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Hope Harbor
Darling Daffodils Farm: A cozy, spicy spring small town romance for fans of forced proximity and found family
Not yet published
Expected 26 Feb 26Prepare to fall in love amongst the wildflowers this spring. . .
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 caramel 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 realise that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?
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 caramel 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 realise that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
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.
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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:
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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!
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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!
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!
October 10, 2025
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 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
October 8, 2025
Brittanee Nicole is the master when it comes to small town romance and this was poignant, emotional, hot, and really special. But I will say, she didn’t just write a small town romance; she built an entire universe I want to pack up and move into immediately.
From the moment Tally Darling waltzes back into town, I was hooked. She’s sweet, determined, a little chaotic, and completely impossible not to love. Then there’s Jesse Walker, who is grumpy, broody, half naked in her childhood bedroom, and holding onto secrets like they’re going out of style. Their chemistry felt like it was illegal levels of hot. There is SO much tension and so much forbidden want, and I ate it up.
But beyond the spice, I felt all of the emotions and the journey that both Tally and Walker go on. Tally’s grief, her family’s daffodil farm, the pull between staying and chasing her dreams... it all hits perfectly. And underneath all that rugged cowboy exterior, Walker is just a man trying to do right by everyone, even if it breaks him a little in the process. He was such a good and admirable man, and I loved how selfless he was.
And THE TOWN CHAT. My god. The Hope Harbor Town Chat were hilarious! It’s like small town Facebook gossip meets a live comedy show, and it adds so much charm and personality to this already perfect setting.
Brittanee Nicole hits all the tropes I love: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and somehow makes them feel fresh. Every page bursts with life: the smell of blooming flowers, the taste of caramel honey cupcakes, and that slow burn tension that kept my stomach in knots in the best way possible.
The supporting characters were also wonderful and added to much to the story. Every single secondary character is a gem. I already have an unhealthy attachment to Eli Davis, and if Brittanee Nicole doesn’t give him his own book soon, I might riot. I also want Penny and Rosie books too!
This book is pure joy! I loved that it is equal parts sweet, spicy, swoony, and so funny.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Brittanee Nicole for the eARC of this book.
From the moment Tally Darling waltzes back into town, I was hooked. She’s sweet, determined, a little chaotic, and completely impossible not to love. Then there’s Jesse Walker, who is grumpy, broody, half naked in her childhood bedroom, and holding onto secrets like they’re going out of style. Their chemistry felt like it was illegal levels of hot. There is SO much tension and so much forbidden want, and I ate it up.
But beyond the spice, I felt all of the emotions and the journey that both Tally and Walker go on. Tally’s grief, her family’s daffodil farm, the pull between staying and chasing her dreams... it all hits perfectly. And underneath all that rugged cowboy exterior, Walker is just a man trying to do right by everyone, even if it breaks him a little in the process. He was such a good and admirable man, and I loved how selfless he was.
And THE TOWN CHAT. My god. The Hope Harbor Town Chat were hilarious! It’s like small town Facebook gossip meets a live comedy show, and it adds so much charm and personality to this already perfect setting.
Brittanee Nicole hits all the tropes I love: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and somehow makes them feel fresh. Every page bursts with life: the smell of blooming flowers, the taste of caramel honey cupcakes, and that slow burn tension that kept my stomach in knots in the best way possible.
The supporting characters were also wonderful and added to much to the story. Every single secondary character is a gem. I already have an unhealthy attachment to Eli Davis, and if Brittanee Nicole doesn’t give him his own book soon, I might riot. I also want Penny and Rosie books too!
This book is pure joy! I loved that it is equal parts sweet, spicy, swoony, and so funny.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Brittanee Nicole for the eARC of this book.
December 4, 2025
There's a reason why I am such a huge fan of Brittanee Nicole, and Darling Daffodils Farm is just another example. She injects her signature banter-filled writing, woven with incredible chemistry between two characters you can't help but fall in love with. This slow-burn, spicy romance featuring a great grumpy x sunshine dynamic is filled with found family from interesting supporting characters, who set up this series nicely. I am instantly hooked and counting down until we get book 2!
This story revolves around Tally, who comes home expecting to help with her family's farm now that her father has passed, only to find Jesse Walker, the man her parents hired to lead the farm's operations, living in her childhood home, and everyone in her small town, including her mother, is acting like this is totally normal. Walker is hiding secrets, and Tally is going to find out what they are.
The tension and chemistry between Walker & Tally is pretty instant. Walker speaks in grunts, and his inner dialogue made me chuckle. He does not want to like Tally, but his attraction to her is so palpable, he can't deny it. She's living in the same house & he can't escape her (let's just say, his use of her shampoo had me laughing out loud). The way this story unfolds is addictive. Tally is so endearing, and I love how her insecurities are teased, and the way Walker supports her is swoon-worthy. This is a slow burn worth the wait as these two are intense & once Walker gives in, he is all in. I just loved these two so much, and their character growth is perfection.
Brittanee knows how to build worlds that you just want to visit again and again, and this is no different. The way the supporting characters all stand out, and their backstories are teased, has me instantly intrigued. The banter between all of them, especially the text chats, is next level. I am already attached to this small town, and we're only in book 1!
🏡 Small Town
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌼 Forced Proximity
💕 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
🧁 Baker x Cowboy
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV
This story revolves around Tally, who comes home expecting to help with her family's farm now that her father has passed, only to find Jesse Walker, the man her parents hired to lead the farm's operations, living in her childhood home, and everyone in her small town, including her mother, is acting like this is totally normal. Walker is hiding secrets, and Tally is going to find out what they are.
The tension and chemistry between Walker & Tally is pretty instant. Walker speaks in grunts, and his inner dialogue made me chuckle. He does not want to like Tally, but his attraction to her is so palpable, he can't deny it. She's living in the same house & he can't escape her (let's just say, his use of her shampoo had me laughing out loud). The way this story unfolds is addictive. Tally is so endearing, and I love how her insecurities are teased, and the way Walker supports her is swoon-worthy. This is a slow burn worth the wait as these two are intense & once Walker gives in, he is all in. I just loved these two so much, and their character growth is perfection.
Brittanee knows how to build worlds that you just want to visit again and again, and this is no different. The way the supporting characters all stand out, and their backstories are teased, has me instantly intrigued. The banter between all of them, especially the text chats, is next level. I am already attached to this small town, and we're only in book 1!
🏡 Small Town
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌼 Forced Proximity
💕 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
🧁 Baker x Cowboy
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV
November 17, 2025
This book took me through all the emotions. I felt the hurt, angst, the humor and love of our characters. By the end you can't help but fall in love with Hope Harbor and it's residents. This book was just another example of why Brittanee Nicole has become an auto-buy author for me. I was lucky enough to be selected for an ARC of this story through Net Galley.
If you love a grumpy sunshine trope, a nosey town whose residents get involved in everything, and hilarious group chats you will really enjoy this book.
They say you can never tame a wildflower...When Tally Darling returns home to her family's daffodil farm to help out, she doesn't expect the cryptic way her family and best friend are behaving and she certainly doesn't expect to find a hot farmhand in her childhood bedroom. Jesse Walker is a grump and he doesn't need anyone least of all Tally coming in to disrupt the plans he has going on at the farm. The last thing he needs is to feel attracted to her when she's just going to leave again, so he does his best to ignore her and gives her random jobs to keep her busy and out of his way. But his lack of communication creates a problem when Tally thinking she's doing something good, but in reality it messes with the plans he and her mother had discussed. It's here where he starts to take more notice and starts to let Tally in a little bit and she in turn starts to open up to him. They start to build a relationship but what happens when the secrets he's keeping comes to life?
Some of my biggest takeaways from this story are you shouldn't keep secrets from the one's you love, it will come back to bite you and causes more hurt than good, even when you think you are doing it for the right reasons. Secondly you don't have to do everything on your own, lean on your community. And lastly there is no right way to go after your dreams, you just need to believe in yourself.
If you love a grumpy sunshine trope, a nosey town whose residents get involved in everything, and hilarious group chats you will really enjoy this book.
They say you can never tame a wildflower...When Tally Darling returns home to her family's daffodil farm to help out, she doesn't expect the cryptic way her family and best friend are behaving and she certainly doesn't expect to find a hot farmhand in her childhood bedroom. Jesse Walker is a grump and he doesn't need anyone least of all Tally coming in to disrupt the plans he has going on at the farm. The last thing he needs is to feel attracted to her when she's just going to leave again, so he does his best to ignore her and gives her random jobs to keep her busy and out of his way. But his lack of communication creates a problem when Tally thinking she's doing something good, but in reality it messes with the plans he and her mother had discussed. It's here where he starts to take more notice and starts to let Tally in a little bit and she in turn starts to open up to him. They start to build a relationship but what happens when the secrets he's keeping comes to life?
Some of my biggest takeaways from this story are you shouldn't keep secrets from the one's you love, it will come back to bite you and causes more hurt than good, even when you think you are doing it for the right reasons. Secondly you don't have to do everything on your own, lean on your community. And lastly there is no right way to go after your dreams, you just need to believe in yourself.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Welcome to Hope Harbor, an idyllic small town in New England where well meaning busy-bodies are constantly spamming each other in group texts, and where all local shops seem to require alliterations in their business name.
Tally Darling has been away from her beloved hometown for eight years, and now unexpected circumstances has brought her home to temporarily help out on the farm. So much has changed since she left! Tally has to confront the guilt of letting her family down as well as the insecurity of no longer belonging in a place she once called home. We follow our cheerful and carefree FMC as she overcomes these emotions while also trying to carve a place for herself in Hope Harbor. There may be a grumpy farmer that helps Tally along this self-journey, while also giving her the spice and stability she’s been craving ;) .
I thoroughly had a great time with this one! Our “not a cowboy” MMC’s and our “wildflower” FMC’s chemistry were off the charts! Although I felt the physical connection kind of overshadowed their emotional one at times, their love story was still a really cute one I enjoyed following.
This was one of those stories where the plot relied heavily on miscommunication and withheld information (secrets). It’s not one of my favorite plot device, so for that I’m docking a star. I also found it somewhat unrealistic that it never came up in conversation that the farm hired an additional hand to help out. Like, did she not come back for her father’s funeral? Walker would’ve been at the service. Tally’s reason for going away was also a bit trivial and melodramatic.
I will for sure be continuing this series, and I hope we get to see more of Eli as he was my favorite!
Welcome to Hope Harbor, an idyllic small town in New England where well meaning busy-bodies are constantly spamming each other in group texts, and where all local shops seem to require alliterations in their business name.
Tally Darling has been away from her beloved hometown for eight years, and now unexpected circumstances has brought her home to temporarily help out on the farm. So much has changed since she left! Tally has to confront the guilt of letting her family down as well as the insecurity of no longer belonging in a place she once called home. We follow our cheerful and carefree FMC as she overcomes these emotions while also trying to carve a place for herself in Hope Harbor. There may be a grumpy farmer that helps Tally along this self-journey, while also giving her the spice and stability she’s been craving ;) .
I thoroughly had a great time with this one! Our “not a cowboy” MMC’s and our “wildflower” FMC’s chemistry were off the charts! Although I felt the physical connection kind of overshadowed their emotional one at times, their love story was still a really cute one I enjoyed following.
This was one of those stories where the plot relied heavily on miscommunication and withheld information (secrets). It’s not one of my favorite plot device, so for that I’m docking a star. I also found it somewhat unrealistic that it never came up in conversation that the farm hired an additional hand to help out. Like, did she not come back for her father’s funeral? Walker would’ve been at the service. Tally’s reason for going away was also a bit trivial and melodramatic.
I will for sure be continuing this series, and I hope we get to see more of Eli as he was my favorite!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Darling Daffodils Farm is a small town romance that has two of my top favorite tropes at the moment, rivals-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine, which instantly piqued my curiosity. This author is also one of my favorites, so that sealed the deal for me. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Tally Darling returns to her family’s daffodil farm due to her father’s sudden passing and to help run the farm during its high season. When she arrives, she finds out that there is a handsome but very grumpy man (Jesse Walker) living in the main house (in what used to be her room) and also running the farm, hence starting their rivalry. Her big dream is to become a pastry chef but being forced to interact and finally start a relationship with Walker slowly starts to change her perspective on what her future will look like.
This book is a great start to a new series, which introduces very charming and nosy characters, and through their interactions in a very fun to read group chat you just know the series will continue to get even better once those characters get their stories as well (hopefully!). I loved how the author portrayed the transition from enemies to lovers between the main characters. Walker’s grumpiness masks his other wonderful qualities, but he is a secret romantic at heart and puts his loved ones first always. I think this quote from the book, when Tally asks Walter what he dreams of, sums it up: [“My sister being happy. My nephew’s smile. The land beneath my feet. A simple, ease life”… “You”]. And I love that he shows Tally with his actions that she is not just a temporary girl, that she is the one to keep. I loved it.
Tally Darling returns to her family’s daffodil farm due to her father’s sudden passing and to help run the farm during its high season. When she arrives, she finds out that there is a handsome but very grumpy man (Jesse Walker) living in the main house (in what used to be her room) and also running the farm, hence starting their rivalry. Her big dream is to become a pastry chef but being forced to interact and finally start a relationship with Walker slowly starts to change her perspective on what her future will look like.
This book is a great start to a new series, which introduces very charming and nosy characters, and through their interactions in a very fun to read group chat you just know the series will continue to get even better once those characters get their stories as well (hopefully!). I loved how the author portrayed the transition from enemies to lovers between the main characters. Walker’s grumpiness masks his other wonderful qualities, but he is a secret romantic at heart and puts his loved ones first always. I think this quote from the book, when Tally asks Walter what he dreams of, sums it up: [“My sister being happy. My nephew’s smile. The land beneath my feet. A simple, ease life”… “You”]. And I love that he shows Tally with his actions that she is not just a temporary girl, that she is the one to keep. I loved it.
November 25, 2025
Brittanee's first traditionally published book did not disappoint. This book is everything you already love in her writing but featuring an extra special "cowboy" but don't call him that lol.
Walker is perfection, I don't know how she keeps writing these incredibly complex characters who are just chef's kiss when it comes to a dream man. He's grumpy, hard headed, and a loner to his core. He is also loyal to fault and loves his sister and nephew implicitly. I admired his drive to succeed and the internal dialogue where we see him as a softer version of himself.
Tally is so misunderstood by everyone in her life. She's seen as this free spirit who can't stay in the same place for very long. Her heart is absolutely in everything she does, she cares deeply about her family and community but also longs for the freedom to follow her heart and make her own way in the world.
Walker and Tally have the kind of chemistry and tension everyone loves to read, this book is packed full of funny, chaotic, and heartfelt moments. I adored the growth both the MC's had throughout and the way they both pushed each other to be the person they've dreamed of being. I feel like they shared this deeper connection you also got to see the sense of loneliness that they both had and recognized in one another.
If you've read any of the other books by this author you can anticipate the same quality writing an deep complex characters, as well as some spice and banter you already know and love!
Walker is perfection, I don't know how she keeps writing these incredibly complex characters who are just chef's kiss when it comes to a dream man. He's grumpy, hard headed, and a loner to his core. He is also loyal to fault and loves his sister and nephew implicitly. I admired his drive to succeed and the internal dialogue where we see him as a softer version of himself.
Tally is so misunderstood by everyone in her life. She's seen as this free spirit who can't stay in the same place for very long. Her heart is absolutely in everything she does, she cares deeply about her family and community but also longs for the freedom to follow her heart and make her own way in the world.
Walker and Tally have the kind of chemistry and tension everyone loves to read, this book is packed full of funny, chaotic, and heartfelt moments. I adored the growth both the MC's had throughout and the way they both pushed each other to be the person they've dreamed of being. I feel like they shared this deeper connection you also got to see the sense of loneliness that they both had and recognized in one another.
If you've read any of the other books by this author you can anticipate the same quality writing an deep complex characters, as well as some spice and banter you already know and love!
November 29, 2025
⋆.˚🪻༘⋆My rating is 5/5 stars! ⋆.˚🪻༘⋆
Sweet Spicy and Completely Addicting Darling Daffodils Farm swept me right into Hope Harbor and refused to let go, from its charming field of daffodils and a grumpy cowboy who communicates in silent longing and devastating one liners.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
We have our FMC Tally who is sweet stubborn chaotic and impossible not to love. And our MMC Walker? A silent storm of a man who falls first (and hard!).
Their chemistry is electric from page one and when it finally snaps into heat… yeah all i have to say is Prepare yourself 🥵
I adored the small town chaos the hilarious older ladies the unexpected emotional depth and bless this author no pointless third act breakup, Just real conflict handled like actual adults(finally).
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
A warm funny spicy flower scented hug of a book.
If this is only book one consider me already living in Hope Harbor! i cannot wait for the next book or anything Brittanee has to offer next!
˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆
I'm very thankful to have received an ARC from NetGalley and definitely going to get a physical copy as soon as it releases!
Sweet Spicy and Completely Addicting Darling Daffodils Farm swept me right into Hope Harbor and refused to let go, from its charming field of daffodils and a grumpy cowboy who communicates in silent longing and devastating one liners.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
We have our FMC Tally who is sweet stubborn chaotic and impossible not to love. And our MMC Walker? A silent storm of a man who falls first (and hard!).
Their chemistry is electric from page one and when it finally snaps into heat… yeah all i have to say is Prepare yourself 🥵
I adored the small town chaos the hilarious older ladies the unexpected emotional depth and bless this author no pointless third act breakup, Just real conflict handled like actual adults(finally).
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
A warm funny spicy flower scented hug of a book.
If this is only book one consider me already living in Hope Harbor! i cannot wait for the next book or anything Brittanee has to offer next!
˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆
I'm very thankful to have received an ARC from NetGalley and definitely going to get a physical copy as soon as it releases!
December 2, 2025
As always, Brittanee Nicole gives us a cast of loveable (yet fallible) characters for Daffodil Farms. Tally, our female main character, comes home to help with her family’s daffodil farm after her father passes away. She finds Walker to be a new farmhand and immediately they become enemies when they are forced to stay in her family home together.
Throughout the story, Tally and Walker start to see the parts of each other that no one else see’s – the sacrifices they both make for their family, their dedication to their work and those they love, and slowly they begin to fall in love with each other without even realizing it! Once Walker dives in, he pushes Tally to forge her own path in life and do the things that she wants (baking!!!) I love the alpha/golden retriever attitude we get from Walker!
Tally and Walker aren’t without their trials and tribulations. There are secrets and outside forces that stand the potential to push them apart. Between the spice between these two, the hilarious group text throughout the ENTIRE town, and the Liberty Ladies (a spicy book club of the women in town) you are guaranteed to be entertained throughout this entire book!
I can’t wait to see this beautiful world that Brittanee has created. In this book we see some cameos of our favorite Boston Millionaires and get to know a whole new cast of characters that you will fall in love with!
Throughout the story, Tally and Walker start to see the parts of each other that no one else see’s – the sacrifices they both make for their family, their dedication to their work and those they love, and slowly they begin to fall in love with each other without even realizing it! Once Walker dives in, he pushes Tally to forge her own path in life and do the things that she wants (baking!!!) I love the alpha/golden retriever attitude we get from Walker!
Tally and Walker aren’t without their trials and tribulations. There are secrets and outside forces that stand the potential to push them apart. Between the spice between these two, the hilarious group text throughout the ENTIRE town, and the Liberty Ladies (a spicy book club of the women in town) you are guaranteed to be entertained throughout this entire book!
I can’t wait to see this beautiful world that Brittanee has created. In this book we see some cameos of our favorite Boston Millionaires and get to know a whole new cast of characters that you will fall in love with!
December 6, 2025
Brittanée Nicole has done it again—another gorgeous, emotional romance filled with angst, heart and self-discovery. Her writing is immersive, and the small town of Hope Harbor is the kind of place you immediately want to pack up and move to.
Tally Darling, a pastry chef, returns home to help her mother on the family’s Daffodil Farm after her father’s passing. She’s shocked to learn a stranger—brooding, annoyingly attractive Jesse Walker—is not only living in her childhood home but running the farm. As Tally navigates her grief and the uncertainty of her future, she becomes determined to uncover who Walker is and why her mother is keeping secrets.
Walker, meanwhile, is doing his best to keep the farm afloat, and Tally’s unexpected return threatens to unravel his carefully laid plans. Their chemistry is immediate, their bickering delicious and when they finally give in? Pure fire. This book gets spicy and I loved every minute of it.
I laughed, cried and completely melted over these two. Brittanée Nicole writes grief and healing with such tenderness that I deeply related to Tally’s journey, especially her loss. Walker also stole my heart with just how hard he loves. The found family, friendships and community love threaded through the story made my heart feel hugged.
A beautiful, heartfelt and wonderfully steamy romance. Five stars—highly recommended.
(ARC REVIEW)
Tally Darling, a pastry chef, returns home to help her mother on the family’s Daffodil Farm after her father’s passing. She’s shocked to learn a stranger—brooding, annoyingly attractive Jesse Walker—is not only living in her childhood home but running the farm. As Tally navigates her grief and the uncertainty of her future, she becomes determined to uncover who Walker is and why her mother is keeping secrets.
Walker, meanwhile, is doing his best to keep the farm afloat, and Tally’s unexpected return threatens to unravel his carefully laid plans. Their chemistry is immediate, their bickering delicious and when they finally give in? Pure fire. This book gets spicy and I loved every minute of it.
I laughed, cried and completely melted over these two. Brittanée Nicole writes grief and healing with such tenderness that I deeply related to Tally’s journey, especially her loss. Walker also stole my heart with just how hard he loves. The found family, friendships and community love threaded through the story made my heart feel hugged.
A beautiful, heartfelt and wonderfully steamy romance. Five stars—highly recommended.
(ARC REVIEW)
October 29, 2025
Cute start to what promises to be a new, steamy, small-town romance series.
What I liked: the chaotic small town, with Gilmore Girl vibes including the group chat and town halls but also always being there to support one another. I liked Walker’s character growth, learning to ask for help and allowing himself to love someone other than his sister and nephew. And all the flower imagery! Everything from walking the tulip fields to metaphors about Tally being a wildflower, I loved both how thematic it was as well as how it helped me picture the story in vivid detail and color.
Where I struggled a little: there are a few plot holes that I struggled to overlook. The biggest was Tally nor Penny ever really talking with their mom. Yes, the plot needs an issue to resolve…I just never really understood the premise for this one. My second issue was the love story felt more like physical attraction, especially from Tally’s side. While both Walker and Tally seem to support each other in their own ways, I wish the story had been a little less smut and a little more substance behind their relationship.
Thanks to Brittanée Nicole, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked: the chaotic small town, with Gilmore Girl vibes including the group chat and town halls but also always being there to support one another. I liked Walker’s character growth, learning to ask for help and allowing himself to love someone other than his sister and nephew. And all the flower imagery! Everything from walking the tulip fields to metaphors about Tally being a wildflower, I loved both how thematic it was as well as how it helped me picture the story in vivid detail and color.
Where I struggled a little: there are a few plot holes that I struggled to overlook. The biggest was Tally nor Penny ever really talking with their mom. Yes, the plot needs an issue to resolve…I just never really understood the premise for this one. My second issue was the love story felt more like physical attraction, especially from Tally’s side. While both Walker and Tally seem to support each other in their own ways, I wish the story had been a little less smut and a little more substance behind their relationship.
Thanks to Brittanée Nicole, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
I have read many of Brittanee’s books, but this one might be my favorite! Tally lives a nomadic lifestyle through short-term positions working in kitchens throughout New England, saving all she can with the goal of attending culinary school. She is summoned home to her family’s flower farm to help with the season just to find a man living her childhood bedroom. Walker doesn’t want Tally’s help. He and Tally’s late father had a plan for the farm and he is sticking to it.
I was truly hooked from the beginning with the mystery of who Walker is and then the secret being kept by him and Tally’s mom. The secret keeping throughout the story was not my favorite, but it wasn’t the driving force of the story, so it bothered me less as I went on. Tally and Walker’s relationship blooms with fun flirtation as they work on saving the farm.
I love that this book did not have a third act breakup! I know that sometimes it is necessary but I think it shows how Tally has grown that she doesn’t over react to the big secret. If you are looking for a fun, flirty story with a quirky FMC and a grumpy MMC, this is for you!
I was truly hooked from the beginning with the mystery of who Walker is and then the secret being kept by him and Tally’s mom. The secret keeping throughout the story was not my favorite, but it wasn’t the driving force of the story, so it bothered me less as I went on. Tally and Walker’s relationship blooms with fun flirtation as they work on saving the farm.
I love that this book did not have a third act breakup! I know that sometimes it is necessary but I think it shows how Tally has grown that she doesn’t over react to the big secret. If you are looking for a fun, flirty story with a quirky FMC and a grumpy MMC, this is for you!
November 2, 2025
🌼✨ ARC Review: Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanée Nicole ✨🌼
Prepare to fall in love among the wildflowers with this grumpy-sunshine, rivals-to-lovers gem set on a charming daffodil farm! 🌾💛
When pastry chef Tally Darling returns home to her family’s beloved farm, she doesn’t expect to find a half-naked, infuriatingly handsome stranger running her late father’s business and sleeping in her old bedroom 😳🌸. Enter Jesse Walker: the brooding farmhand who’s as stubborn as he is swoon-worthy.
From frosty standoffs to steamy kitchen chemistry, things heat up the moment Jesse moans over one of Tally’s salted honey cupcakes 🧁🔥. What starts as irritation soon blooms into something tender and unexpected the kind of love that sneaks up on you between rows of golden daffodils and warm May sunsets 🌅💐.
Brittanée Nicole delivers a heartfelt, flirty, and cozy spring romance filled with sass, slow-burn tension, and small-town charm. If you adore enemies-to-lovers with farm-fresh feels, this one’s a must-read! 🐝💛🌼
#ARCReview #DarlingDaffodilsFarm #BrittanéeNicole #GrumpySunshine #RivalsToLovers #SmallTownRomance #SpringReads #RomanceBookReview #Bookstagram #ReadingWithJoy
Prepare to fall in love among the wildflowers with this grumpy-sunshine, rivals-to-lovers gem set on a charming daffodil farm! 🌾💛
When pastry chef Tally Darling returns home to her family’s beloved farm, she doesn’t expect to find a half-naked, infuriatingly handsome stranger running her late father’s business and sleeping in her old bedroom 😳🌸. Enter Jesse Walker: the brooding farmhand who’s as stubborn as he is swoon-worthy.
From frosty standoffs to steamy kitchen chemistry, things heat up the moment Jesse moans over one of Tally’s salted honey cupcakes 🧁🔥. What starts as irritation soon blooms into something tender and unexpected the kind of love that sneaks up on you between rows of golden daffodils and warm May sunsets 🌅💐.
Brittanée Nicole delivers a heartfelt, flirty, and cozy spring romance filled with sass, slow-burn tension, and small-town charm. If you adore enemies-to-lovers with farm-fresh feels, this one’s a must-read! 🐝💛🌼
#ARCReview #DarlingDaffodilsFarm #BrittanéeNicole #GrumpySunshine #RivalsToLovers #SmallTownRomance #SpringReads #RomanceBookReview #Bookstagram #ReadingWithJoy
November 11, 2025
Darling Daffodils Farm warmed my heart like sunshine on a flower field ☀️ This spring time small town romance takes place on a quaint New England flower farm owned by the Darling’s in Hope Harbor. After the loss of her father, Tally makes her way back home to help get the spring wedding season started before perusing her culinary dreams only to find a towel clad man in her childhood bedroom 🔥
Jesse Walker is a grumpy, broody man with one goal…..and that’s taking care of his sister and nephew. No matter how hard he tries to keep his distance from Tally he can’t just can’t stay away.
The chemistry between Tally & Walker is sizzling and no amount of spring rain can put out the fire burning between them. I will always be a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope and this one sucked me right in 🥵
The dynamics between all of the supporting characters were so well developed, you can’t help but fall for each of them just as much as Tally & Walker! I’m already excited to head back to Hope Harbor
Tropes:
🌷Grumpy/sunshine
🌷Enemies-to-lovers
🌷Forced proximity
*Thank you NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC*
Jesse Walker is a grumpy, broody man with one goal…..and that’s taking care of his sister and nephew. No matter how hard he tries to keep his distance from Tally he can’t just can’t stay away.
The chemistry between Tally & Walker is sizzling and no amount of spring rain can put out the fire burning between them. I will always be a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope and this one sucked me right in 🥵
The dynamics between all of the supporting characters were so well developed, you can’t help but fall for each of them just as much as Tally & Walker! I’m already excited to head back to Hope Harbor
Tropes:
🌷Grumpy/sunshine
🌷Enemies-to-lovers
🌷Forced proximity
*Thank you NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC*
November 27, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole was such a cute, cozy read, and I really enjoyed it. I immediately connected with Tally Darling, who returns home to Hope Harbor after her father’s passing—only to discover Jesse Walker, the grumpy, half-naked farmhand, living in her house and running her family’s daffodil farm. Their rocky, hilarious first meeting hooked me right away.
I loved the dynamic between Tally and Jesse. Their rivals-to-lovers tension, paired with a definite grumpy/sunshine vibe, made their banter so much fun. Tally’s sweetness and talent as a pastry chef played perfectly against Jesse’s stubborn, guarded nature, and watching them slowly soften toward each other gave the story its heart.
Hope Harbor felt warm and lived-in, full of found-family moments and small-town charm. My only wish is that a few emotional beats had been explored a little more deeply—but overall, this was a sweet, comforting romance that left me smiling.
Tropes:
🌼 Rivals to Lovers
☀️🌧 Grumpy/Sunshine
👩🍳 Chef/Foodie FMC
🏡 Return to Hometown
🏠 Forced Proximity
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole was such a cute, cozy read, and I really enjoyed it. I immediately connected with Tally Darling, who returns home to Hope Harbor after her father’s passing—only to discover Jesse Walker, the grumpy, half-naked farmhand, living in her house and running her family’s daffodil farm. Their rocky, hilarious first meeting hooked me right away.
I loved the dynamic between Tally and Jesse. Their rivals-to-lovers tension, paired with a definite grumpy/sunshine vibe, made their banter so much fun. Tally’s sweetness and talent as a pastry chef played perfectly against Jesse’s stubborn, guarded nature, and watching them slowly soften toward each other gave the story its heart.
Hope Harbor felt warm and lived-in, full of found-family moments and small-town charm. My only wish is that a few emotional beats had been explored a little more deeply—but overall, this was a sweet, comforting romance that left me smiling.
Tropes:
🌼 Rivals to Lovers
☀️🌧 Grumpy/Sunshine
👩🍳 Chef/Foodie FMC
🏡 Return to Hometown
🏠 Forced Proximity
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
Walker and Tally 's meet-cute is more like a meet-shock - with a strong side of embarrassment and a bit of anger, and that only fuels continued sniping and sarcasm anytime they're in the vicinity of each other. Walker is keeping big secrets, but Tally has one of her own, and it isn't until they start opening up to each other that the feelings of anger and distrust turn to like and lust. The Hope Harbor community is full of character (and characters!!) that bring great banter and laughs, and slowly Walker begins to see them as his own, as Tally begins to realize that dreams can come true even if the journey to get there changes. I love the growth that they both see, individually and together, and had all the feels while on the journey with them. This story has all of the heart and plenty of spice to go with it. Can't wait to see more of Hope Harbor and what antics the Liberty Ladies will get up to!!
September 30, 2025
This book turned out to be such a surprising and enjoyable read for me. While the pacing dragged in a few spots, the payoff was worth it, and everything came together so nicely by the end. What stood out most for me was the fact that there was no third act breakup. So many romances rely on that trope, and I was wracked with anxiety towards the end. Tally took a step back, came to her senses, and chose to actually hear Walker out instead of reacting on impulse.
The Hope Harbor town group chat added just the right amount of fun, humor, and spunk. I adored how the town pushed Walker to come out of his shell and showed Tally that she could finally fit in.
The smut was hot and heavy!!!
I’d absolutely love to read more within this series and see what comes next for this town, especially if Walker ever makes it to beer and bowling!
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this read!
The Hope Harbor town group chat added just the right amount of fun, humor, and spunk. I adored how the town pushed Walker to come out of his shell and showed Tally that she could finally fit in.
The smut was hot and heavy!!!
I’d absolutely love to read more within this series and see what comes next for this town, especially if Walker ever makes it to beer and bowling!
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this read!
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