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TLFS Spin-Off #1
Hyacinths and Hydrangeas: Syd's Story
After a much-needed gap year, Sydney is finally ready to start her college basketball career and become one step closer to achieving her dreams of playing for the Charlotte Does. Before she even steps foot on South State University’s campus, she’s famous. Everyone knows of the basketball prodigy who had been winning awards and being looked at by WNBA scouts since she was 15. But with popularity and fame comes gossip, haters, and past traumas. It’s something she’s used to though and she has never let it bother her in the past. But when she falls for a dancer named Jamie and things start to spin out of control, will she be able to brush it all off?
Jamie Wiser may be a sophomore in college, but she’s far from experienced in anything thanks to the sheltered life she lived most of her childhood. When the life she knows is suddenly upended at the age of 15, she finds herself moving in with her bestfriend, Ariana, and her family. They care for her like family, but with money being tight, she still misses out on a lot of experiences outside of dance classes. But when she meets Sydney, her world is once again turned upside down. She experiences stuff she’s never had before like luxuries, fancy trips, but most importantly — acceptance.
This is a story about love. About compassion. Trauma. And finding your person.
This is the story of how Sydney and Jamie found each other.
Jamie Wiser may be a sophomore in college, but she’s far from experienced in anything thanks to the sheltered life she lived most of her childhood. When the life she knows is suddenly upended at the age of 15, she finds herself moving in with her bestfriend, Ariana, and her family. They care for her like family, but with money being tight, she still misses out on a lot of experiences outside of dance classes. But when she meets Sydney, her world is once again turned upside down. She experiences stuff she’s never had before like luxuries, fancy trips, but most importantly — acceptance.
This is a story about love. About compassion. Trauma. And finding your person.
This is the story of how Sydney and Jamie found each other.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
16 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Aricka Alexander
26 books154 followersJust a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 2, 2024
It's Good
Overall this was a good read. The story is straightforward, no crazy twists, just regular life things if your life went pretty normal and successful. It's a little too sweet at some points but I think anyone can read it and be satisfied. It's a solid followup to the series.
Overall this was a good read. The story is straightforward, no crazy twists, just regular life things if your life went pretty normal and successful. It's a little too sweet at some points but I think anyone can read it and be satisfied. It's a solid followup to the series.
June 2, 2024
great book
I received this book as an ARC and still bought it once it was released. I love how the book covers all aspects of life and the challenges you may face along the way.
I received this book as an ARC and still bought it once it was released. I love how the book covers all aspects of life and the challenges you may face along the way.
June 1, 2024
Aricka Alexander
Hyacinths and Hydrangeas: Syd's Story (TLFS Spin-Off Series Book 1)
Arc
New Release
June 1 , 2024
Syd is embarking on a new chapter in her life after completing high school. Before starting college, she plans to take a break and explore the world, embracing all the joys and adventures it has to offer.
Since day one, I have been captivated by this story. It beautifully portrays Sydney's journey from a young girl to a smart, beautiful, and courageous young lady. Her mother's unconditional love for her is evident throughout.
On her graduation day, Sydney was surrounded by her two closest friends, Lilly and Mattie, who meant the world to her. However, it was difficult for her when Mattie had to move away. Despite this, Sydney remained focused on her passion for basketball and dance, constantly striving to improve her skills through dedicated practice.
Witnessing Sydney's growth, development, and ability to experience love and the world from a unique perspective has been a true privilege. I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book, now available on Amazon KU. It is undoubtedly a captivating read that I highly recommend. The author's talent and thoughtfulness shine through her writing, creating a universe of lovable characters. I eagerly anticipate future works from this exceptional young author. She is definitely one to watch, and I encourage everyone to support her remarkable work. You won't be disappointed!
Hyacinths and Hydrangeas: Syd's Story (TLFS Spin-Off Series Book 1)
Arc
New Release
June 1 , 2024
Syd is embarking on a new chapter in her life after completing high school. Before starting college, she plans to take a break and explore the world, embracing all the joys and adventures it has to offer.
Since day one, I have been captivated by this story. It beautifully portrays Sydney's journey from a young girl to a smart, beautiful, and courageous young lady. Her mother's unconditional love for her is evident throughout.
On her graduation day, Sydney was surrounded by her two closest friends, Lilly and Mattie, who meant the world to her. However, it was difficult for her when Mattie had to move away. Despite this, Sydney remained focused on her passion for basketball and dance, constantly striving to improve her skills through dedicated practice.
Witnessing Sydney's growth, development, and ability to experience love and the world from a unique perspective has been a true privilege. I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book, now available on Amazon KU. It is undoubtedly a captivating read that I highly recommend. The author's talent and thoughtfulness shine through her writing, creating a universe of lovable characters. I eagerly anticipate future works from this exceptional young author. She is definitely one to watch, and I encourage everyone to support her remarkable work. You won't be disappointed!
November 25, 2025
★★★★½ (4.5/5)
This book is like being wrapped in a warm blanket… while the person wrapped with you will not stop telling you how great they are.
Sydney is an absolute force — bold, talented, self-assured, and occasionally about three sentences away from straight-up bragging. Okay, sometimes it’s more than “occasionally.” There were moments when I wanted to gently place a finger over her lips and whisper, “Syd, sweetheart, we get it. You’re amazing. Please continue the plot.”
But honestly? Once you settle into her voice, the confidence becomes part of the charm. It’s over the top, sure, but it also makes the vulnerable moments shine brighter. And that’s where the book really lands: in its softness, its warmth, its community, its love.
The relationships — romantic, familial, and platonic — are the beating heart of this story. The emotional support, the growth, the way everyone shows up for each other… it’s wholesome in a way that feels earned rather than saccharine. Alexander builds a world where people care fiercely, and that tenderness lingers with you long after the last chapter.
The pacing is smooth, the character arcs are satisfying, and even though Syd’s self-hype occasionally steals the spotlight, it never takes away from the genuine goodness woven through the narrative.
4.5 stars — because despite the extra seasoning of Sydney’s ego, this story is full of heart, healing, and hydrangea-soft joy.
This book is like being wrapped in a warm blanket… while the person wrapped with you will not stop telling you how great they are.
Sydney is an absolute force — bold, talented, self-assured, and occasionally about three sentences away from straight-up bragging. Okay, sometimes it’s more than “occasionally.” There were moments when I wanted to gently place a finger over her lips and whisper, “Syd, sweetheart, we get it. You’re amazing. Please continue the plot.”
But honestly? Once you settle into her voice, the confidence becomes part of the charm. It’s over the top, sure, but it also makes the vulnerable moments shine brighter. And that’s where the book really lands: in its softness, its warmth, its community, its love.
The relationships — romantic, familial, and platonic — are the beating heart of this story. The emotional support, the growth, the way everyone shows up for each other… it’s wholesome in a way that feels earned rather than saccharine. Alexander builds a world where people care fiercely, and that tenderness lingers with you long after the last chapter.
The pacing is smooth, the character arcs are satisfying, and even though Syd’s self-hype occasionally steals the spotlight, it never takes away from the genuine goodness woven through the narrative.
4.5 stars — because despite the extra seasoning of Sydney’s ego, this story is full of heart, healing, and hydrangea-soft joy.
July 2, 2025
Loved this spin-off book!
"“Hyacinth, I’d move the sun for you,” I say and reach across the counter for her hand. She places it in mine, and I bring it to my lips. “Anything I can do to see that beautiful smile of yours, I will do it. In a heartbeat.”"
After absolutely adoring The Love Flowers series I knew I had to read the spin-off books. Syd was one of my favourite characters so it was great seeing where her future led and seeing her blossoming love with Jamie.
Really thought this book did well to explore how the past can impact our present and I appreciated seeing how young adult Sydney was doing after her experiences with Ben growing up. Reading about the hard times Jamie faced growing up was tough (of course made me hate the Boudreaux family even more). It was good to see her finding love with her chosen family and building a new life.
This was a wholesome whirlwind romance that was grounded in authentic hardships, feelings and characters I've grown to love! Aricka Alexander is one of my new fav authors and her writing style is a breath of fresh air so I'll be reading more of her work for sure!
"“Hyacinth, I’d move the sun for you,” I say and reach across the counter for her hand. She places it in mine, and I bring it to my lips. “Anything I can do to see that beautiful smile of yours, I will do it. In a heartbeat.”"
After absolutely adoring The Love Flowers series I knew I had to read the spin-off books. Syd was one of my favourite characters so it was great seeing where her future led and seeing her blossoming love with Jamie.
Really thought this book did well to explore how the past can impact our present and I appreciated seeing how young adult Sydney was doing after her experiences with Ben growing up. Reading about the hard times Jamie faced growing up was tough (of course made me hate the Boudreaux family even more). It was good to see her finding love with her chosen family and building a new life.
This was a wholesome whirlwind romance that was grounded in authentic hardships, feelings and characters I've grown to love! Aricka Alexander is one of my new fav authors and her writing style is a breath of fresh air so I'll be reading more of her work for sure!
February 1, 2025
Aricka knows what she’s doing! I loved reading Syd’s point of view, being a part of her young adulthood and seeing her growth!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews