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The Florist and the Pastry Chef
When Paisley and Sebastian, a rival florist and baker, are hired to collaborate on a wedding cake, they soon discover nothing's fair in love and family drama.
Paisley DeGrande, a gifted Montreal florist, is tired of hiding her feelings for pastry chef Sebastian King. But she knows better than to give in to her feelings for the son of her family's greatest rival, even if it's near impossible. After all, they attend the same university and see each other on a daily basis. Oh, and the King's family bakery is directly across the street from the DeGrande's florist shop. Still, Sebastian King is off-limits... that is, until a local bride-to-be asks the rival businesses to collaborate on a wedding cake covered in flowers. Now that they're forced to work together, can Paisley keep her hands to herself when it's clear Sebastian also wants them to be more than friends? Or will the rift between their families continue to keep them apart?
Paisley DeGrande, a gifted Montreal florist, is tired of hiding her feelings for pastry chef Sebastian King. But she knows better than to give in to her feelings for the son of her family's greatest rival, even if it's near impossible. After all, they attend the same university and see each other on a daily basis. Oh, and the King's family bakery is directly across the street from the DeGrande's florist shop. Still, Sebastian King is off-limits... that is, until a local bride-to-be asks the rival businesses to collaborate on a wedding cake covered in flowers. Now that they're forced to work together, can Paisley keep her hands to herself when it's clear Sebastian also wants them to be more than friends? Or will the rift between their families continue to keep them apart?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 2, 2025
Paisley and Sebastian have been friends in secret for most of their lives. Something transpired between their parents at a young age that has made them sworn enemies. The vibes were giving Romeo and Juliet without death but with a happy ending.
"We want the love Romeo and Juliet had. Not the outcome. If our parents find out, someone will die for sure. Probably me."
Paisley is such a sweet girl who works at her parents' Floral Shop. She has a creative talent as a florist and is given the opportunity to create floral arrangements for a wedding, the same one that hired the bakery across the street to create the wedding cake. They have asked for a collaboration with the cake and flowers, although each of the parents seems to be upset over this business arrangement.
Sebastian is excited to be working with Paisley. He uses this opportunity to spend more time with her and even asks her out. Their relationship blossoms from friends to lovers in a couple of weeks. He showcases his culinary skills and proves that he can do more than just bake pastries.
The love that develops between these two could become 'always and forever'. Will their families ever reveal the past to them? Will they give in and follow in their parent's footsteps? What if their parents discover their secret relationship, would they accept it? Or will they keep them from one another?
"We want the love Romeo and Juliet had. Not the outcome. If our parents find out, someone will die for sure. Probably me."
Paisley is such a sweet girl who works at her parents' Floral Shop. She has a creative talent as a florist and is given the opportunity to create floral arrangements for a wedding, the same one that hired the bakery across the street to create the wedding cake. They have asked for a collaboration with the cake and flowers, although each of the parents seems to be upset over this business arrangement.
Sebastian is excited to be working with Paisley. He uses this opportunity to spend more time with her and even asks her out. Their relationship blossoms from friends to lovers in a couple of weeks. He showcases his culinary skills and proves that he can do more than just bake pastries.
The love that develops between these two could become 'always and forever'. Will their families ever reveal the past to them? Will they give in and follow in their parent's footsteps? What if their parents discover their secret relationship, would they accept it? Or will they keep them from one another?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
*ARC Review Incoming*
This was an absolute joy to read. As always, I went in blind.
It was so adorably sweet from the onset that I couldn’t put it down. I almost burned my dinner.
Paisley and Sebastian are both gems, and reminders that you are in fact your own person. Live your life the way you want and everything that needs to happen will.
Probably going to get a physical copy to leave on my bookshelf.
This was an absolute joy to read. As always, I went in blind.
It was so adorably sweet from the onset that I couldn’t put it down. I almost burned my dinner.
Paisley and Sebastian are both gems, and reminders that you are in fact your own person. Live your life the way you want and everything that needs to happen will.
Probably going to get a physical copy to leave on my bookshelf.
April 29, 2025
A romantic story a little slow in development but fantastic. Easy to read and quite enjoyable. Highly recommended. It is very well written and quite descriptive.
I liked the story, and loved the forbidden relationship between Sebastian and Paisley. They show that everyone should live their lives without dragging the mistakes and grudges of our parents.
....
Thank you for letting me be part of the ARC team ☺️.
I liked the story, and loved the forbidden relationship between Sebastian and Paisley. They show that everyone should live their lives without dragging the mistakes and grudges of our parents.
....
Thank you for letting me be part of the ARC team ☺️.
April 21, 2025
A joy to read. These two go through it all and absolutely deserve their HEA. 💕
May 16, 2025
4.5 🌟
“If I fell into a deep slumber and could only be awoken by true love’s kiss, would you kiss me?” (Ch 13)
A rivalry between families, slightly like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story (but not quite so violent or dark). They're not quite sure how the feud started between the Kings and the DeGrandes, but Paisley and Sebastian are actually friends. They have to keep their platonic relationship under wraps lest they stir the pot and enrage their families. However, there might just be something more under their cover, something that's been fermenting and growing.
Paisley's family owns Field & Floral flower shop, and Sebastian's family operates Vanille bakery. To their families' utter dismay, they are chosen to work on a wedding cake collab. Pais and Seb are delighted as it presents as the perfect guise for open interactions.
Can they circumnavigate their parents, complete the order, and find a way to be together without any of that ending up in a disaster?
They're friends, but so timid when it comes to showing and expressing their affection and feelings for one another. So used to hiding it, now they're on unfamiliar ground. There's also a lot of self-doubt and inner dialogue going on as they work out their own thoughts and feelings, as well as their relationships with their parents.
“That’s what happens when I face my fears, Paisley. I scream like a little girl who’s just jumped into freezing water....” (Ch 9)
This is a cute, cozy, sweet romantic dramedy-ish story... exploring forbidden young love with a box of imperfect macarons and a bouquet of flawed roses. And it was a tear-jerker... at least for me. HEA, but not without some bittersweetness.
eARC courtesy of Naughty Nook PR. Voluntary review.
“If I fell into a deep slumber and could only be awoken by true love’s kiss, would you kiss me?” (Ch 13)
A rivalry between families, slightly like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story (but not quite so violent or dark). They're not quite sure how the feud started between the Kings and the DeGrandes, but Paisley and Sebastian are actually friends. They have to keep their platonic relationship under wraps lest they stir the pot and enrage their families. However, there might just be something more under their cover, something that's been fermenting and growing.
Paisley's family owns Field & Floral flower shop, and Sebastian's family operates Vanille bakery. To their families' utter dismay, they are chosen to work on a wedding cake collab. Pais and Seb are delighted as it presents as the perfect guise for open interactions.
Can they circumnavigate their parents, complete the order, and find a way to be together without any of that ending up in a disaster?
They're friends, but so timid when it comes to showing and expressing their affection and feelings for one another. So used to hiding it, now they're on unfamiliar ground. There's also a lot of self-doubt and inner dialogue going on as they work out their own thoughts and feelings, as well as their relationships with their parents.
“That’s what happens when I face my fears, Paisley. I scream like a little girl who’s just jumped into freezing water....” (Ch 9)
This is a cute, cozy, sweet romantic dramedy-ish story... exploring forbidden young love with a box of imperfect macarons and a bouquet of flawed roses. And it was a tear-jerker... at least for me. HEA, but not without some bittersweetness.
eARC courtesy of Naughty Nook PR. Voluntary review.
May 10, 2025
3/5*
I'm giving this 3 out of 5 ONLY for the story itself. I liked that Sebastian and Paisley were both at the same level and that they had good communication for what their expectations were. It was endearing to watch them figure it out together. Both main characters thought very highly of each other but not so highly of themselves. This was my first ever story that was set in Canada so that was a little different for me, but for the most part I still enjoyed the setting. Sebastian has a French accent and Paisley is totally a sucker for it, I liked how he would use that to his advantage when trying to flirt with her. The characters are in their early twenties and in college but there were many things that made it read more like high school than college I felt. I did however have some issues with this one as a whole.
For one, there was a LOT of unnecessary details given, details are definitely needed in a story, but these did nothing to add to the story or even the scene really and it just made things drag on. An example: There is a scene where Sebastian is in the kitchen of the bakery with his sister, and there is a good amount of detail and an overabundance of detail in the same scene. The good detail...."'I don't know', I reply, screwing up the sizing of a macaroon. I groan in frustration, wiping the messy batter away with a paper towel"...good detail, paints the picture, flows nicely. The over done detail...."Margaux sets her piping bag down. She's icing the mini carrot cakes we made earlier. They're filled with a cream cheese buttercream and candied walnut filling. The icing on top is also cream cheese buttercream mixed with shredded carrots"...way too much and unnecessary. The start of this scene shows that he is deep in thought and flustered about the situation, the end of this scene adds nothing but the fact that the cupcakes sound good, but why do we care about that?
Another issue for me was the amount of political talk. I respect that the author wanted to write about her beliefs, but they were placed in spots that they had absolutely no reason to be in. They did not add to the story at all and felt extremely preachy. In my opinion, I read for enjoyment and to escape reality, I don't want to read about politics, if I did, I'd read a non-fiction book. An example for this one that was over done is she has the FMC mention in several different ways (to herself, to her friend, to the MMC) that "[virginity is false and is based on the patriarchy]" (or something along those words). Once would be understandable but she says it THREE separate times, way to much and makes it very fake feeling. The other major one that was annoying to me was a global warming conversation between the FMC and her best friend that literally had ZERO reason to be there. It just takes you out of the scene in your head.
The final major thing that I did not enjoy so much about this book was that by the end, the main conflict of the story was not very believable and it felt very rushed compared to the over abundance of details at the beginning of the book. The pace was good throughout for the most part until close to the end and then it ramped up and was over the next thing you know.
I'm giving this 3 out of 5 ONLY for the story itself. I liked that Sebastian and Paisley were both at the same level and that they had good communication for what their expectations were. It was endearing to watch them figure it out together. Both main characters thought very highly of each other but not so highly of themselves. This was my first ever story that was set in Canada so that was a little different for me, but for the most part I still enjoyed the setting. Sebastian has a French accent and Paisley is totally a sucker for it, I liked how he would use that to his advantage when trying to flirt with her. The characters are in their early twenties and in college but there were many things that made it read more like high school than college I felt. I did however have some issues with this one as a whole.
For one, there was a LOT of unnecessary details given, details are definitely needed in a story, but these did nothing to add to the story or even the scene really and it just made things drag on. An example: There is a scene where Sebastian is in the kitchen of the bakery with his sister, and there is a good amount of detail and an overabundance of detail in the same scene. The good detail...."'I don't know', I reply, screwing up the sizing of a macaroon. I groan in frustration, wiping the messy batter away with a paper towel"...good detail, paints the picture, flows nicely. The over done detail...."Margaux sets her piping bag down. She's icing the mini carrot cakes we made earlier. They're filled with a cream cheese buttercream and candied walnut filling. The icing on top is also cream cheese buttercream mixed with shredded carrots"...way too much and unnecessary. The start of this scene shows that he is deep in thought and flustered about the situation, the end of this scene adds nothing but the fact that the cupcakes sound good, but why do we care about that?
Another issue for me was the amount of political talk. I respect that the author wanted to write about her beliefs, but they were placed in spots that they had absolutely no reason to be in. They did not add to the story at all and felt extremely preachy. In my opinion, I read for enjoyment and to escape reality, I don't want to read about politics, if I did, I'd read a non-fiction book. An example for this one that was over done is she has the FMC mention in several different ways (to herself, to her friend, to the MMC) that "[virginity is false and is based on the patriarchy]" (or something along those words). Once would be understandable but she says it THREE separate times, way to much and makes it very fake feeling. The other major one that was annoying to me was a global warming conversation between the FMC and her best friend that literally had ZERO reason to be there. It just takes you out of the scene in your head.
The final major thing that I did not enjoy so much about this book was that by the end, the main conflict of the story was not very believable and it felt very rushed compared to the over abundance of details at the beginning of the book. The pace was good throughout for the most part until close to the end and then it ramped up and was over the next thing you know.
May 8, 2025
This book was very sweet! I really liked paisley and Sebastian together. Their relationship and the whole young love thing was very well written. Sebastian and Paisley having rival families but both having crushes on one another is everything to me. I love how both these characters are secretly pinning for one another while actively having to work together. I liked how the couple didn’t hide from their feelings for one another but they took their time and went slow with their relationship. Paisley was very sweet and bubbly and I love how she didn’t shy away from her personality when around Sebastian. She lived in a very toxic household and I liked how she was written to continue to persevere and surround herself with people who actually care about her, rather than live up to the expectations het parents had for her and eventually cut them out of her life. Sebastian was genuinely perfect ! Loved him the moment I started reading about him. He was so kind and thoughtful, and I adored how shy Sebastian got when he talked about Paisley. I loved how both him and Paisley stood up to their parents when one of them would talked bad about them. And the fact that Sebastian was willing to give up everything for Paisley had my heart doing backflips! They had a lot of cute one on one moments and vulnerable moments. I loved when they helped the other learn how to do their certain skill. My only issue with the book was that it wasn’t hooking me like I thought it was going to. It’s a very cute book but I wasn’t as interested when reading as I could’ve been. But I did really love Sebastian & Paisley’s story.
May 15, 2025
The Florist and the Pastry Chef is a sweet, forbidden romance between two young adults from rival families, DeGrandes and King. The bubbly and resilient Paisley DeGrandes, the florist, and the kind and devoted Sebastian King, the baker, secretly fall in love and develop their relationship while working on a wedding together. It is a story about breaking generational cycles, choosing love over legacy, and finding your path. I love the writing style and how distinct Paisley and Sebastian’s POVs are; very easy read. A small-town Romeo and Juliet without the tragedy, friends-to-lovers romance with light spice, this book is my cup of tea!
Must-Mentions:
Forced proximity *gasp* but they like it
Wholesome and Strong Chemistry between MCs
Standing up to toxic family members
flowers and macarons <3
What Could Be Improved:
The dialogue could use some work. Excessive details that are sometimes irrelevant slowed the pacing in some parts. As someone who is not Canadian, I didn’t understand most of the hockey references; a short explanation would’ve been helpful.
I received a free advance copy of this book for review purposes. I was not paid to write this review, and all opinions are my own.
Must-Mentions:
Forced proximity *gasp* but they like it
Wholesome and Strong Chemistry between MCs
Standing up to toxic family members
flowers and macarons <3
What Could Be Improved:
The dialogue could use some work. Excessive details that are sometimes irrelevant slowed the pacing in some parts. As someone who is not Canadian, I didn’t understand most of the hockey references; a short explanation would’ve been helpful.
I received a free advance copy of this book for review purposes. I was not paid to write this review, and all opinions are my own.
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down. I really wanted to find out what the issue was with the parents and I had kind of suspected based on the parents' attitudes. I don't want to have any spoilers so I'll just say that while I feel bad for one of the characters, it was definitely for the best and inevitable that their family would react the way they did.
I loved how Sebastian and Paisley didn't accept their parents' drama, especially when they refused to say what was so bad that had happened. The two of them had such a sweet connection, and I liked how it went from friends to a relationship. This reads as a younger romance, (they are both in college, and inexperienced) but it does have open spicy scenes so not for young readers.
I really enjoyed how the characters touched on consent, virginity being bullshit and other social issues. I appreciate it that in a book as it helps connect to the characters more.
All in all, a great read and I plan on reading more from this author. I'd love to see if other characters mentioned are in other of her books as I would really like to see a couple of them get a HEA.
I loved how Sebastian and Paisley didn't accept their parents' drama, especially when they refused to say what was so bad that had happened. The two of them had such a sweet connection, and I liked how it went from friends to a relationship. This reads as a younger romance, (they are both in college, and inexperienced) but it does have open spicy scenes so not for young readers.
I really enjoyed how the characters touched on consent, virginity being bullshit and other social issues. I appreciate it that in a book as it helps connect to the characters more.
All in all, a great read and I plan on reading more from this author. I'd love to see if other characters mentioned are in other of her books as I would really like to see a couple of them get a HEA.
May 16, 2025
Arc Review
Paisley and Sebastian are the dynamic I dream of for a romance! Their communication is top tier, their love grows from slow burn to fiery hot! The amount of times my mouth dropped whenever they interacted: 😲😳😍🥹 🔥Like Paisley said in the book: “we need more men like Sebastian King.” ReAnne builds the characters feelings and love in a fluid way. Paisley is complex and Sebastian is flawed. He listens to her and is not the kind of man that wants to control her, he just wants her. I enjoyed reading the imperfections of both of their families. A family rivalry and secret love, it's enticing!! Loved it!
Paisley and Sebastian are the dynamic I dream of for a romance! Their communication is top tier, their love grows from slow burn to fiery hot! The amount of times my mouth dropped whenever they interacted: 😲😳😍🥹 🔥Like Paisley said in the book: “we need more men like Sebastian King.” ReAnne builds the characters feelings and love in a fluid way. Paisley is complex and Sebastian is flawed. He listens to her and is not the kind of man that wants to control her, he just wants her. I enjoyed reading the imperfections of both of their families. A family rivalry and secret love, it's enticing!! Loved it!
May 1, 2025
It's reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet but with a happy ending, and I'm all for it! Paisley and Sebastian's relationship is probably one of the cutest things I've read in a while. Their story unfolds at a slower pace than I expected, but it’s still genuinely enjoyable. It delivers a great message about being your own person and loving who you want to love.
Happy release day to *The Florist and the Pastry Chef*! That's right, you heard me—it's out today! You can dive into a really adorable story with your favorite pastry. Until next time, my friends, stay cozy!
Happy release day to *The Florist and the Pastry Chef*! That's right, you heard me—it's out today! You can dive into a really adorable story with your favorite pastry. Until next time, my friends, stay cozy!
May 18, 2025
Paisley runs a flower shop in town while Sebastian works at the bakery. While the two of them are friends, their families don’t get along and are upset when they are chosen to work together for a wedding. Feelings start to change between them which is slow at first.
I loved how the two main characters move from friends to more. It was interesting how they dealt with their families disapproval while moving into a new phase in their relationship. The characters are well written and I enjoyed the story.
I loved how the two main characters move from friends to more. It was interesting how they dealt with their families disapproval while moving into a new phase in their relationship. The characters are well written and I enjoyed the story.
May 7, 2025
I loved being an ARC reader for this. I don't think I have ever giggled or smiled so much that my cheeks started hurting at some point. Both the main characters are very mature and caring. I loved that the most. The story was very flowy and easy to read. All the supporting characters were also portrayed and written very well. I loved the FMC's character arc - absolutely adore it when a woman is confident, knows her worth, and fights for herself!
May 13, 2025
a modern day twist on romeo & juliet? yes pls.
i didn’t think i’d be able to connect with such young characters being the old hag i am, but paisley and sebastian proved me wrong! from the minute they first interacted on page, i was rooting for them. such sweet adorable little babies.
i can’t even count the number of times i wanted to reach through the screen of my phone and pinch seb’s cheeks for being such a cutie.
what a great debut novel from ReAnne!! can’t wait for what comes next 💛
i didn’t think i’d be able to connect with such young characters being the old hag i am, but paisley and sebastian proved me wrong! from the minute they first interacted on page, i was rooting for them. such sweet adorable little babies.
i can’t even count the number of times i wanted to reach through the screen of my phone and pinch seb’s cheeks for being such a cutie.
what a great debut novel from ReAnne!! can’t wait for what comes next 💛
May 1, 2025
I love reading this book. It was a sweet read. I really enjoyed the theme (flowers and cakes) as I can relate to the industry. But more than that, the build up of the story was just right. It’s really a young adult book that centers on female empowerment, love, family and building up your own success!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
One of the first books I read in Wattpad and one of the few that had me hooked from its first page. I loved its original plot and amazing characters that were complemented through the authors keen sense of humor and understanding of tough situations, I'm so happy to see it being published.
May 19, 2025
The Florist and the Pastry Chef was such a cute read. Paisley and Sebastian are rivals, but asked to collaborate on a wedding cake. Tension and chemistry flies between the two and there's no denying it. The only problem is will their families keep them apart.
June 9, 2025
I loved the storyline in this book. It was a slowburn where I just wanted to push them together away from everyone else. She tries so hard to impress her parents but she just can't keep her feelings for the florist across the street in check. The family rivalry can't tear down a love like this.
November 7, 2025
I loved this book! I read it on Wattpad first and then when I saw ARC copies were available to read I jumped on the chance!
I don’t know how but even better than before, i definitely recommend!!
I don’t know how but even better than before, i definitely recommend!!
July 28, 2025
"Life is too short to worry about the consequences when it comes to happiness. When you get a chance at it, you have to take it before it's taken away from you."
one thing I liked: It's random, but I loved that he was a hockey player. I'm sorry, I can't help it, my love for hockey and hockey romance books runs through my veins.
one thing I didn’t like: The audacity her parents had. Like how can people be so self-centered.
This book just reinforces the fact that retellings of Romeo and Juliet that don't end in either of them dying are still absolutely amazing. It's even better in this one that they sneak around so their parents don't catch them, yet they are also the most wholesome characters ever. They liked each other so much, and don't even get me started on how they would literally leave things (like a macaroon or a flower) for each other. That's so damn cute it's ridiculous
book/movie/show with similar vibes: Romeo and Juliet, These Violent Delights, Battle Royal, Booked On a Feeling
you should read if you like/tropes: forbidden romance, friends to lovers, boy obsessed, lowkey hockey romance, romeo and juliet retellings.
full ratings:
plot: 5/5⭐
fmc: 5/5⭐
mmc: 5/5⭐
side characters: 4/5⭐
pace: 5/5⭐
writing style: 5/5⭐
relationship progression: 5/5⭐
couple’s chemistry: 5/5⭐
banter: 3/5⭐
rating average: 5⭐
spice level: 2/5🌶️
Thank you ReAnne Kennedy and Naughty Nook PR for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!!
one thing I liked: It's random, but I loved that he was a hockey player. I'm sorry, I can't help it, my love for hockey and hockey romance books runs through my veins.
one thing I didn’t like: The audacity her parents had. Like how can people be so self-centered.
This book just reinforces the fact that retellings of Romeo and Juliet that don't end in either of them dying are still absolutely amazing. It's even better in this one that they sneak around so their parents don't catch them, yet they are also the most wholesome characters ever. They liked each other so much, and don't even get me started on how they would literally leave things (like a macaroon or a flower) for each other. That's so damn cute it's ridiculous
book/movie/show with similar vibes: Romeo and Juliet, These Violent Delights, Battle Royal, Booked On a Feeling
you should read if you like/tropes: forbidden romance, friends to lovers, boy obsessed, lowkey hockey romance, romeo and juliet retellings.
full ratings:
plot: 5/5⭐
fmc: 5/5⭐
mmc: 5/5⭐
side characters: 4/5⭐
pace: 5/5⭐
writing style: 5/5⭐
relationship progression: 5/5⭐
couple’s chemistry: 5/5⭐
banter: 3/5⭐
rating average: 5⭐
spice level: 2/5🌶️
Thank you ReAnne Kennedy and Naughty Nook PR for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!!
November 29, 2025
💫ARC Review
2.5 stars — Not for me, but others might enjoy it.
The Florist and the Pastry Chef by Reanne Kennedy had a sweet premise and definite Romeo & Juliet vibes with the budding romance between Paisley and Sebastian. Their dynamic had its charming moments, and fans of sweeter romances might find something to enjoy here.
That said, this one just wasn’t for me. Had I known how young the characters were—Paisley is 20, Sebastian is 22—I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. The tone felt inconsistent: some parts read more like YA or even high school-level storytelling, while others felt overly mature for the ages of the characters. It didn’t flow well for me overall, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
The parental drama felt exaggerated and, at times, immature in a way that made it hard to take the stakes seriously. While the romance had potential, it also leaned into cringey territory at times, and the writing was overly descriptive in areas that didn’t really add to the story.
I considered DNF’ing early on, but I’m trying to stick with my reads this month.
I’d recommend this one for readers who enjoy light, sweet romances with young, inexperienced main characters—but it wasn’t a favorite of mine.
2.5 stars — Not for me, but others might enjoy it.
The Florist and the Pastry Chef by Reanne Kennedy had a sweet premise and definite Romeo & Juliet vibes with the budding romance between Paisley and Sebastian. Their dynamic had its charming moments, and fans of sweeter romances might find something to enjoy here.
That said, this one just wasn’t for me. Had I known how young the characters were—Paisley is 20, Sebastian is 22—I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. The tone felt inconsistent: some parts read more like YA or even high school-level storytelling, while others felt overly mature for the ages of the characters. It didn’t flow well for me overall, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
The parental drama felt exaggerated and, at times, immature in a way that made it hard to take the stakes seriously. While the romance had potential, it also leaned into cringey territory at times, and the writing was overly descriptive in areas that didn’t really add to the story.
I considered DNF’ing early on, but I’m trying to stick with my reads this month.
I’d recommend this one for readers who enjoy light, sweet romances with young, inexperienced main characters—but it wasn’t a favorite of mine.
June 30, 2025
This is a sweet, easy read about young-love with a friends to lovers vibe.
I liked the main characters, Paisley and Sebastian but the families were annoying.
The characters were around 20 and yet both sets of parents forbade Paisley and Sebastian from even being friends due to longstanding parental drama which felt a bit immature.
The MC's were sweet and enjoyable to read and I was really rooting for them early on.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the main characters, Paisley and Sebastian but the families were annoying.
The characters were around 20 and yet both sets of parents forbade Paisley and Sebastian from even being friends due to longstanding parental drama which felt a bit immature.
The MC's were sweet and enjoyable to read and I was really rooting for them early on.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews