Almost Love

Love in Wildes #5

by Anna P.

He was only supposed to teach her pleasure. Until it turned into so much more.

Clementine Kinney isn’t good with people, but she is fantastic with dessert. With a successful bakery and a small group of friends, she’s thriving. And love? She’s not against it. But too many unrequited crushes have made her wary of her gut feelings.

Oakley West is looking for somewhere to belong. To numb his grief, he spent years under the influence of substances that altered his life. After traveling around the country, settling down in a small town wasn’t the plan. Neither was falling in love.

Brought together by donuts, they find themselves wanting more than just sprinkles. These feelings drive them to make a deal—sexual pleasure for a food guide. Rules are laid out and a mutually agreed upon friends with benefits relationship begins. The more time they spend exploring each other’s bodies, their histories and food, the more their relationship changes.

Until two words remind Clementine that crushes don’t end in happily ever after.

This book contains mature themes and explicit content, and is intended for readers 18+. Content and trigger warnings can be found on author's website.

Genres: Romance

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2024

About the author

Since she was a child, Anna has lived in a world of imagination—teaching in a classroom to being an astronaut, she’s done it all.


Anna has a Masters in Creative Writing, and a love for music and writing got her jobs with Rolling Stone India and Sony Music. After a couple of years of selling her soul to advertising, she’s finally following her dream of writing books.


Currently living in South India, she rocks out to Foo Fighters and reads 300 romance novels a year. She works as a copy consultant and book editor, while sipping on copious amounts of black tea.

Reviews

[Thea Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is absolutely fucking beautiful. Clementine and Oakley are a perfect match. I loved watching their relationship blossom, especially Clementine's POV and watching her soften that tough exterior. The spice was fantastic and it had so many swoon-worthy moments. Definitely pick this up on September 20th!

Thank you Anna for this ARC!

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, I am putting the spotlight on one of my absolute fav indie authors, and her fifth book in her Love in the Wildes series, ALMOST LOVE by @annawriteshere

Warning: you will consume lots of yummy baked goods while reading this book, or have immense cravings for sweets. Proceed at your own risk 😏😍

Warning aside, I absolutely loved this book! Which is no surprise, as I have loved all of Anna’s books!

Oakley is fully obsessed and SO DOWN BAD for Clementine, and proudly admits it. He is just this giant big ol’ soft teddy bear of man. ❤️He may have his own (very) traumatic past, but he will stop at nothing less than making sure Clementine is happy, comfortable and safe. We need more men like Oakley!!

Clementine is my absolute favourite tho, and I relates to her more than any other FMC Anna has written. Tho I’m not prickly or grumpy like Clementine, I could see myself in other aspects of her life. I also aspire to be the kind of baker/chef she is. I love to cook and bake, but I have zero patience to do all the fancy stuff that takes so much time. If only her bakery existed in real life…..

Also, the found family aspect that is present in all of the books in this series, is my favourite thing!!!

The chemistry between Oakley and Clementine was perfect for them 🔥🔥 they were very open with each other, and communicated with what they were comfortable with, and took things at just the right pace to respect exch other and whatever they were still dealing with from their pasts.

Yes, there is rhe miscommunication trope, but if you understand where these two are coming from, what they have dealt with in their past, it makes sense.

I highly recommend reading this book NOW! You don’t have to read the first four books in order to w it this book, but I mean, why not eat the whole damn cake, rather than just a slice?!

[Kate Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Love is book five in the Love in Wildes series and if you’ve been around here a while yall know I’m a fan! Thank you Anna for writing such wonderful books and letting me be one of the people that gets to read them early!

Almost Love follows Clementine Kinney, a baker, and Oakley West, a tattoo artist. Clementine runs a successful bakery called Pretty Baked. Oakley is a tattoo artist and is new to town and looking for a new start. Their story was just so good. I loved them together from the start. Even though they both had their baggage, their communication and slow build of trust was great to read. Their romance was great but I also was loving all of the side characters as well and the occasional appearances from characters from previous books!

I loved Clementine because she felt so relatable. Her experiences in the past pulled at my heart. I loved Oakley because I love a character that isn’t a perfect person and that has gone through it and still is out here trying to do their best. I guess they just felt like they could be real people to me? I’m not a writer lol that’s the best I got for explaining what I mean. I loved them, your honor!

read for: crush to lovers, fwb, he falls first (bro is down BAD), both queer, grumpy x sunshine, so so many baked goods, lots of spice the door is wide open friends

content warnings: the author has a very detailed authors note at the start of the book that covers these. The main one I will mention is that a character has a history of substance abuse and is in recovery. Things that come with that are mentioned in the book.

I loved the book, loved the characters, loved the story, love the series, I recommend her books as always 💜

(review is copied from my Instagram post @katebrownreads)

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy & sunshine + found family + secret relationship!

Clementine runs a successful bakery and has a great group of friends. Too many past unrequited crushes have left her no reason to look for love.

Oakley is looking for somewhere to belong. A small town & falling in love weren't in his plan.

A friends with benefits relationship begins.

Read if you love...
✨cameos from all previous MCs
🐶the best pup
🫶🏼dual perspective
✨therapy positive
🧁FMC baker & bakery owner
🎧author created playlist
✨grumpy (her) & sunshine (him)
👏🏼found family
🥵friends with benefits
✨he falls first, and harder
🔥open door
🎨MMC tattoo artist
✨secret relationship

To no one's surprise, given how much I love this series, I really enjoyed this one!

Clem is so relatable!
Oakley is just swoony and wonderful.
The food. The tattoos. The found family.
I adored Gracie, Mack, and Digs.
I loved the side characters.
I lived for every cameo from previous MCs.

And everything else I could say is spoilers.

Add this whole series to your TBR!

📍Delaware
✨Representation: pansexual plus-size Indian FMC; bisexual MMC; queer side characters; anxiety; PTSD
‼️Content: toxic friendships; mentions of bullying; death of family (off page); character with history of substance abuse; mentions of drugs; mention of sexual assault; character in recovery

[Kaitlyn Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh sweet Clem . This was my first book by Anna and now i need to go read MORE ! All the representation is this book is absolutely fantastic !
Oakley is such a loveable guy… he calls her chef(and other cutesy nicknames )🥰

Friends to lovers ✔️
Grumpy/sunshine ✔️
On page text ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Nicknames ✔️
The best of banter ✔️

[Olive Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a beautiful read and well written. From the representation of a pansexual Indian FMC (who I could relate with) to therapy positivity, this book has become one of my comfort reads.

I'll definitely pick it up again to read!

[Fluff & Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clem is such a mood. I love that we got to read a FMC like this who’s such a grump on the outside. And a MMC who’s so drawn into that grumpiness. I didn’t know it was what I needed after countless stories of sunshine FMC’s.

Oakley is such a green flag man and watching their growth and healing one another, being patient with each other was sooo heartwarming!

Maybe it’s been a minute since I’ve read an Anna P book but it felt like there was more spice than the usual sweet and spice mix. But that would make sense if that’s the case because the story is also about sexplorations.

Forever honored to be a part of Anna’s ARC team and to read and hype her characters who are so loveable and deserve so much - a real credit to Anna and how she writes her characters with such depth!

[Susan ;༊ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:
Rating: ★★★★
Spice: ♡♡♡

This was such a beautiful story. Oakley and Clem had amazing chemistry; they were both adorable, mature, and realistic. I love it when characters take the time to understand, accept, and help each other. Like every other book by Anna, I had a fantastic time reading this one too.
Thank you, Anna, for the e-ARC ❤️

TROPES:
Friends with benefits
Found family
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first and hard
Queer MCs
Tattoo artist MMC
Baker FMC
S3xplorations

[Alesia Galati · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Swoony and Spicy Friends-with-Benefits Romance with Heart 💖🔥

Anna P. has done it again! "Almost Love" delivers a heartwarming and sensual story about two individuals who find themselves falling for each other in the most unexpected of circumstances. While it may be book 5 in the "Love in Wildes" series, it easily stands on its own with its compelling characters and engaging plot.

Plot Summary:
Oakley, a talented sunshine tattoo artist with a grief-filled past, and Clementine, a skilled baker with a fear of stepping outside her comfort zone, find themselves drawn to each other. What starts as a friends-with-benefits arrangement quickly evolves into something deeper as they navigate past traumas and open themselves up to the possibility of love.

My Thoughts:
This book had me swooning one minute and fanning myself the next! The chemistry between Oakley and Clementine was undeniable, and their journey from casual to committed was both believable and satisfying. I loved how open and communicative they were, especially when it came to addressing their past relationship baggage and insecurities.

The characters were incredibly relatable, and their personal growth throughout the story was truly inspiring. Witnessing Clementine step out of her comfort zone and Oakley confront his anxieties was both heartwarming and empowering.

I especially appreciated the sensitive and nuanced portrayal of Oakley's journey with addiction and recovery. The author handles this topic with care and provides additional resources at the beginning of the book, which adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the story.

Tropes:
* 🔥 Friends with benefits
* ❤️‍🩹 He falls first
* 🤫 Secret relationship
* 👨‍🍳 Foodie romance
* 🛏️ Spicy scenes & sex positivity

Final Thoughts:
While "Almost Love" might not have been my absolute favorite in the series, it was still a captivating read that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The low-angst approach, combined with the characters' self-awareness and commitment to healthy communication, made for a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

If you're looking for a romance that's both steamy and emotionally satisfying, with characters you can't help but root for, "Almost Love" is definitely worth checking out! 😉

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Anna for an ARC of this book!

Clementine: baker extraordinaire with a hard shell and a soft center. She's had a tough go at love (people are the worst) and has been careful of who she let in. Until Oakley. I loved Clem's journey as seeing her open herself up to trust was so powerful. Bc even when we trust, it's rarely enough to relinquish control. And I so appreciated that we saw this progression through her experiences with Oakley *and* in therapy where she worked through her doubts. It strengthened her connections to the people she held dear and when Clem loves someone (platonic or romantic), she goes the extra mile to make sure they're taken care of.

Oakley: a man obsessed. His obsession? Clementine. 🤭 I can't express how much I loved the way he loved Clem bc they're all visceral feelings I don't have words for. Not to mention he's a dog dad to the cutest pup! Let's just say I'M OBSESSED WITH HIM. And perfectly imperfect, he put in his fair share of work with his own therapist. With Oakley, his journey reminded us that healing doesn't have a defined finish, that it's continuous effort we put in everyday. I appreciated that even as open as he seemed to be, he still struggled with a certain level of vulnerability bc yes, *everything* has layers.

I ADORED the dynamic between Oakley and Clem, esp bc even tho one was supposed to be helping the other, it ultimately worked both ways. Plus, banter. 😉 Basically, I LOVE THEM TO PIECES!!!

And I need a moment to scream about the short story at the end of the book about a certain painter and his love. SO. FREAKING. CUTE!!! It made me absurdly happy!!! They were flirty. They were sweet. They were everything!!!

CN: open-door romance, toxic friendships, mentions of bullying, death of family, MC with history of substance abuse (in recovery), mention of drugs, mention of sexual assault, panic attacks, feelings of worthlessness, grief

[Hayley 〰 Hayley's Next Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm going to fall in love with you, Clementine. You better be ready for it." >>> boy obsessed!

- grumpy (her) x sunshine (him)
- bakery owner x tattoo artist
- queer rep: bisexual MCs
- friends w/benefits
- plus-size Indian fmc
- therapy rep
- he falls first
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
- dual pov (third person)

One of the things I like most about this underrated indie romance series is the characters's complexity and relatability.

In Almost Love, once Clementine lets Oakley in and agrees to a mutually beneficial friends-with-benefits situation, they're beautifully honest and vulnerable about their past struggles in the bedroom. I love how they openly explore, trust, grow, and heal together (lots of positive therapy rep included). It's an intimate yet hot romance with some delicious, spicy moments.

"Because all she could focus on was the fact that she'd found someone who loved her, prickly edges and all. Someone who thought she was worth the trouble. Someone who looked at her and saw her worth. Someone who saw all of her and put it into a simple, yet beautiful, tattoo that was now forever on her skin."

Oakley is the definition of a green flag, and he's head over heels for Clem from the beginning. The scene I love the most? HE HAS A PAGE IN HIS SKETCHBOOK DEDICATED TO HER SMILES. Like this is the only level of obsession I want in my fictional men from now on. "Clementine Kinney would be his ruin, and he was okay with it."

Add the best cast of supporting characters and a bakery setting (it makes every book better, don't lie), and you have a recipe for success (see what I did there?).

Thank you to Anna for the early copy.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looooved the character development in this story! Clementine and Oakley both had things they were working through and it was great to see that happen both on their own and together. They start out in a friends w/ benefits + exploring situation and I was surprised to find I liked that part. It made for a lot of sweet intimate moments between the two of them. I really just love the way Anna writes characters. You can just tell when an author really puts their heart into them and Anna puts SO MUCH into hers. I love a bakery in a book too, it just makes it cozier imo.

