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The Wild Flowers, Lavender
Brax Madox. The grumpiest man alive.
Or, so she thought.
Lavender Wild was just minding her own business, when Brax blew into her store and begrudgingly, her life.
Lavender lives a quiet life in her small, coastal hometown where she owns a store with her two sisters, Marigold and Juniper.
A flower/book/coffee shop.
The ultimate dream.
And she gets to live it everyday in her favourite corner of the store. The coffee shop.
As a busy single mum, Lavender doesn't have time for a grumpy customer, let alone a friendship.
And definitely not a relationship.
Brax Madox is unexpected. A spanner.
He is a single dad too, and a police officer, new to her town.
And he's not going anywhere.
In time, Lavender discovers that's exactly the way she wants it.
Brax isn't so grumpy after all.
In fact, he's really kind of perfect.
Join Lavender and Brax on their journey from enemies to lovers, in this heartwarming contemporary romance novel that is book 1, in a three part series.
Or, so she thought.
Lavender Wild was just minding her own business, when Brax blew into her store and begrudgingly, her life.
Lavender lives a quiet life in her small, coastal hometown where she owns a store with her two sisters, Marigold and Juniper.
A flower/book/coffee shop.
The ultimate dream.
And she gets to live it everyday in her favourite corner of the store. The coffee shop.
As a busy single mum, Lavender doesn't have time for a grumpy customer, let alone a friendship.
And definitely not a relationship.
Brax Madox is unexpected. A spanner.
He is a single dad too, and a police officer, new to her town.
And he's not going anywhere.
In time, Lavender discovers that's exactly the way she wants it.
Brax isn't so grumpy after all.
In fact, he's really kind of perfect.
Join Lavender and Brax on their journey from enemies to lovers, in this heartwarming contemporary romance novel that is book 1, in a three part series.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 30, 2026
This book centres on Lavender Wild, a mid 30's, divorced single mum to her daughter, Azalea. In a small seaside tourist town, she runs a coffee shop in a bigger shop that includes her sisters' book shop and florist (um - dream 😍?!) And along comes Brax Madox, single Dad and grumpy cop who comes and turns Lavender's quiet world upside down.
This delivers exactly what it promises - a sickly sweet, predictable romance. Whilst it had some things I'm not a huge fan of - pet names, lots of nicknames and a 3rd act break up which was heavily influenced by the miscommunication trope, I understand these are factors that will not effect everyone's reading experience.
It is an extremely easy book to read. I read it in 2 sittings due to its easy writing and fast pace. It is refreshing to read about main characters that are in their 30's and already have kids, so the difficulties of blending families was explored. I believe this is just Book 1 in a series that is going to have a book on each of the sisters 🌸 but the writing lacked the depth and emotion I crave in a romance.
This delivers exactly what it promises - a sickly sweet, predictable romance. Whilst it had some things I'm not a huge fan of - pet names, lots of nicknames and a 3rd act break up which was heavily influenced by the miscommunication trope, I understand these are factors that will not effect everyone's reading experience.
It is an extremely easy book to read. I read it in 2 sittings due to its easy writing and fast pace. It is refreshing to read about main characters that are in their 30's and already have kids, so the difficulties of blending families was explored. I believe this is just Book 1 in a series that is going to have a book on each of the sisters 🌸 but the writing lacked the depth and emotion I crave in a romance.
July 24, 2025
Read it in one sitting whilst sick. Such a wonderful story to bring joy and comfort
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️✨ A Sweet Small-Town Romance with Rough Edges
Lavender and her two sisters own a charming, almost magical space made up of three shops behind one unique door: Lavender runs the coffee shop, Goldie the flower shop, and Juni the bookstore. Lavender is a single mum to her daughter Azalea, who is her entire world. She’s amicably divorced from Azalea’s father, Josh, and they coparent without drama, which adds a nice layer of maturity to the story.
Enter Brax — grumpy, rude, attractive, and immediately memorable. Their first interaction in the coffee shop is awkward and tense, made worse when Lavender sticks her tongue out at him and he sees. Things go from bad to worse when she overhears him in the grocery store saying the coffee is great but the server was rude, even though he admits she was beautiful. He apologises once he realises she overheard him, but Lavender storms off. When her best friend Ebony sets her up on a blind date, the reveal that it’s the same man — who also happens to be Ebony’s brother — sends Lavender straight out the door.
Brax also has a daughter, Beth, who quickly bonds with Azalea. With both girls desperate for a playdate, Brax returns to the coffee shop determined to clear the air and keep things amicable for their children’s sake. Lavender eventually agrees, and during their first playdate they discover they have far more in common than expected. When Azalea injures her ankle, Brax’s instinctive care — carrying her to the doctor and staying to make sure she’s okay — shows a softer side that surprises Lavender.
Over the following months, Lavender and Brax are constantly thrown together through family barbecues, beach days, playdates, and his regular coffee shop visits. Text messages turn into deeper emotional support, with Lavender helping when Beth is sick. Feelings grow slowly and naturally. Just as things seem ready to tip into romance, Josh returns from a business trip, complicating matters emotionally. A night where Brax leaves Beth with Lavender, followed by shared conversations, an intimate kiss, and an agreement to take things slowly, deepens their connection. Brax even joins the sisters’ book club, cementing his place in their lives.
A turning point comes when Lavender returns to the shop late at night and is injured during a break-in. Brax rushes to her side and stays the night, remaining with her the entire next day while she works, clearly shaken and deeply protective. From there, their relationship becomes more intimate and loving — until Brax suddenly pulls away. His mood shifts, communication stops, and Lavender is left heartbroken and confused, believing it’s over without knowing why.
Brax, equally miserable, confides in his sister, who bluntly tells him he’s an idiot for assuming Lavender still has feelings for Josh. When he tries to fix things, Lavender shuts him down completely, blocking him and refusing to listen, even though she misses him deeply. His attempts — including chocolates and small gestures — fail to break through her hurt.
After weeks apart, Brax finally enlists the help of Lavender’s sisters. He gives her a meaningful book for what would have been their six-month anniversary, sends flowers, organises pizza for her and Azalea, and finally shows up at her door to explain everything and apologise. When he tells her he loves her, Lavender finally breaks, and they reconcile. Soon after, during one of Lavender’s races, family members line the course holding signs that lead to Brax and the girls asking her to marry him. She says yes, they move in together, the girls are thrilled to be sisters, and wedding plans begin.
While the story itself is sweet and heartfelt, the execution holds it back. Within the first few chapters, the repeated descriptions of Brax being “hot” but rude become excessive — sometimes repeated twice in the same sentence. There are also noticeable errors throughout the book. Still, if you can look past these issues, The Wild Flowers: Lavender is an easy-to-read, cosy small-town romance with strong family themes and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Lavender and her two sisters own a charming, almost magical space made up of three shops behind one unique door: Lavender runs the coffee shop, Goldie the flower shop, and Juni the bookstore. Lavender is a single mum to her daughter Azalea, who is her entire world. She’s amicably divorced from Azalea’s father, Josh, and they coparent without drama, which adds a nice layer of maturity to the story.
Enter Brax — grumpy, rude, attractive, and immediately memorable. Their first interaction in the coffee shop is awkward and tense, made worse when Lavender sticks her tongue out at him and he sees. Things go from bad to worse when she overhears him in the grocery store saying the coffee is great but the server was rude, even though he admits she was beautiful. He apologises once he realises she overheard him, but Lavender storms off. When her best friend Ebony sets her up on a blind date, the reveal that it’s the same man — who also happens to be Ebony’s brother — sends Lavender straight out the door.
Brax also has a daughter, Beth, who quickly bonds with Azalea. With both girls desperate for a playdate, Brax returns to the coffee shop determined to clear the air and keep things amicable for their children’s sake. Lavender eventually agrees, and during their first playdate they discover they have far more in common than expected. When Azalea injures her ankle, Brax’s instinctive care — carrying her to the doctor and staying to make sure she’s okay — shows a softer side that surprises Lavender.
Over the following months, Lavender and Brax are constantly thrown together through family barbecues, beach days, playdates, and his regular coffee shop visits. Text messages turn into deeper emotional support, with Lavender helping when Beth is sick. Feelings grow slowly and naturally. Just as things seem ready to tip into romance, Josh returns from a business trip, complicating matters emotionally. A night where Brax leaves Beth with Lavender, followed by shared conversations, an intimate kiss, and an agreement to take things slowly, deepens their connection. Brax even joins the sisters’ book club, cementing his place in their lives.
A turning point comes when Lavender returns to the shop late at night and is injured during a break-in. Brax rushes to her side and stays the night, remaining with her the entire next day while she works, clearly shaken and deeply protective. From there, their relationship becomes more intimate and loving — until Brax suddenly pulls away. His mood shifts, communication stops, and Lavender is left heartbroken and confused, believing it’s over without knowing why.
Brax, equally miserable, confides in his sister, who bluntly tells him he’s an idiot for assuming Lavender still has feelings for Josh. When he tries to fix things, Lavender shuts him down completely, blocking him and refusing to listen, even though she misses him deeply. His attempts — including chocolates and small gestures — fail to break through her hurt.
After weeks apart, Brax finally enlists the help of Lavender’s sisters. He gives her a meaningful book for what would have been their six-month anniversary, sends flowers, organises pizza for her and Azalea, and finally shows up at her door to explain everything and apologise. When he tells her he loves her, Lavender finally breaks, and they reconcile. Soon after, during one of Lavender’s races, family members line the course holding signs that lead to Brax and the girls asking her to marry him. She says yes, they move in together, the girls are thrilled to be sisters, and wedding plans begin.
While the story itself is sweet and heartfelt, the execution holds it back. Within the first few chapters, the repeated descriptions of Brax being “hot” but rude become excessive — sometimes repeated twice in the same sentence. There are also noticeable errors throughout the book. Still, if you can look past these issues, The Wild Flowers: Lavender is an easy-to-read, cosy small-town romance with strong family themes and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
“It’s not how you start, Lavender. It’s how you finish. Anything is possible.”
A feel-good, cosy, coastal town contemporary romance that gives you all the sweet feels and happy smiles. I gobbled this up in a day! (As I do most books but that’s not the point!)
Lavender and Brax are both single parents trying to navigate their life whilst prioritising their kid - dating is the last thing on their minds! What starts off as a hostile first impression, then horrific blind date, to winding eachother up and stealing cinnamon rolls, blossoms into something heart-warming, tension filled, wholesome and an all encompassing love. I wouldn’t say enemies to lovers, but definitely strong dislike to being forced to acknowledge eachother because of their daughters and realising they’re not so different after all. Anything that starts of bad doesn’t necessarily have to end up bad. It’s about the journey and the positives you make of it ❤️🩹
“You’re not so bad, Lavender Wild.” “You’re not so bad yourself, Brax Madox.”
The bond Lavender has with her sisters, Marigold and Juniper, and them with Lavenders daughter is pure, unconditional love that everyone deserves. Brax and his daughter also stole my heart because men who love their kids are just instantly HOT. Just everything about this was pure and healing and everything I want a small town romance to be. I can’t wait for the sisters books!
What you’ll find:
☕️ Slow burn
💜 Small town romance
☕️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Single parents
☕️ Enemies to lovers
💜 MMC in uniform
A feel-good, cosy, coastal town contemporary romance that gives you all the sweet feels and happy smiles. I gobbled this up in a day! (As I do most books but that’s not the point!)
Lavender and Brax are both single parents trying to navigate their life whilst prioritising their kid - dating is the last thing on their minds! What starts off as a hostile first impression, then horrific blind date, to winding eachother up and stealing cinnamon rolls, blossoms into something heart-warming, tension filled, wholesome and an all encompassing love. I wouldn’t say enemies to lovers, but definitely strong dislike to being forced to acknowledge eachother because of their daughters and realising they’re not so different after all. Anything that starts of bad doesn’t necessarily have to end up bad. It’s about the journey and the positives you make of it ❤️🩹
“You’re not so bad, Lavender Wild.” “You’re not so bad yourself, Brax Madox.”
The bond Lavender has with her sisters, Marigold and Juniper, and them with Lavenders daughter is pure, unconditional love that everyone deserves. Brax and his daughter also stole my heart because men who love their kids are just instantly HOT. Just everything about this was pure and healing and everything I want a small town romance to be. I can’t wait for the sisters books!
What you’ll find:
☕️ Slow burn
💜 Small town romance
☕️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Single parents
☕️ Enemies to lovers
💜 MMC in uniform
July 11, 2025
Lavender Wild is happy with her lot in life - she's a single mum with a beautiful little girl, and she's running a successful business with her 2 sisters. Lavender runs the coffee shop, while her sisters run the bookstore and the flower store. When a grumpy new customer enters her coffee shop one day, she hopes he's a tourist travelling through town, never to be seen again. Unfortunately, Brax turns out to be her bestie's brother who's just moved to town with his young daughter. Despite being set up on a date with him, Lavender is determined not to like him but as their girls become friends, she slowly realizes he's a good person, perhaps too good for her peace of mind.
I read this story in one sitting and it was just what I needed to lift my spirits a little and remind me that sometimes good things happen too ❤️. A cozy, second-chance contemporary romance with small-town vibes and an easy to read, sweet love story to make you smile.⭐⭐⭐.5
August 7, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Melissa Jean and I enjoyed it so much that I am now so eager to get my hands on her previously released title, Running Back for You.
The Wild Flowers – Lavender is a gorgeous small coastal town romance. Lavender is a single mum and one of three sisters named after wildflowers. Together, Lavender and her sisters, Juniper and Marigold run a book, flower and coffee shop (Ummmm, this is my dream shop!!). Between running the shop with her sisters and taking care of her daughter, Azaela, Lavender’s life is incredibly busy and full, with no room to even think about romance!
It is there, in the coffee shop section, that she happens to serve the most ridiculously handsome but incredibly rude customer and then later finds herself set up on a blind date with him. PLUS, he happens to be one of her close friends brothers?! The tension, the drama and the chemistry had me hooked!
This is such a great comfort read. The characters are extremely lovable and the small community has such a warm and homey feel to it. I adore a bit of a Grumpy x Sunshine trope and enjoyed the slow burn of the relationship between the two main characters. I also really enjoyed the strong family connection found throughout the pages of this book. It was warm, heartfelt and cozy. A perfect sweet weekend read.
The Wild Flowers – Lavender is a gorgeous small coastal town romance. Lavender is a single mum and one of three sisters named after wildflowers. Together, Lavender and her sisters, Juniper and Marigold run a book, flower and coffee shop (Ummmm, this is my dream shop!!). Between running the shop with her sisters and taking care of her daughter, Azaela, Lavender’s life is incredibly busy and full, with no room to even think about romance!
It is there, in the coffee shop section, that she happens to serve the most ridiculously handsome but incredibly rude customer and then later finds herself set up on a blind date with him. PLUS, he happens to be one of her close friends brothers?! The tension, the drama and the chemistry had me hooked!
This is such a great comfort read. The characters are extremely lovable and the small community has such a warm and homey feel to it. I adore a bit of a Grumpy x Sunshine trope and enjoyed the slow burn of the relationship between the two main characters. I also really enjoyed the strong family connection found throughout the pages of this book. It was warm, heartfelt and cozy. A perfect sweet weekend read.
July 16, 2025
I read this in one sitting on my coastal holiday and could vibe with the small town that the story is set in as a fellow Aussie.
Sometimes with grumpy/enemies to lover tropes I get annoyed at how some characters behave rashly, but the chemistry between Brax and Lavender wasn't over the top nor did it make me want to roll my eyes or sigh heavily.
I, too wish that I could run a cafe with an in-house florist and bookshop because what Melissa describes seems PRETTY IDEAL to me as I write this review back in the big city smog and traffic.
ALSO HELLO BRAX GOES TO BOOK CLUB?!?!?!?!?
SORRY, LETS GO BACK TO THE FIRST THING. BRAX READS?!?!?!?!
Also, the single parent life with a community and family is beautiful.
I digress.
A cosy small town, charming read with wholesome characters <3
Sometimes with grumpy/enemies to lover tropes I get annoyed at how some characters behave rashly, but the chemistry between Brax and Lavender wasn't over the top nor did it make me want to roll my eyes or sigh heavily.
I, too wish that I could run a cafe with an in-house florist and bookshop because what Melissa describes seems PRETTY IDEAL to me as I write this review back in the big city smog and traffic.
ALSO HELLO BRAX GOES TO BOOK CLUB?!?!?!?!?
SORRY, LETS GO BACK TO THE FIRST THING. BRAX READS?!?!?!?!
Also, the single parent life with a community and family is beautiful.
I digress.
A cosy small town, charming read with wholesome characters <3
July 6, 2025
An easy 4.5 ⭐️
I loved the story of Lavender and Brax!
I enjoyed their first interaction and the relationship as it changed and evolved.
Brax 'taking' Lavenders cinnamon scroll had me cackling!
I may have gotten a little misty eyed towards the end there too!
I really adore Melissa's writing and the beautiful settings and people she creates. The quaintness and idyllic places, the wholesome small town feel, the relationships between family and friends. It just gives me the warm fuzzies! 🥰
Definitely a 'feel good' cosy read that is good for the heart. 💕
Now I'm craving a cinnamon scroll! 😆
I loved the story of Lavender and Brax!
I enjoyed their first interaction and the relationship as it changed and evolved.
Brax 'taking' Lavenders cinnamon scroll had me cackling!
I may have gotten a little misty eyed towards the end there too!
I really adore Melissa's writing and the beautiful settings and people she creates. The quaintness and idyllic places, the wholesome small town feel, the relationships between family and friends. It just gives me the warm fuzzies! 🥰
Definitely a 'feel good' cosy read that is good for the heart. 💕
Now I'm craving a cinnamon scroll! 😆
October 8, 2025
This story is so beautiful. If you’re after a super cute read filled with feel-good vibes that you can just get completely swept up in — this is it!
Brax and Lavender might start off on the wrong foot, but it’s not long before you’re absolutely swooning. They are the sweetest couple, and while the road isn’t always smooth, their HEA is just perfect. 😍
The friendship and family side of this story just made my heart so happy! And the setting… oh my gosh 😍 a coffee shop / florist / bookstore run by three sisters?! Absolute dream. I’m obsessed. And the way they came up with the name — so sweet! It’s a literal dream job combo though! ☕🌸📚
And that ending… 👀 I have suspicions about what’s coming next, and I am not mad about it! 🤭😂 Cannot wait for what you have coming next Melissa!
Brax and Lavender might start off on the wrong foot, but it’s not long before you’re absolutely swooning. They are the sweetest couple, and while the road isn’t always smooth, their HEA is just perfect. 😍
The friendship and family side of this story just made my heart so happy! And the setting… oh my gosh 😍 a coffee shop / florist / bookstore run by three sisters?! Absolute dream. I’m obsessed. And the way they came up with the name — so sweet! It’s a literal dream job combo though! ☕🌸📚
And that ending… 👀 I have suspicions about what’s coming next, and I am not mad about it! 🤭😂 Cannot wait for what you have coming next Melissa!
September 13, 2025
💭 If you’re looking for a quick read about two single parents who find themselves enemies who are forced to spend time together because of their kids, this is for you. Lavender co-owns what book girl’s dreams are made of, a bookstore/flower shop/coffee shop, with her sisters. She and Brax have a not-so-great first encounter that sets off the enemies to lovers story. I wouldn’t rule out trying another book from this author as the series continues.
☑️ For fans of: single dad, single mom, small town, best friend’s brother, bad first impressions, enemies to lovers, both MCs are 30+
☑️ For fans of: single dad, single mom, small town, best friend’s brother, bad first impressions, enemies to lovers, both MCs are 30+
July 11, 2025
I totally ate this book up.
I couldn’t wait to pick it back up each time I had to put it down.
The story and characters are depicted so well, I felt everything along with Lavender and it hits all of those spots you want it to hit.
I share the same love for coffee so enjoying a coffee in the hand while reading is an immersive experience.
I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one.
5 stars from me. Easy to read, easy to love!
I couldn’t wait to pick it back up each time I had to put it down.
The story and characters are depicted so well, I felt everything along with Lavender and it hits all of those spots you want it to hit.
I share the same love for coffee so enjoying a coffee in the hand while reading is an immersive experience.
I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one.
5 stars from me. Easy to read, easy to love!
Read
August 11, 2025The Wildflowers: Lavender is a sweet, easy to read romance with a bit of spice thrown in.
It's definitely not love at first sight when new police officer Brax orders a coffee from Lavender, the opposite, in fact!
But soon they're families are conspiring to set them up and they soon rethink their first impression of each other.
An easy to read romance that held my interest, as well as loving the thought of the sisters' sweet little shop!
Thank you, Melissa Jean, for the copy to read.
It's definitely not love at first sight when new police officer Brax orders a coffee from Lavender, the opposite, in fact!
But soon they're families are conspiring to set them up and they soon rethink their first impression of each other.
An easy to read romance that held my interest, as well as loving the thought of the sisters' sweet little shop!
Thank you, Melissa Jean, for the copy to read.
July 5, 2025
I loved this book. The chemistry between Brax and Lavender was so good. I was drawn in from the beginning by the tension and transformation between the two. It made the romance feel earned. There were also plenty of interesting characters - I really liked Lavender's sisters and friends, and the cosy seaside town. Definitely recommend!
July 11, 2025
This book had me captivated from the very start! The chemistry between the characters felt authentic and electric, drawing me into their world immediately. I was also mesmerised by the setting of the cozy coastal town and shop Lavender and her sisters own.
Beautifully written and full of charm, it's a must-read for any romance lover!
Beautifully written and full of charm, it's a must-read for any romance lover!
July 5, 2025
Lavender and Brax are so cute! They were the perfect enemies to lovers. I loved how much they had in common and how their story played out. I also loved the side characters too from the kids, to the best friend/sister, Lavender’s sisters had me laughing.
July 18, 2025
A beautifully written story! The story of Brax and Lavender is romantic, exciting and enjoyable to read. You are easily swept away in the story and once you start you will want to read to the very end in no time! I cannot wait for book 2!! 😍
October 19, 2025
Cute easy read 😊
December 26, 2025
I loved loved loved this from start to finish. the sisters who own a book/flower/coffee shop is just a dream and vibe and i cant wait to read more of goldie and juni in there stories.
January 5, 2026
Here is the escape I’ve been looking for! Lavender is living MY dream - working in a coffee shop, with her sisters also working there as a florist and bookseller! I mean, I don’t have sisters, but some book besties would be superb, please and thank you!
The new HOT cop in town rocks up, except he’s a jerk so they’re enemies straight away of course, but people the BANTER! And the sweet SPICE!
What I loved:
💜 Quick, easy read
💜 The cinnamon scroll scene! Dead ☠️
💜 A man who is kind, sweet and protective without being a douche!
💜 The setting 🫶
💜 The humour has me laughing out loud 🤭
Final feelings after the last page:
💜 Another easily devourable read by Melissa; you will want to read this in one day. You’ll be left feeling like you’ve had a beautiful, warm hug from a friend. Also, when is the next one released!?
The new HOT cop in town rocks up, except he’s a jerk so they’re enemies straight away of course, but people the BANTER! And the sweet SPICE!
What I loved:
💜 Quick, easy read
💜 The cinnamon scroll scene! Dead ☠️
💜 A man who is kind, sweet and protective without being a douche!
💜 The setting 🫶
💜 The humour has me laughing out loud 🤭
Final feelings after the last page:
💜 Another easily devourable read by Melissa; you will want to read this in one day. You’ll be left feeling like you’ve had a beautiful, warm hug from a friend. Also, when is the next one released!?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews