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Flower City #1
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Sometimes redemption comes from the place you least expect...
Life is made of moments. Big, life-changing moments, and small, seemingly insignificant ones. Moments we shine, and ones we wish we could take back. Add up all those moments, and you’re left with the bed you’ve made. Or maybe it was made for you. Either way, you can’t have a redo.
Or can you?
Lizzie hates Knox. He’s a liar, a cheat and an addict. He’s also her husband. When Lizzie learns she may have made a huge mistake at work, she begins retracing the steps that could have caused her blunder. While digging into the story, she learns Knox’s past indiscretions may be tangled up in it – and the more she finds out, the less she wants to know.
Knox will do anything to regain Lizzie’s trust, and heart, but fears she will never be able to forgive him for his wrongdoings. As they are forced to address the events that happened as a result of one night of bad decisions, both Knox and Lizzie are caught between memories of the past and how they fell in love, and the course they’re on – which is headed straight for demolition.
When the truth comes out, can these lovers-turned-enemies rebuild their life together, or do they walk away for good?
Life is made of moments. Big, life-changing moments, and small, seemingly insignificant ones. Moments we shine, and ones we wish we could take back. Add up all those moments, and you’re left with the bed you’ve made. Or maybe it was made for you. Either way, you can’t have a redo.
Or can you?
Lizzie hates Knox. He’s a liar, a cheat and an addict. He’s also her husband. When Lizzie learns she may have made a huge mistake at work, she begins retracing the steps that could have caused her blunder. While digging into the story, she learns Knox’s past indiscretions may be tangled up in it – and the more she finds out, the less she wants to know.
Knox will do anything to regain Lizzie’s trust, and heart, but fears she will never be able to forgive him for his wrongdoings. As they are forced to address the events that happened as a result of one night of bad decisions, both Knox and Lizzie are caught between memories of the past and how they fell in love, and the course they’re on – which is headed straight for demolition.
When the truth comes out, can these lovers-turned-enemies rebuild their life together, or do they walk away for good?
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
155 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Holly Crocco
4 books15 followersWith each story, I strive to build a world for readers where they can escape. I aim to immerse readers in the lives of my characters. I want them to experience the same sights and sounds and, of course, all the feels. I seek to develop characters that are complex, flawed and, most importantly, real.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 24, 2025
My best unforgiving implacable heroine in the Cheating trope for 2024.
One of my fav grovel, growth and redemptions in a hero.
5/5 for the gut punch
H – Knox 🌱h – Lizzie 🌱ow - Jenny (Jen, as he so fondly calls her)
My intro to the heroine:
“Is that Knox?” Monty squints at the man in front of us, even though he knows the answer. I don’t reply. Instead, I hit the gas again and head straight for my husband, who has to jump out of the way. I hear something along the lines of “The fuck’s the matter with you, crazy bitch?”—or a similar sentiment—coming from his mouth as we fly past.
THE HERO x HEROINE:
NOW ITS 10 YEARS LATER
THE CHEATING:
MY ISSUES:
THE HEROINE: ‼️SPOILERS ‼️
Lizzie can’t get over the pain his choices caused. She’s dealing with her failing marriage and a suspension from work.
A spunky kickass funny feisty vulnerable heroine with too many hang ups and snark.
Skittish and awkward in any social setting. Somewhat enigmatic. Sassy, headstrong.
One of the most stubborn and independent heroines I’ve met:
I am about to resign myself to sleeping at the office because I will drink my own piss before I call Knox for help, when I see lights blink in my rearview mirror.
Inquisitive and suspicious, anxious, insecure yet confrontational when necessary. She has a scathing tongue and can be quite a miserable wretch.
Her internal dialogue had me chuckling often:
Apparently you don’t go to the regular emergency room when you’re having a baby, you go to the labor unit. When we get there, a cute littl… thing in pink scrubs and yellow hair in a bouncy ponytail looks up and says, “Hi there, how can I help you?” I can’t help myself. “We��re here for a pedicure,” I say, because, seriously, what the fuck?
She banters with her colleagues and the way they shoot the shit in the bull pen is fulfilling and entertaining to see.
Now she’s mostly sad and angry. She loves her husband, and she hates him & can’t be in his presence although he’s always been her saviour and is still the first person she thinks of when she’s in a bind. I didn’t like how she strung him along, letting him wait until she gave the yay or nay, and I was relieved when she admitted she could’ve done things differently but had too much pride and anger at the time.
She is very strong to my mind.
He’s always been the one who gives more in their relationship.
She emotionally checked out of their marriage the minute she discovers the cheating. She was never going back to him and doesn’t give in at all until he makes significant changes. But even so it was in her own time.
He only makes the move to let her go in that he gives her a way out because he hates that she’s so broken and he realises that he would have to be the one to help her decide to end things.
He’s absolutely shattered by it but still gave her space as best he could although it was tearing him apart. He didn’t crowd her and he kept in constant contact and worked on himself and their house and always hoped and waited for her to come back.
She holds the cards
THE HERO:
As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, and that will never change.”
This is the essence of Knox. His life revolves around protecting pleasing and adoring her.
He’s always there for her when she needs him despite her cold shoulder after his cheating. She has been the love of his life since the moment he first saw her. He has never felt he was good enough for her. I loved how he loved her.
OTT possessive and territorial. Needs to be with her 24/7 but has always given her space when she asked for it. He’s terribly sad when he must, but he does it because it’s what she wants. He’s a nice guy, really. A bit boisterous and sounds younger than his 35 years. He’s also a crier. A man who feels with all his soul.
He’s clueless:
THE AUTHOR:
Per her GR’s profile, the author’s intention is to “devastate” and boy, did she nail it.
Check: Pushing boundaries, Sometimes messy, Often humorous, Relatable characters.
THE FLASHBACK CHAPTERS:
Vacillate between reminiscing, showing & telling and then showing only.
And, unless I am tired and confused, we have both internal and external flashbacks.
I found the thrill of anticipation exciting, and it helped me relate to the characters better, but I still struggled to keep up.
I’m not the target audience for the flashback technique. Especially in the cheating trope.
I need a smooth seamless flow of events in chronological order so that my focus is the angst in the storyline as opposed to the expectation of when and how and what’s to come.
Then we also get the flash forward………….
FUTURE BEEG:
FFS neaten review ESP tenses / check my notes re unkindness towards animals
One of my fav grovel, growth and redemptions in a hero.
5/5 for the gut punch
H – Knox 🌱h – Lizzie 🌱ow - Jenny (Jen, as he so fondly calls her)
My intro to the heroine:
“Is that Knox?” Monty squints at the man in front of us, even though he knows the answer. I don’t reply. Instead, I hit the gas again and head straight for my husband, who has to jump out of the way. I hear something along the lines of “The fuck’s the matter with you, crazy bitch?”—or a similar sentiment—coming from his mouth as we fly past.
THE HERO x HEROINE:
NOW ITS 10 YEARS LATER
THE CHEATING:
MY ISSUES:
THE HEROINE: ‼️SPOILERS ‼️
Lizzie can’t get over the pain his choices caused. She’s dealing with her failing marriage and a suspension from work.
A spunky kickass funny feisty vulnerable heroine with too many hang ups and snark.
Skittish and awkward in any social setting. Somewhat enigmatic. Sassy, headstrong.
One of the most stubborn and independent heroines I’ve met:
I am about to resign myself to sleeping at the office because I will drink my own piss before I call Knox for help, when I see lights blink in my rearview mirror.
Inquisitive and suspicious, anxious, insecure yet confrontational when necessary. She has a scathing tongue and can be quite a miserable wretch.
Her internal dialogue had me chuckling often:
Apparently you don’t go to the regular emergency room when you’re having a baby, you go to the labor unit. When we get there, a cute littl… thing in pink scrubs and yellow hair in a bouncy ponytail looks up and says, “Hi there, how can I help you?” I can’t help myself. “We��re here for a pedicure,” I say, because, seriously, what the fuck?
She banters with her colleagues and the way they shoot the shit in the bull pen is fulfilling and entertaining to see.
Now she’s mostly sad and angry. She loves her husband, and she hates him & can’t be in his presence although he’s always been her saviour and is still the first person she thinks of when she’s in a bind. I didn’t like how she strung him along, letting him wait until she gave the yay or nay, and I was relieved when she admitted she could’ve done things differently but had too much pride and anger at the time.
She is very strong to my mind.
He’s always been the one who gives more in their relationship.
She emotionally checked out of their marriage the minute she discovers the cheating. She was never going back to him and doesn’t give in at all until he makes significant changes. But even so it was in her own time.
He only makes the move to let her go in that he gives her a way out because he hates that she’s so broken and he realises that he would have to be the one to help her decide to end things.
He’s absolutely shattered by it but still gave her space as best he could although it was tearing him apart. He didn’t crowd her and he kept in constant contact and worked on himself and their house and always hoped and waited for her to come back.
She holds the cards
THE HERO:
As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, and that will never change.”
This is the essence of Knox. His life revolves around protecting pleasing and adoring her.
He’s always there for her when she needs him despite her cold shoulder after his cheating. She has been the love of his life since the moment he first saw her. He has never felt he was good enough for her. I loved how he loved her.
OTT possessive and territorial. Needs to be with her 24/7 but has always given her space when she asked for it. He’s terribly sad when he must, but he does it because it’s what she wants. He’s a nice guy, really. A bit boisterous and sounds younger than his 35 years. He’s also a crier. A man who feels with all his soul.
He’s clueless:
THE AUTHOR:
Per her GR’s profile, the author’s intention is to “devastate” and boy, did she nail it.
Check: Pushing boundaries, Sometimes messy, Often humorous, Relatable characters.
THE FLASHBACK CHAPTERS:
Vacillate between reminiscing, showing & telling and then showing only.
And, unless I am tired and confused, we have both internal and external flashbacks.
I found the thrill of anticipation exciting, and it helped me relate to the characters better, but I still struggled to keep up.
I’m not the target audience for the flashback technique. Especially in the cheating trope.
I need a smooth seamless flow of events in chronological order so that my focus is the angst in the storyline as opposed to the expectation of when and how and what’s to come.
Then we also get the flash forward………….
FUTURE BEEG:
FFS neaten review ESP tenses / check my notes re unkindness towards animals
October 15, 2024
Not gonna lie. I loathed this story and almost DNF'd many times. I skimmed the first 50% because it was boring AF. So me giving it 3 stars is generous. The blurb intrigued me and was my kind of thing. Marriage in trouble and infidelity. So if that's not your thing this book will not be for you. And usually I don't say this because most of the time I want the original H and h to remain together after the betrayal and redemption, but I honestly wanted her to end up with someone else, though I disliked both of them. I hate mopey, self sabotaging H's in stories and that's exactly what we got with the H Knox. He was selfish. Always acting like a victim. He's an ex drug user though not an addict, but boy did he fuck up big time. And I just couldn't understand why though. Their whole relationship was bumpy. They probably had a good 5 years in the 10 years they'd been together. But damn I was even done with these two. Also, this book jumps between past and present and most of the time I don't like that and here it was even more annoying. We're getting most of their time together from the past even though the book opens with the betrayal already having happened and them already separated. There were a few comical reliefs running through, but it wasn't enough. It also wasn't just about their relationship. The h working as a journalist and her hubby's past drug use are all tied together with cops and bad guys. So the story picks up after learning of Knox's accident of hitting a woman walking across the street. Knox hits rock bottom after hitting said woman. But here's the thing. That night he was saving his bff Jenny from a drug dealer which was why they were in the car and obviously distraught and distracted with what had happened prior. It was ruled as an accident and he's let go, but we find out the real reason at the end of the book. At this time Knox has been clean for years so why he was still hanging around Jenny was bafflingly. And the whole time he's lying to his wife Lizzie about what he's doing. Jenny kept telling him to tell Lizzie the truth, but I still hated Jenny like the fire's of hell. Fast-forward a few months later he goes out to a bar with Lizzie and Jenny and her bf. While Lizzie goes to get their drinks Jenny and Knox leave to go outside. Some words are spoken between them about their feelings of the car accident and he just ends up f****** her in the bar's parking lot. After he just walks in like Mr. Calm. Then he has the audacity to take Lizzie home and make love to her and crying like baby afterwards. I wanted to stab him. That's so damn disrespectful. Poor Lizzie is in the complete dark. But I just couldn't understand it no matter how he was feeling about the accident that he used it as the excuse of what happened between Jenny and him. I was just as confused as the h Lizzie. Anyways, and the ending? Give me a freaking break. I almost wanted to cry because I wasted my time with this.
Even though it almost bored me to tears it picks up after the 50% mark. The betrayal was horrible to read to be honest because Lizzie's actions after finding out was just so real. It was heartbreaking. It's not just a couple of pages. The author really twisted the knife deep. And how she found out was both gross and heartbreaking. I really hated Knox at this point, and I wanted Jenny to die to be honest. Lizzie's physical reaction was the best to read when she tried to beat the shit out of Knox and hit Jenny so hard she bled. Bitch deserved more. 🤷
Even though it almost bored me to tears it picks up after the 50% mark. The betrayal was horrible to read to be honest because Lizzie's actions after finding out was just so real. It was heartbreaking. It's not just a couple of pages. The author really twisted the knife deep. And how she found out was both gross and heartbreaking. I really hated Knox at this point, and I wanted Jenny to die to be honest. Lizzie's physical reaction was the best to read when she tried to beat the shit out of Knox and hit Jenny so hard she bled. Bitch deserved more. 🤷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 14, 2024DNF. The back and forth chapters really annoy me. I don't mind when books are part 1 and part 2, but when every other chapter is on a different timeline, it's hard to follow and makes my head hurt. Just a personal preference.
cheating-hero-as-per-author
May 21, 2024Dnf,bored
Unlike able characters
Perhaps try again in future
Unlike able characters
Perhaps try again in future
August 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* Marriage in crisis
* Separated spouses
* She's a newspaper journalist
* He's a construction company owner and builder
* In their 30s
* Relationship of 10 years
* Half present day, half flashbacks
* he's had addiction issues
* he had one-time sex with a coworker
* her job is in crisis- involving drugs, drug dealers, victims, EMTs and cops
* interesting secondary characters
* multiple confrontations towards the end (personal, professional and dangerous)
Good marriage-in-crisis story about a newspaper journalist and her construction builder husband. They are separated, and she is very angry with him. The wife is tough but vulnerable; the husband is loving and guilt-ridden. We find out about their relationship in flashbacks, as well as their current lives and what lead up to their break. At the same time, she is in a job crisis when it is discovered that some details of an earlier story are incorrect - and the family involved wants to sue the newspaper.
This a good story of a relationship on the rocks - and an investigation into a mystery involving drugs, drug dealers, EMTs and cops that have jolted the wife's career. With interesting secondary characters, such as the coworkers, friends and family of the married couple, the story builds to multiple confrontations - personal, professional and criminal.
The ending eventually gives way to a realistic yet satisfying conclusion.
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* Marriage in crisis
* Separated spouses
* She's a newspaper journalist
* He's a construction company owner and builder
* In their 30s
* Relationship of 10 years
* Half present day, half flashbacks
* he's had addiction issues
* he had one-time sex with a coworker
* her job is in crisis- involving drugs, drug dealers, victims, EMTs and cops
* interesting secondary characters
* multiple confrontations towards the end (personal, professional and dangerous)
Good marriage-in-crisis story about a newspaper journalist and her construction builder husband. They are separated, and she is very angry with him. The wife is tough but vulnerable; the husband is loving and guilt-ridden. We find out about their relationship in flashbacks, as well as their current lives and what lead up to their break. At the same time, she is in a job crisis when it is discovered that some details of an earlier story are incorrect - and the family involved wants to sue the newspaper.
This a good story of a relationship on the rocks - and an investigation into a mystery involving drugs, drug dealers, EMTs and cops that have jolted the wife's career. With interesting secondary characters, such as the coworkers, friends and family of the married couple, the story builds to multiple confrontations - personal, professional and criminal.
The ending eventually gives way to a realistic yet satisfying conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
I didn't care for the "plot" and found the unncessary details excruciating. The ups and downs of the couple's relationship in the flashback scenes were also wayyyy too long.
I didn't enjoy the dr** abuse theme, which takes on a rather central source of conflict (it was also recognised as an issue in the relationship in Lizzie and Knox's relationship but this was never resolved except for Knox's "you can trust me, i'm not doing it anymore" attitude). I don't think I'll ever consider a casual dr** user a "hero" lol, even if he claims he doesn't do it anymore.
The big reveal for the incident that resulted in the crumbling of the relationship was nonsensical and kinda disgusting. I am glad Lizzie reacted the way she did.
That said, even towards the end, there were so many strings left untied by the end I wasn't satisfied at all. While the writing was certainly addictive, the pacing of the story could've certainly been a lot better.
I didn't enjoy the dr** abuse theme, which takes on a rather central source of conflict (it was also recognised as an issue in the relationship in Lizzie and Knox's relationship but this was never resolved except for Knox's "you can trust me, i'm not doing it anymore" attitude). I don't think I'll ever consider a casual dr** user a "hero" lol, even if he claims he doesn't do it anymore.
The big reveal for the incident that resulted in the crumbling of the relationship was nonsensical and kinda disgusting. I am glad Lizzie reacted the way she did.
That said, even towards the end, there were so many strings left untied by the end I wasn't satisfied at all. While the writing was certainly addictive, the pacing of the story could've certainly been a lot better.
May 15, 2024
3⭐️s
This would have gotten more star without all the back in time chapters. Time jumps for me have to be done well and not half the book. This author writes interesting banter and told a story that could have been better with out so many of the back in time chapters. I’ll watch for the next few books to see what she does with those.
This would have gotten more star without all the back in time chapters. Time jumps for me have to be done well and not half the book. This author writes interesting banter and told a story that could have been better with out so many of the back in time chapters. I’ll watch for the next few books to see what she does with those.
November 18, 2024
I thought the back and forth time jumps would annoy me like it usually would but I was fine with it. I felt like it was needed since the story right off the bat starts off with both of the main characters separated and the betrayal had already happened. I really liked the FMC, Lizzie, she wasn’t a pushover. She was quite independent, a trait I’m sure what is needed in her line of work but I liked how she didn’t depend on the MMC, Knox, when she’s in a tough spot. I like the way the story ended and the time away from each other that made them both realize what they had is something worth holding on to. Really enjoyed the authors writing. I kinda wished Jenny had fucked off and found another job lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
You can see the collision before it happens
An interesting look at the aftermath of life-altering events. Was it pretty? Oh no. Was it perfect? Definitely not. Some things I didn't like or didn't understand, but overall I thought this was a decent read. It deals with cheating & how a couple deals with it's aftermath, so if that's not something you're comfortable with, then stay away. While I thought the cheating, grovel & redemption were handled nicely, other issues were built up to be big, but were hardly touched on or mentioned in passing. Anyway, overall I recommend for anyone interested in reading a book about why someone would cheat & how a couple can come back from it.
An interesting look at the aftermath of life-altering events. Was it pretty? Oh no. Was it perfect? Definitely not. Some things I didn't like or didn't understand, but overall I thought this was a decent read. It deals with cheating & how a couple deals with it's aftermath, so if that's not something you're comfortable with, then stay away. While I thought the cheating, grovel & redemption were handled nicely, other issues were built up to be big, but were hardly touched on or mentioned in passing. Anyway, overall I recommend for anyone interested in reading a book about why someone would cheat & how a couple can come back from it.
January 31, 2025
such a sad and sweet story
I found my self crying and yet smiling. This book shows a true love story ❤️ read it. Love that can work through anything
I found my self crying and yet smiling. This book shows a true love story ❤️ read it. Love that can work through anything
January 24, 2025
This story is about a relationship in turmoil. I thought the writing was very good and felt authentic. I really felt for both of the characters, which is saying something since Knox cheated. It was such a messed up situation that they ended up in. I don't think it excused his cheating, but he was so lost. What a mess. I loved Lizzie. She didn't take his crap and had a backbone. The book felt real. The characters felt like real people. The story is an emotional rollercoaster that ends up being an enjoyable ride. I really liked how everything was resolved.
I will say that the while I am glad Ari showed up at the end to say her piece. It also kind of felt like everything Knox and Lizzie went through regarding that accident was really for nothing when that reveal happened. I don't know how I would feel about all of it, if that was a real situation. Knox was carrying so much pain and guilt. He carried it all on his back and blew up his life. I know it was his choice to cheat and be a dummy, but still. Ugh. I look forward to reading the next book.
I will say that the while I am glad Ari showed up at the end to say her piece. It also kind of felt like everything Knox and Lizzie went through regarding that accident was really for nothing when that reveal happened. I don't know how I would feel about all of it, if that was a real situation. Knox was carrying so much pain and guilt. He carried it all on his back and blew up his life. I know it was his choice to cheat and be a dummy, but still. Ugh. I look forward to reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
This is probably one of the more realistic cheating stories I've read. The only thing that bothered me was they both should have had individual and separate therapy. I didn't enjoy the flashing back and fourth of the timeline, it was distracting. Also I kinda got bored. But what really bugged me was the MFC, her choices and actions made her unlikeable to me. Repeatedly she put herself in questionable professional positions, making dumb decisions. She finds out this guy Marcus is a bad dude, deals drugs, hurts people, extortion ect, and what does she do? She goes to his shady club, marches right up to him to accuse him, has drinks with him then leaves willingly to go to his house. What? Of course it goes bad which we experience through her and MMC point of view, but thinking 'I've made a bad decision, this wasn't the wisest choice' doesn't make it any better. Her and MMC get married because she is pregnant, she loses it so she decides to push him away. Honestly she was her own worst enemy. The relationship of OW Jenny with MMC was inappropriate and toxic from the get go. He should have cut her off a long time ago, he was an enabler. While the FMC and MMC both referred to her as stubborn, it was implied her idiocy was admirable and showed her strength when it actual fact it just made her an idiot. When reading books I admit I'm way harsher of a judge to the female main character because I place myself in her shoes. Thats why I can ignore if the MMC is trash as long as I like the FMC. I didn't. I wanted to so bad but nope. This seems very much a case of me as the book was well written, easy to read and follow, I just wasn't invested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
DNF 90%
Soooooo boooooring.
Soooooo boooooring.
April 6, 2024
This book was raw and real and so emotional. There was even a little suspense and spice. MMC GROVELS SO F*CKING HARD, imo. He's golden retriever with a dark past. At about 80%, my eyes teared up a bit so maybe have some tissues ready
September 2, 2024
Great trope but it didn’t deliver for me.
I disliked the back & forth because it felt redundant and irrelevant.
In the first chapter the betrayal happened already so the info they provided from the past felt extra. Not in a good way.
The OW was there, doing dumb stuff and the hero saving her. Then everything happened and she kept her life the way it was. She didn’t get what she deserve and the hero never broke it off of did anything.
And I was discussed with him being with the OW and immediately being with her. Whaaaaaat!?
I disliked the back & forth because it felt redundant and irrelevant.
In the first chapter the betrayal happened already so the info they provided from the past felt extra. Not in a good way.
The OW was there, doing dumb stuff and the hero saving her. Then everything happened and she kept her life the way it was. She didn’t get what she deserve and the hero never broke it off of did anything.
And I was discussed with him being with the OW and immediately being with her. Whaaaaaat!?
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book — it was emotional, heartbreaking, and gripping from start to finish. The story follows Lizzie and Knox, who have been married for ten years when Lizzie discovers Knox cheated on her with his longtime friend Jenny. The book is told mostly in the present (after the betrayal), with frequent flashbacks showing how Lizzie and Knox met in college, fell madly in love, endured a miscarriage, broke up, and eventually found their way back to each other and got married.
Knox’s betrayal was devastating to read. It wasn’t just the act itself, but the way he handled it afterward — going home and being with Lizzie only hours later, letting her unknowingly get into the same truck where it happened, and not immediately confessing. The layers of lies and betrayals made Lizzie’s heartbreak feel very real and raw. Even small things, like him keeping the truck, made it harder to forgive him.
One thing I appreciated was that Knox’s cheating wasn’t rooted in love or passion for Jenny — it was more about trauma and bad choices. Jenny also didn’t cause unnecessary drama after the truth came out, which I respected. Knox genuinely worked on himself — going to therapy and confronting his issues — but personally, I wish he had grovelled even more. I found myself still angry on Lizzie’s behalf even as the story progressed.
Lizzie and Knox did not date other people while separated, which I liked because it made their eventual reconciliation feel more meaningful. Even though they do find their way back to each other, the healing process wasn’t rushed, and that made the ending feel a little more realistic.
My only real critique is the structure. The timeline jumps were sometimes confusing, and I wish it had been written in a slightly more straightforward way. But overall, this was a really emotional and powerful read. It’s not a fluffy romance — it deals heavily with betrayal, grief, and forgiveness — but if you’re in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Knox’s betrayal was devastating to read. It wasn’t just the act itself, but the way he handled it afterward — going home and being with Lizzie only hours later, letting her unknowingly get into the same truck where it happened, and not immediately confessing. The layers of lies and betrayals made Lizzie’s heartbreak feel very real and raw. Even small things, like him keeping the truck, made it harder to forgive him.
One thing I appreciated was that Knox’s cheating wasn’t rooted in love or passion for Jenny — it was more about trauma and bad choices. Jenny also didn’t cause unnecessary drama after the truth came out, which I respected. Knox genuinely worked on himself — going to therapy and confronting his issues — but personally, I wish he had grovelled even more. I found myself still angry on Lizzie’s behalf even as the story progressed.
Lizzie and Knox did not date other people while separated, which I liked because it made their eventual reconciliation feel more meaningful. Even though they do find their way back to each other, the healing process wasn’t rushed, and that made the ending feel a little more realistic.
My only real critique is the structure. The timeline jumps were sometimes confusing, and I wish it had been written in a slightly more straightforward way. But overall, this was a really emotional and powerful read. It’s not a fluffy romance — it deals heavily with betrayal, grief, and forgiveness — but if you’re in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, it’s definitely worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 17, 2024UGH! So I'm not going to rate this because this may be a case of it's me not the book, but there was so much other BS involved in this story. Like all the mystery stuff could've been a much smaller part of the book. I ended up skimming a lot of that stuff. And I just didn't understand Knox and Lizzie dragging out their marriage and then staying together. I didn't feel like either one really loved the other, even in the beginning, and I felt like there wasn't much of a build up to the actual cheating. I didn't really feel like there were those kinds of feelings between Knox and Jenny. I do get the trauma bonding, but I didn't feel like we actually saw them together talking about their trauma, so I didn't feel a connection between them, and I was supposed to believe they slept together?! Never mind you're dumb enough to do it while on a double date with your SOs, but you hide the freaking condom in the truck. And the whole lying to Lizzie for showing up to save Jenny, why wouldn't you just tell her the freaking truth? Especially since you weren't actually doing drugs or partying. None of this book really made any sense to me, and I could've done with far more building of Knox and Lizzie's new and improved relationship, as well as the build up with Jenny to the cheating rather than all the time in the past that didn't add much to the story except to bore me. Oh and honestly, after their beginning when it didn't even seem like Lizzie liked him at all, then she was a raging bitch for no reason after the miscarriage, Knox should've just ditched her. The part at the end where we find out she had a little thing for Knox, same as he had for her, before they even were setup on the "blind" date just didn't seem plausible after seeing their entire relationship play out.
May 19, 2024
This was the first story I've read by Holly and I will say that it was interesting.
Demo was a VERY long read and took me a few days to go through. I love when books have flashbacks of the background history with the characters because it gives a full view of what the characters has gone through to get to where they are. Holly did a great job with this book in terms to that. I loved the banter in this read, it was a 5/5 for me. Knox has gone through a lot and ends up going in a downward spiral through the book, it was heartbreaking. His connection with Lizzie was raw and emotional. They both has gone through so much and had to fight extremely hard to find a happier moment and fight for a once in a lifetime relationship. The storyline was well thought out, Holly had me bawling by the end of the book! I would be open to reading more by her again soon!
Demo was a VERY long read and took me a few days to go through. I love when books have flashbacks of the background history with the characters because it gives a full view of what the characters has gone through to get to where they are. Holly did a great job with this book in terms to that. I loved the banter in this read, it was a 5/5 for me. Knox has gone through a lot and ends up going in a downward spiral through the book, it was heartbreaking. His connection with Lizzie was raw and emotional. They both has gone through so much and had to fight extremely hard to find a happier moment and fight for a once in a lifetime relationship. The storyline was well thought out, Holly had me bawling by the end of the book! I would be open to reading more by her again soon!
November 12, 2024
This does content trigger warnings please check them before continuing
- I love this quote "“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places.” Ernest Hemingway, “A Farewell to Arms”
- it was a slow burn at the start but it's starts getting good
- I dislike Knox at the start as he was ex drug user but not a addict and he did do somebad mistakes
-their relationship was rocky at the start but they did get through it
-I love how it jump to past than to the present as it's gives me more in depth with the story
- this book had real hard look on addiction,recovery and the trauma that was left behind
- I really enjoy this book and I started to the love characters halfway In the book
- can't wait till I read the next book in this series
- I love this quote "“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places.” Ernest Hemingway, “A Farewell to Arms”
- it was a slow burn at the start but it's starts getting good
- I dislike Knox at the start as he was ex drug user but not a addict and he did do somebad mistakes
-their relationship was rocky at the start but they did get through it
-I love how it jump to past than to the present as it's gives me more in depth with the story
- this book had real hard look on addiction,recovery and the trauma that was left behind
- I really enjoy this book and I started to the love characters halfway In the book
- can't wait till I read the next book in this series
August 21, 2024
I actually loved this story. It’s a bit funny and pretty damn heartbreaking.
Lizzie and Knox meet on a blind date, that initially doesn’t go so great. It took me a minute to adjust to Lizzie’s character, she is funny as hell though. Their story is real and awkward and hard, and it made me happy and so very angry. I hurt for Lizzie. And I even hurt for Knox. But does this man grovel, whew-weeee!!
Loved it, honestly.
Lizzie and Knox meet on a blind date, that initially doesn’t go so great. It took me a minute to adjust to Lizzie’s character, she is funny as hell though. Their story is real and awkward and hard, and it made me happy and so very angry. I hurt for Lizzie. And I even hurt for Knox. But does this man grovel, whew-weeee!!
Loved it, honestly.
February 2, 2025
What A Mess
This book was a mess. Not because of the cheating incident, but the story was an unfocused mess that flashed back and forth in time for no reason or benefit to the story. There was tons of time wasted on half developed ideas and side plots that never went anywhere. It was choppy, unfocused and half the time you had no idea what the main characters were doing or why. This needs a complete rewrite and professional editing.
This book was a mess. Not because of the cheating incident, but the story was an unfocused mess that flashed back and forth in time for no reason or benefit to the story. There was tons of time wasted on half developed ideas and side plots that never went anywhere. It was choppy, unfocused and half the time you had no idea what the main characters were doing or why. This needs a complete rewrite and professional editing.
April 20, 2024
This book! There is suspense, witty banter, humor, and in all of that is a love story. Lizzie and Knox are so real and true to life that you fall in love with them along the way. It's such an emotional and raw journey that if you've ever truly loved someone, their struggle will resonate. I couldn't put it down and I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series!!
April 22, 2024
I fell in love with this story. The sarcasm from the characters had me laughing. I love a good one liner and this book is full of them. Knox and Lizzie have that once in a lifetime love. They go down some dark paths and just keep fighting for what they want. Such a great story! I hope when you read it you fall in love with characters like I did.
October 3, 2024
demo: the flower city series, book one
I enjoyed reading this heartbreaking and tragic love story. Knox and Lizzie were struggling with their relationship. Knox made a horrible mistake and had sex with Jenny. This incident broke the couple’s marriage and trust. I like the other characters in this novel. I was disappointed that the ending didn’t include if this had children?
I enjoyed reading this heartbreaking and tragic love story. Knox and Lizzie were struggling with their relationship. Knox made a horrible mistake and had sex with Jenny. This incident broke the couple’s marriage and trust. I like the other characters in this novel. I was disappointed that the ending didn’t include if this had children?
October 10, 2024
😔❤
This book, for me, was hard to read. There was so much hurt. The book was very well written. Knox and Lizzie were an amazing couple but hurt and betrayal got in the way. You can tell an author is good when they can make you feel such emotions. Knox made an error in judgement and it was just so hurtful. Will they ever make their way back?
This book, for me, was hard to read. There was so much hurt. The book was very well written. Knox and Lizzie were an amazing couple but hurt and betrayal got in the way. You can tell an author is good when they can make you feel such emotions. Knox made an error in judgement and it was just so hurtful. Will they ever make their way back?
November 20, 2025
“I’m all in,” he said, his voice cracking. “I’ll be here. Right where you’ve left me. Whenever you decide to come back to me, I’ll be here waiting for you. Always.”
“We will always be Knox and Lizzie, you hear me, baby? Because a hole will open up in the universe and swallow the entire goddamn world up if that’s ever not the case.”
-Knox Mitchell, from Demo by Holly Crocco
“We will always be Knox and Lizzie, you hear me, baby? Because a hole will open up in the universe and swallow the entire goddamn world up if that’s ever not the case.”
-Knox Mitchell, from Demo by Holly Crocco
September 1, 2024
Great story!
I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot of heartbreak and I honestly could not stand Jenny. Regardless of what she said I believe she always had a thing for him. Would have liked to see her pay for her part in everything that happened.
I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot of heartbreak and I honestly could not stand Jenny. Regardless of what she said I believe she always had a thing for him. Would have liked to see her pay for her part in everything that happened.
September 11, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, wish there was a bit more at the end though. Just felt a bit rushed and vague. An epilogue would be good -or another book about this couple. Hopefully we will see bits in pieces through out the rest of the series :)
November 8, 2024
With two POVs switching back and forth from present to past, it got annoying and a little bit confusing. Plus ... why would I want to read a romance about an H that’s a liar, a cheater and a druggie?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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