, contemporary romances.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
September 6, 2023
Thank you so much Elise Kennedy for providing me with an ARC of this masterpiece💕
I absolutely ADOREDADOREDADORED this book🫂💕
The chemistry between Jack and violet was EVERYTHING.🤍
THE WAY HE THOUGHT ABOUT HER?! I’m in love. I’M IN LOVEEEEEEEE.🫶🏼
I love that Violet accepted herself instead of changing herself🥰
I LOVE JACK GRANT🤭
I LOVE VIOLET PARKER😍
I love this book; the vibes; the setting; the relationships; the writing; THE EVERYTHING🤍💕🫂🫶🏼🥰🤭😍
I absolutely ADOREDADOREDADORED this book🫂💕
The chemistry between Jack and violet was EVERYTHING.🤍
THE WAY HE THOUGHT ABOUT HER?! I’m in love. I’M IN LOVEEEEEEEE.🫶🏼
I love that Violet accepted herself instead of changing herself🥰
I LOVE JACK GRANT🤭
I LOVE VIOLET PARKER😍
I love this book; the vibes; the setting; the relationships; the writing; THE EVERYTHING🤍💕🫂🫶🏼🥰🤭😍
August 14, 2023
4.5! Love to see a curvy FMC🙌🏻👏🏻 Also, the back and forth sarcasm between Jack and Violet felt so organic. Honestly their whole growth together felt so natural!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
August 16, 2023
This is the much awaited sequel to one of my favourite books of the year, Accidentally in Bloom! We follow the story of Violet Parker, sister of last FMC Rose Parker, a curvy plant lover who prefers her green house to being in the spotlight.
When British actor Jack Grant lands on her doorstep after an unexpected change of accomodation, she's shocked to be sharing her small cottage with her celebrity crush. He's the centre of a media scandal and is hiding out in the US whilst his agent goes on damage control.
Together they come to a mutually beneficial agreement; they'll pretend to date to clean up his image and to help Violet build her confidence. But Violet isn't quite the wallflower everyone believes, and Jack is about to discover that she has a 'want to try list' that he can't resist...
THANK YOU to @smalltown.romance for providing me with an ARC of this book. It exceeded my expectations and I fell in love with Violet's heart 💜 The Author put everything into this book and it shows. Violet is a beautiful, giving person who just needed to see herself as the world does. I was rooting for her the whole way through. & lets not forget, she is so spicy 🔥
I'm so excited to read book 3 in the series which will focus on Violet & Rose's sister Lily and her life long best friend Nash. I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and I'm already invested in their chemistry!
When British actor Jack Grant lands on her doorstep after an unexpected change of accomodation, she's shocked to be sharing her small cottage with her celebrity crush. He's the centre of a media scandal and is hiding out in the US whilst his agent goes on damage control.
Together they come to a mutually beneficial agreement; they'll pretend to date to clean up his image and to help Violet build her confidence. But Violet isn't quite the wallflower everyone believes, and Jack is about to discover that she has a 'want to try list' that he can't resist...
THANK YOU to @smalltown.romance for providing me with an ARC of this book. It exceeded my expectations and I fell in love with Violet's heart 💜 The Author put everything into this book and it shows. Violet is a beautiful, giving person who just needed to see herself as the world does. I was rooting for her the whole way through. & lets not forget, she is so spicy 🔥
I'm so excited to read book 3 in the series which will focus on Violet & Rose's sister Lily and her life long best friend Nash. I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and I'm already invested in their chemistry!
September 25, 2023
Having a crush on an actor on your favourite show can be hard, so when he has to move in with you, things get CRAZY!!
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy is a beautiful book about Jack and Violet. Jack is an actor who plays a Regency romance character that requires him to have a good image. So when he beats up a homophobic a**hole, Jack has to do damage control. This leads him to go to stay at his friend's house, only for his friend's girlfriend to be allergic to his cat. Violet has been in love with Jack since the moment he graced his face on her TV. So when the shy and garden-obsessed Violet is tasked with hosting Jack at her home for a few weeks, she loses her cool. Realising that her dream has come true, she has to keep her cool. Consequently when Jack is in need of a fake girlfriend, Violet helps him. With the agreement, he helps her become more confident with public speaking. Yet when Jack and Violet fall for each other, they don't know what to do about their timeline. Will they get their happy ending or will they just be a summer fling?
I really enjoyed this book. Elise (the author) did such an amazing job writing this book. I could feel every emotion that Jack and Violet felt throughout the book. Both characters were written beautifully. Jack has experienced quite a bit, and we see the way it has caused him to act the way he does. Violet is the best, her experience is something I have personality experiences as a plus-size woman. Her need to be a helpful friend and always go out of the way for someone she likes is something I find myself doing. She also explains the experience of being plus-sized and the fears that someone only likes you for your body as well as the fear they don't like you due to your body. It's messed up but so real. The other characters throughout this book were also amazing, and such great friends and family to our main characters. Todd was amazing, and one of my favourite pets in a book so far.
The ONLY complaint I have was where was TODD at the end of the book. I understand Violet and Jack had gone travelling and he was with Jack's Dad, but I WANTED MORE TODD TIME!!!!
Thank you to Booksiren and Elise Kennedy for letting me read this ARC!!!!!!!!!!
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy is a beautiful book about Jack and Violet. Jack is an actor who plays a Regency romance character that requires him to have a good image. So when he beats up a homophobic a**hole, Jack has to do damage control. This leads him to go to stay at his friend's house, only for his friend's girlfriend to be allergic to his cat. Violet has been in love with Jack since the moment he graced his face on her TV. So when the shy and garden-obsessed Violet is tasked with hosting Jack at her home for a few weeks, she loses her cool. Realising that her dream has come true, she has to keep her cool. Consequently when Jack is in need of a fake girlfriend, Violet helps him. With the agreement, he helps her become more confident with public speaking. Yet when Jack and Violet fall for each other, they don't know what to do about their timeline. Will they get their happy ending or will they just be a summer fling?
I really enjoyed this book. Elise (the author) did such an amazing job writing this book. I could feel every emotion that Jack and Violet felt throughout the book. Both characters were written beautifully. Jack has experienced quite a bit, and we see the way it has caused him to act the way he does. Violet is the best, her experience is something I have personality experiences as a plus-size woman. Her need to be a helpful friend and always go out of the way for someone she likes is something I find myself doing. She also explains the experience of being plus-sized and the fears that someone only likes you for your body as well as the fear they don't like you due to your body. It's messed up but so real. The other characters throughout this book were also amazing, and such great friends and family to our main characters. Todd was amazing, and one of my favourite pets in a book so far.
The ONLY complaint I have was where was TODD at the end of the book. I understand Violet and Jack had gone travelling and he was with Jack's Dad, but I WANTED MORE TODD TIME!!!!
Thank you to Booksiren and Elise Kennedy for letting me read this ARC!!!!!!!!!!
August 13, 2023
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Setting: Fairwick Falls, PA
Characters:
Violet
Jack
Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Curvy Heroine
Fake Dating
Celebrity
Spicy Rom Com
Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice:
🌶 🌶
Review:
Everybody needs to add Ms. Kennedy to their tbr pile. Her writing is wonderful. I absolutely love her characters. She writes such terrific banter, as well as spice. Her novels have been some of my absolute favorites and standouts from the year. Add Accidentally in Bloom, and Wallflower in Bloom to your lists, you will not regret it.
Setting: Fairwick Falls, PA
Characters:
Violet
Jack
Tropes:
Small Town Romance
Curvy Heroine
Fake Dating
Celebrity
Spicy Rom Com
Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice:
🌶 🌶
Review:
Everybody needs to add Ms. Kennedy to their tbr pile. Her writing is wonderful. I absolutely love her characters. She writes such terrific banter, as well as spice. Her novels have been some of my absolute favorites and standouts from the year. Add Accidentally in Bloom, and Wallflower in Bloom to your lists, you will not regret it.
June 17, 2024
I just started this book and I stayed up all night and I am not even done with this abomination of a book this book made me write a review for the first time at 4:30 in the fucking morning what the actual fuck first of all stop using the word “bad so goddamn much you r not a child who is just learning words and how to speak even a brain eating ameba would die cause of the lack of said brain the word bad was used way too fucking much wtf do u mean “you are very bad”, “its so bad”, “we are so bad” all used In the same chapter wtf the word choice the author uses is a fucking joke a fan fic author whose first language isn’t English writes better than this and also “make you mine. Breed you” wtf am just gonna leave that there. And I get this is supposed to be abt a shy lady but my God she made me want to stab my self right in my esophagus so I can choke on my own blood and die y r u a thirty something year old running from a meeting that u need for ur business all because u r shy bitch grow a pair bro she literally ran away while she was in a meeting and her sisters were there and other ppl like WTF.
I am going to bed now this book makes me want to cry I swear to God holding a cicada is better than reading this it’s saving grace is that the book is abt a curvy Fmc that was even y I started this book
I am going to bed now this book makes me want to cry I swear to God holding a cicada is better than reading this it’s saving grace is that the book is abt a curvy Fmc that was even y I started this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
When her celebrity crush, British actor Jack Grant, needs a place to stay, flower shop owner Violet Parker opens her home - and her heart.
Jack's in the small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania to hide from the paparazzi after a scandal that's jeopardized his contract with the network. Looking for a way to reassure them that he'll be on his best behavior until his show goes back into production, Jack impulsively invents a fake girlfriend using Violet's description. He doesn't expect his agent to show up and plan a series of photo ops to sell the story, however. Now he'll have to convince Violet to go along with the plan, which won't be easy considering her fear of being in the public eye. He'll also have to figure out how to honor his promise to his old friend Gray, Violet's sister Rose's boyfriend, who made Jack promise that he wouldn't pursue her. Jack's been attracted to Violet since the moment they met, but his playboy reputation exists for good reason. But Violet's not as sweet and innocent as everyone seems to think she is. Could she actually be the woman Jack's been waiting for all along?
There was a ton of chemistry between Violet and Jack, but it was easy to see how much they genuinely liked each other too. Their relationship was a relatively slow burn until about 50%, but it got very steamy very quickly after that. (You may need a fan!) Violet and Jack were both likeable, three-dimensional characters, but I particularly related to Violet, who reminded me of myself in many respects. I have the exact same issues when shopping for clothing, and while I'm not quite as bad as Violet was with public speaking, I do get extremely nervous! It was very easy to root for her, and I loved seeing how much confidence she gained over the course of the story.
Overall, I adored this funny and sweet yet steamy story. I highly recommend "Wallflower in Bloom" for all fans of spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jack's in the small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania to hide from the paparazzi after a scandal that's jeopardized his contract with the network. Looking for a way to reassure them that he'll be on his best behavior until his show goes back into production, Jack impulsively invents a fake girlfriend using Violet's description. He doesn't expect his agent to show up and plan a series of photo ops to sell the story, however. Now he'll have to convince Violet to go along with the plan, which won't be easy considering her fear of being in the public eye. He'll also have to figure out how to honor his promise to his old friend Gray, Violet's sister Rose's boyfriend, who made Jack promise that he wouldn't pursue her. Jack's been attracted to Violet since the moment they met, but his playboy reputation exists for good reason. But Violet's not as sweet and innocent as everyone seems to think she is. Could she actually be the woman Jack's been waiting for all along?
There was a ton of chemistry between Violet and Jack, but it was easy to see how much they genuinely liked each other too. Their relationship was a relatively slow burn until about 50%, but it got very steamy very quickly after that. (You may need a fan!) Violet and Jack were both likeable, three-dimensional characters, but I particularly related to Violet, who reminded me of myself in many respects. I have the exact same issues when shopping for clothing, and while I'm not quite as bad as Violet was with public speaking, I do get extremely nervous! It was very easy to root for her, and I loved seeing how much confidence she gained over the course of the story.
Overall, I adored this funny and sweet yet steamy story. I highly recommend "Wallflower in Bloom" for all fans of spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2026
this was the cutest sweetest book!! Jack was such a sweetie pie for Violet. Violet was so relatable on so many things. I love her. ✨ I feel like the third act break was so not needed but I think that of every third act break up 🤭
August 14, 2023
Wallflower in Bloom is the second book in Elise Kennedy’s Love in Fairwick Falls series of interconnected standalones.
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Shy plus size FMC
-British TV celebrity MMC
-Cozy cottage vibes
-Romance reading MCs
-Spice 🔥
I LOVED returning to Fairwick Falls for another sweet yet spicy small town romance! I appreciate a plus sized FMC and I found this book boosting my own confidence about my curvy body! 🥰 Fun, fast paced, bingeable!
Recommend this series for fans of Tessa Bailey and Lucy Score!
Thank you Elise Kennedy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Shy plus size FMC
-British TV celebrity MMC
-Cozy cottage vibes
-Romance reading MCs
-Spice 🔥
I LOVED returning to Fairwick Falls for another sweet yet spicy small town romance! I appreciate a plus sized FMC and I found this book boosting my own confidence about my curvy body! 🥰 Fun, fast paced, bingeable!
Recommend this series for fans of Tessa Bailey and Lucy Score!
Thank you Elise Kennedy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 24, 2023
Elise Kennedy did it again..AMAZING READ! I had just read Accidentally in Bloom, so I knew I was in for a treat with this ARC. Small town, celebrity and plant mom, fake dating...this book has everything that makes an amazing romance book. I fell in love with Jack and Violet. This book made me feel like I was transported to Fairwick Falls. I even want to go buy a plant to be a plant mom myself. This book has family, friends, love, and spice. The Fairwick Falls series is a MUST read!!
September 27, 2023
Ebook Read (Kindle). Buddy Read.
This was my first full length book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the FMC. I liked that she was plus size and learned to love & embrace her body without having to lose weight or "rebrand" herself.
I loved that the hero was British and how he was so patient with the heroine.
I would love to see this turned into an audiobook and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
This was my first full length book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the FMC. I liked that she was plus size and learned to love & embrace her body without having to lose weight or "rebrand" herself.
I loved that the hero was British and how he was so patient with the heroine.
I would love to see this turned into an audiobook and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
August 30, 2023
Disclaimer: I got an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. I’m just gonna lay it out there: Violet was a painful character to read. The way her body is discussed by her peers is so gross. There is nothing wrong with being fat and in love. There is nothing wrong with having glasses and not wanting contacts to make yourself look more desirable to the public. There is nothing wrong with who you are as a person and someone coming into your life should not change so many aspects of your life that you are always on the verge of a breakdown about it.
The *takes glasses off and wears contacts and is immediately more desirable* trope is so worn out that there are holes in the floor.
On to Jack now. Jeeze.
His PR crisis? He punched a homophobic asshole! That’s not a crisis, that’s him being a god damn hero. We love that for him and he should’ve gone on tv and explained everything instead of disappearing to Fairwick Falls. That is the biggest plot hole in this entire book.
Also, there is a way to have a man have a type without fetishizing your body type in a folder of gifs on his phone. I’m sorry, that was just weird as hell.
The redeeming qualities of this book were literally the plant parent videos and jack being a cat daddy.
The smut? 2/5 and I never want to read the word minx again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
I dunno. It was...weird? there's surprise! breeding kink (as in those words are actually used more than once and yes, this is technically a spoiler, but also, a huge part of me disconnected as soon as I read them, so...) that doesn't come up until almost 60% of the way through the book. Also, I forever and ever love a fat mc, but...there was a lot of the ways in which her body is discussed that felt like very unresolved body issues (and I GET IT) but it was also...exhausting to read? Like, I know that the author based Violet's body on her own, and it might be her experience of living in that body, and at the same time, the heavy emphasis on the societally approved parts of her fat body (tiny waist, full hourglass, a straight-up comparison to marilyn monroe) just left me feeling tired. There's better fat representation for me out there.
August 12, 2024
I liked this book & the whole arc of accepting yourself & loving yourself but the smut was a cringey for me. Also how many times do we have to read the word c0ck?
August 23, 2023
I was given the amazing opportunity to receive this ARC of Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy in exchange for an honest review. This is my first ever book by Elise and I’m hooked. I couldn’t get enough of her writing. The way she described her characters, the plants, the setting, everything you felt like you were there, that you were one of the supporting characters there. The way she brought her characters to life, even the supporting ones, was absolutely AMAZING! I am forever a fan of Elise Kennedy. She has been added to my auto-buy/aut-read author list.
This is book 2 of the Love in Fairwick Falls series, following Accidentally in Bloom (Rose and Gray’s story). This story follows a curvy, caring plant lover who would rather be in her greenhouse, garden or inside her store Bloom (that she owns with her two sisters Rose and Lily), than the center of attention. She’s known as the town's plant whisperer and a huge fan of “Beyond the Manor Walls” and of course a huge fan girl of Lord Eagleton, Jack Grant, who just so happens to land in her greenhouse needing a place to stay with his cat Todderick aka Todd.
Jack is hiding out after a scandal and stint in jail, he comes to Fairwick Falls, PA, where one of his friends, Gray lives. Violet and Jack enter an agreement to help Jack’s career and to help Violet become the strong, confident woman she can be. They agree to fake-date each other while he’s in town. But with any fake dating scenario feelings and lust forms between them and they add a no-strings attached addendum. Their feelings develop that they can’t stop. Will Jack quit his one acting job, will Violent move to Vancouver to be with him and leave her family behind. Obviously a lot more happens in the book but you’ll just have to read it to find out all the juicy details ;)
I absolutely loved this book, more than I can put into words. It is a feel good story. I love that the FMC is a curvy, plus-sized woman who has an overly attractive man swooning over her. She’s able to find her confidence and her voice to stand up for herself while falling in love with Jack. I love reading about the plus-sized FMCs getting their HEA and having the confidence of being in their own skin. I absolutely loved the banter between Jack and Violet, it felt wholesome and real, like it wasn’t fictional characters I was reading but people in real life. Like my own relationship with my husband. The spice between them was incredible. One of my favorite lines in the book is from Shay (Jack’s agent who is also plus-sized), “Honey, the world needs all of you. Every single inch of your body, your personality, all of it. We need more Violet in this world, so don’t you dare hold it back from us.” I love how Violet blooms into a strong, confident, unstoppable woman. I loved reading about their love blooming throughout the whole book. It will not disappoint you.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes
🌸small town romance
🌸plus-sized FMC
🌸fake dating
🌸celebrity
🌸spicy romp-com
🌸forced proximity
🌸playboy/inexperienced
This is book 2 of the Love in Fairwick Falls series, following Accidentally in Bloom (Rose and Gray’s story). This story follows a curvy, caring plant lover who would rather be in her greenhouse, garden or inside her store Bloom (that she owns with her two sisters Rose and Lily), than the center of attention. She’s known as the town's plant whisperer and a huge fan of “Beyond the Manor Walls” and of course a huge fan girl of Lord Eagleton, Jack Grant, who just so happens to land in her greenhouse needing a place to stay with his cat Todderick aka Todd.
Jack is hiding out after a scandal and stint in jail, he comes to Fairwick Falls, PA, where one of his friends, Gray lives. Violet and Jack enter an agreement to help Jack’s career and to help Violet become the strong, confident woman she can be. They agree to fake-date each other while he’s in town. But with any fake dating scenario feelings and lust forms between them and they add a no-strings attached addendum. Their feelings develop that they can’t stop. Will Jack quit his one acting job, will Violent move to Vancouver to be with him and leave her family behind. Obviously a lot more happens in the book but you’ll just have to read it to find out all the juicy details ;)
I absolutely loved this book, more than I can put into words. It is a feel good story. I love that the FMC is a curvy, plus-sized woman who has an overly attractive man swooning over her. She’s able to find her confidence and her voice to stand up for herself while falling in love with Jack. I love reading about the plus-sized FMCs getting their HEA and having the confidence of being in their own skin. I absolutely loved the banter between Jack and Violet, it felt wholesome and real, like it wasn’t fictional characters I was reading but people in real life. Like my own relationship with my husband. The spice between them was incredible. One of my favorite lines in the book is from Shay (Jack’s agent who is also plus-sized), “Honey, the world needs all of you. Every single inch of your body, your personality, all of it. We need more Violet in this world, so don’t you dare hold it back from us.” I love how Violet blooms into a strong, confident, unstoppable woman. I loved reading about their love blooming throughout the whole book. It will not disappoint you.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes
🌸small town romance
🌸plus-sized FMC
🌸fake dating
🌸celebrity
🌸spicy romp-com
🌸forced proximity
🌸playboy/inexperienced
August 19, 2023
4.5
Fake dating
Forced Proximity
Plus Sized FMC
British actor MMC
Playboy/inexperienced
Coolest cat
Small town
Violet is the town plant whisperer, along with her two sisters they own a plant shop (Bloom) in Fairwick Falls. Violet, is a huge fan of a popular show “Beyond the Manor Walls”, and is a fan girl one of the characters, Lord Eagleton. A lot of sneezes, and one twist of fate has the actor who plays Lord Eagleton, Jack, stumbling into Violets life. Violet you lucky lucky girl!
When Jack has to bunk with Violet because her sister is allergic to Jacks adorable cat, Todderick, the sparks immediately fly. These two end up fake dating, to help Jacks image, and hopefully keep his job. Fake dating is never just that it’s immediate these two are definitely into each other, and everyone knows it. Don’t let this cute cover fool you, this book PACKS on the spice, and it had me blushing!
Obviously this book covers much more, but what I want to talk about is the representation Violet gives us plus sized ladies. There was one line “You’re allowed to take up space” that had me in tears! Violet continually tried to make herself and her presence smaller, Jack puts a stop to that. He really helps her see that her space, who she is, and the amazing person she is shouldn’t be minimized for anyone. Violet quiet literally blooms into the best version of her true self. 🥺
Fake dating
Forced Proximity
Plus Sized FMC
British actor MMC
Playboy/inexperienced
Coolest cat
Small town
Violet is the town plant whisperer, along with her two sisters they own a plant shop (Bloom) in Fairwick Falls. Violet, is a huge fan of a popular show “Beyond the Manor Walls”, and is a fan girl one of the characters, Lord Eagleton. A lot of sneezes, and one twist of fate has the actor who plays Lord Eagleton, Jack, stumbling into Violets life. Violet you lucky lucky girl!
When Jack has to bunk with Violet because her sister is allergic to Jacks adorable cat, Todderick, the sparks immediately fly. These two end up fake dating, to help Jacks image, and hopefully keep his job. Fake dating is never just that it’s immediate these two are definitely into each other, and everyone knows it. Don’t let this cute cover fool you, this book PACKS on the spice, and it had me blushing!
Obviously this book covers much more, but what I want to talk about is the representation Violet gives us plus sized ladies. There was one line “You’re allowed to take up space” that had me in tears! Violet continually tried to make herself and her presence smaller, Jack puts a stop to that. He really helps her see that her space, who she is, and the amazing person she is shouldn’t be minimized for anyone. Violet quiet literally blooms into the best version of her true self. 🥺
September 1, 2023
Cute love story where both leads - Violet and Jack - help each other grow.
The scenes where Violet is pathologically shy and less brave can be frustrating and difficult to read, but that might be a reflection of how difficult the situation is for her. Like, she's not the bracest, never voices her opinion is super shy and this evolves over the course of the book. Same with Jack who like Violet is a people pleaser and struggles to put himself first.
I don't think they realise that they embark on this self discovery journey until a while into the story. Lots of layers to this: realising what you actually want, your worth and also where you feel you truly belong.
Oh, what I hadn't expected was the spice - those scenes were very well written and worth every muffled scream on my couch. 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Finally, I loved the curvy girl representation.. Something that resonated but also felt genuine and personal. Overall, it is a nice story with an interesting twist to a well used trope.
Things I liked a bit less:
there were some lengthy passages where the characters were in their heads a lot and somewhat repetitive.
Also, these characters are very emotional, like there's always tears welling up, but that's a personal taste.
Finally… well that’s the British in me (🤭)we would use the word “courgette” rather than “zucchini” to describe that veg in Devonshire 😏
I received this ARC for my honest review, so all of the above is what I genuinely thought.
The scenes where Violet is pathologically shy and less brave can be frustrating and difficult to read, but that might be a reflection of how difficult the situation is for her. Like, she's not the bracest, never voices her opinion is super shy and this evolves over the course of the book. Same with Jack who like Violet is a people pleaser and struggles to put himself first.
I don't think they realise that they embark on this self discovery journey until a while into the story. Lots of layers to this: realising what you actually want, your worth and also where you feel you truly belong.
Oh, what I hadn't expected was the spice - those scenes were very well written and worth every muffled scream on my couch. 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Finally, I loved the curvy girl representation.. Something that resonated but also felt genuine and personal. Overall, it is a nice story with an interesting twist to a well used trope.
Things I liked a bit less:
there were some lengthy passages where the characters were in their heads a lot and somewhat repetitive.
Also, these characters are very emotional, like there's always tears welling up, but that's a personal taste.
Finally… well that’s the British in me (🤭)we would use the word “courgette” rather than “zucchini” to describe that veg in Devonshire 😏
I received this ARC for my honest review, so all of the above is what I genuinely thought.
September 5, 2026
How is this book so absolutely cute but also super spicy? Pretty perfect combo!
Violet is painfully shy, preferring to be with her flowers in her plant shop she owns with her sisters. Jack is a playboy actor who needs time away from the spotlight and goes to visit his friend when he meets Violet as she rescues his cat. He needs a place to stay, and she is enamored because he’s the star of her favorite show. When Jack needs a fake girlfriend for PR purposes, Violet is up for the challenge, and then some.
I really enjoyed Violet as a character. She is a plus-size girlie, shy, but she really “blooms” as Jack gives her just a little extra confidence. And I absolutely loved Jack’s inner monologue. The things Violet may be insecure about? Oh, those may be his favorite parts!
This one is cute, swoony, and spicy, and it takes you away to where sometimes dreams can come true. I also really enjoyed the duel audio. Zoe Black and James Joseph did a great job of bringing Violet and Jack to life.
If you like sweet and spicy romcoms with plus-size representation and fake dating - this one is the one for you.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley - All opinions are my own.
Violet is painfully shy, preferring to be with her flowers in her plant shop she owns with her sisters. Jack is a playboy actor who needs time away from the spotlight and goes to visit his friend when he meets Violet as she rescues his cat. He needs a place to stay, and she is enamored because he’s the star of her favorite show. When Jack needs a fake girlfriend for PR purposes, Violet is up for the challenge, and then some.
I really enjoyed Violet as a character. She is a plus-size girlie, shy, but she really “blooms” as Jack gives her just a little extra confidence. And I absolutely loved Jack’s inner monologue. The things Violet may be insecure about? Oh, those may be his favorite parts!
This one is cute, swoony, and spicy, and it takes you away to where sometimes dreams can come true. I also really enjoyed the duel audio. Zoe Black and James Joseph did a great job of bringing Violet and Jack to life.
If you like sweet and spicy romcoms with plus-size representation and fake dating - this one is the one for you.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley - All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2023
Wallflower in Bloom, the second book in an adorable series by Elise Kennedy.
This is the perfect addition to the series. I loved reading Violet and Jack’s story.
A few key things this book has:
🪴Cute and quirky plant mom
🪴Plus size FMC
🪴MMC that is so kind and amazing with the FMC
🪴Budding plant daddy
🪴Breeding kink 😮💨
🪴Forced proximity
🪴Small town romance
🪴Fake dating
If any of these interest you, this is the book for you!
When Jack is in trouble with the network his TV show is on, he decides to lay low in his friend’s town of Fairwick Falls.
He ends up becoming temporary roommates with plant mom, Violet Parker. They hit it off from the start. He adores her shy and caring personality and just so happens to be on Violet’s favorite show. She welcomes him and his adorable geriatric cat Sir Toddrick into her home (he totally steals the show btw).
From the start they have chemistry and after one little white lie, Violet is suddenly Jack’s fake girlfriend…until it starts to feel real for both of them.
I was rooting for them the whole book and was SO ready for them to admit to one another that maybe this fake relationship wasn’t so fake after all. I also loved watching Jack help Violet bring out the brave woman he saw from the start.
This is the perfect addition to this series and it has me soooo excited for the next book which will by Lilly and Nash’s book!
This is the perfect addition to the series. I loved reading Violet and Jack’s story.
A few key things this book has:
🪴Cute and quirky plant mom
🪴Plus size FMC
🪴MMC that is so kind and amazing with the FMC
🪴Budding plant daddy
🪴Breeding kink 😮💨
🪴Forced proximity
🪴Small town romance
🪴Fake dating
If any of these interest you, this is the book for you!
When Jack is in trouble with the network his TV show is on, he decides to lay low in his friend’s town of Fairwick Falls.
He ends up becoming temporary roommates with plant mom, Violet Parker. They hit it off from the start. He adores her shy and caring personality and just so happens to be on Violet’s favorite show. She welcomes him and his adorable geriatric cat Sir Toddrick into her home (he totally steals the show btw).
From the start they have chemistry and after one little white lie, Violet is suddenly Jack’s fake girlfriend…until it starts to feel real for both of them.
I was rooting for them the whole book and was SO ready for them to admit to one another that maybe this fake relationship wasn’t so fake after all. I also loved watching Jack help Violet bring out the brave woman he saw from the start.
This is the perfect addition to this series and it has me soooo excited for the next book which will by Lilly and Nash’s book!
September 2, 2026
NetGalley ALC
4.5 ⭐️ / 3 🌶️
This was such a cute and fun read! The narrators did an amazing job!
A true plus-sized, self-conscious FMC in her 30s who learns to not only be comfortable in her skin, but become more daring and realize that she is worth loving? An active and confident MMC who comes to terms with knowing that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to please everyone? Yes, please!
All the characters in this were great. The plot was cute, and the story itself was sweet, funny, charming, spicy, and a good chance to do some self-reflection.
I didn’t read the first one, but could tell from the writing that the older sister had a previous book. However, I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information. This does a decent set up to lead into the next sister’s story. Will I now be reading the whole series? Absolutely.
4.5 ⭐️ / 3 🌶️
This was such a cute and fun read! The narrators did an amazing job!
A true plus-sized, self-conscious FMC in her 30s who learns to not only be comfortable in her skin, but become more daring and realize that she is worth loving? An active and confident MMC who comes to terms with knowing that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to please everyone? Yes, please!
All the characters in this were great. The plot was cute, and the story itself was sweet, funny, charming, spicy, and a good chance to do some self-reflection.
I didn’t read the first one, but could tell from the writing that the older sister had a previous book. However, I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information. This does a decent set up to lead into the next sister’s story. Will I now be reading the whole series? Absolutely.
July 2, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
Violet is surprised by her celebrity crush who was friends with her sister’s boyfriend. Jack needed a place to stay with his cat and Violet had space. Of course, once they meet it is immediately exciting because who wouldn’t want to meet their crush and get to know them?!
Jack helps Violet overcome her “stage fright” or really any type of public communication fright. They also bond over her books collection and her list of things she has always wanted to try. Again… meeting your crush and having them help you check off ALL OF YOUR FANTASIES?! 😍
Seriously, this book was adorable and I absolutely loved Jack and Violet as a couple. She is just the sweetest person and Jack immediately noticed and made sure that others around her would too regardless of how they knew her.
Violet is surprised by her celebrity crush who was friends with her sister’s boyfriend. Jack needed a place to stay with his cat and Violet had space. Of course, once they meet it is immediately exciting because who wouldn’t want to meet their crush and get to know them?!
Jack helps Violet overcome her “stage fright” or really any type of public communication fright. They also bond over her books collection and her list of things she has always wanted to try. Again… meeting your crush and having them help you check off ALL OF YOUR FANTASIES?! 😍
Seriously, this book was adorable and I absolutely loved Jack and Violet as a couple. She is just the sweetest person and Jack immediately noticed and made sure that others around her would too regardless of how they knew her.
August 23, 2026
Format: AUDIOBOOK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Narrated in dual style by Zoe Black & James Joseph.
Fake Dating
Small Town
Hollywood Star
Violet and Jack
Jack is a Hollywood actor, getting into fight and its all over the Tabloids, he needs a break and hide.
He finds himself at his best friend’s house. However due to Rose having an allergy to his cat, he stays with her sister Violet to hide out.
He needs a girlfriend to save his job and the network. She needs help with public speaking.
Together they help each other.
Enjoyed this fake dating and small town romance. New author for me.
Both narrators did a fantastic job with their character voices.
Thank you PinUp Audio for this ALC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Narrated in dual style by Zoe Black & James Joseph.
Fake Dating
Small Town
Hollywood Star
Violet and Jack
Jack is a Hollywood actor, getting into fight and its all over the Tabloids, he needs a break and hide.
He finds himself at his best friend’s house. However due to Rose having an allergy to his cat, he stays with her sister Violet to hide out.
He needs a girlfriend to save his job and the network. She needs help with public speaking.
Together they help each other.
Enjoyed this fake dating and small town romance. New author for me.
Both narrators did a fantastic job with their character voices.
Thank you PinUp Audio for this ALC
September 5, 2023
Guys, I fell in love with Accidentally in Bloom, so when I got the chance to read Wallflower in Bloom, I screamed out loud lol. I stayed up all night reading this book and let me tell you, it was so worth the lack of sleep that I got lol. Jack and Violet are so incredibly amazing, and I love how they both seem so wholesome and natural. I also loved the sarcasm between the two of them. This book had me squealing and blushing and falling in love with it. Elise's style of writing is so amazing, and it makes reading her books that much better. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
January 4, 2024
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I wasn’t disappointed! I absolutely loved the characters and the attention to details. They had excellent character growth and world building was phenomenal. The spice was excellent and their chemistry was great. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2026
I loved the spice, I loved the growth. There was so much chemistry between these two and I couldn’t get enough.
I also loved hearing this through the audiobook. The narrators did such a good job and it was really easy to stay engrossed in this!
Plot 5/5 ⭐️
Spicy 5/5 🌶️
I also loved hearing this through the audiobook. The narrators did such a good job and it was really easy to stay engrossed in this!
Plot 5/5 ⭐️
Spicy 5/5 🌶️
August 15, 2023
4.5 stars 🤩🤩🤩🤩
I am *OBSESSED* with this book!! I read the ARC and the first couple of pages were a little embarrassing to me because the FMC is so awkward and shy and fangirl-ish but it was also really cute and heartwarming and so nice to see a plus-sized FMC that was so AUTHENTIC. The way she struggled with her body image was so heart-wrenching and relatable. The writing is super well done and easy to read. Despite the touching of heavier topics (grieving the loss of a parent((off screen loss)), self image struggles, wanting to make your parents proud), the storyline just flew by. It is a cute heartwarming story I’d recommend to anyone who loves cute romcoms, Bridgerton, famous/not famous romance, supportive bf’s, smexy bucket lists, and all the feels 😍☺️
I received this as an ARC but all thoughts/feelings/opinions are 1000% my own
I am *OBSESSED* with this book!! I read the ARC and the first couple of pages were a little embarrassing to me because the FMC is so awkward and shy and fangirl-ish but it was also really cute and heartwarming and so nice to see a plus-sized FMC that was so AUTHENTIC. The way she struggled with her body image was so heart-wrenching and relatable. The writing is super well done and easy to read. Despite the touching of heavier topics (grieving the loss of a parent((off screen loss)), self image struggles, wanting to make your parents proud), the storyline just flew by. It is a cute heartwarming story I’d recommend to anyone who loves cute romcoms, Bridgerton, famous/not famous romance, supportive bf’s, smexy bucket lists, and all the feels 😍☺️
I received this as an ARC but all thoughts/feelings/opinions are 1000% my own
August 29, 2026
One of my favorite things about reading is discovering new-to-me authors, and Elise Kennedy was such a fun find! 🌿
I really enjoyed Violet + Jack, but Violet’s confidence journey was what stood out most for me. She’s shy, plus-size, a little awkward, and happiest surrounded by her plants and I loved that her growth wasn’t about changing herself. It was about finding the confidence to take up space, ask for what she wants, and BLOOM. 🌸
And Jack?! This charming British man! 🇬🇧 Their chemistry was playful, spicy, and sweet, but it was the way he genuinely saw Violet that really won me over.
And we HAVE to talk about that spicy bucket list. Let’s just say Jack was very committed to the assignment.
🎧 Zoe Black brought so much warmth and vulnerability to Violet, while James Joseph gave Jack ALL the British charm.I really enjoyed them together!
Sweet, spicy, cozy, and another new-to-me author I’ll definitely be reading again. 🌿💜
I really enjoyed Violet + Jack, but Violet’s confidence journey was what stood out most for me. She’s shy, plus-size, a little awkward, and happiest surrounded by her plants and I loved that her growth wasn’t about changing herself. It was about finding the confidence to take up space, ask for what she wants, and BLOOM. 🌸
And Jack?! This charming British man! 🇬🇧 Their chemistry was playful, spicy, and sweet, but it was the way he genuinely saw Violet that really won me over.
And we HAVE to talk about that spicy bucket list. Let’s just say Jack was very committed to the assignment.
🎧 Zoe Black brought so much warmth and vulnerability to Violet, while James Joseph gave Jack ALL the British charm.I really enjoyed them together!
Sweet, spicy, cozy, and another new-to-me author I’ll definitely be reading again. 🌿💜
August 15, 2023
I was given this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions of this book are my own.
I enjoyed this book very much. The fake dating trope is a fun one. A curvy MFC is also a treat. Both characters actually had growth which isn't always the case in these books. Oh, did I mention the SPICE. I didn't expect a much as we got and we are not disappointed.This book is a standalone, but I'm definitely interested in reading more about Rose and Lily. I would have enjoyed more Shay and Aaron in this book, but overall this book was a great read. I don't give out 5 stars easily, but it's definitely worthy of 4. If I could give 4.5, I would.
I enjoyed this book very much. The fake dating trope is a fun one. A curvy MFC is also a treat. Both characters actually had growth which isn't always the case in these books. Oh, did I mention the SPICE. I didn't expect a much as we got and we are not disappointed.This book is a standalone, but I'm definitely interested in reading more about Rose and Lily. I would have enjoyed more Shay and Aaron in this book, but overall this book was a great read. I don't give out 5 stars easily, but it's definitely worthy of 4. If I could give 4.5, I would.
August 18, 2023
Just finished "Wallflower in Bloom" and oh my goodness, what a read! First off, I absolutely adored how the main character names her plants. And can we talk about Violet's adorable awkwardness around Jack in the beginning? It was so relatable and endearing.
The sibling dynamic in this book was pure gold – the way they looked out for Violet and their protectiveness was just heartwarming. I can't help but root for them all!
But what really stole my heart was having a curvy female main character who is celebrated exactly as she is. No one's trying to change her, especially not the male lead. It's about time we see more representation like this in literature.
If you're looking for a book that's charming, relatable, has lots of spice, and celebrates real bodies and sibling bonds, "Wallflower in Bloom" is definitely one to pick up!
Thank you to Elise Kennedy for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The sibling dynamic in this book was pure gold – the way they looked out for Violet and their protectiveness was just heartwarming. I can't help but root for them all!
But what really stole my heart was having a curvy female main character who is celebrated exactly as she is. No one's trying to change her, especially not the male lead. It's about time we see more representation like this in literature.
If you're looking for a book that's charming, relatable, has lots of spice, and celebrates real bodies and sibling bonds, "Wallflower in Bloom" is definitely one to pick up!
Thank you to Elise Kennedy for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2026
My favourite book of the year so far!
Spice!
An accent!
The incredible growth of the FMC!
Spice!
An accent!
The incredible growth of the FMC!
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