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Classic City Romance #2
Sunflower Persona
Gage Maher is barely keeping his head above water. The growing pile of unpaid bills on his counter reminds him of that every day. Over a decade ago, a freak accident ended his UFC dreams, and he's been drifting through life with a dark cloud looming overhead ever since.
Kori Wright is on a mission. After wasting her first two years of undergrad alone in her dorm, she's searching for a place to belong. With only a half-baked plan and naive hope, she braves the local bar scene and quickly realizes she's in over her head.
As a rule, Gage doesn’t talk to customers. But something about this woman’s trepidation stirs his protective instincts. Against his better judgment, he tries to ease her nerves, and the longer they talk, the more apparent it becomes that Kori awakens feelings he thought were long dead. Not that it matters—he'll never be good enough for a woman like her, and if she has any sense, she'll walk out the door and never look back.
While part of a series, Sunflower Persona can be read as a standalone.
Kori Wright is on a mission. After wasting her first two years of undergrad alone in her dorm, she's searching for a place to belong. With only a half-baked plan and naive hope, she braves the local bar scene and quickly realizes she's in over her head.
As a rule, Gage doesn’t talk to customers. But something about this woman’s trepidation stirs his protective instincts. Against his better judgment, he tries to ease her nerves, and the longer they talk, the more apparent it becomes that Kori awakens feelings he thought were long dead. Not that it matters—he'll never be good enough for a woman like her, and if she has any sense, she'll walk out the door and never look back.
While part of a series, Sunflower Persona can be read as a standalone.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
About the author
Valerie Kain
3 books20 followersValerie Kain has a lifelong love for telling stories filled with drama and angst. Some of the earliest home videos from her childhood are of her blabbering her tales at whoever would listen. It was only a matter of time before she took that passion to the page. As a Georgia native and UGA alumna, the city of Athens holds a special place in her heart which is what inspired her debut series.
She is currently in her contemporary romance era but has projects in the pipeline that span multiple sub-genres, including dark romance, paranormal romance, and romantasy. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @valerie.kain.writes to stay updated on upcoming releases.
She is currently in her contemporary romance era but has projects in the pipeline that span multiple sub-genres, including dark romance, paranormal romance, and romantasy. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @valerie.kain.writes to stay updated on upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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May 30, 2025Sadly I will be shelving this & don’t think I will ever return to continue reading it. I don’t like this authors writing style or the characters in this story.
April 28, 2025
I loved everything about this book! It wrung every emotion I had out of me! It had me from the first awkward and lonely feeling from Kori in the first sentence. Gage and Kori… what a pair. Geez, we're all just human and want to feel some kind of real and honest connection to each other in life. To not always feel like outsiders looking in; and sometimes not knowing how to accomplish that.
This was that kind of journey for this very unlikely couple. It wasn't always easy or pretty, but still had many wonderful moments to make it so worth it in the end. They both gave the other so many of those inner intangibles we never speak about but need as living, feeling beings. Growing pains.
It has all the feels and ends up in a wonderfully uplifting and natural place for these two in the end. Each better -and better off - with the other person than without.
What an enjoyable and lovely read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was that kind of journey for this very unlikely couple. It wasn't always easy or pretty, but still had many wonderful moments to make it so worth it in the end. They both gave the other so many of those inner intangibles we never speak about but need as living, feeling beings. Growing pains.
It has all the feels and ends up in a wonderfully uplifting and natural place for these two in the end. Each better -and better off - with the other person than without.
What an enjoyable and lovely read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2025
Seeing as this was the first book I’ve read by the author I have to say it was a very good read. At first there were moments where I could relate with both Kori and Gage, and other times where I thought how is this going to work.
I was proved wrong because the story came together and I loved to see Gage finally get the help he deserved and his friends always sticking beside him. I just didn’t go too hard on the author because it’s my first book but I would’ve loved to see them be more happy instead of it being the last 2 chapters. It seemed like both characters were walking on eggshells and were never sure of anything until Gage grew a pair.
All things being said there was still romance between them and you could see they did love each other. Now I want to see Nathan’s book because he was a character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was proved wrong because the story came together and I loved to see Gage finally get the help he deserved and his friends always sticking beside him. I just didn’t go too hard on the author because it’s my first book but I would’ve loved to see them be more happy instead of it being the last 2 chapters. It seemed like both characters were walking on eggshells and were never sure of anything until Gage grew a pair.
All things being said there was still romance between them and you could see they did love each other. Now I want to see Nathan’s book because he was a character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2025
*ARC Reviewer* Sunflower Persona is an amazing story of love and friendship. The book tells the story of an anxious woman and a brooding man. I love that both main characters have their struggles and own it. This story is also a refreshing take on the age gap trope. The book is well written and each character shines. Gage the MMC is flawed and at times frustrating but is still my favorite character in the book. Kori the FMC is so bright and engaging yet unaware of how amazing she is. The pacing of the story is so great and I recommend this book for anyone looking for a great romance.
May 27, 2025
This was my first book by this author and while it wasn’t my favorite it was well done. Gage and Kori represented real people with real problems. It was gratifying to see their stories unfold and to see them finally have a chance to get past the issues that plagued them. It did take a while to get into with the first glimpse of both characters seeming a bit on the annoying side. But as it progressed they became more relatable and more real. Overall it was a good read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author, and based off of how much I loved this story, it surely won't be the last.
First and foremost, I love Gage and Kori so much. They were such deep, well rounded characters. And don't get me started on their found family friend group. Secondary characters are so important me; I feel in some situations they can make or break a book. In this case they are nearly as important to the story as the 2 MMCs.
I loved how the story developed, taking plenty of time to explore each character and their budding relationship as well as each as an individual and their own internal growth. The pacing was really well done. For a mid length cont. romance at 355 pages it didn't feel like it dragged at any point. Each chapter progressed the plot in good measure.
They loved each other so beautifully it was hope-inspiring. Thoroughly worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First and foremost, I love Gage and Kori so much. They were such deep, well rounded characters. And don't get me started on their found family friend group. Secondary characters are so important me; I feel in some situations they can make or break a book. In this case they are nearly as important to the story as the 2 MMCs.
I loved how the story developed, taking plenty of time to explore each character and their budding relationship as well as each as an individual and their own internal growth. The pacing was really well done. For a mid length cont. romance at 355 pages it didn't feel like it dragged at any point. Each chapter progressed the plot in good measure.
They loved each other so beautifully it was hope-inspiring. Thoroughly worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
Valerie Kain’s Sunflower Persona is a grounded and emotionally thoughtful romance that brings together two socially awkward souls in a journey of healing, miscommunication, and unexpected intimacy. This 359-page slow-burn novel stands out for its quiet vulnerability, tackling mental health and loneliness in a very down-to-earth way.
At the heart of the story is Gage Maher, a former UFC hopeful whose life was upended by a traumatic accident. Years later, he's coasting—haunted by depression, weighed down by bills, and emotionally stuck. His world changes when he meets Kori Wright, a college student trying to figure out where she belongs. Their first meeting is charmingly awkward: she stumbles into a bar out of her comfort zone, and he—normally the strong and silent bartender type—feels a protective pull he hasn’t experienced in years.
There’s something genuinely refreshing about the realness of this love story. No billionaires, no lavish drama—just two people figuring out how to be okay, and maybe, how to be okay together. Kain approaches anxiety and depression with a thoughtful, respectful lens, making Gage’s emotional struggle feel raw and relatable. Kori, with her social awkwardness and bright, curious nature, complements him well—though at times, her personality felt underexplored or one-note, leaving room for deeper development.
The pacing is deliberate but occasionally too subtle. While the story avoids dragging, it sometimes leans too heavily on internal monologue or mundane exchanges, making it harder to stay fully immersed. Similarly, the romance—although authentic—occasionally felt like it took a back seat to the emotional and mental health arcs. Readers looking for more overt passion or tension may find the romance aspect a little underwhelming.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is the found family vibe that surrounds Gage. His tight-knit group of friends offers warmth, levity, and essential emotional support. In many ways, their influence on his healing is just as important as Kori’s presence in his life, which is a refreshing shift from the idea that love alone fixes everything.
The story’s ending delivers a satisfying emotional payoff, complete with sweet epilogues that show the long-term evolution of their relationship. Still, Sunflower Persona felt like it came close to being a deeper, more impactful read—if only a few more layers had been added to the central characters’ chemistry and progression.
Overall, this is a tender, introspective romance perfect for fans of character-driven stories that explore mental health and connection without leaning on tropes that feel too shiny or performative. It’s imperfect in some ways, but still worth the read for those who enjoy slow burns with heart.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
Slow burn, character-driven romance
Realistic mental health representation
Quiet, hopeful love stories
Supportive friend groups
Sunflower Persona doesn’t shout—it whispers. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of romance we need.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
Tropes: Age Gap, Slow Burn, Found Family, Realistic Romance
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Moderate)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At the heart of the story is Gage Maher, a former UFC hopeful whose life was upended by a traumatic accident. Years later, he's coasting—haunted by depression, weighed down by bills, and emotionally stuck. His world changes when he meets Kori Wright, a college student trying to figure out where she belongs. Their first meeting is charmingly awkward: she stumbles into a bar out of her comfort zone, and he—normally the strong and silent bartender type—feels a protective pull he hasn’t experienced in years.
There’s something genuinely refreshing about the realness of this love story. No billionaires, no lavish drama—just two people figuring out how to be okay, and maybe, how to be okay together. Kain approaches anxiety and depression with a thoughtful, respectful lens, making Gage’s emotional struggle feel raw and relatable. Kori, with her social awkwardness and bright, curious nature, complements him well—though at times, her personality felt underexplored or one-note, leaving room for deeper development.
The pacing is deliberate but occasionally too subtle. While the story avoids dragging, it sometimes leans too heavily on internal monologue or mundane exchanges, making it harder to stay fully immersed. Similarly, the romance—although authentic—occasionally felt like it took a back seat to the emotional and mental health arcs. Readers looking for more overt passion or tension may find the romance aspect a little underwhelming.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is the found family vibe that surrounds Gage. His tight-knit group of friends offers warmth, levity, and essential emotional support. In many ways, their influence on his healing is just as important as Kori’s presence in his life, which is a refreshing shift from the idea that love alone fixes everything.
The story’s ending delivers a satisfying emotional payoff, complete with sweet epilogues that show the long-term evolution of their relationship. Still, Sunflower Persona felt like it came close to being a deeper, more impactful read—if only a few more layers had been added to the central characters’ chemistry and progression.
Overall, this is a tender, introspective romance perfect for fans of character-driven stories that explore mental health and connection without leaning on tropes that feel too shiny or performative. It’s imperfect in some ways, but still worth the read for those who enjoy slow burns with heart.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
Slow burn, character-driven romance
Realistic mental health representation
Quiet, hopeful love stories
Supportive friend groups
Sunflower Persona doesn’t shout—it whispers. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of romance we need.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
Tropes: Age Gap, Slow Burn, Found Family, Realistic Romance
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Moderate)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2025
I enjoyed this second book in the Classic City Romance series!
Very different from book 1 (Dear Roomie) if you haven't read it yet, I definitely recommend!
This follows our "grumpy" Gage who is actually not grumpy but struggling with many issues.. mental health, financial etc.
In comes Kori who brings light to his life and although there is an age gap he really cannot resist her cheerful personality.
Kori struggles too, she is focused on making new friends and has a slight aversion to being touched.
As Gage and Kori hit it off she is welcomed by almost everyone in Gage's tight knit friend group.
Gage does his best to make things work but his insecurities and mental health struggles derail their relationship very early on.
He works on himself to get better with the help of his friends.
I loved the mental health rep. As in book one the tight knit friend group was so lovely to read about.
I believe Kori is a probably a Neurodivergent character but not much was explained except a mention of "oppositional defiance".
The ending was so sweet and too short😊
Many thanks to Valerie Kain for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my thoughts.
🌻grumpy/sunshine
🌻age-gap
🌻mental health rep
🌻tight knit friend group/found family
Very different from book 1 (Dear Roomie) if you haven't read it yet, I definitely recommend!
This follows our "grumpy" Gage who is actually not grumpy but struggling with many issues.. mental health, financial etc.
In comes Kori who brings light to his life and although there is an age gap he really cannot resist her cheerful personality.
Kori struggles too, she is focused on making new friends and has a slight aversion to being touched.
