Not Everyone Wants Roses

by Jen Poteet

150 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2025

Reviews

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, Not Everyone Wants Roses was SO good. I absolutely loved it!! Jen Poteet has such a gift for writing about real, everyday people in a way that feels both heartwarming and magical. The characters are hardworking, flawed, messy, and completely relatable. It honestly felt like I could know them in real life, and I adored that.

Faye completely stole my heart. She’s juggling so much, but she still finds those little sparks of joy, and watching her journey unfold had me smiling, tearing up, and cheering for her the whole way through. The mix of cozy mystery, quirky humor, and tender romance was absolute perfection. And don’t even get me started on the twists. I didn’t see them coming, but they tied everything together in such a satisfying way.

This story is sweet, a little strange, deeply relatable, and just bursting with heart. I didn’t want it to end! Jen nailed it once again, and I’ll be recommending this to anyone who loves a quick but powerful read full of charm, love, and unforgettable characters. Thanks to Crowns and Chaos PR and the author for the gifted book!

[Eris Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen has done it again with another cozy romance with a mystery to solve interwoven.

She does an excellent job painting a picture of what it’s like to be a woman in a middle class job in a small town. Faye isn’t rich in wealth, but rich in personality, experience, and friends. But Faye isn’t without struggles of her own: PCOS, a best friend gone missing, and a father on hospice, Not Everyone Wants Roses follows Faye in her journey to try and solve the case of how her friend went missing, all while discovering the mysteries of her own heart.

I loved the dreamscape scenes, her romance with Marcus, and the conclusion is one that had me both shocked and in awe of.

It’s tooth-rottingly sweet in places, as well as creepy and weird in all of the most wonderful ways.

An easy five star read.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not fully/properly explain how much I loved this book! Faye is probably one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever read. She’s faced with so much and still continues through True Crime and sheer stubborn will. The story is a mix between a meet cute and cozy(ish) mystery and is exactly what my soul needed. It’s odd, nerdy, quirky, and full of some of the best real life banter. The many types of representation in this story pulls at a place in your heart and brings light how “differences” can be absolutely beautiful. The title quote is perfection and hits just right.
I can not wait to get my hands on more of Jen’s books and see what other oddities she can send my way!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptionally quirky and fun read! Not Everyone Wants Roses followed Faye, an ordinary middle-class worker leading an extraordinary life filled with unsolved mystery of her missing best friend, family issue, and the pitter-patter of her treacherous heart.

The author meticulously wove all the seemingly impossible elements together, giving me such an incredibly sensational reading experience that would stay with me for a long time.

In fact, I didn’t think I’d related to a fictional character as much as I did Faye. Her not-so-mundane life totally made me feel less alone and that ending completely left me speechless.

All in all, please add this one to your TBR! It’ll be a fantastic start for the spooky season. In case you’re curious, this book features:

🔪 Cozy Mystery
⭐️ Meet Cute
👿 Cryptids
💫 PCOS Rep
💭 Body Positive
❤️ Closed Door Romance
☠️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🌫️ Small Town

***Thanks to the author and Crowns & Chaos for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Louis Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Everyone Wants Roses was a beautifully written story of Faye.

Jen does an amazing job opening the door for us to peer into Faye's life and go with her throught her journey. I was invested in seeing how the choices Faye could control and the ones should could not would effect her life and how she will deceide to move foward.

My favorite moments were Faye's intermonolgue that would either make me laugh or pull at my heart strings. She even made me enjoy the romantic moments, and made them feel natural and not an exaggerated fantasy.

Everyone may not want Roses. But Everyone should give this book a read.

[Jen Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a special place in my heart as I feel it is the story I’ve always wanted to write. Faye is probably more like me than any other character I’ve ever written, she’s not everyone’s cup of tea and well neither am I. I hope you enjoy the little book of mine because as always they are short and sweet.

[Milly Dashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎪 Reading this novel feels like getting to hang out with Faye, a hilarious, authentic, and compassionate contemporary heroine. She works two jobs, one at a big-box retailer and another at a local bar. While this is a small-town novel in some respects, it is also whimsical, mysterious, and highly symbolic, allowing it to sidestep the genre’s familiar conventions. In fact, it feels like a fresh take on Southern Gothic.

Comfortable in her quirks after years of feeling like an outsider, Faye devotes herself to her neighbors, her community, and her serial killer cat. Guided by the symbolism in her dreams, an element Poteet weaves beautifully throughout the novel, Faye begins investigating a friend’s disappearance. This begins a mystery of true-crime breadcrumbs, enriched by dark and intricate symbolism.

When Faye meets Marcus, the two connect through their shared experiences of feeling like outsiders and their dark sense of humor. Poteet also threads a carnival motif throughout the novel, giving it a vivid, nostalgic atmosphere unlike anything I’ve read. She even includes original artwork, which adds another layer to the reading experience. While this isn’t technically a genre romance, it is undeniably romantic.💘

This is a remarkably fresh novel that blends contemporary fiction, mystery, true crime, and romance into a layered story. It refuses easy categorization, and that’s part of its power.

I first discovered Jen Poteet last fall through her exceptional short story, “Poetry and Presumption,” in a holiday anthology, and it immediately made me want to read more of her work. I’m grateful she gave me the opportunity to read this novel. She has a wonderfully distinctive voice, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. 🌹

This ebook has just been released and is available now. If you enjoy bold heroines, atmospheric mysteries, and imaginative symbolism, I highly recommend giving it a try. 🎪

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I loved it. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed reading anything by Jen. This book was a little different from her other books she gave us a mystery this time. I really liked the characters in this story and how they were all a little imperfect but very relatable and down to earth.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen does it again with another great book. The ending of this one really threw me for a loop, but in a good way. R.B. is definitely my favorite ‘character’, simply because he’s a cat, but Marcus has to be a close second. Jen definitely enjoys writing, and it shows in this book as well as Bones Picked Clean.

[Lyndsay Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might just be my favorite book written by Jen! Faye was the most relatable character I’ve met to date. Specifically her attitude, sass, and the PCOS. I also really enjoyed the side characters as well. It has such a unique story line and made for the perfect quick cleanser during my reading slump!

[Lizzie Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! The characters feel so real—just normal people living normal lives, complete with relatable problems, quirks, and flaws. Being able to connect so deeply with their struggles and grief made the story incredibly impactful. And then you add a murder mystery on top of all that… what more could you possibly ask for?

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I love all of Jen’s books but there was something really special about this one that has stayed with me. The characters were well written and relatable, and there is an element of mystery that kept me wanting to know what happens next. Plus the writing is full of beautiful imagery and symbolism centered around circus freak show performers - need I say more? This story does not disappoint.

[Danielle Boen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love! I can’t put into words how Jen’s writing is just so natural and cozy. Always seems to be a good enjoyable read

[Cierra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor and privilege of getting an ARC of this masterpiece! I have read every one of Jen's works, but this one blew me out of the water. I laughed, I cried, I potentially have a crush on a lizard man? This book was an easy read with lovable characters and a few twists/turns along the way. 10/10 recommend, will shout it from the rooftops if I have to!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book and was able to read an advance copy from author Jen Poteet through Crowns and Chaos Literary Management. I chose it because I liked the idea of a cozy murder mystery with a potential cryptid in the mix - how cool does that sound? Trust me, it's cool.

This was a super fun, quick read, perfect for a weekend or a cozy day stuck inside on a rainy fall afternoon. It lived up to it's promise as a charming small town mystery with characters that really warmed my heart. Faye, the main character, felt like someone I could know in real life. She faced a whirlwind of emotional turmoil from unfortunate circumstances hitting on all sides - and that is something I can definitely relate to. Like me, she was dauntless, always finding silver linings and getting through each day. When a main character is so incredibly relatable it's hard to put the book down! The other characters were just as charming, especially Marcus, the cinnamon roll wrapped in scaly skin we never knew we needed!

The love story was sweet but not cloying, and the friendships felt strong without seeming contrived. The murder mystery had a satisfying resolution, and I absolutely loved watching an armchair sleuth in action. In one scene, Faye shares some insight that felt impactful to me and likely sheds light for others on why so many women are drawn to true crime media. While I usually prefer more backstory and procedural details in a crime mystery, I didn’t miss them here. Instead, I enjoyed the wild, delightful side-steps into some side-show dreams.

This book has been called “quirky,” and there couldn’t be a more fitting description! I mean this in the most loving way, but this story took some wonderfully strange turns that sparked my imagination and kept me fully engaged. I don’t feel bad calling it strange because author Jen Poteet clearly embraces that inner weirdo, just like me, inviting us to enjoy the peculiar places our minds can wander. I am ABSOLUTELY reading more of her work!

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jen Poteet and Crowns and Chaos for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Not Everyone Wants Roses by Jen Poteet was such a fun and heartfelt read! It’s a quick book, but it packs a punch with twists, emotion, and a touch of romance that kept me hooked until the end.

The story follows Faye, a murder-mystery-loving woman juggling two jobs while living with PCOS. Though she has a great group of friends, there’s still a void in her life—her best friend Mandy, who disappeared a year ago without a trace. While everyone else has moved on, Faye refuses to give up hope. Her vivid dreams begin to push her toward answers, and a visit to a swamp tied to the legend of the Lizardman leads her to Marcus, an awkward yet endearing geek with a skin condition (ichthyosis vulgaris). Together, the two form an unlikely partnership, unraveling the mystery of Mandy’s disappearance while also discovering love along the way.

I absolutely adored Faye and Marcus together. Their relationship felt sweet, genuine, and sometimes downright adorable. I even teared up at a few moments (curse those onion-cutting ninjas). Their chemistry gave the mystery a softer, emotional balance, and I found myself rooting for them just as much as I was invested in solving Mandy’s disappearance.

This book was a fun little whodunnit with just the right mix of mystery, heart, and quirky charm. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave this world and definitely wanted more. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this ARC, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Jen Poteet!

[Kaitlyn Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, the characters pulled me in—Faye especially. She felt so real and layered that I couldn’t help but see pieces of the author herself shining through her. Her dynamic with Marcus was one of my favorite parts of the story🥹

The mix of romance, strangeness, and mystery kept me hooked, and that twist at the end? Brilliant—I didn’t see it coming, but it tied everything together so perfectly. Also… I may or may not have developed a little crush on Lizardboy (don’t judge me 😅).

Overall, this book felt special—not just because it was written so beautifully, but because I know the heart behind it. I’m beyond proud of the author and so grateful I got to experience this story. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a romance with depth, a touch of the unexpected, and characters you’ll carry with you long after you close the book. 10/10 recommend and will definitely be reading again!

[Ashley Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. First I love how the author used characters who you wouldn't see in a typical book because they don't fit the societal norm of beauty. These characters are often looked down upon and bullied. This is their story and they are beautiful souls.

Second I love that this book is a mystery and romance novella. It combines the best of these genres together. Not only does the author have romantic love but also the love of Faye's friends/found family. Which brings me to three, seeing all sides Faye in all aspects of her life. This story shows who she is and how she interacts with each character.

Third I love how relatable Faye is. She could be anyone you know. She doesn't seem like a character that is just beyond perfect you can't really relate. Which made me fall in love with her within the first chapter.

If you are looking for a quick read (under 150 pages) with diverse characters that has both romance and a mystery, this is your book!

[Floss And Fiction Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faye’s life looks ordinary: two jobs, a beloved cat, health struggles, and caring for her father in hospice. But the absence of her best friend Mandy, missing for a year, lingers heavy. When Faye follows a hunch into the swamp, she uncovers answers she never expected. What follows is a mix of small-town mystery, cryptids, dark humor, and an offbeat “meet (sort of) cute.”

I loved how this book blends the weird and whimsical with the real and relatable. Faye’s struggles with PCOS, her body-positive outlook, and her loyalty to her friends make her such a refreshing main character. The mystery kept me hooked, and the quirky side characters added so much charm.

If you’re into cozy mysteries with a twist, a dash of romance, and plenty of odd charm, this one’s for you.

- Cozy Mystery

- Meet Cute

- Cryptids

- Quirky

- PCOS Rep

- Body Positive

- Closed Door Romance

- Grumpy/Sunshine

- Small Town

[glee book adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and won't be my last. The characters were so relatable. Faye works two jobs, dad in hospice, and has a huge ball of grief. her best friend went missing, and no trace to be found. Faye is determined to find her, which leads her to the swamp. She finds so many unexpected things that will change her life forever in more ways than one. I loved that this FMC was sarcastic, and though seemed tough, you got to see her emotions. The plot was smooth, I had someone else picked for the murderer the whole time, and the speed was just right. Not Everyone Wants Roses is part small-town mystery, part meet (sort of) cute, part lucid dream with sideshow-worthy characters and at least one cryptid. It's a no-nonsense look into the working middle class, full of dark humor and a little weird.

[Jess Fulcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everyone of Jen's books and while I love all of them all this one has been my absolute favorite! She has a knack for creating relatable characters that you just want to be friends with, and this book is no different! Part muder mystery and part romance, but like in a fun quirky "we are the weirdos" kinda way. It has some twists, turns and surprises and and shows a glimps of the extraordinary in the everyday ordinary of our lives. As with all her books it's really a feel good for those of us that feel like the outcasts and black sheeps. Makes me feel seen. It reminds me that we are all a little weird and wonderful, that there is excitement in the ordinary, joy even in the dark times and life is made better when finding our people, the ones who's weirdness matches our own.

[Elizabeth Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & Sweet- Jen Poteet does it again with her latest masterpiece✨ I think what’s most mesmerizing about this short story is the way the author makes it feel like such a safe place for the reader. This book is all about self acceptance and that’s such an important message. One that is rarely represented in books it seems. You are worthy of love and all the beautiful things life has to offer. Regardless if you work what others deem a dead end job. Regardless of too much body hair, or skin imperfections. Happiness belongs to us ALL and this book really drives that notion home. I’m so glad Jen had the courage to not only cultivate this story, but to share it with us all. I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read of hers and can’t wait to see what’s next! ❤️

[Becca Buncie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Poteet returns with her third novel, or novella I would call it! It’s a cozy mystery. I loved that the characters are just normal people, they’re regular people with flaws and life issues. I loved the main character Faye - early on in the book she describes herself as completely content with her life of doing well enough to get her nails done and buy herself some little treats and I feel that so hard. But she’s got a lot on her plate - 2 jobs, a father under hospice care, etc. She also has PCOS, as a person with PCOS myself, I appreciate the representation - it is not common in books. But as the book develops, Faye undergoes some serious self reflection and growth. I enjoyed this quick paced mystery, the quirky characters, and the love story mixed in. 4.5/5

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faye works hard, which affords her the ability to buy herself anything she may want. But with her father being in hospice. She doesn't get to enjoy life to the fullest.
She needs her best friend, Mandy has been MIA for over a year. Faye decides to follow a hunch she has and go look for her.
But what she finds is more than she could ever expect. Great book, easy to read and very well written.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔪 Cozy Mystery
⭐️ Meet Cute
👿 Cryptids
🪄 Quirky
💫 PCOS Rep
💭 Body Positive
❤️ Closed Door Romance
☠️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🌫️ Small Town

[kbn1031 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not Everyone Wants Roses by Jen Poteet

This was my first time reading anything by Jen Poteet, and I loved it! Not Everyone Wants Roses is a fast-paced, cozy mystery with a bit of romcomness. I could totally see myself in Faye (PCOS, snarky attitude, goth vibes, horrible mom, etc.). I finished this in one sitting. It's short, but don't let that fool you. It's a fully developed story with characters that will worm their way into your heart.

I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Jen Poteet, and Crowns & Chaos Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Not Everyone Wants Roses in an afternoon. Not just because it is relatively short at approximately 150 pages, but because I was completely engaged and loved the characters. The characters have quirks and interests similar to my own. Faye's struggles with PCOS and her confusion about potentially finding happiness during a painful time were relatable. If you like a cozy mystery with a quirky meet cute, definitely check this one out. Side note ~ the tarot card art between some of the chapters was a perfect touch. Thank you to Jen Poteet and Crowns and Chaos PR for the gifted e-copy. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Emily Hannabass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen does it again! She has written several good books and this is another one!
I love this new adventure. This story brings out so many emotions…. Love, hope, sadness, fear. There are times I laughed, cried, and read as quickly as possible wondering how the situations would turn out or what would happen next. The characters are likable, relatable, or both. I love that all of Jen’s main characters have been quirky, nerdy, gothic, emo, strong, true to themselves. Faye, the main character in this story, has been one fearless chick! This book is easy to read and easy to love!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This was a short, cozy mystery. It was both funny and emotional. The main characters and friend group were all unique characters that aren't seen that often in stories, and I loved that representation. The high moments were so high, and the lows were low, making me feel such a range of emotions in a short story. There were twists and turns, and I almost never knew what was coming next.

The characters were all also so imperfectly perfect, and I loved them all so much.

I really enjoyed my time reading this book, definitely would recommend!!

[Amanda | Techabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but deeply satisfying story.

In just 150 pages…
I laughed.
I cried.
I loved.
I related.

Obviously, I will be highly recommending this one to everyone I know!

Faye is a cashier by day and a bartender by night. The cards life has dealt has left her sarcastic and dry, but she persists with a heart of gold. Reeling from her best friend’s disappearance, Faye deep dives into true crime and goes out on a limb to do her own investigations. Somewhere a long the way she stumbles into an unexpected meet-cute that pulls her out of her persistent nightmares and into a realm of whimsy.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I’m obsessed with this book is an understatement. Jen is such a beautiful writer. I see so much of myself in Faye. Meet cute for the weirdos plus solving murder, it was so REAL! A lot of the books I read are centered around the “perfect” girl or guy with no flaws and this book made me feel so safe and seen in my “flaws”. Self acceptance is so important and she really captured that. I loved getting out of my “normal” realm of books and picking this one up. Shocked. Happy. Sad. Scared. Seen. Hopeful. I felt it all. Jen is amazing in everything she does, that’s for sure.