The Corner of Almost and Always: The Wildflower Pact Book 1

by Bethany Raine

Four girls. One vow. No falling in love with a local.

Back in high school, they made a pact under the big tree on Magnolia never fall for a local. A crush? Maybe. A forever? Absolutely not.
Not the hot single dad.
Not the tattooed preacher’s son.
Not the broody fire chief.
Not the grieving doctor.

But Wildflower, Texas has other plans.
Each book in the Wildflower Pact follows one of the girls as she falls in Savvy returns to run her late father’s hardware store, temporarily. Too bad her ex-best friend, turned single dad she once loved is still there… and hotter than Texas asphalt.June is a tattoo artist with a rebellious streak and a history with the preachers son,—who now owns the town’s bar and still kisses like sin.Callie- to be announcedLena- to be announcedPacked with banter, heartbreak, healing and small-town gossip that spreads faster than wildfire, The Wildflower Pact is a romance series for anyone who’s ever tried to outrun their past…and tripped right into love.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2025

Reviews

[Rosalva Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, Swoony, and Impossible to Put Down

This book had me hooked from page one! 💖 Savvy coming back to her dad’s hardware store gave me all the small-town vibes, and the way the setting was written felt so real I could practically hear the screen door creak and smell the sawdust. The emotions were raw, tender, and absolutely gut-punching. I definitely teared up a few times right alongside her. 🥹

And then there’s Grayson. Sigh. He’s the reliable, steady kind of hero who sneaks up on you and steals your heart without even trying. The way he loves his daughter? Adorable. The way he cares for Savvy? SWOON. He’s the definition of dependable but still manages to be hotter than Texas asphalt. 🔥

I also LOVED the girl group dynamic. That pact they made in the beginning? Such a fun and heartfelt detail, and it added so much to the story. It made me want to grab my own friends and start some chaotic pact immediately 😂.

Overall: this book was heartwarming, emotional, and swoony in the best way. Equal parts laughter, tears, and feels. If you love second-chance romance, small towns, and heroes who give you butterflies while also making you feel safe, this one is for you! 💕

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

As a small-town Texas girl, this story felt so relatable in the best way. 🤠💕 It was sweet without being overly cheesy, and I found myself smiling through so many parts. Savvy and Grayson were such a heartwarming couple, and Millie girl totally stole the show! While I would’ve loved to dive a little deeper into their individual backstories, it honestly didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book. Overall, it was a fun, feel-good read, and I can’t wait to keep going with the rest of the series!

[Kayli Sahagun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a feel good small town second chance story. Such good vibes throughout the book! Love the single dad trope with a little girl. I loved getting to know all the girls that will be in the future books and look forward to reading their stories too! And the cover of this book is so freaking cute.

[Alexis Giltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this book. from seeing a blurb on tiktok a month ago to it finally coming out. it’s small town romance and purely vibes. i would absolutely love to see this be a movie one day , i can’t wait for the rest of the series to be released

[Kori Maslakow · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute story; needs to be edited

There were too many editing mistakes. I was so excited about this book, but I had to read and re-read multiple parts due to editing and formatting issues.

[Meg Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, love the storyline, etc etc. There was some issues with consistency, “he brought out two beers” but all the sudden they’re drinking wine; refers to the hardware store as the his last name not hers.

I’ll keep reading the series because I’m invested in their stories. 😅

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but I just didn’t love it - I much preferred the side characters like June and Callie than the FMC and I felt the romance was a bit dull. An enjoyable read that is light and good for someone who wants a palette cleanser.

[Andi G · Rating 5 out of 5]

POETIC

This made me want love. lol
I haven’t felt this achey in my chest over a book since Love Letter to Whiskey…

The writing here was just so artful and flowed sooo beautifully.
Love it here.
Thank you!

[maereads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m trying to get to heaven so I’ll keep my opinions to myself.

[BookishAlexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had more hope in this book based off TikTok’s about it from the author. Lots of boring filler and hardly any romance I felt like.

[Morgan E · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute!

So cute!!!! Peak small town romance. I love that she’s still a boss and handles her shiii
Cannot wait for the rest of the series.

[Lindsey Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance!

[Melissa Grave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and sweet read of four girls who make a vow to never fall in love with a local and sounds like that vow is quickly broken.

[Katie Tessin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 46%

I can’t look past the obvious issues to finish the book. It’s not worth it to me

[Allie Blackmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most unrealistic part of this book was this man wearing flannels outside, during the daytime, in a Texas July. We’re about to be on the Corner or Heat and Stroke.

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cornyyyyyyyyy