Sunflower

The Love Flower

by Aricka Alexander

Autumn Noble is a 27-year-old mother who focuses all her time on working and being there for her daughter, Sydney. She has no time for relationships, going out, or partying. After the rocky relationship with her ex, she believes that maybe relationships just aren’t for her.

That is until she meets Winter. She’s a fun-loving, spontaneous person who is attracted to Autumn from the first time they meet. With her personality and gentleness, she reintroduces the idea of love to Autumn.

With the help of Winter, Autumn learns that she can continue to be a great mom while also being able to enjoy herself in her adult years.

This is a story about love. About upset. Betrayal. And the struggles of being the only parent present.

This is the story of how Autumn found Winter.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2024

About the author

Just a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.

Reviews

[Deja Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Sweet Sapphic

4.5 Sunflower is the perfect title for this read as it felt like a relaxing drive on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It had a great flow and the characters stuck with me.

Autumn is a single mom still struggling with getting over her trifling ex’s inconsiderate and inconsistent behavior. Her frustration was palpable as was her love for her daughter.

I also loved her relationship with Winter. I’m a girl who loves drama with a side of toxicity so this felt like a palette cleanser. Low angst, yet high on the emotions.

I wish we spent more time with Winter though, to drive up the romance meter. Their chemistry was sweet and the sexy time they had was great but not enough! 😅 I wanted more!

This is just book 1 so I’m looking forward to seeing burning sheets and more 🥵 👅 💦 Because…nasty girl, Imma nasty girl 🎶😜

At the core, I loved the support Autumn had from most of the people in her life. Her relationship with Winter was refreshing and this felt like it had good bi rep which doesn’t always get us right.

A perfect choice if you’re looking for something with all the feels. Put it on your tbr!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ☆
Getting to read the beginning of their love story! It was cute and fun, and easy to read.

[Honey Mozelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Decent Read, But Left Me Wanting More”

I picked up Sunflower because of the title—Sunflower is actually my nickname, given to me by an ex because it’s my favorite flower. I didn’t read the description, just saw it recommended on Kindle Unlimited and went in blind.

The story had potential, but it left a lot to the imagination—sometimes too much. I wanted more depth, more emotion, and a stronger connection to the characters. And the ending? It felt incomplete, like it needed just a little more to fully land.

That being said, it was still a decent read, but not fully satisfying. If you enjoy LGBTQ+ stories and don’t mind open-ended storytelling, this might work for you. But if you prefer fully fleshed-out endings and deeper character exploration, you may feel a bit underwhelmed. And just a heads-up—Ben will have you ready to fight. 😂

[Aylis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I just felt detached from the characters and the romance. This book was telling us more than showing us and I do not like book like that tbh.

[Liyah's · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why do you always do that,” she asks, voice barely above a whisper. “Every time I want to look at your beautiful eyes, your beautiful face, you look away.”

“May I have this dance, beautiful?” She asks with


This book was so fucking good i cant even I connected to every character instantly Ben had me ready to jump through this book and throat punch him im still mad at him I loved Autumn and Winter and SYD my sweet Lil baby

It had an open ending. I like those with a short book that is so no complaints here it would be 5 starts but I felt like something was missing?? I wish it was more of a slow burn and not them getting together like 50 pages in but also the romance wasnt the main plot i wish it like gave me a little bit more in that regard but short n sweet I liked it

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet (and sexy) read! I loved the narrator and this author is quickly becoming a fave.

This story is told in Autumn’s pov. I enjoyed getting to really know her and her views and thoughts. She is loyal and strong. Her daughter was just the sweetest! I am very much looking forward to getting to know Winter better through her pov in Marigold.

Recommend!!

[Shakalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ The only reason I didn’t dnf this is because I became invested in the story. The FMC talks directly to the reader a lot and I have learned that this writing style isn’t for me. This is the first book that I have read that does this and it will probably be my last. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters, nor did I feel the connections in the book. This book was very detail oriented. There wasn’t much of a plot and it ended very abruptly. I definitely skimmed the last 30% and didn’t miss a beat. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[Milly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet sapphic romance. I loved Autumn, little Sydney, Momo and Winter. Ben can go stand in traffic.

Seeing the woes of co-parenting with someone who doesn’t want to be present, being the superstar parent while stretching yourself in every direction, and giving into a love that healed all the parts that have hurt for so long…was beautiful.

[Darcy Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially obsessed with Aricka Alexander's books

“You are the embodiment of a sunflower. I know there may have been times, and people, in your life that made you feel like a weed, but you, my love, are one of the most gorgeous and tallest flowers in the garden. You bring me joy and happiness and I admire you and how hard you work. How much of an amazing mom you are. You are quite literally the best person I’ve ever met. You’re amazing.”

The emotional rollercoaster in this book has me hooked and I smashed through reading this quickly. This is the second book I've read by this author after stumbling open their amazing recent release 'Where There's Snoke' by chance and I'm obsessed! I love their writing style - a mixture of slice of life conversation and deep feels written in such a beautiful, accessible and engaging way.

I loved Autumn with her strength and fierce love for her daughter. The relationships with her, Syd and her mom were so wholesome, supportive and loving. Sydney is literally the sweetest kid and I wanted to also fight to protect her from being upset. On that note I enjoyed hate-reading about Ben, the plot twist about him and wish him the worst!

The relationship between Autumn and Winter is so loving and well paced as they nurture their connection and dare to hope for the future. I loved how supportive and sweet Winter is and can't wait to read more of her story in the second book. Also the relationships with Winter's family had me crying so I suspect there will be more feels to come!

Loved the pan representation, hearing about the school and different learning styles, the exploration of supportive parenting and the normalisation of therapy and support for mental health and difficulties faced in life.

Now if you don't mind I'm off to devour book two!

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't normally read Sapphic books, but the plot sounded interesting so I gave it a try. It was interesting, but I wanted to DNF about 60% in. I didn't because I already bought this book 😅 I hated the coparenting relationship between Autumn and Ben; it felt completely unrealistic. I hated how Autumn's mom recommended supervised visitation for Ben, again, completely unrealistic and no judge in real life would grant that. The relationship between Autumn and Winter felt like it was based more on lust than love. They didn't really experience any hardships (outside of Autumn's issues with Ben), and Winter never seemed to have any issues that Autumn helped her through. The "BJ is my brother and not my cousin" surprise didn't add anything to the story, and I despised how there was always a huge conflict between Ben and Autumn at a major event for Sydney (Christmas and her birthday). They seemed exhausting to be around. There were also a few grammatical errors, and I didn't really like how the book was written.

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunflower by Aricka Alexander is a heartwarming and deeply relatable contemporary romance that easily earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. I really connected with Autumn, a dedicated twenty-seven-year-old single mother who has completely closed herself off to romance after a rocky past relationship. Watching the fun-loving and gentle Winter slowly break down Autumn's walls and teach her that she can still pursue her own happiness while being an amazing mom was incredibly sweet. My only minor critique is that the pacing felt a bit rushed during the transition from the initial betrayal drama to the final healing process. Overall, it’s a beautiful, realistic story about the struggles of parenting and finding love again that I highly recommend to any high schooler who loves emotional, character-driven romances!

[SUTTON (Kade) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was sweet. More of a 4.3 but … cute kid and finally women of color.

I wasn’t thrilled with the format of describing each main character at the beginning. It wasn’t something one could remember.

The little girl was delightful - although sapphic children are always too perfect.

I love the nod to the issues with “thanksgiving” as a “holiday.”

Both main characters were delightful.

I think my main problem was everyone was too perfect. Except the evil ex. But that is the point of the evil ex. Nice grandmother, main characters, daughter, and add in an easy going cat.

Sweet.

The narrator has a smooth realistic voice. It is always hard when a book is almost entirely in first person, but a beautiful voice.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn is a single mom, focused on creating a good life with her mom and daughter despite the constant disappointment from her ex. She meets Winter, first as a neighbor, then as her child's teacher, and sparks fly.

This was a solid read. I enjoyed Autumn and Winter. I loved the support of family on both sides, and the way they explored their feelings so readily with one another. Autumn's daughter was adorable and the side plot with her father was emotional and lent some layers to Autumn's story. I liked the progressiveness of the school, and the way Autumn and Winter treated their budding relationship with care. They also had great passion and I enjoyed that.

[LaNee Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story. They had a lot of relatable topics as a single mom trying to navigate a life as a lesbian in battle with a lot of the things that the main character had to battle with. I’m glad she found her happiness and found out who she was. I’m glad her daughter was on board. I’m glad she found a partner. I’m glad she had a mother that was tame her. This was a very good story and I would recommend this book for anybody.

[Jaleea Fomby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first real sapphic novel. The way Aricka captures the perspective of a mother (single) was memorable. Autumn was a strong black woman esp after finding out the truth about her baby father! I will NEVER understand how a man can take care of ONE kid and not the other! She was dealt a bad hand. Being treated the way she did by her Ex's family just because of her sexuality was sad! I love how Winter came in loving her and her daughter Sydney!

[M Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson in Learning

When I say I had a hard time putting this book down. It was beautifully written. It felt like I was in the story following along on the side. Autumn and Winter were a match made in heaven and the love they shared was steamy and wonderful. Syd was a wonderful little girl who understood love has no boundaries. This is a story I will read again.

[Brianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this story. I am never one for coincidences and always one for “This is meant to be.” “This is your soulmate” and this book gave all of that. I could’ve done without one character, he who shall not be named, but you know an author writes a character really well when you either really really hate them or really really love them. I am definitely diving into book 2 next!

[KeeAirRuhh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this so bad, this is also my second attempt at this book. The writing style is so painful. We are being told more than shown, the visual is not there its like being talked at. Also she speaks directly to us which I find I am not a fan of. The idea was great but the execution just wasn't quite there.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely sold!

This was an amazing read. Finished it in a day and a half. This writer, creates compelling relatable stories that leave you unable to put the book down. I am 100% ready to witness the story of Winter and Autumn as they navigate life love family and parenthood while loving each other to the depths of their souls.

[Etinni · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars, rounded up. Um it was okay? I’m not a fan of how it was written, but I tend to not like books that speak “directly” to the reader idk. Also did not feel connected to the couple, but not a terrible read.

[C.M. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah Lee

This book has been going through all of the emotions. Ben can go to a place deep down below where it gets hot. Winter and Autumn were made for each other. I loved how supportive they were of each other.

[Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

yeahh i couldn’t even get past the first 20 pages.

this was such a wattpad story with terrible writing that i got bored every time i tried to read it.

dnf 1/5

[Yoldjine Douyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

This is such a heartwarming story and I can't wait to see where the future brings these characters. On to book 2.

[Aiesha Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love winter for my girl autumn and babygirl syd omg!!!!! This was such an amazing read I loved it

[Nakia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this author! I recently got all the books in TLFS and can’t wait to start Marigold :)

[hea booktubes]

DNF 5% he’s a deadbeat dad. I got it. No need to keep expounding.

[The Biggest Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute, not too heavy on the spice but just spicy enough. We love a good twist and a wholesome ending