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The Hemlock #2
Like a Wildflower
What happens when the reserved wallflower meets the free-spirited wildflower?
Joey
I’ve always been the “too much” girl. Too expressive, too forgetful, too overwhelming. My life is a whirlwind of new adventures and endless roads. Now that I’m back home on a three-month work assignment, I’m stuck under one roof with a quiet, tattooed stranger. Enter Beckett, my new roommate. On paper, we’re complete opposites. But beneath the surface, we’re not so different. Somewhere between the late-night conversations and the chaos that turned into cherished memories—I realize we’re different versions of the same story. Because with Beckett, he shows me that being “too much” can be the perfect amount for the right person.
Beckett
The open road always calls to me. I’ve spent years collecting highway miles instead of human connections. With my cat in tow, I move from city to city across the country as a travel nurse, only staying as long as needed. As a result, building relationships doesn’t come easily. Especially when my social anxiety gets in the way. So when I find myself sharing a cottage for three months with a free-spirited woman who understands me better than I do, I learn some detours are destinations in disguise. When Joey speaks, the universe pauses to listen. Yet every time our eyes meet, it’s as if she can hear all my quiet thoughts. With her by my side, the tightness in my chest eases—grounding me more than anything or anyone else ever could.
Without warning, our lives intertwine, gradually reshaping around each other. And suddenly, three months in Hemlock doesn’t sound long enough.
Joey
I’ve always been the “too much” girl. Too expressive, too forgetful, too overwhelming. My life is a whirlwind of new adventures and endless roads. Now that I’m back home on a three-month work assignment, I’m stuck under one roof with a quiet, tattooed stranger. Enter Beckett, my new roommate. On paper, we’re complete opposites. But beneath the surface, we’re not so different. Somewhere between the late-night conversations and the chaos that turned into cherished memories—I realize we’re different versions of the same story. Because with Beckett, he shows me that being “too much” can be the perfect amount for the right person.
Beckett
The open road always calls to me. I’ve spent years collecting highway miles instead of human connections. With my cat in tow, I move from city to city across the country as a travel nurse, only staying as long as needed. As a result, building relationships doesn’t come easily. Especially when my social anxiety gets in the way. So when I find myself sharing a cottage for three months with a free-spirited woman who understands me better than I do, I learn some detours are destinations in disguise. When Joey speaks, the universe pauses to listen. Yet every time our eyes meet, it’s as if she can hear all my quiet thoughts. With her by my side, the tightness in my chest eases—grounding me more than anything or anyone else ever could.
Without warning, our lives intertwine, gradually reshaping around each other. And suddenly, three months in Hemlock doesn’t sound long enough.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2026
About the author
Samm Wilde
4 books96 followersSamm Wilde is a romance author who weaves words into worlds filled with humor and heart.
When she isn’t obsessing over word count, second-guessing plot points, or anxiously deciding between synonyms—you can find her lying on the ground with her dog or eating emotional support cake.
Samm writes to remind us all that love, even with all its imperfect quirks, is a feeling worth embracing.
Find her on Instagram @AuthorSammWilde
When she isn’t obsessing over word count, second-guessing plot points, or anxiously deciding between synonyms—you can find her lying on the ground with her dog or eating emotional support cake.
Samm writes to remind us all that love, even with all its imperfect quirks, is a feeling worth embracing.
Find her on Instagram @AuthorSammWilde
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 28, 2026
When I learned A New Leaf was going to be a part of a series I knew I had to get my hands on Like a Wildflower as soon as it came out, and it did not disappoint. I adore rom coms and how I always have a smile on my face while reading them, and this one made me smile and kick my feet with how adorable this story was.
Not only did I love the fact that we had previous charters in this story, but we were introduced to Barb. The hilarious yet judgmental and slightly creepy orange kitty. If you love animal side kicks in romances, you need this series just alone from them and their shenanigans.
Joey and Beckett were seriously so adorable, and I absolutely loved their story. Especially when you can relate to the characters on such a personal level. If you are looking for an adorable rom com with some hilarious side characters, adorable yet crazy animal friends, and some really, really good spice. Then you need to add this and book one to your TBR!
🌶️🌶️/5
*Thank you so much to the author, Samm Wilde for the opportunity to read the ARC!*
Not only did I love the fact that we had previous charters in this story, but we were introduced to Barb. The hilarious yet judgmental and slightly creepy orange kitty. If you love animal side kicks in romances, you need this series just alone from them and their shenanigans.
Joey and Beckett were seriously so adorable, and I absolutely loved their story. Especially when you can relate to the characters on such a personal level. If you are looking for an adorable rom com with some hilarious side characters, adorable yet crazy animal friends, and some really, really good spice. Then you need to add this and book one to your TBR!
🌶️🌶️/5
*Thank you so much to the author, Samm Wilde for the opportunity to read the ARC!*
February 14, 2026
Samm writes some of the most relatable characters that you can’t help falling in love with. Plus the inclusion of adorable animals makes my animal loving heart happy. While this is the second in a series, you don’t need to read the first book to read one (though you should read it because it’s lovely). The mmc on the outside was tall and tattooed and maybe a little intimidating first glance, but truly the sweetest and most caring guy. I loved the inclusion of his journal entries in between every few chapters to get to know him even more. The fmc I empathized with as she felt like she was “too much” or a “burden” because that is what she had been told by a couple of terrible people. I loved how the mmc didn’t hesitate to correct her every time she’d try to dismiss something due to her feeling that way.
🏡 small town
👥 roommates
🤍 strangers to lovers
🐈 includes a cat
🌷 he gets a tattoo for her
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
🏡 small town
👥 roommates
🤍 strangers to lovers
🐈 includes a cat
🌷 he gets a tattoo for her
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
What to Expect:
Small Town
Roommates
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Anxiety rep
From the first page, I was enthralled by the story and the small town that Samm created in. Joey and Beckett were some of the most relatable characters I have read lately, and I could not get enough.
Joey is back in her hometown after spending several years traveling as a digital nomad. Beckett is also back in town and working at the local hospital. When they both find themselves as accidental roommates renting out rooms in the same house, they find out they have more in common then they originally thought, including a shared history from their childhoods.
This book had me kicking my feet and swooning. Beckett might be the lumbering giant with tattoos, but his heart is golden. And Barbara, his cat and Agatha his sourdough starter made such a find group that I could not get enough. The way he cared for Joey and knew what she needed before she did was perfection. Joey was Beckett's opposite in so many ways. She had always been told she was too much, too loud, just another burden... but her light and her happiness was the balm her family needed. The way she pushed back against people's unrealistic expectations of her and was authentically herself had me cheering as she decided to who she wanted to be.
Seeing Joey and Beckett find the unconditional love they wanted in each other was everything I wanted and more. Thank you so much to Samm for the early copy of Like a Wildflower! I am so excited to see where she goes next in the series!
Small Town
Roommates
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Anxiety rep
From the first page, I was enthralled by the story and the small town that Samm created in. Joey and Beckett were some of the most relatable characters I have read lately, and I could not get enough.
Joey is back in her hometown after spending several years traveling as a digital nomad. Beckett is also back in town and working at the local hospital. When they both find themselves as accidental roommates renting out rooms in the same house, they find out they have more in common then they originally thought, including a shared history from their childhoods.
This book had me kicking my feet and swooning. Beckett might be the lumbering giant with tattoos, but his heart is golden. And Barbara, his cat and Agatha his sourdough starter made such a find group that I could not get enough. The way he cared for Joey and knew what she needed before she did was perfection. Joey was Beckett's opposite in so many ways. She had always been told she was too much, too loud, just another burden... but her light and her happiness was the balm her family needed. The way she pushed back against people's unrealistic expectations of her and was authentically herself had me cheering as she decided to who she wanted to be.
Seeing Joey and Beckett find the unconditional love they wanted in each other was everything I wanted and more. Thank you so much to Samm for the early copy of Like a Wildflower! I am so excited to see where she goes next in the series!
March 3, 2026
Like a Wildflower is the sweetest, softest slow burn and I loved every second of it. Being back in Hemlock felt like coming home, especially with familiar faces from A New Leaf and the true star, Barbara the slightly judgmental orange cat. Joey and Beckett, childhood neighbors who never really connected, end up back in town at the same time and, thanks to some serendipitous run-ins, become roommates, giving us strangers-to-roommates-to-lovers with delicious forced proximity.
Joey is chaotic, compassionate, and convinced she’s too much, while Beckett, a quiet, tattooed travel nurse with social anxiety, is her steady reassurance, and the way they meet each other with patience and care made my heart ache in the best way. The anxiety representation feels nuanced and honest, and their dynamic of loving each other as-is, not trying to fix one another, is deeply comforting. Beckett’s acts-of-service energy and soft devotion make the eventual payoff of that slow burn absolutely worth it.
Samm Wilde writes with warmth and humor that feels grounded and real, and this story ultimately becomes a tender reminder that you are never too much for the right person.
Joey is chaotic, compassionate, and convinced she’s too much, while Beckett, a quiet, tattooed travel nurse with social anxiety, is her steady reassurance, and the way they meet each other with patience and care made my heart ache in the best way. The anxiety representation feels nuanced and honest, and their dynamic of loving each other as-is, not trying to fix one another, is deeply comforting. Beckett’s acts-of-service energy and soft devotion make the eventual payoff of that slow burn absolutely worth it.
Samm Wilde writes with warmth and humor that feels grounded and real, and this story ultimately becomes a tender reminder that you are never too much for the right person.
February 24, 2026
This book has taken stake as my favorite book of the month, and I need everyone to go read about Joey and Beckett RIGHT NOW!!!!!! Their relationship was so fun and slightly chaotic and exciting and relatable and everything you want in a romance book!!!!
If I had a dollar every time Beckett checked one of my boxes, I would be rich!!!! The man is a cat dad (ONE OF THE BEST ONES), he has a sourdough starter, HE WEARS A HELMET WHEN HE RIDES HIS MOTORCYCLE!!!!! AND HE JOURNALS!!!!!! I love a man who is in touch with his emotions and talks to his therapist!!
And Joey. My dear sweet lovely Josephine. I want to be her when I grow up (mind you I am an adult and almost her already: chaotic people-pleasing tendencies and a career in creative arts). I absolutely adored her, and I will brush aside her ketchup-and-grilled cheese combo (it’s almost like tomato soup so I guess it works).
Both of them deal with mental health, and I think Samm covered the nuances and realities of anxiety and overthinking and wanting to be Perfect wonderfully. Seeing Beckett and Joey mold to one another and seeing their relationship form was a blessing, and I was truly giggling kicking my feet as I finished the book (at like 1am lmao!!!!).
I need literally everyone to go read A New Leaf to meet Finn and Charlie (AND JOEY) and then come read Like a Wildflower and gush in my DMs over how amazing Samm’s writing is and how amazing her books are!!!!!!
Thank you Samm for the arc I love you endlessly!!!
If I had a dollar every time Beckett checked one of my boxes, I would be rich!!!! The man is a cat dad (ONE OF THE BEST ONES), he has a sourdough starter, HE WEARS A HELMET WHEN HE RIDES HIS MOTORCYCLE!!!!! AND HE JOURNALS!!!!!! I love a man who is in touch with his emotions and talks to his therapist!!
And Joey. My dear sweet lovely Josephine. I want to be her when I grow up (mind you I am an adult and almost her already: chaotic people-pleasing tendencies and a career in creative arts). I absolutely adored her, and I will brush aside her ketchup-and-grilled cheese combo (it’s almost like tomato soup so I guess it works).
Both of them deal with mental health, and I think Samm covered the nuances and realities of anxiety and overthinking and wanting to be Perfect wonderfully. Seeing Beckett and Joey mold to one another and seeing their relationship form was a blessing, and I was truly giggling kicking my feet as I finished the book (at like 1am lmao!!!!).
I need literally everyone to go read A New Leaf to meet Finn and Charlie (AND JOEY) and then come read Like a Wildflower and gush in my DMs over how amazing Samm’s writing is and how amazing her books are!!!!!!
Thank you Samm for the arc I love you endlessly!!!
February 24, 2026
The plot:
This upcoming sequel to A New Leaf follows Charlie’s younger sister Joey, who is back in Hemlock to work with her brand redesign client, Droplet. Joey is used to life on the open road in her orange VW van Poppy, but finds herself sharing a cottage in her hometown with a travel nurse. Beckett takes a stint working in the ER of his hometown of Hemlock and is swept off his feet by the woman he’s sharing a three month lease with.
What I liked:
Joey battles with her self doubt and low self esteem throughout the whole book. I thought her feelings were realistic and I liked that she had to come to see herself as those she loves do in order to find that self acceptance.
What I disliked:
I’m very 50/50 on Beckett. He’s tall, handsome, caring and sensitive. There’s nothing I didn’t like about his character. But, had a difficult time with his dialogue and journal entries. He came across too poetic to me at times and sounded almost too similar in voice to Joey and other characters.
I think the setting of the story could be stronger. I loved the call backs to Charlie’s plant store and Finn’s coffee shop. Exploring more of Joey and Beckett’s every day lives at work might’ve given the reader an opportunity to see them in a more nuanced way.
Thank you to Samm Wilde for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I love her account on IG so check her out!
This upcoming sequel to A New Leaf follows Charlie’s younger sister Joey, who is back in Hemlock to work with her brand redesign client, Droplet. Joey is used to life on the open road in her orange VW van Poppy, but finds herself sharing a cottage in her hometown with a travel nurse. Beckett takes a stint working in the ER of his hometown of Hemlock and is swept off his feet by the woman he’s sharing a three month lease with.
What I liked:
Joey battles with her self doubt and low self esteem throughout the whole book. I thought her feelings were realistic and I liked that she had to come to see herself as those she loves do in order to find that self acceptance.
What I disliked:
I’m very 50/50 on Beckett. He’s tall, handsome, caring and sensitive. There’s nothing I didn’t like about his character. But, had a difficult time with his dialogue and journal entries. He came across too poetic to me at times and sounded almost too similar in voice to Joey and other characters.
I think the setting of the story could be stronger. I loved the call backs to Charlie’s plant store and Finn’s coffee shop. Exploring more of Joey and Beckett’s every day lives at work might’ve given the reader an opportunity to see them in a more nuanced way.
Thank you to Samm Wilde for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I love her account on IG so check her out!
March 25, 2026
“She's weaving herself into the fibers of my soul, making it impossible to untangle myself from her.”
👩🏻❤️👨🏼🐈🍌💐🌷🏥🐶🚐❤️
Genuinely infinity stars IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THIS BOOK. Truly go ahead and stitch the entire book on my heart, because I will never get over them.
Beckett and Joey, I don’t even have words for how perfect the two of you are. And the way together they perfectly completed each other. Joey was always “too much” and Beckett was “not enough” and together they make the perfect pair. Joey was such a relatable FMC, and I saw so much of myself in her. It simultaneously broke my heart, and healed it too watching Joey always feel like she was too much for everyone around her. And Beckett…. The man that he is. The way he was so patient with Joey, always reassuring her she was perfect as is, and taking every possible moment he could to simply build her up, still has me swooning. I mean the man writes in a freaking journal every night, as if he wasn’t already enough of a Green Flag.
Goodness I could seriously yap about this book for hours and it wouldn’t be enough time. I just finished and truly already want to reread it. If you take one book rec from this year, please let it be this one!!!!
👩🏻❤️👨🏼🐈🍌💐🌷🏥🐶🚐❤️
Genuinely infinity stars IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THIS BOOK. Truly go ahead and stitch the entire book on my heart, because I will never get over them.
Beckett and Joey, I don’t even have words for how perfect the two of you are. And the way together they perfectly completed each other. Joey was always “too much” and Beckett was “not enough” and together they make the perfect pair. Joey was such a relatable FMC, and I saw so much of myself in her. It simultaneously broke my heart, and healed it too watching Joey always feel like she was too much for everyone around her. And Beckett…. The man that he is. The way he was so patient with Joey, always reassuring her she was perfect as is, and taking every possible moment he could to simply build her up, still has me swooning. I mean the man writes in a freaking journal every night, as if he wasn’t already enough of a Green Flag.
Goodness I could seriously yap about this book for hours and it wouldn’t be enough time. I just finished and truly already want to reread it. If you take one book rec from this year, please let it be this one!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Be still my heart!!! The quiet love gets me every single time!! Samm knows how to write green flagged men and Beckett Hart is as green as they come!! OBSESSED!
I don't know where to begin!! I loved this one so much!! The humor was spot on! The characters were absolutely adorable and I fell hard and fast for them both! Samm writes characters that are so relatable on so many levels. Beckett and Joey could not be any more opposite but they balanced each other out so perfectly! They could read other so well and I loved that they knew what the other needed without speaking. Their love was slow and quiet but so strong and deep. Beckett has social anxiety and Joey always felt like she was too much. They didn't try to change each other. Their "quirks" is what they love most about one another. And so did I! They had the sweetest connection and the chemistry was perfect! And talk about acts of service!! If that's your love language then Beckett is your man!! I could go on and on about how much I adored this book. Just read it and slide into my DM's so we can talk! Congrats Samm on another 5 star book!!
-Small Town
-Roommates to Lovers
-Shy Tattooed Hero
-Free Spirited FMC
-Opposites Attract
-Anxiety Rep
-Cat Daddy
Thank you Samm for this ARC!
I don't know where to begin!! I loved this one so much!! The humor was spot on! The characters were absolutely adorable and I fell hard and fast for them both! Samm writes characters that are so relatable on so many levels. Beckett and Joey could not be any more opposite but they balanced each other out so perfectly! They could read other so well and I loved that they knew what the other needed without speaking. Their love was slow and quiet but so strong and deep. Beckett has social anxiety and Joey always felt like she was too much. They didn't try to change each other. Their "quirks" is what they love most about one another. And so did I! They had the sweetest connection and the chemistry was perfect! And talk about acts of service!! If that's your love language then Beckett is your man!! I could go on and on about how much I adored this book. Just read it and slide into my DM's so we can talk! Congrats Samm on another 5 star book!!
-Small Town
-Roommates to Lovers
-Shy Tattooed Hero
-Free Spirited FMC
-Opposites Attract
-Anxiety Rep
-Cat Daddy
Thank you Samm for this ARC!
January 31, 2026
Samm does it again! I inhaled this ARC less than 24 hours. It was sooo good. Cried in the best way a few times and am already reading it again.
Book: Like A Wildflower, Book 2 but can be read as a standalone (you’ll just miss some cameos from the characters from book 1)
🌸 forced proximity
🌸 book one character cameos and shenanigans
🌸 traveling nurse and traveling graphic designer
🌸 anxiety reps 🙌🏽
🌸 sassy and adorable cat, Barbara aka Babs
🌸 tension!! all the delicious tension
🌸 shy and tatted MMC and he wears grey sweatpants in the house y’all 🥵 and more but I don’t want to spoil anything!
🌸 all of the animals are alive and well throughout the entire book.
This is, in my opinion, about two people finally being accepted as they truly are and loved by their partner unconditionally as well as them figuring themselves out along the way through new beginnings. I cackled and cried and kicked my feet with joy. I also swooned and wished this MMC were real. Also, Samm, if you’re reading this, pleaseeee give us more from Misty Sparkles, PLEASE!!!
🌸🤍✨ Can’t wait for you all to enjoy Like a Wildflower when it releases!
🪴A New Leaf is book 1 of the Hemlock series and is out now if you want to meet Charlie, Finn, Vera, and Frank!
Book: Like A Wildflower, Book 2 but can be read as a standalone (you’ll just miss some cameos from the characters from book 1)
🌸 forced proximity
🌸 book one character cameos and shenanigans
🌸 traveling nurse and traveling graphic designer
🌸 anxiety reps 🙌🏽
🌸 sassy and adorable cat, Barbara aka Babs
🌸 tension!! all the delicious tension
🌸 shy and tatted MMC and he wears grey sweatpants in the house y’all 🥵 and more but I don’t want to spoil anything!
🌸 all of the animals are alive and well throughout the entire book.
This is, in my opinion, about two people finally being accepted as they truly are and loved by their partner unconditionally as well as them figuring themselves out along the way through new beginnings. I cackled and cried and kicked my feet with joy. I also swooned and wished this MMC were real. Also, Samm, if you’re reading this, pleaseeee give us more from Misty Sparkles, PLEASE!!!
🌸🤍✨ Can’t wait for you all to enjoy Like a Wildflower when it releases!
🪴A New Leaf is book 1 of the Hemlock series and is out now if you want to meet Charlie, Finn, Vera, and Frank!
March 14, 2026
A New Leaf was my favorite book of 2025 so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Samm Wilde’s second novel, Like A Wildflower, and I absolutely fell in love with Joey and Beckett as a couple! Even though I’m not much of a free spirit, I could relate to Joey always being told or feeling she was too much for everyone and I could also relate to Beckett’s social anxiety so to see that these two coming together first as roommates and later as lovers and truly being each other’s perfect match was very satisfying. It was also fun to read about some of the characters from A New Leaf in this book. I am very much looking forward to what Samm will write next. Thank you to Samm Wilde for the early copy!
February 23, 2026
A New Leaf was one of my fave reads last year so this instantly became one of my most highly anticipated reads. And Samm did not let me down. I adore her writing, it’s easy to read and just a breath of fresh air. Her characters are so real and relatable, she had me instantly attached to them and completely invested in their story right from the beginning.
It’s a beautiful, slow burn romance that’s soft, tender and completely heartwarming. I lost count of the number of times I got kick my feet giddy during this.
The anxiety representation in this made me feel SO SEEN. It was done so well and with such care. The way these two supported one another was so beautiful and their relationship progressed so realistically. The unconditional love between them had me melting into a puddle of mush.
I loved the cameos from Charlie + Finn along with their mischievous pups. And Barbara? She’s out here giving main character energy and I loved her. While I was fully focused on Beckett and Joey here, I am very intrigued by Jack and hoping we his story!!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: small town, opposites attract, roommates to lovers, shy mmc, sunshine fmc, slow burn, cat daddy.
It’s a beautiful, slow burn romance that’s soft, tender and completely heartwarming. I lost count of the number of times I got kick my feet giddy during this.
The anxiety representation in this made me feel SO SEEN. It was done so well and with such care. The way these two supported one another was so beautiful and their relationship progressed so realistically. The unconditional love between them had me melting into a puddle of mush.
I loved the cameos from Charlie + Finn along with their mischievous pups. And Barbara? She’s out here giving main character energy and I loved her. While I was fully focused on Beckett and Joey here, I am very intrigued by Jack and hoping we his story!!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: small town, opposites attract, roommates to lovers, shy mmc, sunshine fmc, slow burn, cat daddy.
March 1, 2026
Ugh I really wish I could rate this book higher. I love the anxiety representation but the book was just trying too hard to be quirky? I didn’t really feel their chemistry. I like that he was a nurse though! I feel like this is a nice book conceptually
Read
September 21, 2025Beta read <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rtc
Did Not Finish
February 23, 2026This is a super soft DNF and is 100% on me because the mood reader in me is just not letting me enjoy this one. Will come back!
February 26, 2026
Thought this book was really cute and characters were likeable. Appreciated there was not a 3rd act "breakup"
I felt that spice overtook plot a bit at the end which I didn't love.
I felt that spice overtook plot a bit at the end which I didn't love.
March 19, 2026
This book is just so sweet!! I love how both Joey and Beckett struggle with different forms of anxiety, yet they both complement and support each other SO so well.
May 16, 2026
Everything about this man was swoon worthy!!! He has emotional depth, he has tattoos and a motorcycle but shy and it’s sooo cute!!! He braids her hair and together they allow each other to be themselves and I loved that!!!! It was so sweet! A slow burn for sure but I enjoyed them! 4.5 stars!
February 18, 2026
After I finished A New Leaf and saw that Joey was getting her own book, I bumped it to the top of my to be read list. Joey and Beckett. Barbara and Moose. I’m physically sad I don’t have any more of them! Joey is creative, witty, and a warm soul. She feels like she is always too much and never enough at the same time. Beckett is so kind despite his anxiety and the two develop an amazing chemistry together that I couldn’t get enough of. Of course, I love all the animals represented as well as Agatha. Samm, you’ve done it again! Bravo! Thank you also for providing me with an ARC to read and love, it goes out into the world for more people to do the same.
P.S. Love how it’s a bit spicer than A New Leaf! 💗
P.S. Love how it’s a bit spicer than A New Leaf! 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like a Wildflower is the sweetest, softest, most tender slow burn and I devoured it in a single day. Being back in Hemlock felt like coming home, with familiar faces from A New Leaf, adorable dogs, and of course the true star of the series, Barbara the slightly judgmental, mildly creepy orange cat. We love a sassy animal sidekick. We love a Cat Daddy even more.
Joey and Beckett grew up as neighbors but never really knew each other. Years of traveling and nomadic living bring them back to their hometown at the exact same time, and through a string of serendipitous run ins they end up as roommates. Strangers to roommates to lovers with forced proximity and a delicious slow burn? Yes please.
Joey is loud, chaotic, compassionate, and constantly worried she is too much. Too emotional. Too messy. Too inconvenient. Watching her navigate self doubt and chronic over apologizing felt painfully relatable. Beckett, on the other hand, is quiet, tattooed, a travel nurse with social anxiety, and the human embodiment of steady. He reassures her every single time she tries to shrink herself. She could never be too much. Not for him. The way he meets her where she is and the way she learns to read his overwhelm and ask what he needs made my heart ache in the best way.
The anxiety representation in this book is beautiful and nuanced. Beckett’s social anxiety and Joey’s internalized belief that she is a burden are portrayed with so much care. As someone who understands that spiral of overthinking and unnecessary apologies, I felt seen. They become the calm to each other’s storm. Two imperfect people who do not try to fix each other, only love each other as they are. Oh to be known like that.
Beckett is the definition of acts of service. The yes ma’am energy. The quiet caretaking. The journal entries woven between chapters that give us deeper insight into his heart. The way he shows up without hesitation when Joey needs him. He may look tall and intimidating on the outside, but he is the softest, sweetest, most attentive man. And when the slow burn finally ignites, it is very much worth the wait. The spice is real and really good.
Samm Wilde’s writing feels like a breath of fresh air. It is warm, funny, and grounded in a way that makes the characters feel like people you know. The dual POV, text messages, and journal entries add so much emotional depth and fun. If you love authors like Abby Jimenez and crave rom coms that make you smile, kick your feet, and occasionally tear up, this series needs to be on your list.
Like a Wildflower is ultimately a story about acceptance. About learning you are not too much. About loving someone not in spite of their anxiety, but alongside it. It is swoony, heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply comforting.
And yes, I am already begging for the next book. Especially if it involves a certain single dad.
Joey and Beckett grew up as neighbors but never really knew each other. Years of traveling and nomadic living bring them back to their hometown at the exact same time, and through a string of serendipitous run ins they end up as roommates. Strangers to roommates to lovers with forced proximity and a delicious slow burn? Yes please.
Joey is loud, chaotic, compassionate, and constantly worried she is too much. Too emotional. Too messy. Too inconvenient. Watching her navigate self doubt and chronic over apologizing felt painfully relatable. Beckett, on the other hand, is quiet, tattooed, a travel nurse with social anxiety, and the human embodiment of steady. He reassures her every single time she tries to shrink herself. She could never be too much. Not for him. The way he meets her where she is and the way she learns to read his overwhelm and ask what he needs made my heart ache in the best way.
The anxiety representation in this book is beautiful and nuanced. Beckett’s social anxiety and Joey’s internalized belief that she is a burden are portrayed with so much care. As someone who understands that spiral of overthinking and unnecessary apologies, I felt seen. They become the calm to each other’s storm. Two imperfect people who do not try to fix each other, only love each other as they are. Oh to be known like that.
Beckett is the definition of acts of service. The yes ma’am energy. The quiet caretaking. The journal entries woven between chapters that give us deeper insight into his heart. The way he shows up without hesitation when Joey needs him. He may look tall and intimidating on the outside, but he is the softest, sweetest, most attentive man. And when the slow burn finally ignites, it is very much worth the wait. The spice is real and really good.
Samm Wilde’s writing feels like a breath of fresh air. It is warm, funny, and grounded in a way that makes the characters feel like people you know. The dual POV, text messages, and journal entries add so much emotional depth and fun. If you love authors like Abby Jimenez and crave rom coms that make you smile, kick your feet, and occasionally tear up, this series needs to be on your list.
Like a Wildflower is ultimately a story about acceptance. About learning you are not too much. About loving someone not in spite of their anxiety, but alongside it. It is swoony, heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply comforting.
And yes, I am already begging for the next book. Especially if it involves a certain single dad.
Review of advance copy
I am so glad I got the chance to read this ARC. I absolutely LOVED A New Leaf and have been so excited for the second book in the series. Samm Wilde writes the sweetest stories and I love it so much!
Joey is so relatable. She thinks she is too much, has been told she is too much, and just wants to find a place she belongs that won't force her to change who she is to fit a mold. After coming back to town for work, she is surprised to find that she will be roommates with a hot, tattooed, but very shy traveling nurse, Beckett. who she has previously met and run into several times. She has her doubts right away, believing that Beckett won't like living with her. She over thinks everything and is constantly waiting for Beckett to kick her out or leave himself. She apologizes way too much and is seemingly the complete opposite of Beckett.
Beckett is a traveling nurse in town for a few months. He has social anxiety to the max, except when he is working. He loves caring for people, helping them heal, and work is the one place he does not feel overwhelmed by other people. He is shy, anxious, a little socially awkward, but incredibly caring and thoughtful. He has a close relationship with his mom and he is so encouraging to Joey.
I loved seeing how Joey and Beckett's relationship grew. Joey was always by Beckett's side, noticing when he was feeling anxious, grounding him and offering support, and even giving him the option to leave wherever he was at. Beckett was always quick to correct Joey whenever she felt like she was a burden or being too much. They balance each other out so well. Giving the other person what they need most. Patience, kindness, and understanding. A place where they can truly be themselves without the fear of judgement from the other. A safety net for when they are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The sweetest, most caring partnership.
I always love a found family element and in this book, I loved how Joey's family immediately took in Beckett and didn't judge him for being shy and reserved. Both Joey and Beckett found a person that saw them for who they really were and rooted for each other to find happiness. They lifted each other up and didn't want the other to dim their light for anyone or any job.
As a bonus, I loved journal entries from Beckett. It added an extra layer of sweetness.
Lastly, I can't get over the appearances of Vera, and Frank. The pets in this series are the cutest side characters!
I am manifesting Marnie's book next!
Joey is so relatable. She thinks she is too much, has been told she is too much, and just wants to find a place she belongs that won't force her to change who she is to fit a mold. After coming back to town for work, she is surprised to find that she will be roommates with a hot, tattooed, but very shy traveling nurse, Beckett. who she has previously met and run into several times. She has her doubts right away, believing that Beckett won't like living with her. She over thinks everything and is constantly waiting for Beckett to kick her out or leave himself. She apologizes way too much and is seemingly the complete opposite of Beckett.
Beckett is a traveling nurse in town for a few months. He has social anxiety to the max, except when he is working. He loves caring for people, helping them heal, and work is the one place he does not feel overwhelmed by other people. He is shy, anxious, a little socially awkward, but incredibly caring and thoughtful. He has a close relationship with his mom and he is so encouraging to Joey.
I loved seeing how Joey and Beckett's relationship grew. Joey was always by Beckett's side, noticing when he was feeling anxious, grounding him and offering support, and even giving him the option to leave wherever he was at. Beckett was always quick to correct Joey whenever she felt like she was a burden or being too much. They balance each other out so well. Giving the other person what they need most. Patience, kindness, and understanding. A place where they can truly be themselves without the fear of judgement from the other. A safety net for when they are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. The sweetest, most caring partnership.
I always love a found family element and in this book, I loved how Joey's family immediately took in Beckett and didn't judge him for being shy and reserved. Both Joey and Beckett found a person that saw them for who they really were and rooted for each other to find happiness. They lifted each other up and didn't want the other to dim their light for anyone or any job.
As a bonus, I loved journal entries from Beckett. It added an extra layer of sweetness.
Lastly, I can't get over the appearances of Vera, and Frank. The pets in this series are the cutest side characters!
I am manifesting Marnie's book next!
March 24, 2026
Joey has always been known as the wild child of the 3 Thorne children. She’s a free spirit, has never settled anywhere permanently, and is always ready to take on her next adventure. Her job has her back in her hometown for the next three months to work with a company that wants to revamp their entire marketing concept, and it’s put mostly on Joey’s lap.
Beckett Hart is a travel nurse, whose next stop is his hometown of Hemlock, Oregon. He and his cat Barbara are back and living with his mother until he is able to find a short term lease for a place. He wants something a little out of town so he, his motorcycle, and his persnickety cat have some peace and quiet for their three month stay. Beckett is quiet and keeps to himself, and he has no idea what is coming to him when he shows up at the place where he found to lease for the next few months.
Joey and Beckett have somehow leased the same home for the next three months. They agree that it was hard enough to find a place for such a short time, so they agree to be roommates for the time they are both in Hemlock. Slowly but surely, Joey starts to get Beckett to come out of his shell, and Beckett starts to help Joey realize she’s not too much for the right people.
I usually see myself in at least one of the characters in a book, but I saw myself in both Joey and Beckett. The feeling of being too much like Joey, hits so close to home for me, but also the social anxiety Beckett did as well. I felt so seen. The chaos that Joey brings to Beckett, and the calm he brings for her was something so special.
Samm has a way of writing that makes you feel what her characters were feeling. I loved every second of this sweet book, I cannot wait to see what is next!
Thank you Samm for the ARC opportunity!
Beckett Hart is a travel nurse, whose next stop is his hometown of Hemlock, Oregon. He and his cat Barbara are back and living with his mother until he is able to find a short term lease for a place. He wants something a little out of town so he, his motorcycle, and his persnickety cat have some peace and quiet for their three month stay. Beckett is quiet and keeps to himself, and he has no idea what is coming to him when he shows up at the place where he found to lease for the next few months.
Joey and Beckett have somehow leased the same home for the next three months. They agree that it was hard enough to find a place for such a short time, so they agree to be roommates for the time they are both in Hemlock. Slowly but surely, Joey starts to get Beckett to come out of his shell, and Beckett starts to help Joey realize she’s not too much for the right people.
I usually see myself in at least one of the characters in a book, but I saw myself in both Joey and Beckett. The feeling of being too much like Joey, hits so close to home for me, but also the social anxiety Beckett did as well. I felt so seen. The chaos that Joey brings to Beckett, and the calm he brings for her was something so special.
Samm has a way of writing that makes you feel what her characters were feeling. I loved every second of this sweet book, I cannot wait to see what is next!
Thank you Samm for the ARC opportunity!
March 4, 2026
First off thank you to Samm for the ARC of Like A Wildflower in exchange for an honest review! Let me tell you guys: Samm just continues on perfecting her craft. And I can’t wait to see what she graces us with next.🩷
I knew Like A Wildflower was going to be amazing, because A New Leaf was an astounding debut. But I didn’t anticipate the raw vulnerability I’d experience reading both Joey and Beckett’s story. While Samm always touches on important and deep topics in her stories, such as grief and coping aren’t linear in A New Leaf, LAW delves into a different type of emotion.
Joey’s character was everything for me. She’s for the girls who’ve always been told they’re “too much and not enough”. She’s for the ones who have always danced to their own beat, but often wondered if learning by everyone else’s rhythm would be easier. She was a girl after my own heart and I loved seeing her shine through in the ways that were uniquely her, and being encouraged to do so by Beckett.
And Beckett? Never in my life have I fallen for a blonde MMC so fast (other than Draco Malfoy). So you KNOW if Beckett is on par with Draco he is TOP TIER. Seeing this sweet anxious and shy man slowly unfurl his petals with Joey’s encouragement was so heartwarming. I want ten more books about Joey and Beckett’s day to day life because I just know they’re having the best time.
LAW was everything I wanted. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me swoon and check over my shoulder to make sure no one could read what was on my kindle (the spice was SPICING y’all. Miss Wilde knows her trade 🙂↕️). I am so in love with these characters and this book, and I can’t wait to see what Samm gives us next.🩷
I knew Like A Wildflower was going to be amazing, because A New Leaf was an astounding debut. But I didn’t anticipate the raw vulnerability I’d experience reading both Joey and Beckett’s story. While Samm always touches on important and deep topics in her stories, such as grief and coping aren’t linear in A New Leaf, LAW delves into a different type of emotion.
Joey’s character was everything for me. She’s for the girls who’ve always been told they’re “too much and not enough”. She’s for the ones who have always danced to their own beat, but often wondered if learning by everyone else’s rhythm would be easier. She was a girl after my own heart and I loved seeing her shine through in the ways that were uniquely her, and being encouraged to do so by Beckett.
And Beckett? Never in my life have I fallen for a blonde MMC so fast (other than Draco Malfoy). So you KNOW if Beckett is on par with Draco he is TOP TIER. Seeing this sweet anxious and shy man slowly unfurl his petals with Joey’s encouragement was so heartwarming. I want ten more books about Joey and Beckett’s day to day life because I just know they’re having the best time.
LAW was everything I wanted. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me swoon and check over my shoulder to make sure no one could read what was on my kindle (the spice was SPICING y’all. Miss Wilde knows her trade 🙂↕️). I am so in love with these characters and this book, and I can’t wait to see what Samm gives us next.🩷
March 13, 2026
Thanks, @authorsammwilde for the ARC!
Joey and Beckett are meant to be. When she faints in her sister's flower shop, the big, tattooed nurse comes to the rescue... and now the Universe seems dead set on keeping them in each other's paths. Little do they know that this has happened before. No wonder Beckett finds her familiar.
Joey thinks she's 'too much". She's always apologetic for taking up too much space, being too loud, too everything. Beckett is a traveling nurse with severe social anxiety. They couldn't be more different.
When they're 'forced' to be temporary roommates, they are drawn to each other from the start, but they're both nomads, this stint together has an expiration date... or does it?
I was in love with Joey and Beckett from page one. My heart broke for the wonderful, vibrant woman who felt she had no place in the world and I loved how Beckett SAW her ... and loved it all. Beckett is the sweetest (and hottest) of green flag heroes! His social anxiety spoke to my heart and what a beautiful soul he has! I loved that his coping mechanism is journaling and those journal entires were a window to his soul.
The whole book is like a warm hug., You get roped into their lives and you soon feel like they are your fiends - friends you root for.
Though second in a series, you can definitely read this as a standalone.
You get small town vibes, a regal cat, meddling dogs,, a tattooed hero (who gets a special tattoo...), unexpected living situations, forced proximity, He Falls First (and so hard), lots of banter and a lovely HEA!
Content notes (including but not limited to): mentions of parental death, FMC and MMC have different types of anxiety, toxic work environment
Joey and Beckett are meant to be. When she faints in her sister's flower shop, the big, tattooed nurse comes to the rescue... and now the Universe seems dead set on keeping them in each other's paths. Little do they know that this has happened before. No wonder Beckett finds her familiar.
Joey thinks she's 'too much". She's always apologetic for taking up too much space, being too loud, too everything. Beckett is a traveling nurse with severe social anxiety. They couldn't be more different.
When they're 'forced' to be temporary roommates, they are drawn to each other from the start, but they're both nomads, this stint together has an expiration date... or does it?
I was in love with Joey and Beckett from page one. My heart broke for the wonderful, vibrant woman who felt she had no place in the world and I loved how Beckett SAW her ... and loved it all. Beckett is the sweetest (and hottest) of green flag heroes! His social anxiety spoke to my heart and what a beautiful soul he has! I loved that his coping mechanism is journaling and those journal entires were a window to his soul.
The whole book is like a warm hug., You get roped into their lives and you soon feel like they are your fiends - friends you root for.
Though second in a series, you can definitely read this as a standalone.
You get small town vibes, a regal cat, meddling dogs,, a tattooed hero (who gets a special tattoo...), unexpected living situations, forced proximity, He Falls First (and so hard), lots of banter and a lovely HEA!
Content notes (including but not limited to): mentions of parental death, FMC and MMC have different types of anxiety, toxic work environment
March 3, 2026
4.25⭐
This was a very sweet book. ❤️
I did not expect that many tears near the end, damn, I needed to hear that more than I realized. I related a bit too much with these characters.
I enjoyed Beckett and Joey's story overall. Their easy banter had me giggling. It was nice to see the side characters again specially the pups and their wild antics. Barbara was something else. This book doesn't have a conflict per se for they are internal conflicts within each of the characters. There is anxiety representation for Beckett suffers from social anxiety and is very introverted. Joey is social but very insecure and questions herself constantly.
Is Beckett a bit too perfect, yes, but I could not keep from falling for that man for my god he said everything I have always wished to be told. I personally liked the journal entries and the way he decided to confess his feelings 😭 I am truly a hopeless romantic at heart.
This book was a bit repetitive at times, specially the hair tucking behind the ear. Not a huge thing but it was like again?
As someone who bakes bread I had to suspend reality since sourdough making is so time consuming with many hours of waiting in between steps. The pacing of that scene had me distracted since I was thinking of all the steps it takes to get from feeding the starter to shaping dough.
I will continue this series for it just feels comforting. I cannot imagine Marnie with Jack so I am so curious how that is going to play out.
This was a very sweet book. ❤️
I did not expect that many tears near the end, damn, I needed to hear that more than I realized. I related a bit too much with these characters.
I enjoyed Beckett and Joey's story overall. Their easy banter had me giggling. It was nice to see the side characters again specially the pups and their wild antics. Barbara was something else. This book doesn't have a conflict per se for they are internal conflicts within each of the characters. There is anxiety representation for Beckett suffers from social anxiety and is very introverted. Joey is social but very insecure and questions herself constantly.
Is Beckett a bit too perfect, yes, but I could not keep from falling for that man for my god he said everything I have always wished to be told. I personally liked the journal entries and the way he decided to confess his feelings 😭 I am truly a hopeless romantic at heart.
This book was a bit repetitive at times, specially the hair tucking behind the ear. Not a huge thing but it was like again?
As someone who bakes bread I had to suspend reality since sourdough making is so time consuming with many hours of waiting in between steps. The pacing of that scene had me distracted since I was thinking of all the steps it takes to get from feeding the starter to shaping dough.
I will continue this series for it just feels comforting. I cannot imagine Marnie with Jack so I am so curious how that is going to play out.
February 2, 2026
This is THE sweetest book! It’s such a good follow up to A New Leaf! I loved being back in Hemlock and seeing Charlie and Finn and their pups! It was such a sweet delicious slow burn!
Joey and Beckett were so so perfect. They were such a GOOD match, in the way that they were so different but their pieces fit so perfectly together!! Beckett was quiet and careful and Joey was loud and chaotic in all the best ways. Beckett became such safe place for Joey to land, while she was able to bring him out of his shell little by little!! I loved that they were both nomad, going where felt right, traveling the country and seeing new places!! Again!! They were the perfect match!!!
Joey often felt like she was too much, and I LOVED how every single person in her life made sure to tell her she is NOT. That she is perfect the way she is, that she should be loud and chaotic and messy and that no matter what they’ll love her just the same. And Beckett!! Sweet, shy Beckett! I loved that Joey was able to read him and see the way he got overwhelmed and meet him where he was, ask him what HE needs, and be such a safe place for him to be his quiet, shy, anxious self.
I loooooove Samm’s writing and I love this series! I’m hoping we’re eventually getting a story for a certain single dad!!!
Thanks to Samm Wilde for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Joey and Beckett were so so perfect. They were such a GOOD match, in the way that they were so different but their pieces fit so perfectly together!! Beckett was quiet and careful and Joey was loud and chaotic in all the best ways. Beckett became such safe place for Joey to land, while she was able to bring him out of his shell little by little!! I loved that they were both nomad, going where felt right, traveling the country and seeing new places!! Again!! They were the perfect match!!!
Joey often felt like she was too much, and I LOVED how every single person in her life made sure to tell her she is NOT. That she is perfect the way she is, that she should be loud and chaotic and messy and that no matter what they’ll love her just the same. And Beckett!! Sweet, shy Beckett! I loved that Joey was able to read him and see the way he got overwhelmed and meet him where he was, ask him what HE needs, and be such a safe place for him to be his quiet, shy, anxious self.
I loooooove Samm’s writing and I love this series! I’m hoping we’re eventually getting a story for a certain single dad!!!
Thanks to Samm Wilde for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
[4.5 Stars😍] My sweet Beckett and my precious Joey finally get their time to shine! I loved this book so much, and I'm still thinking about this delicate, funny, and heartwarming book long after I finished it. Samm Wilde carried her sense of humor and storytelling style from her debut novel, A New Leaf, into Like A Wildflower but gave an entirely new tone and feeling to Beckett and Joey's story.
On the surface, Like A Wildflower carries all of the hallmark favorites of small-town romance that we have come to know and to love. It has a cozy setting, a meet-cute, quirky and fun side characters (not all of them human...😉), antics, found family, and, of course, romance. However, once you dive below the surface, the story becomes one with which I think many readers will resonate. Both Beckett and Joey go through the illuminating yet tender journey of unpacking emotional baggage, but in this process of revealing these deeply held feelings to another, they find acceptance, encouragement, friendship, an invisible string, and love in all its forms.
While there are plenty of light-hearted and humorous moments in Samm's book, the real gem of the story is her vulnerable exposition of these characters. While Beckett and Joey are the textbook "opposites attract" trope, at their cores they both grapple with the feeling of wanting to be wholly accepted for who they are. Beckett is someone who has social anxiety and Joey is someone who feels like she is too much but also never enough, so they have learned to adapt their expectations for love. Beckett longs to have someone with which to share a quiet, simplistic life but also someone who won't grow bored of him while Joey has given up hope of finding a partner who will love her without trying to change her or without her wanting to change herself to meet someone else’s expectations and framework of who she should be.
Their romantic journey is full of sweet and soft-hearted moments that, to quote the book, shows that:
Like A Wildflower is a wonderful and nuanced story that gave me everything I love in romance books, and it was a perfect second book in the Hemlock series by Samm Wilde. I can’t wait to see where this journey goes next, and I hope that you’ll be on that journey with me!
+Thank you to Samm Wilde for the ARC of Like A Wildflower! All thoughts in this review are my own.
On the surface, Like A Wildflower carries all of the hallmark favorites of small-town romance that we have come to know and to love. It has a cozy setting, a meet-cute, quirky and fun side characters (not all of them human...😉), antics, found family, and, of course, romance. However, once you dive below the surface, the story becomes one with which I think many readers will resonate. Both Beckett and Joey go through the illuminating yet tender journey of unpacking emotional baggage, but in this process of revealing these deeply held feelings to another, they find acceptance, encouragement, friendship, an invisible string, and love in all its forms.
While there are plenty of light-hearted and humorous moments in Samm's book, the real gem of the story is her vulnerable exposition of these characters. While Beckett and Joey are the textbook "opposites attract" trope, at their cores they both grapple with the feeling of wanting to be wholly accepted for who they are. Beckett is someone who has social anxiety and Joey is someone who feels like she is too much but also never enough, so they have learned to adapt their expectations for love. Beckett longs to have someone with which to share a quiet, simplistic life but also someone who won't grow bored of him while Joey has given up hope of finding a partner who will love her without trying to change her or without her wanting to change herself to meet someone else’s expectations and framework of who she should be.
Their romantic journey is full of sweet and soft-hearted moments that, to quote the book, shows that:
“love doesn’t always have to be loud and in-your-face. It doesn’t have to be loud in order to be strong. It could be subtle and understated. Quiet and peaceful. Because, more often than not, quiet love is given from the loudest of hearts.”
Like A Wildflower is a wonderful and nuanced story that gave me everything I love in romance books, and it was a perfect second book in the Hemlock series by Samm Wilde. I can’t wait to see where this journey goes next, and I hope that you’ll be on that journey with me!
+Thank you to Samm Wilde for the ARC of Like A Wildflower! All thoughts in this review are my own.
March 18, 2026
What a wonderful, sweet, and heartwarming book this was. Samm writes such real characters that feel authentic and I love them. Joey is back in her small hometown in Oregon for a temporary work assignment, when she normally lives a nomadic lifestyle. It’s there that she meets Beckett, a travel nurse who lives a similar lifestyle to hers.
Beckett’s social anxiety felt so real and I liked that the author didn’t shy away from showing it, and how it affected his actions. Similarly Joey’s self doubts about herself and if she was too much was heartbreaking at times, seeing how down it got her. Beckett was so wonderful about her “flaws” and I loved the he would always reassure Joey she had nothing to apologize for. Joey recognizing when Beckett was at his limit with social interactions and stepping in to help him was so sweet and exactly what he needed. They are opposites in many ways, but truly compliment each other.
The slow burn of them coming together was so good, they truly got to know one another first. I loved that they didn’t change who they were in the end and made their lifestyle work for them. They stayed true to themselves and didn’t give in to live in a way that society deems normal. I really loved the book and would definitely recommend it.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Social anxiety representation
Contemporary Romance
Beckett’s social anxiety felt so real and I liked that the author didn’t shy away from showing it, and how it affected his actions. Similarly Joey’s self doubts about herself and if she was too much was heartbreaking at times, seeing how down it got her. Beckett was so wonderful about her “flaws” and I loved the he would always reassure Joey she had nothing to apologize for. Joey recognizing when Beckett was at his limit with social interactions and stepping in to help him was so sweet and exactly what he needed. They are opposites in many ways, but truly compliment each other.
The slow burn of them coming together was so good, they truly got to know one another first. I loved that they didn’t change who they were in the end and made their lifestyle work for them. They stayed true to themselves and didn’t give in to live in a way that society deems normal. I really loved the book and would definitely recommend it.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Social anxiety representation
Contemporary Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Joey has barely returned to her hometown when she collapses in her sister’s shop, only to be rescued by Beckett, a charming nurse on a travel assignment. From there, they keep running into each other in increasingly coincidental ways, until they serendipitously find themselves renting the same house (hello, forced proximity). Naturally, sparks begin to fly. The romance unfolds easily, but beneath it all Joey is contending with work stress, self-doubt, and deciding what comes next.
The book is told in dual POV and incorporates text messages, journal entries, and alternating perspectives, which helped the story unfold in a really engaging way. I felt especially connected to Joey’s personal growth, though Beckett was endlessly charming and easy to love. I also adored the PNW setting and Joey’s free-spirit energy. And yes, the romance scenes were very steamy and spicy.
Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable read from a very talented indie author. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with heart, especially fellow free spirits in need of a warm, swoony escape.
Overall around a 4.25 for me, but going to round up for being an extremely impressive indie.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The book is told in dual POV and incorporates text messages, journal entries, and alternating perspectives, which helped the story unfold in a really engaging way. I felt especially connected to Joey’s personal growth, though Beckett was endlessly charming and easy to love. I also adored the PNW setting and Joey’s free-spirit energy. And yes, the romance scenes were very steamy and spicy.
Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable read from a very talented indie author. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with heart, especially fellow free spirits in need of a warm, swoony escape.
Overall around a 4.25 for me, but going to round up for being an extremely impressive indie.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
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