As Gage and Kori hit it off she is welcomed by almost everyone in Gage's tight knit friend group.
Gage does his best to make things work but his insecurities and mental health struggles derail their relationship very early on.
He works on himself to get better with the help of his friends.
I loved the mental health rep. As in book one the tight knit friend group was so lovely to read about.
I believe Kori is a probably a Neurodivergent character but not much was explained except a mention of "oppositional defiance".
The ending was so sweet and too short😊
Many thanks to Valerie Kain for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my thoughts.
🌻grumpy/sunshine
🌻age-gap
🌻mental health rep
🌻tight knit friend group/found family
May 28, 2025
🌻ARC review🌻
This is my first book by Valerie, and I really enjoyed how she handled mental health through Gage and Kori’s story. Kori definitely felt like her faith was guiding her when she was pursuing Gage. Their love for each other felt so real, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. I did have a bit of trouble understanding Kori’s character and what was wrong with her in a personality sense. I wasn’t sure if she struggled with generalized anxiety or maybe neurodivergence, but when it mattered, she was confident in her actions. That’s what I came away with. It was very clear that Gage struggled with his demons and how to properly cope throughout the read. I found myself wishing he would have sought help long before he took initiative after his relationship struggles. As someone who always enjoys meeting new characters in books, since it often gives us a glimpse into future books in the series, I think I could have done without a few characters in this read. Some of the friends in the group seemed to be negative without much explanation in the story, even though they were big staples mentioned. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, and I hope many get the chance to read it!
This is my first book by Valerie, and I really enjoyed how she handled mental health through Gage and Kori’s story. Kori definitely felt like her faith was guiding her when she was pursuing Gage. Their love for each other felt so real, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. I did have a bit of trouble understanding Kori’s character and what was wrong with her in a personality sense. I wasn’t sure if she struggled with generalized anxiety or maybe neurodivergence, but when it mattered, she was confident in her actions. That’s what I came away with. It was very clear that Gage struggled with his demons and how to properly cope throughout the read. I found myself wishing he would have sought help long before he took initiative after his relationship struggles. As someone who always enjoys meeting new characters in books, since it often gives us a glimpse into future books in the series, I think I could have done without a few characters in this read. Some of the friends in the group seemed to be negative without much explanation in the story, even though they were big staples mentioned. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, and I hope many get the chance to read it!
April 25, 2025
Sunflower Persona by Valerie Kain is a romance between two extremely socially awkward people who really should have nothing in common, but their delightful story resonates. Kori Wright is college student with absolutely no friends, in an effort to “put herself out there” she stumbles into a bar where Gage Maher works. After having his promising MMA career derailed through injury, Greg has worked a series of dead-end jobs, often spiraling into a depressive mode. However, unlike Kori, Gage has a circle of caring and supportive friends. Kori and Gage are attracted to each other but neither of them has the social bandwidth to articulate their feelings. This book is an age gap. slow burn romance as the pair attempt to navigate a relationship, one fraught with bumps and obstacles. I enjoyed the “realness” of this author’s narrative, not a millionaire in sight, just two people living typical lives and looking to connect with someone. I also appreciated the mental health aspects and the growth that each character displayed. Ms. Kain gifts her readers with not one but two sweet epilogs giving us a glimpse into the future for our couple!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/sunflo...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/sunflo...
May 25, 2025
Let me tell you when I was talking out loud to these 2 knuckleheads and telling them to get their heads out their rears… let’s just say I got some looks when I was reading outside the confines of my home 🥴. The epilogue does nicely tie the ending up in for a good stopping point but I wouldn’t mind a continuation of their story at all. Even if it’s just tied into their friend’s stories in the series. I like the standalone/ series options because I don’t have to commit to a series to read one book.
Overall well written, just the right amount of spice to not be smutty but enough that you shouldn’t read it out loud to your grandma. Let Granny read to herself. Age gap is there but not dwelled on except for the first few chapters by Gage but I think that’s just the GLOOM trying to get him really because no one else cares and then it’s not discussed for at least half the book. Not a lot of triggers except maybe depression/ anxiety. But then the author does a great job of describing what the characters are feeling.
Overall well written, just the right amount of spice to not be smutty but enough that you shouldn’t read it out loud to your grandma. Let Granny read to herself. Age gap is there but not dwelled on except for the first few chapters by Gage but I think that’s just the GLOOM trying to get him really because no one else cares and then it’s not discussed for at least half the book. Not a lot of triggers except maybe depression/ anxiety. But then the author does a great job of describing what the characters are feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
“Nothing is as bright as you, Low”
OMG THIS BOOK HAD ME SOBBING!! I don't even know where to begin, this book was so good. I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope, especially in this book. Gage and Kori were so cute together. I absolutely loved Gage's nicknames for Kori. I literally melted everything. And the way he talks about her, especially in his chapters-SWOON WORTHY! All the dates he took her on and all the things he did for her literally had me kicking my feet and giggling. And Kori was such a sweet and amazing person. She was giving some neurodivergent vibes (idk if that was intentional or not), which made me relate to her so much, but I also related to Gage. I think the mental health representation in this book was really good. Also, I don't always like the age gap trope, but this was written perfectly. Genuinely, this book is one of my top reads this year, and I love it so so much!
Thank you Valerie Kain for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
OMG THIS BOOK HAD ME SOBBING!! I don't even know where to begin, this book was so good. I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope, especially in this book. Gage and Kori were so cute together. I absolutely loved Gage's nicknames for Kori. I literally melted everything. And the way he talks about her, especially in his chapters-SWOON WORTHY! All the dates he took her on and all the things he did for her literally had me kicking my feet and giggling. And Kori was such a sweet and amazing person. She was giving some neurodivergent vibes (idk if that was intentional or not), which made me relate to her so much, but I also related to Gage. I think the mental health representation in this book was really good. Also, I don't always like the age gap trope, but this was written perfectly. Genuinely, this book is one of my top reads this year, and I love it so so much!
Thank you Valerie Kain for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
May 22, 2025
This was my first book by Valerie Kain and I’m really happy I gave it a try. The story felt real and honest, not some fairytale with billionaires, just two awkward people trying to connect in a messy world. Kori is this lonely college girl trying to get out of her shell, and Gage is a grumpy guy dealing with depression. They both struggle a lot to express feelings, and that made the connection more powerful for me.
Gage’s friends were so loyal, always showing up for him, and I liked how he finally got help and started changing. And the romance wasa slow burn but really touching. You can feel they love each other, even if they don’t say it a lot.
Loved the mental health side and how both grew up emotionally. I’d definitely read more from this author. Such a lovely and emotional read. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
Gage’s friends were so loyal, always showing up for him, and I liked how he finally got help and started changing. And the romance wasa slow burn but really touching. You can feel they love each other, even if they don’t say it a lot.
Loved the mental health side and how both grew up emotionally. I’d definitely read more from this author. Such a lovely and emotional read. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
May 28, 2025
This is a tricky one for me. I liked Gage's character. I feel that the way Valerie Kain wrote about his financial struggles, his physical and emotional exhaustion brought him to life. His backstory was the icing on the cake. I liked that all Gage's friends had his back, especially his bestie Karis.
I couldn't connect with Kori. I wish she had a fleshier backstory rather than hints. She keeps to her room. She's an introvert or shy but On the surface, not a problem. But I don't see an introvert doing that. It was inconsistencies like that meant her character didn't work for me.
Having said all that, I like Valerie Kain's writing style. While this story might not have hit the mark for me, I'll check out her other books.
My thanks to Ms Kain and BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn't connect with Kori. I wish she had a fleshier backstory rather than hints. She keeps to her room. She's an introvert or shy but On the surface, not a problem. But I don't see an introvert doing that. It was inconsistencies like that meant her character didn't work for me.
Having said all that, I like Valerie Kain's writing style. While this story might not have hit the mark for me, I'll check out her other books.
My thanks to Ms Kain and BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2025
Rating: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4/10 🌶️
I love Kori and Gage’s journey to love. Gage deals with difficulties from his past that has him in a “gloomy” state not feeling good enough for life at times. Valerie handles his mental health issues with such realness and care.
Kori is the sunshine he needs in his life. She is a strong heroine who refuses to let Gage play with her emotions. While she understands Gage has issues that he needs to deal with, she doesn’t fall into the “I can fix him” - “I can heal him” role. She has her own struggles with making friends. She is most comfortable playing video games but she makes plans to put herself out there and get out of her comfort zone.
The story has a strong friendship subplot that drives the story without overshadowing Gage and Kori.
I definitely plan to read Dear Roomie (Classic City Romance Book 1).
Tropes:
#angstyromance #mentalhealthbooks #collegeromance #agegap #grumpysunshine #foundfamily
Spice: 4/10 🌶️
I love Kori and Gage’s journey to love. Gage deals with difficulties from his past that has him in a “gloomy” state not feeling good enough for life at times. Valerie handles his mental health issues with such realness and care.
Kori is the sunshine he needs in his life. She is a strong heroine who refuses to let Gage play with her emotions. While she understands Gage has issues that he needs to deal with, she doesn’t fall into the “I can fix him” - “I can heal him” role. She has her own struggles with making friends. She is most comfortable playing video games but she makes plans to put herself out there and get out of her comfort zone.
The story has a strong friendship subplot that drives the story without overshadowing Gage and Kori.
I definitely plan to read Dear Roomie (Classic City Romance Book 1).
Tropes:
#angstyromance #mentalhealthbooks #collegeromance #agegap #grumpysunshine #foundfamily
May 30, 2025
There was something about this story that felt timely. I read a lot of the epidemic of loneliness and how difficult many people finding someone that makes them feel embraced. Kori and Gage meet when Kori ventures out to try to figure out what the big deal was with night life. She is in a single at college and her bestie is a rubber duckie. She wanders into a bar where Gage is the bartender. He usually does not mix with the patrons but something about her moves him to talk to her and then to comp her a drink. This pair was so awkward as they both were interested and neither really knew how to proceed. Their hits and misses as they interact over the course of this story make for a slow burn and a steep learning curve for each of them. The author handles the awkwardness and the mental health challenges well and these characters felt so much like folks I might meet somewhere. Nicely done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2025
This is a tricky one for me. I liked Gage's character. I feel that the way Valerie Kain wrote about his financial struggles, his physical and emotional exhaustion brought him to life. His backstory was the icing on the cake. I liked that all Gage's friends had his back, especially his bestie Karis.
I couldn't connect with Kori. I wish she had a fleshier backstory rather than hints. She keeps to her room. She's an introvert or shy but On the surface, not a problem. But I don't see an introvert doing that. It was inconsistencies like that meant her character didn't work for me.
Having said all that, I like Valerie Kain's writing style. While this story might not have hit the mark for me, I'll check out her other books.
My thanks to Ms Kain and BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn't connect with Kori. I wish she had a fleshier backstory rather than hints. She keeps to her room. She's an introvert or shy but On the surface, not a problem. But I don't see an introvert doing that. It was inconsistencies like that meant her character didn't work for me.
Having said all that, I like Valerie Kain's writing style. While this story might not have hit the mark for me, I'll check out her other books.
My thanks to Ms Kain and BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2025
I received an ARC of Sunflower Persona for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved this book. Gage and Kori were such well-developed main characters—each facing their own struggles, both individually and together—which made them incredibly relatable. The emotional depth in their relationship, as well as the meaningful friendships throughout the story, pulled me in right away.
The character growth was beautifully written, and I couldn’t put it down—I finished the entire book in under 5 hours! I had just read the first book in the series yesterday, and while you don’t have to read it first, I highly recommend it to get the full experience.
I’m already counting down to see who book 3 will focus on—this series just keeps getting better!
I loved this book. Gage and Kori were such well-developed main characters—each facing their own struggles, both individually and together—which made them incredibly relatable. The emotional depth in their relationship, as well as the meaningful friendships throughout the story, pulled me in right away.
The character growth was beautifully written, and I couldn’t put it down—I finished the entire book in under 5 hours! I had just read the first book in the series yesterday, and while you don’t have to read it first, I highly recommend it to get the full experience.
I’m already counting down to see who book 3 will focus on—this series just keeps getting better!
June 27, 2025
I read this book fairly quickly as it kept me wanting to read more. It had me so frustrated at times with Gage thinking he wasn`t good enough for Kori and it was one roller coaster ride that`s for sure!
I liked the characters in it and the journey and spontaneous decisions Kori made to get out and not be so lonely, leading to a path unknown to her and some wonderful, supportive friends.
I didn`t read book 1 but this did not matter at all as it read like a new story to me filled with love, friendship, passion and taking chances.
Fabulous book by Valerie Kain and I would love to read more of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the characters in it and the journey and spontaneous decisions Kori made to get out and not be so lonely, leading to a path unknown to her and some wonderful, supportive friends.
I didn`t read book 1 but this did not matter at all as it read like a new story to me filled with love, friendship, passion and taking chances.
Fabulous book by Valerie Kain and I would love to read more of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this read.
I love a romance book and this had everything, I loved the grumpy sunshine and the spice and the way their relationship grew.
I found Gage's viewpoint sometimes quite haunting, the battles he faced internally, it could be quite chilling but it was written so well that you felt the anguish and the battle.
Kori is definitely giving off Neuro spicy and I liked that a big thing was never made of that by any of the friends it was just accepted.
I would definitely recommend this book. Different to anything I've read before but I loved the characters. I just love Nathan and Karis. Can't wait to see the series grow.
I love a romance book and this had everything, I loved the grumpy sunshine and the spice and the way their relationship grew.
I found Gage's viewpoint sometimes quite haunting, the battles he faced internally, it could be quite chilling but it was written so well that you felt the anguish and the battle.
Kori is definitely giving off Neuro spicy and I liked that a big thing was never made of that by any of the friends it was just accepted.
I would definitely recommend this book. Different to anything I've read before but I loved the characters. I just love Nathan and Karis. Can't wait to see the series grow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I appreciate receiving an eARC and mostly enjoyed reading this book. The MMC to me was insufferable for 90% of the book. An emotionally stunted man child, honestly. He lives with depression but I often felt how this was represented in the book did not accurately reflect the DSM criteria for depressive episodes and honestly felt his personality was more of a hinderance to him than anything. It was a solid 3 stars for me. The plot was good, the character development (until the very last second) was lacking for me. I also felt the authors writing style was at times was too descriptive in ways that felt unnecessary and forced.
September 30, 2025
I loved that Gage and Kori had real struggles that are relatable. I really enjoyed the story line but it did take me a while to get through the book. Towards the end is when I was enraptured with the story.
Tells a story about 2 people who each have their own problems and they fall in love and become better for each other.
Tells a story about 2 people who each have their own problems and they fall in love and become better for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
I got this book as an ARC read. It started off a bit slow but I don’t like to give up on books so I kept going. It ended up being a very cute story that included a great storyline about someone loving themselves in order to be a better person. I loved the ending.
May 21, 2025
This book was so good! I loved the relationship between Gage and Kori and I loved his little nicknames for her!! I would highly recommend this for any anyone!!
May 27, 2025
First read by this author. It was good. Kori and Gage were real. A good read.
May 28, 2025
wanting to better your life for yourself instead of others is a really good lesson to learn in life! really enjoyed this arc read!
July 7, 2025
kept going bc it had over 4 stars and feel lied to
October 3, 2025
protect kori at all costs 🫡🫡
this was beautiful i enjoyed this wayyyy more than the first book. also loved the friend dynamic a lot more, i actually now like nathan and loveee karis 💞
this was beautiful i enjoyed this wayyyy more than the first book. also loved the friend dynamic a lot more, i actually now like nathan and loveee karis 💞
December 6, 2025
2.5
Estuvo entretenido.
Cuando pasa la ruptura al final, no los vi como una pareja para siempre. Eran de esas parejas/personas que conoces y te ayudan, pero cada uno sigue su camino.
Estuvo entretenido.
Cuando pasa la ruptura al final, no los vi como una pareja para siempre. Eran de esas parejas/personas que conoces y te ayudan, pero cada uno sigue su camino.
May 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW First book by this author and I wasn’t disappointed!! I received this book as an arc and thought it was a great read! A good amount of angst with a grumpy/sunshine vibe. I wasn’t sure if I really liked the age gap in this story, I felt at times that Gage was immature to be in his 30s. I wondered how this dynamic would look if he was in college with Kori or just slightly older??? I was also put off by Kori’s shift between personalities. It seemed one minute she was super timid and in the next breath chewing someone out! haha but I think this was an overall good read! loved the mental health rep! 3.5/5
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