What do you think?
Rate this book
Hope Harbor #1
Darling Daffodils Farm
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26Prepare to fall in love amongst the wildflowers this spring. . .
From the romance superstar author of The Boston Bolts hockey series comes a rivals-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance about a young woman returning to her family’s daffodil farm only to find someone unexpected running her daddy’s business.
They say you can never tame a wildflower...
When aspiring pastry chef, Tally Darling, returns home to her family’s daffodil farm, the last thing she expects to find is a hot—half-naked—farmhand living in her childhood bedroom and running her late daddy’s business.
Jesse Walker might be gorgeous but he’s also infuriatingly grumpy. Walker has no time for Tally and the feeling is mutual.
That is, until Tally hears him moan over one of her signature salted honey cupcakes. And then discovers how good it tastes when they kiss.
As dewy April days turn into warm May evenings, Walker and Tally soon realize that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 17, 2026
37 people are currently reading
10970 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
January 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this, it was cute, lighthearted and emotional and it had me giggling and laughing!! This was such a great start to the series, can't wait to read more.
Tally is back in her hometown, now that her dad died and her family needs her to help on the farm, but she's only there for a limited time.. But, a suprise in a shape of a hot cowboy is waiting for at home.. Walker is running the farm now and he doesn't like her. She doesn't trust him, he's keeping secrets, but as they spend more time together, getting to know each other, their chemistry is hard to ignore..
I loved Walker, he's moody and he absolutely hates people and conversations, but there's nothing better than a grumpy man that only smiles for her. He was a hard worker, always there for his family and I loved seeing him open up more and ask for help. He saw the real Tally and I loved how supportive he was of her.
Tally was determined and it broke my heart seeing her grief and how she doubted herself, she was always trying to do her best... Seeing her gain more confidence and living her dream was so special. She was a ray of sunshine, I loved how she made Walker happier and lighter, I loved her teasing him. She always stood her ground with him and I really enjoyed seeing her reconnect with everyone.
I loved Billie and Quinn, they deserve the world and Penny, Rosie and Tally were such an amazing friend group. I do wish Gail and Penny saw Tally more, but I also wish she was honest with them. I adored Eli and I can't wait to learn more about Fletcher.
I loved their banter, them being vulnerable, the wildflowers and the honey muffins, the cabin and the dancing and all that sexual tension that really paid off.. It was so good and so hot!! Them being reluctant roommates to friends to lovers was a great progression, I really enjoyed it. Also "Cowboy Like Me" totally their song!!
I didn't like the miscommunication at the beginning, at all.. It was frustrating, but I truly enjoyed their moments after. There was a third-act conflict and I was really afraid it's going to cause a break-up, but fortunately that wasn't the case. They communicated their problems, but I do wish the secret wasn't kept for so long.. With all the miscommunication I was going to lower my rating, but then this book made me cry (happy tears, okay..), so I can't do that now. It was such a wonderful and sweet moment.
I absolutely adored the towm, the Liberty Ladies and their book club were my favourite, that was so entertaining. I loved how the town was always ready to help and the group chat was absolutely hilarious, I can't wait to see more of it. The town trying to always include Walker and loving him, even do he only communicated in grunts was the highlight of the story. I died laughing.
This series is going to turn into one of favourites, I just know it. I love them all so much!!
I can't wait to read Penny's and Rosie's stories and of course Eli's.
*Thank you to Netgalley and a huge thank you to Evermore Books UK for providing me with an ARC.*
I really enjoyed this, it was cute, lighthearted and emotional and it had me giggling and laughing!! This was such a great start to the series, can't wait to read more.
Tally is back in her hometown, now that her dad died and her family needs her to help on the farm, but she's only there for a limited time.. But, a suprise in a shape of a hot cowboy is waiting for at home.. Walker is running the farm now and he doesn't like her. She doesn't trust him, he's keeping secrets, but as they spend more time together, getting to know each other, their chemistry is hard to ignore..
I loved Walker, he's moody and he absolutely hates people and conversations, but there's nothing better than a grumpy man that only smiles for her. He was a hard worker, always there for his family and I loved seeing him open up more and ask for help. He saw the real Tally and I loved how supportive he was of her.
Tally was determined and it broke my heart seeing her grief and how she doubted herself, she was always trying to do her best... Seeing her gain more confidence and living her dream was so special. She was a ray of sunshine, I loved how she made Walker happier and lighter, I loved her teasing him. She always stood her ground with him and I really enjoyed seeing her reconnect with everyone.
I loved Billie and Quinn, they deserve the world and Penny, Rosie and Tally were such an amazing friend group. I do wish Gail and Penny saw Tally more, but I also wish she was honest with them. I adored Eli and I can't wait to learn more about Fletcher.
I loved their banter, them being vulnerable, the wildflowers and the honey muffins, the cabin and the dancing and all that sexual tension that really paid off.. It was so good and so hot!! Them being reluctant roommates to friends to lovers was a great progression, I really enjoyed it. Also "Cowboy Like Me" totally their song!!
I didn't like the miscommunication at the beginning, at all.. It was frustrating, but I truly enjoyed their moments after. There was a third-act conflict and I was really afraid it's going to cause a break-up, but fortunately that wasn't the case. They communicated their problems, but I do wish the secret wasn't kept for so long.. With all the miscommunication I was going to lower my rating, but then this book made me cry (happy tears, okay..), so I can't do that now. It was such a wonderful and sweet moment.
I absolutely adored the towm, the Liberty Ladies and their book club were my favourite, that was so entertaining. I loved how the town was always ready to help and the group chat was absolutely hilarious, I can't wait to see more of it. The town trying to always include Walker and loving him, even do he only communicated in grunts was the highlight of the story. I died laughing.
This series is going to turn into one of favourites, I just know it. I love them all so much!!
I can't wait to read Penny's and Rosie's stories and of course Eli's.
*Thank you to Netgalley and a huge thank you to Evermore Books UK for providing me with an ARC.*
October 31, 2025
I think I've found my new addiction: the first book in the Hope Harbor series doesn't just make you feel good—it makes you want to somersault through flower farms while blasting your favorite Taylor Swift song at full volume, grinning like an absolute fool because you've finally, finally found your happy place. This fictional town and its wonderfully vivid residents welcomed me with open arms into what might be the best fictional home I never knew I needed!
Don't get me wrong—the book already had me hooked with its perfect romance, the delicious steam, and chemistry so palpable you could bottle it and sell it as a controlled substance. But the Hope Harbor Town Chat segments? They deserve their own standalone book! I'm not exaggerating when I say they made me laugh so hard I literally fell off my couch with stomach cramps, gasping for air like I'd inhaled laughing gas. I couldn't stop. They're that hilarious—perfectly timed comedic relief that adds so much heart and humor to the story.
And that burning chemistry between the hottest cowboy alive, Jesse Walker (who gave me major Jared Padalecki vibes—especially since his name shares the title of Padalecki's canceled CW series!), and Tally, whose last name couldn't be more perfect? Chef's kiss. She's an absolute babe, a real darling who reminded me of Taylor Swift during her early country music days—sweet, ambitious, a little wild, and utterly captivating. The supporting characters are all fantastic, but I have to admit I developed a major soft spot for Eli. I cannot wait to read his book, though I suspect we'll need to be patient and wait for Penny's and Rosie's stories first. Still, the anticipation is killing me!
If I had any talent whatsoever, I'd create special floral bouquets or compose a love song to belt at the top of my lungs just to express how much I adored this book and how desperately I'm looking forward to devouring the next one. I'd do it immediately, without a second thought! This book is pure gold!
The enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes couldn't have been executed more perfectly. The story follows Tally Darling, who returns to her hometown after her father's sudden death to help run the family's daffodil farm short-term and support her grieving mother. But when she discovers a naked cowboy in her childhood bedroom, she realizes just how much has changed in her absence.
Enter Jesse Walker—the man who's been maintaining the farm's business and already has his life meticulously planned out. He's determined to convince his sister and adorable nephew Quinn to move in with him so he can build a stable life on the farm. Then Tally appears out of nowhere, pushing all his buttons and completely derailing his carefully laid plans. Jesse's harboring secrets he can't share—bound by both a promise and an NDA agreement he made with Tally's mother, Gail. He can keep secrets, sure. But can he keep the promise he made to Tally's late father—that he won't do anything inappropriate with his daughter while they're living under the same roof?
That promise becomes increasingly difficult to keep when Tally is everywhere—baking cupcakes to die for, wearing flirty floral sundresses and curve-hugging spandex that showcase her dreamy figure. Their attraction is too palpable to ignore. But Walker's been burned before, and Tally is a wildflower who can't be contained. He knows you can't keep a wildflower in one place, especially when she has dreams to pursue beyond Hope Harbor.
But as they spend more time together and truly get to know each other, they can't hold back anymore. Could they become more than friends even as the day of Tally's departure looms closer? Can they lower their guards long enough to give happiness a real chance?
Overall: This sweet, scorching-hot romance earns five billion "Cowboy Like Me" stars from me! I wholeheartedly, enthusiastically, with-my-whole-chest recommend it to anyone who loves small-town charm, sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud humor, and romance that makes your heart ache in the best possible way.
A huge, heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this amazing romance ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. This book absolutely delivered, and I'm already counting down the days until the next Hope Harbor installment.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter<
Don't get me wrong—the book already had me hooked with its perfect romance, the delicious steam, and chemistry so palpable you could bottle it and sell it as a controlled substance. But the Hope Harbor Town Chat segments? They deserve their own standalone book! I'm not exaggerating when I say they made me laugh so hard I literally fell off my couch with stomach cramps, gasping for air like I'd inhaled laughing gas. I couldn't stop. They're that hilarious—perfectly timed comedic relief that adds so much heart and humor to the story.
And that burning chemistry between the hottest cowboy alive, Jesse Walker (who gave me major Jared Padalecki vibes—especially since his name shares the title of Padalecki's canceled CW series!), and Tally, whose last name couldn't be more perfect? Chef's kiss. She's an absolute babe, a real darling who reminded me of Taylor Swift during her early country music days—sweet, ambitious, a little wild, and utterly captivating. The supporting characters are all fantastic, but I have to admit I developed a major soft spot for Eli. I cannot wait to read his book, though I suspect we'll need to be patient and wait for Penny's and Rosie's stories first. Still, the anticipation is killing me!
If I had any talent whatsoever, I'd create special floral bouquets or compose a love song to belt at the top of my lungs just to express how much I adored this book and how desperately I'm looking forward to devouring the next one. I'd do it immediately, without a second thought! This book is pure gold!
The enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes couldn't have been executed more perfectly. The story follows Tally Darling, who returns to her hometown after her father's sudden death to help run the family's daffodil farm short-term and support her grieving mother. But when she discovers a naked cowboy in her childhood bedroom, she realizes just how much has changed in her absence.
Enter Jesse Walker—the man who's been maintaining the farm's business and already has his life meticulously planned out. He's determined to convince his sister and adorable nephew Quinn to move in with him so he can build a stable life on the farm. Then Tally appears out of nowhere, pushing all his buttons and completely derailing his carefully laid plans. Jesse's harboring secrets he can't share—bound by both a promise and an NDA agreement he made with Tally's mother, Gail. He can keep secrets, sure. But can he keep the promise he made to Tally's late father—that he won't do anything inappropriate with his daughter while they're living under the same roof?
That promise becomes increasingly difficult to keep when Tally is everywhere—baking cupcakes to die for, wearing flirty floral sundresses and curve-hugging spandex that showcase her dreamy figure. Their attraction is too palpable to ignore. But Walker's been burned before, and Tally is a wildflower who can't be contained. He knows you can't keep a wildflower in one place, especially when she has dreams to pursue beyond Hope Harbor.
But as they spend more time together and truly get to know each other, they can't hold back anymore. Could they become more than friends even as the day of Tally's departure looms closer? Can they lower their guards long enough to give happiness a real chance?
Overall: This sweet, scorching-hot romance earns five billion "Cowboy Like Me" stars from me! I wholeheartedly, enthusiastically, with-my-whole-chest recommend it to anyone who loves small-town charm, sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud humor, and romance that makes your heart ache in the best possible way.
A huge, heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this amazing romance ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. This book absolutely delivered, and I'm already counting down the days until the next Hope Harbor installment.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
twitter<
December 5, 2025
I opened this book expecting something cute and light, and suddenly I’m emotionally attached to a farm full of daffodils, tulips and wildflowers.😭😭 It felt peaceful at first, like returning to a childhood memory, but it didn’t take long before things got complicated. Tally comes home thinking she’s stepping into familiar comfort, only to find a complete stranger living in her space like he belongs there. And the worst part is the way everyone acts like that’s normal… like she’s the only one out of the loop.
Walker is a whole experience. He speaks only when necessary, and even then he looks like he’d rather swallow nails. He’s moody, uninterested in people, and allergic to conversation, yet somehow the town absolutely loves him. 😂😂 Meanwhile, Tally is just trying to reconnect with the farm she thought she knew. She wants to help, she wants to honor her dad’s legacy, but there’s a secret hanging over everything that no one warned her about. The silence around it stings more than the truth itself, and I kept wishing she’d been given the chance to handle it sooner.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the group of older women who pop in and out of Tally’s life like they’ve got season tickets to all the drama. 💁🏼♀️💁🏼♀️ They’re hilarious, nosy in the best way, and surprisingly supportive when it matters. They treat spicy book club reads like important town documents, and their commentary adds a whole layer of warmth and comedy that makes the book feel alive. 👏🏼
And somewhere in all that chaos, Tally starts reaching places in Walker no one else has bothered to look. Not through grand declarations, but through quiet persistence, food that tastes like comfort, and the kind of patience that doesn’t ask for anything in return. Watching him soften around her was honestly one of my favorite parts. And when things finally shift between them, it’s sweet and sinful in exactly the way their tension promised. Bold enough to make you blush. Soft enough to make you swoon. (Get ready because it is HOT 🥵) Also…you’re not ready for the sweet side of Walker… read some of the quotes I have that he said throughout the book to Tally 🥹🫶🏼
I kept bracing myself for the big dramatic breakup… you know the one angst-filled blowup that almost every romance forces in just for the trope of it? 🙄 It never came. The conflict felt real, the emotions were complicated, but instead of ruining everything, the characters actually talked. It felt honest and earned.
If this is only book one, I’m already in too deep. ✋🏼😭 I’m completely attached to these characters, these flowers, the sweetness, the spice, and the quiet man who somehow has everyone’s attention without saying much at all. I’m so ready to see what comes next🫶🏼🫶🏼
(it better be a book for Rosie and Fletcher or I’m going to scream)
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”From this position, I can see the glittering swirls of gold in her eyes from her tears. My smile dies as I stare into them. A man could get lost in those eyes.”
“I could drown in this woman without even realizing it because I'd rather keep my lips on hers than ever breathe again.”
“Tally has the kind of smile that should be permanently on display.”
"You can hide from me in public, Tally, but in this house, when everyone is gone"—he leans into my space before I can disappear—"you're mine."”
“Tal. I could stare at you for the rest of my life and still not get enough."
"Tally, I love you, this farm, this life of mine. But none of it is my dream if you aren't here with me.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🌼 friends→lovers
🌼 forced proximity
🌼 baker x cowboy
🌼 he falls first
🌼 miscommunication
🌼 dual POV
🌼 SPICE SPICE SPICE 🥵
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Putnam, and Brittanée Nicole for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🔥🔥🔥 】
language: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
super excited for this one. i just loveeee the cover!
Walker is a whole experience. He speaks only when necessary, and even then he looks like he’d rather swallow nails. He’s moody, uninterested in people, and allergic to conversation, yet somehow the town absolutely loves him. 😂😂 Meanwhile, Tally is just trying to reconnect with the farm she thought she knew. She wants to help, she wants to honor her dad’s legacy, but there’s a secret hanging over everything that no one warned her about. The silence around it stings more than the truth itself, and I kept wishing she’d been given the chance to handle it sooner.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the group of older women who pop in and out of Tally’s life like they’ve got season tickets to all the drama. 💁🏼♀️💁🏼♀️ They’re hilarious, nosy in the best way, and surprisingly supportive when it matters. They treat spicy book club reads like important town documents, and their commentary adds a whole layer of warmth and comedy that makes the book feel alive. 👏🏼
And somewhere in all that chaos, Tally starts reaching places in Walker no one else has bothered to look. Not through grand declarations, but through quiet persistence, food that tastes like comfort, and the kind of patience that doesn’t ask for anything in return. Watching him soften around her was honestly one of my favorite parts. And when things finally shift between them, it’s sweet and sinful in exactly the way their tension promised. Bold enough to make you blush. Soft enough to make you swoon. (Get ready because it is HOT 🥵) Also…you’re not ready for the sweet side of Walker… read some of the quotes I have that he said throughout the book to Tally 🥹🫶🏼
I kept bracing myself for the big dramatic breakup… you know the one angst-filled blowup that almost every romance forces in just for the trope of it? 🙄 It never came. The conflict felt real, the emotions were complicated, but instead of ruining everything, the characters actually talked. It felt honest and earned.
If this is only book one, I’m already in too deep. ✋🏼😭 I’m completely attached to these characters, these flowers, the sweetness, the spice, and the quiet man who somehow has everyone’s attention without saying much at all. I’m so ready to see what comes next🫶🏼🫶🏼
(it better be a book for Rosie and Fletcher or I’m going to scream)
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”From this position, I can see the glittering swirls of gold in her eyes from her tears. My smile dies as I stare into them. A man could get lost in those eyes.”
“I could drown in this woman without even realizing it because I'd rather keep my lips on hers than ever breathe again.”
“Tally has the kind of smile that should be permanently on display.”
"You can hide from me in public, Tally, but in this house, when everyone is gone"—he leans into my space before I can disappear—"you're mine."”
“Tal. I could stare at you for the rest of my life and still not get enough."
"Tally, I love you, this farm, this life of mine. But none of it is my dream if you aren't here with me.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🌼 friends→lovers
🌼 forced proximity
🌼 baker x cowboy
🌼 he falls first
🌼 miscommunication
🌼 dual POV
🌼 SPICE SPICE SPICE 🥵
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Putnam, and Brittanée Nicole for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🔥🔥🔥 】
language: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
super excited for this one. i just loveeee the cover!
October 17, 2025
Darling Daffodils is small town romance perfection! The chemistry from the enemies-to-lovers setup is explosive, and every character is charming and impossible not to love. I fell head first into this world and found myself smiling more and more with every page. Entertaining, romantic, and fun, this is a read I'd recommend to any romance fan!
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ This was 50% annoying, 50% swooning romance...
Ok, so you know when you can tell two people have amazing chemistry, but they can't get their head out of their a**es long enough to figure it out for themselves?? Well, that's basically the first 50% of this book.
The misscommunication shtick and the fact that Jesse - our MMC- literally REFUSED to have a conversation with Tally - FMC- to the point where she makes awful, borderline hurtful decisions based on that lack of info... Even when she asked point-blank about it! His response was 'Just do what you're told'. In-fu**ing-furiating!
Then they finally give in and Jesse makes a 180º and all the sudden his conviced she's his everything... Nope. I'm a BIG fan of insta-love and insta-lust, but even for me this was a bit too much. Mostly because I'd already gotten so over both of them being annoying. And yes, Tally had her fair share of unfortunate decisions. Mostly the fact that she also LOVED being secretive even when she's the most obnoxious person around, almost at all times - which I enjoyed but felt like it contradicted the plot.
Overall, it was a great book, but honesty time: I had to take a couple of day's break after the bar scene because I was SO MAD at them both! After that it's kind of smooth sailing tho.
🌶🌶🌶/5 - There's really nothing going on the first half, but oh boy, does the second part pick up the slack... and then some!
Thank you sooooo much Net Galley, publisher and Brittanee Nicole's team for granting me this ARC! I've been the biggest BN's fan for what feels like ages now, and this was kind of a dream come true for me!! Still, the review is very clearly my honest opinion, so no worries there!
Ok, so you know when you can tell two people have amazing chemistry, but they can't get their head out of their a**es long enough to figure it out for themselves?? Well, that's basically the first 50% of this book.
The misscommunication shtick and the fact that Jesse - our MMC- literally REFUSED to have a conversation with Tally - FMC- to the point where she makes awful, borderline hurtful decisions based on that lack of info... Even when she asked point-blank about it! His response was 'Just do what you're told'. In-fu**ing-furiating!
Then they finally give in and Jesse makes a 180º and all the sudden his conviced she's his everything... Nope. I'm a BIG fan of insta-love and insta-lust, but even for me this was a bit too much. Mostly because I'd already gotten so over both of them being annoying. And yes, Tally had her fair share of unfortunate decisions. Mostly the fact that she also LOVED being secretive even when she's the most obnoxious person around, almost at all times - which I enjoyed but felt like it contradicted the plot.
Overall, it was a great book, but honesty time: I had to take a couple of day's break after the bar scene because I was SO MAD at them both! After that it's kind of smooth sailing tho.
🌶🌶🌶/5 - There's really nothing going on the first half, but oh boy, does the second part pick up the slack... and then some!
Thank you sooooo much Net Galley, publisher and Brittanee Nicole's team for granting me this ARC! I've been the biggest BN's fan for what feels like ages now, and this was kind of a dream come true for me!! Still, the review is very clearly my honest opinion, so no worries there!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.75✨️
THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTEEE
I just love a small town romance so much!
This book was so cute and sweet but also so emotional. It had me in all the feels.
I loved the chemistry between Walker and Tally. The way Walker was down BAD for her😌
I honestly want to move to Hope Harbor! The way I love everyone in this town. The town chats had me giggling.
I'm so excited for the rest of the books in this series!
Tropes-
🌼Grumpy x Sunshine
🌷Forced proximity
💞Found family
💐Workplace romance
🧁She's a baker
Thank you, Evermore, for the ARC copy!
THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTEEE
I just love a small town romance so much!
This book was so cute and sweet but also so emotional. It had me in all the feels.
I loved the chemistry between Walker and Tally. The way Walker was down BAD for her😌
I honestly want to move to Hope Harbor! The way I love everyone in this town. The town chats had me giggling.
I'm so excited for the rest of the books in this series!
Tropes-
🌼Grumpy x Sunshine
🌷Forced proximity
💞Found family
💐Workplace romance
🧁She's a baker
Thank you, Evermore, for the ARC copy!
February 2, 2026
I want to pack up and move to Hope Harbor. 🌸
Brittanee Nicole has started off this new small town series with a masterpiece.
She blended small town charm, a daffodil farm, diverse characters and emotional aspects to perfection.
The rivals to lovers vibe was done well.
Walker & Tally were swoony. 💕
“Cowboy” & baker
And it’s a flower farm, how much cuter could the setting be.
Tally is from said farm, Walker works for that farm.
A little mystery aspect at play.
The way this author writes tough topics with gentle grace always sticks out to me.
The town chats… BN writes group chats like no one else.
So grateful I was able to read this early early.
Netgalley arc review ✨
Brittanee Nicole has started off this new small town series with a masterpiece.
She blended small town charm, a daffodil farm, diverse characters and emotional aspects to perfection.
The rivals to lovers vibe was done well.
Walker & Tally were swoony. 💕
“Cowboy” & baker
And it’s a flower farm, how much cuter could the setting be.
Tally is from said farm, Walker works for that farm.
A little mystery aspect at play.
The way this author writes tough topics with gentle grace always sticks out to me.
The town chats… BN writes group chats like no one else.
So grateful I was able to read this early early.
Netgalley arc review ✨
October 12, 2025
Tally is a restless baker who comes home to her family’s flower farm after her father passes away. She finds Walker, a surly and silent farmer (definitely not a cowboy tho) has taken over her old bedroom and family business!
This is a cute beginning to a series about a charming little New England town that has plenty of off beat and zany residents. I really enjoyed the unhinged group chat and I loved how many different couples were set up as well.
Tally and Walker have an interesting journey that has some mystery and some wild spice. Walker saves his words for the bedroom for sure. Overall this was a funny and easy, low angst book that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys annoyance to lovers with a bit of forced proximity!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
This is a cute beginning to a series about a charming little New England town that has plenty of off beat and zany residents. I really enjoyed the unhinged group chat and I loved how many different couples were set up as well.
Tally and Walker have an interesting journey that has some mystery and some wild spice. Walker saves his words for the bedroom for sure. Overall this was a funny and easy, low angst book that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys annoyance to lovers with a bit of forced proximity!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
January 19, 2026
Jaw dropped!! I honestly have no words what am I going to read next?! This book had everything the chemistry the tension and it was so emotional it touched my heart! We all know I love a book where there’s emotion and this didn’t disappoint the emotion from these two characters an their back stories oh my it was like I was on the edge just to find out more about them from the very first page I was hooked and I had no idea what to except when reading this but now it’s finished and it’s 5 STARS!! Tally she’s such a sweet girl and she’s pure sunshine 🤭 Tally reminds me a bit of myself she never wants to stay in one place she’s always on the move but when she returns home and helps out on her family farm her feelings start to change because she meets Jesses Walker also known as “Walker” when she returns to town and goes to her family home she had no idea there would be a stranger in her room 😫 but when Walker meets Tally you can just see the tension stat to build Walker has a sweet side to him and a very dirty side 🥵 the spice in this book was just wow! Walker has secrets and when I found out about his ex Gina (I hate her) however Tally is different and he knows that he couldn’t hide his feelings towards Tally and I loved the chemistry between these two you could really feel their love Walker is a sweet man who would do anything for Tally he is her cheerleader 🥰 the small town was perfect every one is nosy in the best way it made me laugh!! I’m so excited for you all to read this in February because it’s worth the read trust me!! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her sister Penny & Jack
Quotes I loved:
“I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want Tally Darling.”
"You make me think of nothing but you. Damn distracting is what you are."
"I could drown in this woman without even realizing it because I'd rather keep my lips on hers than ever breathe again."
Tropes:
🌼 Grumpy x sunshine
🌷 Workplace
🌼 Rivals to lovers
🌷 Found family
🌼 Slow burn
Quotes I loved:
“I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want Tally Darling.”
"You make me think of nothing but you. Damn distracting is what you are."
"I could drown in this woman without even realizing it because I'd rather keep my lips on hers than ever breathe again."
Tropes:
🌼 Grumpy x sunshine
🌷 Workplace
🌼 Rivals to lovers
🌷 Found family
🌼 Slow burn
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Evermore, Netgalley and Nicole for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, I was drawn in by the cover, but what was inside did not disappoint!
I love a dual pov! it just makes a book well rounded!
Jesse x Tally were both freaking adorable, and so swoony.
He talks when he needs to. He needs to make sure the future of the farm is secure and profitable. He was so cold, hard and grumpy, but when he started to open himself up, when you see him fall first, he just changes for the better. How he wants to be there for his sister and nephew, his rough childhood, becoming a young guardian, just makes me want to wrap him in a hug.
I loved Tally.. while she did have some scenes where I was like DON'T DO IT! Her overall character was so sweet and relatable. She wanted more for herself, and even felt guilty for it. How Nicole write about grief, the loss of a parent is delicately done. How her career just soared, how she could see herself settling back in her hometown.. it's growth.
💕enemies to lovers
🌼workplace
💕roomies
🌼grumpy x sunshine
💕he's not a cowboy🤭
🌼small town
💕no third act breakup
I can see potential where other character's storylines will go and their potential love interests and I AM INVESTED!
Reason for rating - I wish there was better communication between Tally and her mother and Jesse. If there were upfront about the situation of the farm, a lot of chaos would be saved and Jesse would not have come across extremely rude.
While I love Tally being a baker and Walker being a farmer, the idea of an FMC and her sister being book readers/ owning a book store.. it's a bit of a niche amongst authors lately... this theme/ trope is become over used and it's slowly becoming a bit predicable and boring.
I love a dual pov! it just makes a book well rounded!
Jesse x Tally were both freaking adorable, and so swoony.
He talks when he needs to. He needs to make sure the future of the farm is secure and profitable. He was so cold, hard and grumpy, but when he started to open himself up, when you see him fall first, he just changes for the better. How he wants to be there for his sister and nephew, his rough childhood, becoming a young guardian, just makes me want to wrap him in a hug.
I loved Tally.. while she did have some scenes where I was like DON'T DO IT! Her overall character was so sweet and relatable. She wanted more for herself, and even felt guilty for it. How Nicole write about grief, the loss of a parent is delicately done. How her career just soared, how she could see herself settling back in her hometown.. it's growth.
💕enemies to lovers
🌼workplace
💕roomies
🌼grumpy x sunshine
💕he's not a cowboy🤭
🌼small town
💕no third act breakup
I can see potential where other character's storylines will go and their potential love interests and I AM INVESTED!
Reason for rating - I wish there was better communication between Tally and her mother and Jesse. If there were upfront about the situation of the farm, a lot of chaos would be saved and Jesse would not have come across extremely rude.
While I love Tally being a baker and Walker being a farmer, the idea of an FMC and her sister being book readers/ owning a book store.. it's a bit of a niche amongst authors lately... this theme/ trope is become over used and it's slowly becoming a bit predicable and boring.
January 23, 2026
This book. THIS BOOK! Ya all, I didn’t think anyone could dethrone Elsie silver as my favourite contemporary writer but Brittanee over here sneak up on me and BAM this book has become my favourite small town romance book. I will be recommending this to everyone. Get ready to be absolutely sick of me yapping about this book 😂
You can look forward to:
🤠Grumpy cowboy
🌻 Flower farm and small town vibes
🥹She makes him smile
🎂 She’s a baker
🔥 They have a fiery attraction to each other
💖 The understand each other like no one else
😏 Slow burn
🌶️ Spicy spice once it hits 😮💨
🖤 Forced Proximity
💼 Workplace romance
Tally and Walker were fantastic. Their story was emotional, cute, sweet, hella spicy and just so damn fun to read about. The town is unhinged with funny characters, the town has a group chat for gods sake 😂 Walked was such a marshmallow for her once she melted all of his grumpy walls.
I loved the themes of family, loyalty, love and devotion in this story. Brittanee has absolutely made me fall in love with the whole town.
I cannot wait what else she writes in that’s series. Thank you so much to the author and Evermore for the honour of reading this book early 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
You can look forward to:
🤠Grumpy cowboy
🌻 Flower farm and small town vibes
🥹She makes him smile
🎂 She’s a baker
🔥 They have a fiery attraction to each other
💖 The understand each other like no one else
😏 Slow burn
🌶️ Spicy spice once it hits 😮💨
🖤 Forced Proximity
💼 Workplace romance
Tally and Walker were fantastic. Their story was emotional, cute, sweet, hella spicy and just so damn fun to read about. The town is unhinged with funny characters, the town has a group chat for gods sake 😂 Walked was such a marshmallow for her once she melted all of his grumpy walls.
I loved the themes of family, loyalty, love and devotion in this story. Brittanee has absolutely made me fall in love with the whole town.
I cannot wait what else she writes in that’s series. Thank you so much to the author and Evermore for the honour of reading this book early 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
February 10, 2026
This was a cute read but it didn’t grip me.
Tally returns back home to her family’s flower farm to help out after the death of her father. However, when she arrives back she’s met by a stranger… who just so happens to be living in her family home.
The characters from the get-go have undeniable chemistry. And we have one of my favourite tropes, grumpy x sunshine. Walker was definitely a grumpy man yet he was kind, caring and considerate with Tally eventually.
It was a good read but for me at times, the dialect was quite immature and frustrating. I wanted the characters to act more their age and for the story to flow a bit better.
Tally returns back home to her family’s flower farm to help out after the death of her father. However, when she arrives back she’s met by a stranger… who just so happens to be living in her family home.
The characters from the get-go have undeniable chemistry. And we have one of my favourite tropes, grumpy x sunshine. Walker was definitely a grumpy man yet he was kind, caring and considerate with Tally eventually.
It was a good read but for me at times, the dialect was quite immature and frustrating. I wanted the characters to act more their age and for the story to flow a bit better.
January 12, 2026
Wow, what a fantastic way to start 2026: a new-to-me author and the most perfect small town, deliciously decadent steamy romance.
The story follows Tally Darling (what a beautiful name), who returns to her hometown of Hope Harbour to help run the family’s daffodil farm through their spring season. It’s only meant to be for the short term to support her grieving mother and sister following the sudden death of her father.
The last thing she expects to see when she opens the door to her childhood bedroom is a half-naked and exceptionally hot man. Turns out her dad had hired Jesse Walker to help run the farm. Tally is immediately caught off guard, and this grumpy farmhand is less than friendly to her.
When Tally discovers her mum, Gail, has moved into one of the guest cottages, leaving Walker with the run of her family home, with plans to move his sister and nephew there too, she becomes very suspicious of his intentions.
As for Walker, he had made a promise to Tally’s late father that he would stay well away from his daughters, a promise he intends to keep. She’s stunning, with a figure to die for, but a promise is a promise, and when she creates havoc with his well-laid farm hands, staying away should be easy……the trouble is he’s never met anyone like her: a free spirit with a love of wildflowers and who bakes the most delicious honey cupcakes with salted caramel frosting. Could his heart begin to thaw, and can he risk getting hurt again when she leaves after spring?
The banter between them is great, and don’t get me started on the town’s WhatsApp group. As for the spice, my god, it’s so good 🌶️🌶️. I will never look at cupcake frosting without thinking of Walker, that’s for sure 🤭.
It’s safe to say I loved this book. It has absolutely delivered everything you could possibly want from a new series. I can’t wait for Penny, Rosie, and even Eli’s stories in the future 🙏
Thank you NetGalley, Brittanee Nicole and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
The story follows Tally Darling (what a beautiful name), who returns to her hometown of Hope Harbour to help run the family’s daffodil farm through their spring season. It’s only meant to be for the short term to support her grieving mother and sister following the sudden death of her father.
The last thing she expects to see when she opens the door to her childhood bedroom is a half-naked and exceptionally hot man. Turns out her dad had hired Jesse Walker to help run the farm. Tally is immediately caught off guard, and this grumpy farmhand is less than friendly to her.
When Tally discovers her mum, Gail, has moved into one of the guest cottages, leaving Walker with the run of her family home, with plans to move his sister and nephew there too, she becomes very suspicious of his intentions.
As for Walker, he had made a promise to Tally’s late father that he would stay well away from his daughters, a promise he intends to keep. She’s stunning, with a figure to die for, but a promise is a promise, and when she creates havoc with his well-laid farm hands, staying away should be easy……the trouble is he’s never met anyone like her: a free spirit with a love of wildflowers and who bakes the most delicious honey cupcakes with salted caramel frosting. Could his heart begin to thaw, and can he risk getting hurt again when she leaves after spring?
The banter between them is great, and don’t get me started on the town’s WhatsApp group. As for the spice, my god, it’s so good 🌶️🌶️. I will never look at cupcake frosting without thinking of Walker, that’s for sure 🤭.
It’s safe to say I loved this book. It has absolutely delivered everything you could possibly want from a new series. I can’t wait for Penny, Rosie, and even Eli’s stories in the future 🙏
Thank you NetGalley, Brittanee Nicole and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
December 28, 2025
4⭐️
Agréablement surprise d’avoir autant apprécié un livre plein de smut
Lorsque Tally revient dans sa petite ville natale pour travailler quelques mois à la ferme familiale, elle ne s’attend pas à y trouver Walker, un parfait inconnu qui a repris les rênes de l’entreprise après le décès de son père. Très vite, une tension palpable s’installe entre eux. Entre Walker, éternel grincheux, et Tally, véritable rayon de soleil de la famille, une relation amour-haine se développe au fil des mois.
C’est avec ce roman que je découvre Brittanee Nicole, et je dois dire que je suis plutôt satisfaite de ma lecture. J’étais à la fois très curieuse de découvrir cette histoire, le résumé et la couverture m’avaient énormément attirée, et un peu hésitante, sachant que le récit était fortement axé 🔞. Effectivement, dès le début, l’intrigue repose beaucoup sur l’attirance physique entre les deux personnages. Malgré cela, j’ai vraiment apprécié le cadre de Hope Harbor, ainsi que la found family qui se construit progressivement. J’ai déjà quelques idées sur les couples des prochains tomes, et je les attends avec impatience 👀
Pourquoi lire ce roman ?
🌷 Pour l’ambiance printanière et chaleureuse de la petite ville de Hope Harbor
🌷 Si vous aimez le smut ++
🌷 Pour la found family qui se met en place tout au long du récit
PS: il sort le 26 février 2026 en anglais 💐
Merci à NetGalley et Evermore Books pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏼
Agréablement surprise d’avoir autant apprécié un livre plein de smut
Lorsque Tally revient dans sa petite ville natale pour travailler quelques mois à la ferme familiale, elle ne s’attend pas à y trouver Walker, un parfait inconnu qui a repris les rênes de l’entreprise après le décès de son père. Très vite, une tension palpable s’installe entre eux. Entre Walker, éternel grincheux, et Tally, véritable rayon de soleil de la famille, une relation amour-haine se développe au fil des mois.
C’est avec ce roman que je découvre Brittanee Nicole, et je dois dire que je suis plutôt satisfaite de ma lecture. J’étais à la fois très curieuse de découvrir cette histoire, le résumé et la couverture m’avaient énormément attirée, et un peu hésitante, sachant que le récit était fortement axé 🔞. Effectivement, dès le début, l’intrigue repose beaucoup sur l’attirance physique entre les deux personnages. Malgré cela, j’ai vraiment apprécié le cadre de Hope Harbor, ainsi que la found family qui se construit progressivement. J’ai déjà quelques idées sur les couples des prochains tomes, et je les attends avec impatience 👀
Pourquoi lire ce roman ?
🌷 Pour l’ambiance printanière et chaleureuse de la petite ville de Hope Harbor
🌷 Si vous aimez le smut ++
🌷 Pour la found family qui se met en place tout au long du récit
PS: il sort le 26 février 2026 en anglais 💐
Merci à NetGalley et Evermore Books pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏼
February 6, 2026
✨ARC review✨
This was such an endearing read and I couldn’t put it down! This book of course came with the witty banter between all of the characters and scenes that had me laughing out loud as any Brittanée Nicole book does.
When we say Walker is grumpy, that man is another level of grumpy who prefers to converse in grunts. Then in comes little miss sunshine, Tally, flipping his entire world upside down. Their meet cute was so hilarious it had me giggling 5% into the book.
It was beautiful to see how both Walker and Tally affected each other, with Tally dragging Walker into the light and learning to lean on people around him. And Walker teaching Tally to believe in herself and her dreams and that there is no right way to reach them.
We must also discuss the chemistry between these two, cause it was out of this world!!! Immediate attraction and when they finally gave in, it was so hot. The mouth on Walker…. on my knees for that man from this moment forward.
The entire town of characters in Hope Harbor were so funny and added so much to the story and I can’t wait to read their stories. But Tally’s and Walker’s was the perfect introduction into Hope Harbor and we even got a Boston Bolts cameo!
This was such an endearing read and I couldn’t put it down! This book of course came with the witty banter between all of the characters and scenes that had me laughing out loud as any Brittanée Nicole book does.
When we say Walker is grumpy, that man is another level of grumpy who prefers to converse in grunts. Then in comes little miss sunshine, Tally, flipping his entire world upside down. Their meet cute was so hilarious it had me giggling 5% into the book.
It was beautiful to see how both Walker and Tally affected each other, with Tally dragging Walker into the light and learning to lean on people around him. And Walker teaching Tally to believe in herself and her dreams and that there is no right way to reach them.
We must also discuss the chemistry between these two, cause it was out of this world!!! Immediate attraction and when they finally gave in, it was so hot. The mouth on Walker…. on my knees for that man from this moment forward.
The entire town of characters in Hope Harbor were so funny and added so much to the story and I can’t wait to read their stories. But Tally’s and Walker’s was the perfect introduction into Hope Harbor and we even got a Boston Bolts cameo!
October 4, 2025
I’ve read several Britanee Nicole books but I think this one is by far her best. Hope Harbor the picturesque New England town with colorful characters and its unique quirky charm will draw you in from the start.
Tally Darling comes home after a long absence to help with her family’s daffodil farm in the wake of her father’s death. What she finds is a gorgeous naked man in her old room and more secrets than she knows what to do with.
The romance the chemistry between Talky and Jesse is palpable from their first encounter. He tries hard to fit it but she wins him over with her cooking and kind heart. I loved seeing what lengths he was willing to go to for her family as well as his even though she didn’t know. The spice, romance and friendships are beautifully written.
The town chat had me laughing out loud with all their antics. If you’re looking for a read that is full of laugh out loud moments, quirky characters and plenty of spicy romance as well a friendship/ family then this book is for you.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you Netgallery and Putnam Publishing for the ARC!
Tally Darling comes home after a long absence to help with her family’s daffodil farm in the wake of her father’s death. What she finds is a gorgeous naked man in her old room and more secrets than she knows what to do with.
The romance the chemistry between Talky and Jesse is palpable from their first encounter. He tries hard to fit it but she wins him over with her cooking and kind heart. I loved seeing what lengths he was willing to go to for her family as well as his even though she didn’t know. The spice, romance and friendships are beautifully written.
The town chat had me laughing out loud with all their antics. If you’re looking for a read that is full of laugh out loud moments, quirky characters and plenty of spicy romance as well a friendship/ family then this book is for you.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you Netgallery and Putnam Publishing for the ARC!
February 1, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.
A light romance read that explores grief, following your dreams and where those dreams might actually lead. The romance side of things is passionate and a little spicy, but it doesn’t jump right in thankfully, we build up to the connection.
Our MMC is stoic and reliable, and we get his POV which is chefs kiss for me personally because I enjoy multi POV. Our FMC is all heart and a little fire, following her heart over her head most of the time. In this story our pairing cross paths because the FMC needs to return to the family farm to help out after the passing of her father, she meets the MMC who works on the farm and it’s a tense to say the least at the beginning. There’s some family secrets, a busy body community in town and dreams that all create hurdles for the characters.
A light romance read that explores grief, following your dreams and where those dreams might actually lead. The romance side of things is passionate and a little spicy, but it doesn’t jump right in thankfully, we build up to the connection.
Our MMC is stoic and reliable, and we get his POV which is chefs kiss for me personally because I enjoy multi POV. Our FMC is all heart and a little fire, following her heart over her head most of the time. In this story our pairing cross paths because the FMC needs to return to the family farm to help out after the passing of her father, she meets the MMC who works on the farm and it’s a tense to say the least at the beginning. There’s some family secrets, a busy body community in town and dreams that all create hurdles for the characters.
October 27, 2025
"Wildflower?..Feel my heart, Tal?… There's no need to run from me. I feel it, too…”
"You can't—" I start to say but then I stop and let out a long breath. "We shouldn't—"
Walker spins me to face him. "I can, and we should."
Not your typical small town romance right here friends. This little snippet doesn’t nearly convey the masterpiece Britt has created here 👏🏻🥹 I anticipated a lighter, romcom and don’t get me wrong, there are fun/lighthearted moments but there is plenty of spice/emotions that will have your heart racing!
Tally is home to help with the family farm for the season and she instantly clashes with Walker - the live in farm hand! Instant chemistry that only builds. Did I mention the spice definitely SPICES. I was straight up blushing at points 😜
I can’t wait to see the other stories that come out of this world- so many great side characters to learn about too!
"You can't—" I start to say but then I stop and let out a long breath. "We shouldn't—"
Walker spins me to face him. "I can, and we should."
Not your typical small town romance right here friends. This little snippet doesn’t nearly convey the masterpiece Britt has created here 👏🏻🥹 I anticipated a lighter, romcom and don’t get me wrong, there are fun/lighthearted moments but there is plenty of spice/emotions that will have your heart racing!
Tally is home to help with the family farm for the season and she instantly clashes with Walker - the live in farm hand! Instant chemistry that only builds. Did I mention the spice definitely SPICES. I was straight up blushing at points 😜
I can’t wait to see the other stories that come out of this world- so many great side characters to learn about too!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I may have found myself a new small town romance?! Tally, gone back home to her family farm despite always on the move. And she kicked out of her own bedroom by the GRUMPIEST man ever, Jesse Walker and now they're roommates.
It had everything I need and more? A found family with a town group chat, a slow burn but when it hits, it hit HARD. They fall hard. It communicate
Character developments that overcomes their challenges and secrets. Their is something about this book that got me giddy and honestly blushing.
I should have not read this is public cause the FILTH from Walker was next level
I need more of Hope Harbor ASAP. Thank you @evermoreuk!!
It had everything I need and more? A found family with a town group chat, a slow burn but when it hits, it hit HARD. They fall hard. It communicate
Character developments that overcomes their challenges and secrets. Their is something about this book that got me giddy and honestly blushing.
I should have not read this is public cause the FILTH from Walker was next level
I need more of Hope Harbor ASAP. Thank you @evermoreuk!!
November 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley & Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!
Tally returns to her family’s daffodil farm only to find a grumpy, half-naked farmhand named Jesse living in her old room and running her late father’s business. Their mutual irritation softens the moment he reacts a little too enthusiastically to her salted honey cupcakes, and even more when a kiss reveals undeniable chemistry. As spring deepens, their love-hate tension blossoms into something tender, leaving them to wonder whether it can last beyond the season.
This was such a fun and very light read, and I flew through it so quickly. Tally and Jesse’s bickering, chemistry, and all the warm springtime vibes made it an easy book to sink into. If you’re looking for something charming and low-stress, this one definitely delivers.
Tally returns to her family’s daffodil farm only to find a grumpy, half-naked farmhand named Jesse living in her old room and running her late father’s business. Their mutual irritation softens the moment he reacts a little too enthusiastically to her salted honey cupcakes, and even more when a kiss reveals undeniable chemistry. As spring deepens, their love-hate tension blossoms into something tender, leaving them to wonder whether it can last beyond the season.
This was such a fun and very light read, and I flew through it so quickly. Tally and Jesse’s bickering, chemistry, and all the warm springtime vibes made it an easy book to sink into. If you’re looking for something charming and low-stress, this one definitely delivers.
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The outhere towns people, and small town charm. This is a slowwwww burn. They are flirty and hot but it takes a while to get there. Same with the character growth. Their relationship is kind of built on a lie and it’s not really the MMC’s fault. There are things in this story that could have been brought up sooner so it got a little frustrating to wait all the way to the end to get everything out but I really liked the book overall. I would love to see more from this town!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fabulous small town grumpy x sunshine romance, set on a daffodil farm.
Tally goes back home in between jobs because she thinks her mum needs help on the farm, turns out there's a guy helping instead and he's super grumpy.
Walker is working on the farm, but is he keeping secrets from Tally and her sister?
This was a really lovely (and quite spicy) read, Tally's character was unsettled, so it was great to follow her journey. Walker was grumpy, but lovable.
This was dual POV, and I love that in a romance as you get to really connect with each of the characters.
Tally goes back home in between jobs because she thinks her mum needs help on the farm, turns out there's a guy helping instead and he's super grumpy.
Walker is working on the farm, but is he keeping secrets from Tally and her sister?
This was a really lovely (and quite spicy) read, Tally's character was unsettled, so it was great to follow her journey. Walker was grumpy, but lovable.
This was dual POV, and I love that in a romance as you get to really connect with each of the characters.
October 8, 2025
Really cute with likable characters. At first Tally kind of drove me crazy but she did eventually grow on me. The secret keeping was a bit stressful and I’m glad it wasn’t a constant pressure point. I’d say this is definitely a surface level romance novel, which has its place, so it’s a great in between book. There are a few areas I wish were more developed but to be frank they probably didn’t actually matter. I was more just curious and want to know how a farm could possible survive on one season of flowers. I guess the cupcakes will keep them afloat?
**Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC book**
**Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC book**
October 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. I have to say I started reading this and really wasn’t sure I was going to be able to rate it 5 stars but honestly it truly redeemed itself! I went in high hopes because I love small town romances and then throw a farm and a “cowboy” into it and you have me hooked. However, it started off very slow and there were other slow parts that felt like there could have been more but did realize it was the buildup to everything. I really liked Tilly as a FMC, she was fun and bright but also real and alittle broken and I don’t know about anyone else but I have definitely felt that a time or two. I also understood her not wanting to leave her small town but also wanting to leave to get out on her own and make something of herself and not let her parents lose themselves in the process. Which she did in turn lose her dad but she also figured out what she wanted to be. Not exactly the path to get there but what was meant to be her thing. Which is something I can completely relate to. I really liked Walker the whole time, even when he was being a jerk because you could feel it was a facade and then you found out who he truly was and what it was like for him to be truly loved and he was great! I truly loved all the Darling girls and Walkers sister and nephew. Everyone has something to grow from in this book and honestly I think they nod and some of them find themselves, others I think still working on it (so I hope there’s other books in this series!) This really was a great book overall and so well written that I want to read it again honestly!
January 13, 2026
Loved everything about this book! From the characters the small town setting, the romance and spice.
Can’t wait to read the backlog of this author!
Can’t wait to read the backlog of this author!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have no words to describe how amazing this book was, I started reading it within an hour of it arriving and finishing less then 36 hours later.
This book is the perfect Spring time read, it has so much tension and suspense and it was overall just perfect. Easily 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was the first book my Brittanee Nicole that I have read and I will 100% be reading some more.
This book is the perfect Spring time read, it has so much tension and suspense and it was overall just perfect. Easily 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was the first book my Brittanee Nicole that I have read and I will 100% be reading some more.
October 28, 2025
The blurb for Darling Daffodils Farm written by the ever-talented author, Brittanée Nicole, was an enticing lure that I could not resist. While the hook didn’t come for me until later, the character development and simmering romantic tension do payoff in a big way, drawing you in until you can’t put it down. For readers who love grumpy x sunshine, rivals to lovers, found family, slight age gap, forced proximity, and small-town settings with some emotional depth, this one is worth the slow start.
Our sunshine heroine, Tally Darling, returns to her hometown of Hope Harbor after eight years away determined to help save her family’s struggling daffodil farm. The last thing that she expects is grumpy stranger, Jesse Walker, running her daddy’s business. The age gap between Tally and Walker is slight, but it adds an interesting layer to their dynamic-he’s set in his ways and established, while she’s still trying to prove herself.
I was initially frustrated with Tally and Walker’s interactions because of the unanswered questions and secrets. Yes, there was witty, sharp banter and a clear rivalry brewing but the so called “secret” feels manufactured and prolonged making it feel more irritating than intriguing. So many of the explanations are paper thin when simple, rational conversations would’ve solved so many issues. The NDA excuse seemed a little flimsy too especially since Walker could apparently spill everything to Billie but not Tally. By the time the big reveal happens, it feels underwhelming. Luckily by this point, I was so invested in the characters, the romance and the rest of the story that I didn’t really care.
Speaking of the characters, the character development really shines in this story. As the plot unfolds through series of forced-proximity situations, we see the layers of Walker’s grumpy and broody façade peel away. While he’s mostly a what you see is what you get kind of guy, he is hiding a caring, protective, and soft underbelly that is swoon worthy. Tally is an act first, ask questions later type of girl and the situation with the farm and the personality clashes with Walker test her sunshiny optimism and make her question her place in the world. Tally and Walker have an insta-attraction but the romance is a delicious slow burn. The slow steady progression of their relationship through quiet moments and midnight confessions builds the tension, a true emotional connection, and makes their coming together feel oh so satisfying. The way that Walker sees Tally for who she is and the way that Tally wants to share Walker’s burdens so that he doesn’t have to be strong anymore is the stuff romance dreams are made of. In the beginning I didn’t care for Walker or Tally that much but as they fell in love with each other, I fell completely in love with them.
The side characters were such great additions to the story too. Rosie, Penny, Billie, Quinn, Fletcher, Eli, and Tally’s mom added richness to the cast of characters and depth to the story. The townsfolk of Hope Harbor are meddlesome but in the best way. Their group chats and antics add humor to the story. They’re also a testament to the power of community in our lives. Hope Harbor is almost like a character itself. I’d love to visit and meet the townsfolk. There’s so much to see and do with Rosie’s brewery, Penny’s bookstore, Eli’s ice cream shop, and of course, the farm to name a few. Hope Harbor is the perfect backdrop for Tally and Walker’s romance to blossom.
From a slow start to a powerful conclusion, this heartwarming journey is worth the read. This captivating story teaches us that it’s not selfish to go after something just for yourself or to chase your dreams even if it’s an inch at the time. That community is important and asking for help is not a weakness. This one will put a smile on your face and make you believe in happily ever afters. Don’t miss it!
Our sunshine heroine, Tally Darling, returns to her hometown of Hope Harbor after eight years away determined to help save her family’s struggling daffodil farm. The last thing that she expects is grumpy stranger, Jesse Walker, running her daddy’s business. The age gap between Tally and Walker is slight, but it adds an interesting layer to their dynamic-he’s set in his ways and established, while she’s still trying to prove herself.
I was initially frustrated with Tally and Walker’s interactions because of the unanswered questions and secrets. Yes, there was witty, sharp banter and a clear rivalry brewing but the so called “secret” feels manufactured and prolonged making it feel more irritating than intriguing. So many of the explanations are paper thin when simple, rational conversations would’ve solved so many issues. The NDA excuse seemed a little flimsy too especially since Walker could apparently spill everything to Billie but not Tally. By the time the big reveal happens, it feels underwhelming. Luckily by this point, I was so invested in the characters, the romance and the rest of the story that I didn’t really care.
Speaking of the characters, the character development really shines in this story. As the plot unfolds through series of forced-proximity situations, we see the layers of Walker’s grumpy and broody façade peel away. While he’s mostly a what you see is what you get kind of guy, he is hiding a caring, protective, and soft underbelly that is swoon worthy. Tally is an act first, ask questions later type of girl and the situation with the farm and the personality clashes with Walker test her sunshiny optimism and make her question her place in the world. Tally and Walker have an insta-attraction but the romance is a delicious slow burn. The slow steady progression of their relationship through quiet moments and midnight confessions builds the tension, a true emotional connection, and makes their coming together feel oh so satisfying. The way that Walker sees Tally for who she is and the way that Tally wants to share Walker’s burdens so that he doesn’t have to be strong anymore is the stuff romance dreams are made of. In the beginning I didn’t care for Walker or Tally that much but as they fell in love with each other, I fell completely in love with them.
The side characters were such great additions to the story too. Rosie, Penny, Billie, Quinn, Fletcher, Eli, and Tally’s mom added richness to the cast of characters and depth to the story. The townsfolk of Hope Harbor are meddlesome but in the best way. Their group chats and antics add humor to the story. They’re also a testament to the power of community in our lives. Hope Harbor is almost like a character itself. I’d love to visit and meet the townsfolk. There’s so much to see and do with Rosie’s brewery, Penny’s bookstore, Eli’s ice cream shop, and of course, the farm to name a few. Hope Harbor is the perfect backdrop for Tally and Walker’s romance to blossom.
From a slow start to a powerful conclusion, this heartwarming journey is worth the read. This captivating story teaches us that it’s not selfish to go after something just for yourself or to chase your dreams even if it’s an inch at the time. That community is important and asking for help is not a weakness. This one will put a smile on your face and make you believe in happily ever afters. Don’t miss it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 ⭐️
I was deep in a post–Heated Rivalry book slump, and I knew exactly who could pull me out of it. Brittanee Nicole. So I did what any desperate reader would do and cracked open the ARC of her new Hope Harbor series. Big guns only — and thankfully, it worked. 📚🔥🙌
Tally comes home after her dad’s death, planning to help out on the family farm for a limited time before getting back to the life she built away. What she does not expect is to walk into her childhood bedroom and find a very hot, very grumpy cowboy standing there in nothing but a towel. Surprise: Walker is running the farm now, he’s been staying in her room, and he makes it pretty clear he doesn’t want her there. The tension is immediate, the vibes are off, and it’s obvious there’s more going on than anyone is willing to say.
As Tally settles back in, that unease only grows. Something is clearly wrong, but no one will tell her what it is. Walker keeps her at arm’s length, she’s given menial tasks that feel more like an attempt to push her out than actually help, and everyone seems to be making decisions around her instead of with her . Meanwhile, Tally is carrying a ton of guilt for leaving in the first place — even though she left to ease the burden on her parents and chase her dream of becoming a baker. She’s hard on herself in a way that felt painfully real, especially as she grieves her dad and questions whether she ever did the right thing.
The romance is a slow-ish burn fueled by chemistry and tension 🔥. Walker is clearly down bad early, but he works hard to avoid her, rein it in, and keep promises he made — even when it costs him. Once he starts opening up, you see who he really is: loyal, hardworking, and someone who truly sees Tally for who she is, not who she thinks she failed to be. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked so well — her teasing brings him back to life, and he becomes softer and more supportive without losing that gruff edge ☀️😌.
When the truth finally comes out, it reframes everything. The secrets, the distance, the choices people made in Tally’s absence — all of it starts to make sense, even if it doesn’t excuse the hurt. With the support of the town, Tally is able to reclaim both her dream and her place in Hope Harbor in a way that felt genuinely earned.
Now, my frustrations — because they’re real. I was so irritated that no one told Tally what was going on, especially her mom. Keeping an adult in the dark about something that directly affects her life was maddening, even if the intention came from love. I also hated how long it took Tally to realize Walker wasn’t actually the problem — but I appreciated how much she owned her initial reactions and how much growth we saw once she did.
Despite the frustration, I loved this 💙. Tally and Walker were genuinely perfect together, the payoff made the tension worth it, and I’m already obsessed with the side characters. The town group chat and the Liberty Ladies book club were unhinged in the best way 😂📱, and the setup for future books has me fully locked in. Hope Harbor has its hooks in me — and I’m not mad about it. 🥰📖
Thank you to NetGalley and Brittanee Nicole for this ARC!
I was deep in a post–Heated Rivalry book slump, and I knew exactly who could pull me out of it. Brittanee Nicole. So I did what any desperate reader would do and cracked open the ARC of her new Hope Harbor series. Big guns only — and thankfully, it worked. 📚🔥🙌
Tally comes home after her dad’s death, planning to help out on the family farm for a limited time before getting back to the life she built away. What she does not expect is to walk into her childhood bedroom and find a very hot, very grumpy cowboy standing there in nothing but a towel. Surprise: Walker is running the farm now, he’s been staying in her room, and he makes it pretty clear he doesn’t want her there. The tension is immediate, the vibes are off, and it’s obvious there’s more going on than anyone is willing to say.
As Tally settles back in, that unease only grows. Something is clearly wrong, but no one will tell her what it is. Walker keeps her at arm’s length, she’s given menial tasks that feel more like an attempt to push her out than actually help, and everyone seems to be making decisions around her instead of with her . Meanwhile, Tally is carrying a ton of guilt for leaving in the first place — even though she left to ease the burden on her parents and chase her dream of becoming a baker. She’s hard on herself in a way that felt painfully real, especially as she grieves her dad and questions whether she ever did the right thing.
The romance is a slow-ish burn fueled by chemistry and tension 🔥. Walker is clearly down bad early, but he works hard to avoid her, rein it in, and keep promises he made — even when it costs him. Once he starts opening up, you see who he really is: loyal, hardworking, and someone who truly sees Tally for who she is, not who she thinks she failed to be. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked so well — her teasing brings him back to life, and he becomes softer and more supportive without losing that gruff edge ☀️😌.
When the truth finally comes out, it reframes everything. The secrets, the distance, the choices people made in Tally’s absence — all of it starts to make sense, even if it doesn’t excuse the hurt. With the support of the town, Tally is able to reclaim both her dream and her place in Hope Harbor in a way that felt genuinely earned.
