The Cherry Crush Flower Shop

Maple Falls #3

by Harper Graham

A totally uplifting and addictive cozy small-town romance

Their relationship is fake… The chemistry is not!

A small-town girl with the coziest flower shop and a secret crush. A dark, rugged veteran with scars only she can see. Could fake dating turn into happily ever after?

Zoe Hart is right where she in the small town of Maple Falls, running her snug flower shop filled with the scent of rain-soaked earth, dried herbs, and spiced tea. But her oldest friend (and secret crush) Jackson is back too. And most of all, she longs to be in his strong arms. So when her hopelessly romantic mom bets on them being Maple Falls' Couple of the Year, Zoe finds herself fake-dating the friend-zoned guy she’s always wanted…

When Jackson returns from military service, even working on his llama sanctuary can’t heal him. But Zoe is the only person who can truly make him smile. He’d do anything for her… even pretend to be dating. There’s nothing fake about his feelings as he crushes his lips to hers. But there’s no way she’d really want a broken man like him, would she?

All eyes are on them as the town prepares to vote for Couple of the Year. But when they discover a grove carpeted with long-lost flowers that shimmer like moonlight, real sparks fly. Will their make-believe romance bloom into true love forever?

Snuggle in with a steaming mug and a novel that feels like a hug on a crisp day. This cozy small-town romance is brimming with steamy romance and heartwarming, feel-good charm. Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, and all things cozy + spicy.



Steamy + cozy

Small Town Romance

Friends to Lovers

Second chances/new beginnings

Fake dating

Military

Slow-burn

Spicy

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Summer, Fake Dating

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME😍🍒💗!!!!!!!!

🍒🌷🌺A flower girl and a veteran🍒🌷🌺!!!!!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

°•. ✿ .•° Home is where the heart is, and for Zoe Hart, her heart belongs to her beloved town of Maple Falls, where she runs a flower shop. What’s also great is that her childhood best friend and long-time crush, Jackson, is back and continues to make her heart skip a beat, even though she stays in the friend zone. But when her mom nominates Zoe and Jackson for Couple of the Year at the Spring Festival and bets a lot of money on them, Zoe and Jackson feel like they have no choice but to pretend they are in a relationship. It would mean nothing to Zoe if her stomach didn’t flutter every time she caught Jackson looking at her for a beat too long…

Back from military service, Jackson tries to keep himself busy by working on his llama sanctuary to ignore the noises in his head. But nothing works, except for Zoe’s calming presence and bright smiles. Although he longs to be with her, Jackson feels like he’s too broken to be with someone as special as his best friend. But it’s as if fate is working in his favor when he and Zoe search for a mysterious and magical meadow flower while trying to convince everyone in town that they are dating, which isn’t hard for Jackson because being with Zoe is what he’s always wanted. But will he be able to allow himself to heal not only her, but also himself and their future?

✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧

°•. ✿ .•° This book was a nice read, but it also pissed me off towards the end. I swear, there must be something in my water because why am I so edgy about characters recently? 😅 I’ll explain why after I start with some positivity, because who doesn’t love positivity?

Omg, can I move to Maple Falls, please? It sounds so magical, so cute, and literally the perfect place to live out my dream of being a Gilmore Girl, even though I have never watched the show. Let me live a little! 😭😂 To be honest, I don’t think I would like the nosy neighbors and friends that snoop “because they care,” but I’m willing to overlook it if I get to live in a cute town. Besides, they were good people, and I really enjoyed the side characters. I haven’t read the other books in the series (go figure 😏), but I wasn’t confused about who was who, nor did I feel like I was missing information that the previous stories had.

Also, the first half of the book was great. I was intrigued, interested, and rooting for the characters. Out of the two main characters, Zoe was my favorite because she was really sweet and cool, but my heart broke for Jackson. I can’t imagine what it was like to endure what he went through, and it always brings tears to my eyes when I think about what our servicemen and women have gone through for our country. 😭

The ending was also good, but it was ruined by the fact that I don’t think the characters should be together. Look, I love the whole “will they, won’t they” thing in books, but if you are going to play with my emotions like that for the ENTIRE story, you’ve got another thing coming. At that point, I stopped caring. I’m surprised Zoe and Jackson didn’t just call it quits because one second they are all over each other, and then the next, Jackson is running away and leaves Zoe scratching her head, wondering what went wrong. Oh, no, sir. Absolutely not. I get why you are scared and why you want to protect Zoe from your demons, but making her confused about where you stand is not okay. I would have been fine if they just stayed friends, which is something I never say when it comes to the friends-to-lovers trope. Yes, they were cute together. Yes, they got their problems sorted out. But the back and forth was just too aggravating.

Oh! What also ticked me off was them, you guessed it, NOT COMMUNICATING! It wasn’t as bad as the last book I read (I’m looking at you Maybe This Once), but I do not appreciate hypocrisy. Zoe wanted Jackson to talk to her about his struggles, right? It’s hard for him because not only is it hard to be vulnerable and talk about his trauma, but he’s a guy, and most men aren’t exactly the best at sharing their emotions. But when it comes time for Zoe to communicate what’s on her mind, she’s silent and puts it off until I’m about ready to throw my phone down a canyon! I thought they were friends! Why is it so hard for them to talk to each other? They don’t have any trouble staring at each other, or kissing, or doing the deed, but God forbid they have to actually talk to each other about their feelings. I’m literally so confused. Can someone make it make sense, please, I’m begging you.

But other than that, they weren’t too bad. 😂 The romance was sweet (I guess), and I’m glad it ended the way it did (I guess). I mainly liked the book for the cute, small-town vibes, the citizens of Maple Falls, and the mystery surrounding the meadow flower. That was definitely my favorite part! 🤭🫶🏼

Overall, this was an okay read. I still had a good time and smiled as steam blew out of my ears. I’m wondering if I’ll like the previous books in the series since I haven’t read them before reading this one. Go figure. 😏 I guess there’s only one way to find out!

❁ Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available! ❁

❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions trauma & PTSD.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶.5/5)

[ashlyn [semi ia] · Rating 1 out of 5]

set the cherry crush flower shop on fire. my eyeballs didn’t deserve to be tortured with the miscommunication trope🫩

thank you Alyssa for suffering with me!🫂💕

[Alyssa Nieves · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 underwhelming and boring star ⭐️

I went in expecting this to be a cute, fluffy read but instead got boring, bland garbage. This had absolutely no substance at all. Hardly any character development and the romance felt nonexistent and just so bland. The MMC also annoyed me so much with his miscommunication and the way he treated the FMC. They were both acting like children instead of grown adults. I’ve read other fluffy books similar to this one and enjoyed them so I’m very disappointed this didn’t hit the same way. MAYBE this is good if you want a really easy and quick read, but definitely nothing memorable.

(also more than half of the book involves them trying to find a missing flower and I couldn’t care less)

thank you to my bestie ash for reading this with me!! we suffered together

[❀ Tia ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

| ARC REVIEW | 🎧 ~ Audiobook

Publication Date: 10th Feb 2026

★ 3.75 ★

This is my first taste of the Maple Falls world, and although this is the third book in the series, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that each book can be read as a standalone.

First and foremost, I'm going to address the elephant in the room, and the reason that I was initially hesitant to start this series. This series has some very obvious similarities to Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series. Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing for those who love small town romances (I for one, absolutely do). However, some of the similarities between the two series made me raise an eyebrow. For example, in Laurie Gilmore's book The Pumpkin Spice Café, the male main character has a rescue alpaca, whereas in this book, Jackson has a llama sanctuary. Both fun, minor additions to the story and not that big of a deal, and I know that there's no such thing as a completely original idea, but it did make me feel that some elements were a bit too copycat-like. I would be lying if I said that this book broke moulds with its creativity.

Howeverrrr, I'm so glad that I didn't let these similarities deter me from picking up this arc! Despite them, I still found this book very enjoyable in its own right. It was a fun, feel-good story filled with wholesome yet spicy chemistry, a sprinkle of adventure, a good ol' serving of yearning, and an abundance of cosy, small-town spirit all wrapped up in a beautiful, springtime bow.

Harper Graham's language and writing style is right up my alley! I was instantly hooked and will absolutely be reading more of this series. I'm 100% an autumn/winter girly, but the detailed descriptions of the surroundings and the springtime vibe made me rather excited for Spring and all the new beginnings that season brings: the longer days, and the rebirth of nature.

This book did touch on some heavy topics — specifically Jackson's PTSD and Zoe's infertility, and these were handled in a sensitive manner. But I really wished that these topics had been explored more deeply in order to allow for a more comprehensive understanding of Jackson and Zoe's past and present, instead of only really seeing them from a surface level.

I enjoyed the plot and found Zoe and Jackson a sweet couple, but despite having known each other for years, I couldn't help but think that their relationship felt kind of superficial and left me craving for a deeper connection between the two of them. Again, I feel this connection could have been elevated if they had communicated about their personal struggles and the sensitive topics mentioned above a bit more. By allowing themselves to be a little more vulnerable around each other, I would've found the relationship less superficial.

Although this book is predominantly a romance book, I thought that the adventure-driven subplot which focused on Jackson and Zoe's mission to rediscover the town's rare (potentially extinct) flowers was a captivating addition to the storyline. To be honest, I found myself more absorbed in that aspect of the book than the actual romance and would've loved for it to have been dragged out a little longer.  

The narrator, Andi Eloise, was in my opinion, fantastic! Her vocal range, tone and expressions were very enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout the entire audiobook. Her impressions of male characters were not in any way cringeworthy, unlike some other voice actors I've encountered, and she had the perfect blend of enthusiasm, clarity and emotion which all made for a fun and engaging listening experience.

Overall, I recommend this book if you love feel-good friends to lovers romances, fake-dating, and small-town vibes. I will definitely be reading more of this series, and will also keep a look out for more books narrated by Andi Eloise. This was a great audiobook!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Graham, and Bookouture Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, I really loved Zoe and Jackson’s story. After reading The Spiced Cocoa Cafe I was really excited to read this book and be back in the world of Maple Falls again, as I loved reading about Maple Falls at Christmas and Spring was no different. There is something very charming and cosy about this series, it’s like a warm hug. Zoe was so likeable and friends to lovers are one of my favourite type of romances, I was hoping that Jackson would see what was right in front of him and that he would come to realise that he didn’t need to be perfect as Zoe loved him as he was. I loved that this book did not make light of Jackson’s PTSD, I felt this was dealt with very sensitively. Their journey to find the long flower Moonlight Kisses was very romantic, I was really hoping that they would find it and bring this long lost flower back. Zoe and Jackson were perfect together, very well suited. I really enjoyed this book, I loved the authors writing and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[✎• нuѕηαн [Ramadan Hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

‧₊˚ ┊Review contains spoilers

⤷ Rating : 3.5 ✰

⤷ Plot : Zoe and Jackson has been best friends for ages, and for a good part of their lives, Zoe have had a crush on Jackson. But after the war, Jackson is no longer the same. He is suffering from severe PTSD and wanted to keep Zoe in the friend zone. One day, Zoe’s mother saw them hugging each other and went on telling the whole town these two have been dating, to the point of even betting her vacation funds on them to be the best couple of Maple falls. So Zoe and Jackson had to fake date and w2in best couple so Zoe's mom could recover her funds.

⤷ Thoughts : This book has been a very dangerous read. Why, you may ask? Well it makes me want to quit the corporate world, move to a small town, open a bookstore, with my besties each opening their coffee shop, bakery and their flower shop with everyone watching out for you. But alas, that's wishful thinking.
Anyway, The Cherry Crush Flower shop has been a warm, cute and fun read. There is just something special about friends to lovers. Like Zoe and Jackson have known each other for 20 years, they know when each other are happy, are stressed or need a break. They both have been pinning for each other. Like both of them knew they would always be a safe space for each other.

Despite this being a light read, I loved the fact the author included emotional and heavy issues. Jackson has been back from war and since then he hasn't been the same. He had a lot of emotional baggage, he couldn't be in crowded space and surprise noises ticked him off. He suffered from severe PTSD. Now, I do have something that bothered me a lot. While Jackson and Zoe were fake dating, obviously they had to act convincing to the town, so touching, hugging and kissing were in order. But Jackson used this excuse to keep kissing Zoe and whenever Zoe would asked him if they were still pretending or faking it, Jackson would pull away and be like "You deserve a whole man" - "I have too many ghosts" - to which Zoe would give him space and they both would agree they must not be left alone together. THEN JACKSON COULDN'T KEEP HIS HANDS TO HIMSELF AND WOULD GO ON KISSING ZOE AGAIN, HE'D BE LIKE "Let me love you" - "I am going to surrender" AND THEN HE WOULD PULLED BACK AGAIN AND BE LIKE "I don't know if I'll ever be the man you need"

Like bruh, Zoe never asked you to be perfect. She just wanted you to let her in, she wanted to help you. I absolutely hated this hot and cold that Jackson had going on. BUT eventually he realised and came around. I am glad he agreed to go to therapy for his PTSD.

Now, second issue- Zoe had fertility problems where her FSH level has been low, and doctor told her if she wanted to have a family she start planning sooner. So when Jackson has been playing his to love Zoe or not game, Zoe had an appointment with a fertility clinic. After she and Jackson started dating for real, she just Jackson if he wanted kids and nothing was mentioned about the fertility problems or the appointment.

All in all - this has been a comfort read with no 3rd act breakup and the town never knew about them fake dating; cute all around.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

𓇢𓆸 Pre-read 222°･ ✿

Whee!! My first ARC ever - Thank you Bookouture, the author Harper Graham and NetGalley for the ARC ˚˖𓍢ִ໋❀

[AmdynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
This is a story about facing fears, overcoming past trauma, and trusting that someone can love you just the way you are, broken parts and all.

A flower shop owner, Zoe, and her best friend since childhood, Jackson, a dark rugged veteran, have to fake a relationship to help out Zoe’s mom… only nothing is fake about the way they feel about each other.

What to expect:
🌸 best friends to lovers
🌕 fake dating
💐 working together to solve a town/ floral mystery
🪻working through ptsd
🌷 small town (all up in their business)
🌺 slow burn but the fantasies they thought about each other weren’t slow 👀
🌹second chance/ new beginnings

Spice rating: 3.5🌶️ out of 5
This was spicer than I expected or prefer. I did fast forward some scenes but they weren’t multi-chapters long or anything.

This was a sweet and emotional contemporary romance, mostly predictable but satisfying love story. I did not realize it was book 3 of a series (Maple Falls) but other than side mentions of the other couples, I didn’t feel lost. I do want to go back and read the other stories now as well.

🎙️Narration Style: solo by Andi Eloise. She did a great job and I had to think for a second if there was a male narrator because she was fabulous!
Audio production was perfect as well.
🎧 Thank you Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
🗓️ Publication date: February 9, 2026

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[Michaela | bumblebeeslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is book 3 in the Maple Falls series

In this story we read about Zoe and Jackson, and how a seemingly innocent hug turns into a town-wide gossip, fake dating adventure.

After Zoe's mom "caught" Zoe and Jackson sharing a friendly hug, she jumped to the conclusion they were dating, and went and bet all her money on them winning the Maple Fall's couple of the year. In a panic, because Zoe knows her mom doesn't have a lot of money, she confirms that her and Jackson are dating...and hopes Jackson will agree to fake date her so they can win. Unbeknownst to either Zoe or Jackson, they both have had a crush on each other for years, but have kept it hidden not wanting to lose each others friendship. With Jackson navigating his PTSD, Zoe worrying about her own personal time clock, and a treasure hunt for a mysterious fabled flower, how long can Zoe and Jackson "fake" date each other before their real feelings come to light?

I thought the hunt for the Moonlight Kiss flowers was such a fun part of the story, as the reader I was excited to follow along as Zoe kept uncovering clues to this lost flower's location. And what a perfect way for Zoe and Jackson to get closer! Out in the wilderness, by themselves, looking for this hidden "treasure." I enjoyed how characters from the previous books would make appearances, and all the chocolates and flowers in this story make everything seem so friendly in Maple Falls. Zoe and Jackson have some start/stop action as they blur the lines between fake dating, and the real chemistry that they feel for each other.

I have to say my favorite character in this story is Zoe's cat Whiskers, who likes to knock things over, snuggle into clothes that aren't hers, and even has a fun surprise near the end of the story. The spring vibes in those story are dreamy, and you can just imagine smelling all the flowers in the Cherry Crush Flower Shop, as Zoe makes her fancy arrangements.

This was my least favorite book in the series so far though. I did get a bit annoyed with the starting and stopping that Jackson kept doing to Zoe, and their "fake" dating didn't really have any angst or excitement, they kind of immediately jumped into some sort of not fake or real dating. I also just thought their characters kind of fell flat, and I was more excited to see which character will be in the next story.

I did love coming back to Maple Falls and all the shops and other characters, I look forward to the next one!

Some fav quotes:
"Zoe told herself to look away, to stop staring, but it was useless. Jackson had been her best friend since forever, and her daily test in emotional restraint."

"Because he'd rather break his own heart a hundred times over than hurt Zoe once."

"Nothing bad could possibly come of pretending to date the man she'd secretly loved for twenty years. Right?"

"She felt her breath quicken as she watched him. He wore dark jeans and a fitted charcoal T-shirt that left nothing to the imagination."

"The Maple Leaf Cafe smelled like strong coffee, sizzling bacon, and warm bread fresh from the oven."

"Jackson had been through storms and fire, lost friends and years. But nothing had ever undone him quite like this woman sitting across from him..."

"Jackson smiled to himself. Tonight's fake date was quickly turning into something dangerously real."

"The kiss wasn't tentative. It was heat and hunger."

"He wasn't sure if it was madness or love, or if there was a difference anymore. He didn't care as long as they were together."

Thank you so much to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of this book!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this a little too good to be true and a little obvious what wad going to happen in the end. It was an easy read but, just a little too sweet and fluffy for my tastes.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for small-town romance that feels like a warm drink on a cold day, this one delivers.

Another sweet and cozy romance from Harper Graham, this is the third installment in the Maple Falls series—and it was a genuine delight. While the books are interconnected, they absolutely work as standalones. That said, I’ve read all three and enjoyed them to varying degrees. Book one remains the strongest (and easily rivals other popular comp titles in this space), book two dipped a bit for me, but book three rebounds nicely—engaging, comforting, and cozy without tipping into pure fluff.

The relationship between the FMC and MMC really worked for me. These longtime best friends slide into a fake-dating setup that—shocker—turns into something more, but it’s handled with care and emotional depth. The characters feel layered, especially Jackson (MMC), a veteran struggling with feeling “broken.” Zoe (FMC) is exactly the steady presence he needs, and watching that dynamic unfold was genuinely satisfying.

I especially loved the audiobook. Narrator Andi Eloise is always a treat, and she brings just the right balance of emotion and warmth to the characters. Her pacing is excellent, and the sound engineering allows for speed adjustments without losing inflection—something I deeply appreciate.

I’m already looking forward to spending more time in Maple Falls with book four.

If you love cozy, character-driven romance with small-town charm—think Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, and strong Gilmore Girls energy—this one is absolutely worth your time.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Bookouture Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Balaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is a cozy, small-town friends-to-lovers romance that balances softness with emotional depth. Zoe and Jackson’s transition from best friends to fake dating felt natural and full of quiet tension. I loved how the story explored heavier themes like infertility and PTSD with care while still delivering warmth and hope.

The small-town setting added charm, and the romantic payoff was satisfying with just the right amount of spice. At times I wanted a bit more backstory on their long friendship, but overall this was heartfelt and comforting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — sweet, tender, and perfect for fans of cozy romance with emotional layers.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so glad I gave Harper Graham's The Cherry Crush Flower Shop a go. The premise appealed to me as I've been gravitating toward the small town, cozy themes lately. I'll be the first to admit this plot was a tumble of twists and turns and sometimes I was scratching my head in confusion. Still, it was a colorful and event filled tale.

The audio version of The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is nicely performed by Andi Eloise.

an audiobook copy of The Cherry Crush Flower Shop was provided by Bookouture Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture for the ARC

The way I squealed when I saw this hit my email! I absolutely love this series so much!

Harper does it again another 5 stars read.

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop follows Zoe and Jackson, and I adored them together. From childhood friends, to fake dating they both have my whole heart.

Whiskers (Zoe’s cat) absolutely stole the show for me!

This series just keeps getting better, and I’m already counting down to the next one, and with that ending I think I can guess who book 4 will be about 😍

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on February 10th called, The Cherry Crush Flower Shop. This is about a florist named Zoe, she's had a secret crush on her best friend Jackson since they were kids. When her mom thinks they're dating and enters them into the "Couple of the Year" competition for their upcoming Spring Festival and also bets on them, Zoe and Jackson decide to go along with it and fake date until the festival. Jackson is back home from the military, he has things he won't talk about and things that trigger him, but being around Zoe has always made everything better and feel a little less heavy. She's everything to him, but he doesn't know how to tell her and he doesn't feel like he can be in a real relationship with all he's dealing with. So he decides to be the best fake boyfriend he can be, since he can't be her real boyfriend. A fake relationship that consists of all real feelings is very convincing, but it alters their friendship forever.
I was so happy to be back in Maple Falls! I love this series so much, this was book 3 and I loved getting to see how the characters from the previous books are doing. This was such a lovely springtime small town story, with friends to lovers, fake dating, a spring festival, weekly markets, a wedding, llamas and a flower shop cat, adorabley nosey townies, a rare flower search, healing, and the sweetest love story. I adored every minute of this one, and I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!! 💜📚

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Cherry Crush Flower Shop, in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Villanueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review: The Cherry Crush Flower Shop by Harper Graham ✨

This was my first read by Harper Graham, and I’m officially a fan. The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is cozy, romantic, and full of heart—the kind of story that feels like a warm drink on a quiet afternoon.

Set in the charming small town of Maple Falls, the story follows Zoe Hart, who runs a flower shop and is just trying to keep her little world blooming. When her oldest friend Jackson returns home from military service, the two end up in a fake dating situation that quickly has the whole town watching—especially with Maple Falls preparing for its “Couple of the Year” award. 👀💐

I loved the small-town charm, the floral shop setting (swoon), and the way the romance unfolded naturally and emotionally. The characters felt real, flawed, and easy to root for, and the chemistry? Soft, sweet, and just the right amount of tension.

What really stood out to me was the atmosphere—this book feels like comfort.

🌸 Final Thoughts:
If you love heartfelt romance, charming settings, and fake dating + friends-to-lovers vibes, this one’s a must-read. I went in not knowing what to expect, and I came out excited to read more from Harper Graham.

✨ Thank you Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for the ARC opportunity! ✨ All my opinions are my own

[Kayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uuggghhhhh Zoe and Jackson are just so perfect together and I love them! I love a good small town romance and this did not disappoint! Also gotta love a good fake dating trope!! The narrator for the audio was incredibly talented and really made it easy to distinguish between all the different characters! I really hope Harper Graham plans on writing more in this universe cause it is so good! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my audio ARC!!

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fast, sweet fun read. I really enjoy stepping into this town and all the great characters we get to meet. Looking forward to the next book.

[Kristina Marie]

3.5

This was better than the second one. I just struggle because I compare this series to Lucy Score and Laurie Gilmore's small town series. I just feel like the town and the characters are more disconnected when I compare this to the other series. The world building isn't there and that bores me.

This was the best out of the series but still needed more world building.

[Daiana Ximena 🥞 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an ALC of this book! 🌸💕🎀📖🦋

Readers of Sarah Adams and Julie Soto please come to the front. I have a little secret to tell you. I think I just found the most perfect Valentine’s day read. Yes you heard me right.

If you love friends to lovers, found family, a yearning veteran, small town romance and you’re always thinking about opening a flower shop The Cherry Crush Flower shop should be your next read.

What stood out most to me in The Cherry Crush Flower Shop was how quietly real the characters felt. Jackson, a veteran who’s emotionally closed off and afraid to hurt Zoe’s feelings and Zoe an adorable flower shop owner in a charming small town, a supportive daughter and friend who’s dealing with her own struggles.

Bonus points for treating the subject of fertility. This felt so real.

Overall I loved this book so much, it felt like a fuzzy blanket you reach for on chilly February nights.

[Rebecca Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Crush Flower Shop is a cozy, small-town, friends-to-lovers romance that perfectly blends softness with emotional depth. Harper Graham truly knows how to create a setting you want to step into and never leave. Maple Falls once again delivers all the charm, warmth, and community vibes that make this series so special.

This story isn’t just fluffy romance—it thoughtfully explores heavier themes like infertility and PTSD with care and sensitivity, while still wrapping everything in hope and comfort. The balance between emotional weight and cozy warmth was beautifully done.

The spring atmosphere is absolutely dreamy. You can practically smell the fresh blooms as Zoe creates her gorgeous arrangements inside the Cherry Crush Flower Shop. Between the flowers, the chocolates, and the friendly faces popping in from previous books, Maple Falls feels more alive than ever. (Although I still can’t get over them saying Easter is their favorite holiday 😂).

One of my favorite parts of the story was the hunt for the legendary Moonlight Kiss flower. Following Zoe as she uncovered clues about this lost bloom felt like a romantic treasure hunt, and what better way for her and Jackson to grow closer than venturing into the wilderness alone together? It added a sense of adventure and intimacy that really strengthened their connection.

That said, this book does lean heavily into classic tropes. Friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and the whole “Couple of the Year” storyline felt a bit overplayed for me. The fake dating, in particular, didn’t bring much angst or tension—they seemed to skip straight from “pretend” to something very real without much buildup. I also found myself occasionally frustrated with Jackson’s starting-and-stopping behavior toward Zoe, and at times their characters felt slightly flatter than I hoped. I even caught myself more curious about who might star in the next book than fully invested in their arc.

I also wished we had seen more backstory about their long friendship. For a friends-to-lovers romance, that history can add so much emotional weight, and I would have loved a deeper glimpse into their shared past.

Still, coming back to Maple Falls felt like coming home. The cozy shops, familiar faces, and heartfelt atmosphere make this series incredibly comforting. Harper Graham does it again, delivering total Hallmark movie meets Gilmore Girls small-town vibes—and honestly, I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for the ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own!

[Carrie Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop

Harper Graham does it again perfectly! This book gave me total Hallmark movie + Gilmore Girls small town vibes, and I loved every minute of it. 🌷☕️ Set in a charming flower shop, the story feels like stepping into a cozy small town of Maple Falls just as spring begins to bloom.

The atmosphere is everything—the flower shop is warm, inviting, and full of heart. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to slow down and savor the little moments. Zoe is an easy character to root for, and her journey of growth and self-discovery feels genuine and relatable.

The romance between Zoe and Jackson is soft, sweet, and perfectly paced. It’s a true slow burn filled with meaningful conversations, emotional depth, and those small, quiet moments that say more than big dramatic gestures. Their connection feels natural and heartfelt.

Overall, The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is the perfect book to get you ready for spring. If you love small-town charm, gentle romance, and stories that feel like a warm cup of coffee or tea on a spring morning, this book deserves a spot on your Goodreads shelf!

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s start by saying how incredibly lucky I felt to receive this ARC. I have loved the Maple Falls series fiercely since the very first page, and I recommend it to anyone who will listen. So getting an ARC for a new installment had me equal parts excited and terrified.

Terrified because I am an autumn-and-Christmas girl through and through. Seasons and holidays are such a huge part of the Maple Falls series, and spring is just… not my season. Add to that the fact that Zoe is a florist—and I have absolutely nothing to do with flowers—and I was a little nervous going in.

But I really didn’t need to worry. All the elements that make me love Maple Falls so much were still there: the strong sense of community, the elaborate seasonal festivities (Easter hunts, spring flings, and more), and the return of familiar faces. After three books, it genuinely feels like coming home to Maple Falls.

This time we follow Zoe, the local florist, and Jackson, a war veteran struggling with PTSD. While this is a friends-to-lovers romance, what truly stood out to me was how sensitively the heavier topics were handled. Jackson’s PTSD is not downplayed, and Zoe’s fertility issues are explored with care and respect. These themes were delicately interwoven into the story, and I deeply appreciated the thoughtfulness behind them.

And don’t even get me started on Whiskers. That little kitty absolutely stole the show! I really hope we see her again in future installments.

Thank you to the author and Bookouture for the ARC. I already can’t wait to dive into Krista’s summer romance next!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for an ALC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up to 4 stars!

Okay I love this sweet and cozy series and the fictional town of Maple Falls, but I especially loved being back in this town during Spring time at the flower shop! And I especially loved the added element of solving a mystery with Zoe and Jackson working together to try and find the moonlight kiss flowers!

Zoe and Jackson felt very natural together, and I loved that about them. And I loved that their story went a little bit deeper with Jackson battling some PTSD after time at war, and Zoe dealing with choices surrounding her body and her fertility. But in the end I loved watching them work through it all and come together. They are definitely my favorite couple so far in the series, and I was so excited to see the ending of the book get set up for Christa to find love at her Hot Honey shop next!

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator! Small Town Romance girlies add this one to your Spring TBR!

**Trigger warning for infertility

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a fan of this series and this book just confirms why Its got all you need in a romance-fake-dating, friends to lovers, small town charm, military MMC and all the cheesy romance goodness that makes you smile and makes you binge a book in one sitting. What else could you ask for?
There's just something so cosy about the way the author writes this series. Zoe our FMC is super likable and Jackson was so afraid that his PTSD from his time serving overseas would make him not be a good boyfrend and not worthy of love but Zoe loved him just the way be was. The PTSD was addressed very sensitively and that added another dimension to the story for me. The supporting characters in the town of Maple Falls were adorable as they all wanted Zoe and Jackson to get together. And even the Cutest Couple contest would normally be something I would roll my eyes at but it ended up being super adorable!
I cant wait for the next installment of this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Bella James · Rating 4 out of 5]

the cherry crush flower shop - 4⭐️
ahhhh i was so excited for this book to come out as this series has me hooked!!
In this book we get the viewpoints of Zoe the flower shop owner and also Jackson, the veteran working at the family farm. the characters are childhood friends but always wanted more just never admitted it. Then a fake dating relationship created zoes mothers bet caused a shift in everything.

I knew that from around 10 percent of my way into this book it would probably make me cry and i did shed a few tears. Emotions and trauma bonding was high in this book and i loved every second of it although at one point i may have been shouting into the pages!!!

Great to see that fantasies can become a reality 😉
I would like to thank Netgalley, the author and the publisher of this book for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book in return for an honest review

[HC · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Audiobook, 3🌶️

Thanks for the ARC, Bookouture Audio, I really enjoyed listening to this one. This was actually pretty cute. The charm of this town really makes you escape your current reality. It's beyond picturesque. The descriptions of the food they ate made me so hungry, I probably gained a few pounds snacking.
The romance scenes were not cringe inducing or anything, really cute, romantic, straight to the point.
The only thing that really put me off was the whole townsfolk. The older ladies were so annoying to the point where I rolled my eyes multiple times. Very stereotypical and off-putting. Even the way audiobook gal portrayed them were too happy-go-lucky and aloof. It just bothered me.
Anywho! This was a cute little diversion that was not heavy at all. I would recommend for anyone who needs to cleanse their genre palette!

[Kathleen Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cherry Crush Flower Shop is a cozy small town romance that leans into all the familiar comforts of the Maple Falls setting. Flowers, friends to lovers vibes, and a slow-burn fake dating relationship that turns into something more. Zoe’s flower shop, the town atmosphere, and Jackson’s return from military service makes for a lovely, easy going, feel-good read (or listen in my case).

I enjoyed the audiobook as much as I did with the previous Maple Falls story, and found it just as easy to sink into. The spicy moments and everyday charm are exactly what fans of cozy romance are looking for, and the chemistry between the leads is pretty good.

However, I also felt this one played very heavily into tropes - from the friends to lovers arc to the fake dating and “Couple of the Year” storyline - and at times that made parts of the plot feel rather predictable. While I understand that’s part of the appeal for some readers, it meant I wasn’t as invested in the characters’ deeper growth as I could have been.

Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy romance that I happily listened to, but it didn’t quite rise above its genre conventions for me. If you love small town settings and some spice with a slow-burn romance, it’s worth a read, but I’d recommend it more for comfort reads than for something truly memorable.

Thank you to Bookouture and Harper Graham for this ARL in exchange for a completely honest review.

[Michelle Seekings · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The relationship is fake. The chemistry is not.”

Personal review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the third installment in the Maple Falls series by Harper Graham, the first being Cinnamon Spice Inn and next Spiced Cocoa Cafe. This book was like a good cup of iced coffee on a spring day. Loved the aspect of the grant for Local Blooms with Jackson and Zoe- the alpaca sanctuary, spring fling couple and search for an elusive thought to be extinct bloom. Jackson’s history made the story have some serious war PTSD elements, coupled with Zoe’s relationship history.

I can’t wait for the next, which I’m assuming will be the Hot Honey Hideaway with Joe and Krista.

Synopsis: A small-town girl with the coziest flower shop and a secret crush. A dark, rugged veteran with scars only she can see. Could fake dating turn into happily ever after? Gilmore Girls + spice.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is cozy small-town friends to lovers romance with a gentle emotional core. When florist Zoe enters a fake dating arrangement with her childhood best friend Jackson, a former serviceman adjusting to life back home, long-suppressed feelings begin to surface. (I just know ill devour any fake dating trope)

Going further, the small-town setting is warm and inviting, and the slooow burn chemistry feels natural and earned. I especially appreciated the added emotional depth through Jackson’s healing journey, which gives the story more weight than a typical light romance.

While the pacing in the middle dips slightly, the payoff is heartfelt and satisfying. Overall, this is a comforting, character-driven romance perfect for readers who enjoy cozy settings and friends to lovers dynamics.

Rating this a 3.75-4 stars! Will read book 1 & 2 as well 💓⭐️