*oh and I loved that she included a short story at the end of this one featuring a character you meet in the book! That was like a fun little treat at the end. Now I just have to wait for the next book, which I NEED - a single firefighter dad and a florist fmc?? Give it to me now.

CW(s) - toxic friendships, mentions of mild bullying, death of family (off page), character with a history of substance abuse, mention of drugs, mention of sexual assault, character in recovery, panic attacks, mild scenes of grief. This book also has a lot of F bombs in it (I can ignore things like that but I know some readers like to be warned).

[meevreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna delivers once again a beautiful and emotional love story. I don't even know how to describe my experience reading this book because I feel like there were so many layers to it, and I will most likely forget half of it.

I loved both characters instantly. Clem is kind of peculiar and I loved it because she's her wholesome self 100% of the time, completely confident in her skin and who she is. A literal queen.
Oakley, omg, this guy is a walking green flag in the best ways possible. How can someone who went through so much, be such a light in the world? I adored him. He was done for the second he laid eyes on Clem, and never even looked back, completely content to be caught in the whirlwind that is Clementine.

I enjoyed reading about them and witness the way their relationship evolved. Yes, there was miscommunication and a 3rd act break-up, but also, I totally get it. I can relate to having your brain believe something so fiercely that you don't want to hear anything else at that moment. I think this time-out was beneficial for both Oakley and Clementine so they could sort out their feelings and choose each other fully.

This book will definitely give you sugar cravings, and you might also want to adopt a Maltipoo halfway through, but I bet you'll love it as much as I did.

[Varsha Chitnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for good writing and Anna’s grips you from the first page. Her words are beautiful, her sentences evocative. To add to this, her characters are real and relatable. What gets me every time is the vulnerability of her characters. There is no hyped up drama, just real emotions. I thought Clementine was my favorite until I got introduced to Oakley.
There are so many things to love about this book. And while others have loved the descriptions of food in the book, my favorite part of the story was the way the MCs explore intimacy with each other. In an era of “will it fit” and “you can take it” (I love that too, don’t get me wrong), Anna’s depiction of diverse experiences (not everyone is aroused and climaxes in the same way) was a breath of fresh air. I did get cross with Anna in the third act, but everything was resolved beautifully.
Bottom line, you need to read Anna’s books because no one write the stories she does. Period.

[Booksxphotographs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Trust is important in every relationship. Even you said that.”
“Oh, it certainly is. Friendships, work relationships, romantic partners—trust is the one thing that carries all of that forward. You were hesitant about letting him into your life in the beginning, then you fell in love with him. Which means that, on some level, you trusted him. So what went wrong”


First of all I just want to say thank you to Ms Anna P. for the ARC of Almost Love. This book made feel everything comfortable, hot and sexy. Clementine is my character I could see some of my characteristics to her. And Oakley oh boy he is so handsome I do not now how many times he asked “May I touch you?” to Clementine.

[FictionFlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clementine runs a bakery in a small town called Wildes. She's sworn off crushes and love after her former crushes broke her heart and ran off. But when she met the new tattoo artist in the town, Oakley, she couldn't stop herself from getting attracted to him. When Oakley moved to this town, he did not plan to fall in love but one sight of Clementine and he's already in love.
I loved this book. It was so cute and refreshing. Clementine and Oakley were so perfect together. Clementine has such an extraordinary personality and Oakley was such a green flag. The spice in this book is steaming hot. This book was something else. I loved everything about it.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5

[Lila Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh look, it's another gem from Anna P!

So happy to be back in Wildes with the gang and meeting Clem & Oakley (#Cloakley) properly. She's a chef (with different coloured jackets which are adorable and totally something I would do if I was a chef) and he's a sexy tattoo artist WITH GLASSES - that bit is very important.

I loved that Clem is a grump, I love reading grumpy FMC's because she is me. Oakley is a little softie who has his own journey with recovery. Their journey from strangers to friends to lovers was beautiful, watching Oak break down her walls was perfect and the STEAAAAAM was steaming - as per with Anna's stories.

If you haven't been to Wildes then head there now!

[Apoorva Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg Anna P has done it again by bring true love in such an emotion, vulnerable yet understood kind of way and this book is right next to my favourite in this series.

Read this book if you like:
✨ Friends with Benefits
✨ Crush to Love
✨Small Town
✨BakerxTattoo Artists
✨Teach Me Vibes
✨GrumpyxSunshine
✨Dual POV in third person & Open Door Spice

Oakley West🧎🏻‍♀️is the cinnamon roll who loves donuts baked by Clementine and he is a tattoo artist so it was like a win-win for me. I always cherish the characters that are built on their vulnerable side and the characters who’s past shape them drastically and Oakley was one of them for me.

Clementine 👑 isn’t an introvert but she just doesn’t do well with people except people who work I her bakery, friends and now Oak because he has a way of breaking those walls down.

Them 💕 I like love stories where the couple gives each other grace to be their honest and vulnerable side and doesn’t mind waiting and helping through everything. I don’t want to say much about the story except the fact that it is a must read for people who actually want to read about it in its rawest form.

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clementine and Oakley’s story was one of my favorites to read! I loved getting to experience them grow with each other through the whole story and finding their happily ever after. While their story wasn’t always happy they both found how to get through being broken and find their way back to each other in the most amazing way. I loved how Anna made them grow through the story and showed everyone that just because you’ve had something happen in your past it doesn’t mean you’re broken and unloveable, you just have to find your person who understands it all!

[James Koniski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and sexy read. Love the real characters

This was a well done book that was a pleasure to read. I love how the characters were real, with their own issues that they worked through. It was wonderful to have a plus sized heroine, and the hero wasn't flawless either. It was rewarding to watch them work towards the HEA, and even the routine 3rd act breakup was better written than most. If you want a feel good romance with some definite kindle melting steam, this is good book to pick. I'll definitely read more of this author's books.

[Rebecca Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

• baker romance
• Spicy
• LGBTQIA+

Almost Love by Anna P is a lovingly crafted spicy story about love, frosting, and life issues that don't have to stop you from finding the one. MMC is a tattooed golden retriever whose aim is to fill the FMC with all the love she deserves. But is that enough to help her through past pain, and what about the past he's managing?

I loved the spice, and I can't stop thinking about Oakley. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written world full of imperfect but everlasting love and endless amounts of cake. What more could you want?

[Christina C]

Received this ARC from the author

I’ve read all of her books. They’re all heartfelt and have great character back stories. I appreciated how vulnerable each of the characters were when they discussed their struggles and hesitation about sex. May not be realistic but something people can strive for when having an open conversation with a partner when embarking on a sexual relationship.

It was also nice to see references to the couples in the previous books.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna writes such interesting and full characters. I love grumpy Clementine so much and sweet Oakley. Their well rounded sex life was amazing too. I just have to say how refreshing it was that both main characters had reservations and difficulties with sex. I loved how they worked through everything and communicated so openly. Also consent is just sexy 🔥 oh and the Mack story at the end was freaking adorable!

[Melanie A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, I loved this book. I’m so here for grumpy heroines, frosting play, and sweet, sexy, tattooed guys with glasses. Holy crap. And as if that weren’t enough, this book had HEART. It dealt with trauma, addiction, trust issues, and so much more with grace and compassion. Honestly? Clementine and Oakley may be my favorite Wildes couple. And that short story at the end? You’re killing me with the cute over here, Anna, and I need more! Thank god there’s one more book coming.

[Ashleigh (ash_and_books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
TW: toxic friendships (past), mentions of mild bullying, death of loved ones (off page), substance abuse (past, MC), mention of drugs, mention of sexual assault (past, MC, off page), panic attacks, grief/loss,

Tropes: I see the way they look at you, good boy, friends with benefits,

Rep: bi MC (Oakley), mid-plus size pan South Indian-American MC (Clementine), queer SCs (auburn, Kacey), enby queer SC (Indigo, they/them),

Nicknames: sweetheart, baby, chef, melor,

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these two! Anna knocked it out of the park with another really great Wildes couple. Clem and Oak go through it in this one, but I absolutely love how they care for each other. From the start they listen to each other and work through their traumas. The spice is spicy but the sweet is so so good and Anna does a great job at balancing it. 💜

[TBRs & Tourniquets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Karunnya Menon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally pulled me out of my reading slump! I love this book! The characters are so well developed and the smut is *chef's kiss*

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Beautiful writing. Clem and Oakley have found a new home in my heart.

[عاليه 🎀 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Soft DNF

Didn’t like the writing style so it’s a no from me.