Now, my frustrations — because they’re real. I was so irritated that no one told Tally what was going on, especially her mom. Keeping an adult in the dark about something that directly affects her life was maddening, even if the intention came from love. I also hated how long it took Tally to realize Walker wasn’t actually the problem — but I appreciated how much she owned her initial reactions and how much growth we saw once she did.
Despite the frustration, I loved this 💙. Tally and Walker were genuinely perfect together, the payoff made the tension worth it, and I’m already obsessed with the side characters. The town group chat and the Liberty Ladies book club were unhinged in the best way 😂📱, and the setup for future books has me fully locked in. Hope Harbor has its hooks in me — and I’m not mad about it. 🥰📖
Thank you to NetGalley and Brittanee Nicole for this ARC!
October 24, 2025
I was so Jazzed that NetGalley gave me the ARC for this book. I recently just fell into Brittanee Nicole's via Hockey Boy - which then evolved into me quickly consuming her Boston Bolts books. Look, I'm a sucker for a hockey book, but there's something about Brittanee's writing that makes her stories refreshing and surprisingly spicy. Each time, she has me believing that these guys really, honestly, have the best handle in the bedroom (minus that one mishap with Daniel Hall, poor guy really started off on the wrong foot after his diamond d!ck was christened). I digress.
The Darling Daffodils Farm was such a sweet story. I mean, I was mad at Walker for 94% of the book because he refused to break his NDA and I was doubly more upset with Mama Darling from not nutting up and telling her daughters the situation. Anyway, it was solid conflict and I almost forgot that it was gonna be a problem - until it really became one. Honestly, though, I liked that there wasn't a true third act break up. I find myself enjoying stories that have enough conflict and build up - but can find the happy balance of maturity when the sh!t hits the fan. It's absolutely crazy when the emotional maturity of the main characters kick their own butts away from making a huge mistake.
Anyway, all that's to say that I really enjoyed this storyline. It had Stars Hollows vibes. I expected to see a couple of fast talking females appear and riff in front of Walker - our resident Luke. I liked seeing our friends cameo for their own celebrations. I liked the insanity that was Hope Harbor. The people were fun and just the right amount of kooky. I'm excited to fall into the stories that were set up in this book. I counted three (at a minimum) setups for their own interconnected standalones. I will dive at the chance to read all of them. Also I would love to have more of BookClub. I wanna know what happens with the guys on bowling night - that Walker refuses to join in on. And guys! they had town meetings AND a town group chat. What's not to like. Those Liberty Ladies brought the conflict - I see you Babs! I love them. I wanna know why Rosie and the Mayor hate each other. I wanna see Penny get her happily ever after. I want Billie to get settled. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if Babs' plan works out to get rid of her daughter in law, poor girl. It's not her fault she can't eat anything real. If you get an opportunity to read this, to it. It's so much fun.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - he gets her spread out on all the surfaces, sign me up 😏
The Darling Daffodils Farm was such a sweet story. I mean, I was mad at Walker for 94% of the book because he refused to break his NDA and I was doubly more upset with Mama Darling from not nutting up and telling her daughters the situation. Anyway, it was solid conflict and I almost forgot that it was gonna be a problem - until it really became one. Honestly, though, I liked that there wasn't a true third act break up. I find myself enjoying stories that have enough conflict and build up - but can find the happy balance of maturity when the sh!t hits the fan. It's absolutely crazy when the emotional maturity of the main characters kick their own butts away from making a huge mistake.
Anyway, all that's to say that I really enjoyed this storyline. It had Stars Hollows vibes. I expected to see a couple of fast talking females appear and riff in front of Walker - our resident Luke. I liked seeing our friends cameo for their own celebrations. I liked the insanity that was Hope Harbor. The people were fun and just the right amount of kooky. I'm excited to fall into the stories that were set up in this book. I counted three (at a minimum) setups for their own interconnected standalones. I will dive at the chance to read all of them. Also I would love to have more of BookClub. I wanna know what happens with the guys on bowling night - that Walker refuses to join in on. And guys! they had town meetings AND a town group chat. What's not to like. Those Liberty Ladies brought the conflict - I see you Babs! I love them. I wanna know why Rosie and the Mayor hate each other. I wanna see Penny get her happily ever after. I want Billie to get settled. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if Babs' plan works out to get rid of her daughter in law, poor girl. It's not her fault she can't eat anything real. If you get an opportunity to read this, to it. It's so much fun.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - he gets her spread out on all the surfaces, sign me up 😏
December 22, 2025
Darling Daffodils Farm is a romance driven by undeniable chemistry and prolonged resistance. Two characters with obvious chemistry to the reader long before the characters are willing to admit it. Which makes watching them dance around their feelings lots of fun. Overall, Darling Daffodils Farm is a charming, spicy small town romance with strong grumpy sunshine energy, forced proximity, and plenty of banter. Sweet, spicy, and character driven with a great balance of heart and heat. A great start to the series!
Tally returns home after her father’s death, expecting to help her grieving mother and spend some time at the family’s daffodil farm. Instead, she walks into a complete surprise: Jesse Walker, the gruff man her parents hired to run the farm, is living in her childhood home and occupying her old bedroom. Everyone else acts like this is perfectly normal. Tally, understandably, does not. Forced proximity, unresolved tension, and a whole lot of unanswered questions set the stage for a slow burn romance that simmers with irritation and attraction in equal measure.
Jesse is all quiet intensity and barely restrained emotion. He speaks in few words, keeps too many secrets, and refuses to explain himself, which leads to some truly maddening moments early on. Tally, on the other hand, is loud, impulsive, and endearing, even when her decisions are questionable. Their push and pull is messy and frustrating at times, but it is also undeniably charged. Once Jesse finally gives in, he does it completely, and the shift from restraint to devotion is satisfying even if it happens a little abruptly.
The attraction between the leads is apparent from the start, even as they stubbornly avoid addressing it. That tension fuels much of the first half of the book, relying heavily on miscommunication and emotional avoidance. While that dynamic can be frustrating at times, it also sets the foundation for a story that eventually settles into a charming, engaging small town romance once the characters finally begin to open up. I really loved it once these two got on the same wave length. I don't love the "stubborn to be stubborn" type of character, and we have a bit of that here. But once we move past that? It's great.
The setting and side characters really sparkle here. Hope Harbor feels like a place you want to visit and stay awhile, full of quirky residents, found family energy, and laugh out loud moments. The town group chats are a standout and add so much humor and personality. Brittanee does an excellent job setting up future couples without pulling focus from the main romance...I definitely want to read more in this world.
While the miscommunication can be frustrating and the pacing uneven early on, the chemistry, humor, and heart make it an enjoyable start to the series. If you love cozy town vibes, opposites clashing, and romances that bloom alongside the seasons, or just the charisma that is Brittanee Nicole, be sure to check it out. Plus the cover?! SWOON.
Tally returns home after her father’s death, expecting to help her grieving mother and spend some time at the family’s daffodil farm. Instead, she walks into a complete surprise: Jesse Walker, the gruff man her parents hired to run the farm, is living in her childhood home and occupying her old bedroom. Everyone else acts like this is perfectly normal. Tally, understandably, does not. Forced proximity, unresolved tension, and a whole lot of unanswered questions set the stage for a slow burn romance that simmers with irritation and attraction in equal measure.
Jesse is all quiet intensity and barely restrained emotion. He speaks in few words, keeps too many secrets, and refuses to explain himself, which leads to some truly maddening moments early on. Tally, on the other hand, is loud, impulsive, and endearing, even when her decisions are questionable. Their push and pull is messy and frustrating at times, but it is also undeniably charged. Once Jesse finally gives in, he does it completely, and the shift from restraint to devotion is satisfying even if it happens a little abruptly.
The attraction between the leads is apparent from the start, even as they stubbornly avoid addressing it. That tension fuels much of the first half of the book, relying heavily on miscommunication and emotional avoidance. While that dynamic can be frustrating at times, it also sets the foundation for a story that eventually settles into a charming, engaging small town romance once the characters finally begin to open up. I really loved it once these two got on the same wave length. I don't love the "stubborn to be stubborn" type of character, and we have a bit of that here. But once we move past that? It's great.
The setting and side characters really sparkle here. Hope Harbor feels like a place you want to visit and stay awhile, full of quirky residents, found family energy, and laugh out loud moments. The town group chats are a standout and add so much humor and personality. Brittanee does an excellent job setting up future couples without pulling focus from the main romance...I definitely want to read more in this world.
While the miscommunication can be frustrating and the pacing uneven early on, the chemistry, humor, and heart make it an enjoyable start to the series. If you love cozy town vibes, opposites clashing, and romances that bloom alongside the seasons, or just the charisma that is Brittanee Nicole, be sure to check it out. Plus the cover?! SWOON.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews