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The Sunflower Experience
Ryker Martin is annoyed. This summer is supposed to be about him overcoming the past year and focusing on regaining his starting position on the university baseball team, earning back his parents’ trust, and getting his life on track. Everleigh is a distraction he can’t afford. And just when Ryker thinks he has Everleigh pushed out of his mind, she lands in his lap.
Everleigh Wilson is focused on spending one perfect last summer with her best friend, Crestin, before she heads off to college and he heads off to pursue his acting dreams in New York. But when Crestin tells her he thinks Ryker is keeping a secret, she’s even more intrigued by his broody nature. Nearly every interaction Everleigh has with Ryker over the summer is contentious, frustrating, irritating. So, when she accepts a two-week job at The Sunflower Experience with Crestin, she is unprepared to discover she will be around Ryker all day every day. For TWO WHOLE WEEKS.
Despite all of this, the two are drawn together, again and again, and the more they learn about the other’s secrets, the more they want to know. The Sunflower Experience is a safe space, a utopia away from reality, a promise of something magical. Can Ryker and Everleigh overcome their past traumas to build a connection that will transcend? Or will the reality of their diverging paths keep them from finding something meaningful?
Everleigh Wilson is focused on spending one perfect last summer with her best friend, Crestin, before she heads off to college and he heads off to pursue his acting dreams in New York. But when Crestin tells her he thinks Ryker is keeping a secret, she’s even more intrigued by his broody nature. Nearly every interaction Everleigh has with Ryker over the summer is contentious, frustrating, irritating. So, when she accepts a two-week job at The Sunflower Experience with Crestin, she is unprepared to discover she will be around Ryker all day every day. For TWO WHOLE WEEKS.
Despite all of this, the two are drawn together, again and again, and the more they learn about the other’s secrets, the more they want to know. The Sunflower Experience is a safe space, a utopia away from reality, a promise of something magical. Can Ryker and Everleigh overcome their past traumas to build a connection that will transcend? Or will the reality of their diverging paths keep them from finding something meaningful?
- GenresRomance
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
About the author
Rhonda Mumby
4 books32 followersA multi-genre author, I enjoy crafting stories that pull readers into an immersive experience, encouraging them to read just one more chapter!
My characters will become your friends, your favorite sidekicks, maybe even your most hated enemies. Regardless, their stories will stay with you long after the last page.
My debut novel, A Journey to My Life, was a finalist in the 2018 Write Place Iowa Writers Contest.
The Sunflower Experience is my second publication, released in late 2025, and part of a Spice is Nice series. The sequel, After the Sunflower Experience will release in the summer of 2026.
Semi-Charmed - The Ambassadors, will be the first book in my historical fantasy series delving into the world of magic. Expect to see that in late 2026!
As an indie author, I am my marketing team. You can find out more about me and the books I am currently writing on my website rhondamumby.com or on tiktok.com/@rhonda.mumby.
My characters will become your friends, your favorite sidekicks, maybe even your most hated enemies. Regardless, their stories will stay with you long after the last page.
My debut novel, A Journey to My Life, was a finalist in the 2018 Write Place Iowa Writers Contest.
The Sunflower Experience is my second publication, released in late 2025, and part of a Spice is Nice series. The sequel, After the Sunflower Experience will release in the summer of 2026.
Semi-Charmed - The Ambassadors, will be the first book in my historical fantasy series delving into the world of magic. Expect to see that in late 2026!
As an indie author, I am my marketing team. You can find out more about me and the books I am currently writing on my website rhondamumby.com or on tiktok.com/@rhonda.mumby.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this!! I am excited to see what happens in After The Sunflower Experience! The characters were great and I loved the story so so much! A great book to finish up the year with.
July 11, 2026
The Sunflower Experience drew me in with its engaging characters and natural dialogue. Eveleigh is an easy character to connect with, and her inner struggles feel authentic without overshadowing the story. Crestin quickly became one of my favorite characters—his humor, confidence, and energy bring a lot of life to every scene he's in.
The writing has a warm, conversational style that makes the story easy to settle into, and the interactions between the characters feel genuine. I especially enjoyed the balance of humor and emotional depth, as well as the way the story gradually builds curiosity about what lies ahead rather than revealing everything at once.
There were a few moments where the internal monologue felt a bit longer than necessary, which occasionally slowed the pacing, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this is an engaging and heartfelt read with relatable characters and a strong emotional core. I'm looking forward to seeing how Eveleigh's journey unfolds and would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction.
The writing has a warm, conversational style that makes the story easy to settle into, and the interactions between the characters feel genuine. I especially enjoyed the balance of humor and emotional depth, as well as the way the story gradually builds curiosity about what lies ahead rather than revealing everything at once.
There were a few moments where the internal monologue felt a bit longer than necessary, which occasionally slowed the pacing, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this is an engaging and heartfelt read with relatable characters and a strong emotional core. I'm looking forward to seeing how Eveleigh's journey unfolds and would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction.
May 4, 2026
I absolutely love a good enemies to lovers. This is my first book by Rhonda Mumby and I am hooked.
Ryker and Everleigh are forced to work together over the summer at Rykers family sunflower farm. Ryker likes her, but because of some past situations, he has decided to push her away. At first I was not a fan of Ryker, he was such a jerk. But getting to know his back story, I began to understand why he was the way he was. Everleigh has had a rough couple of years and she is ready to get away and start college far from home.
Ryker and Everleigh both had some major character growth and I really enjoyed watching them open up and grow. Both of them suffered from secrets they never share with anyone, but slowing they form a friendship and start to connect.
Rhonda had me crying back to back. I was not ready for those strong emotions, but I felt attached to these characters. I hated knowing the terrible things they had gone through.
And then…the cliffhanger she left us on. I messaged her right away and had to know book two was coming. I need more, it can’t just end that way.
Ryker and Everleigh are forced to work together over the summer at Rykers family sunflower farm. Ryker likes her, but because of some past situations, he has decided to push her away. At first I was not a fan of Ryker, he was such a jerk. But getting to know his back story, I began to understand why he was the way he was. Everleigh has had a rough couple of years and she is ready to get away and start college far from home.
Ryker and Everleigh both had some major character growth and I really enjoyed watching them open up and grow. Both of them suffered from secrets they never share with anyone, but slowing they form a friendship and start to connect.
Rhonda had me crying back to back. I was not ready for those strong emotions, but I felt attached to these characters. I hated knowing the terrible things they had gone through.
And then…the cliffhanger she left us on. I messaged her right away and had to know book two was coming. I need more, it can’t just end that way.
June 18, 2026
Thank you to the author for this gorgeous deluxe edition of this book! This does not affect my honest review.
What a sunshiny title! Don’t let it fool you, this book does have dark themes and talk about very real struggles that people face every day. I think that drew me in for this book because I appreciate a romance that’s not all sunflowers and roses but with people that have true struggles to overcome. It makes it so much more relatable.
I appreciated how Everleigh really seemed to grow into her confidence over the course of the book. At the beginning you see her stumbling over her words, very shy, and almost avoidant. By the end, I felt she was there to seize the day especially when it came to Ryker. I really look forward to where she takes this mentality in the next book.
Now, a huge props to the author for such a dynamic and fun side character, Crestin! He seemed like a lot but was so fun and honestly what Everleigh needs in a best friend.
“𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
What a sunshiny title! Don’t let it fool you, this book does have dark themes and talk about very real struggles that people face every day. I think that drew me in for this book because I appreciate a romance that’s not all sunflowers and roses but with people that have true struggles to overcome. It makes it so much more relatable.
I appreciated how Everleigh really seemed to grow into her confidence over the course of the book. At the beginning you see her stumbling over her words, very shy, and almost avoidant. By the end, I felt she was there to seize the day especially when it came to Ryker. I really look forward to where she takes this mentality in the next book.
Now, a huge props to the author for such a dynamic and fun side character, Crestin! He seemed like a lot but was so fun and honestly what Everleigh needs in a best friend.
“𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
August 4, 2026
Thank you to Rhonda for the opportunity to read The Sunflower Experience and After The Sunflower Experience! I just finished the first book and can honestly say I would highly recommend it.
It starts off as an enemies-to-lovers romance that hooks you right from page one. When Ryker and Everleigh are forced to spend a summer working together on a family sunflower farm, they do not get along at all. Guarded by past heartbreak, Ryker intentionally tries to keep Everleigh at arm's length. However, as his backstory is revealed, those defense mechanisms slowly break down. Everleigh is also seeking an escape after enduring a difficult few years, looking forward to college as a fresh start.
The heart of the novel lies in their mutual growth. As both characters gradually reveal their secret traumas, their initial friction melts into a deeply personal bond.
The book wraps up on a massive cliffhanger that leaves readers desperate for answers—so much so that reaching out to the author feels almost mandatory! I can't wait to jump straight into After The Sunflower Experience.
It starts off as an enemies-to-lovers romance that hooks you right from page one. When Ryker and Everleigh are forced to spend a summer working together on a family sunflower farm, they do not get along at all. Guarded by past heartbreak, Ryker intentionally tries to keep Everleigh at arm's length. However, as his backstory is revealed, those defense mechanisms slowly break down. Everleigh is also seeking an escape after enduring a difficult few years, looking forward to college as a fresh start.
The heart of the novel lies in their mutual growth. As both characters gradually reveal their secret traumas, their initial friction melts into a deeply personal bond.
The book wraps up on a massive cliffhanger that leaves readers desperate for answers—so much so that reaching out to the author feels almost mandatory! I can't wait to jump straight into After The Sunflower Experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
I recently finished The Sunflower Experience and it was such a good read. The story really pulls you in and makes you feel everything along with the characters.
Ryker and Everleigh’s dynamic kept me hooked. I liked how their relationship wasn’t rushed and you could actually see their growth. Ryker especially grew on me as the story went on.
The ending was my favorite part. It leaves you with so many questions and makes you excited for what’s next. The whole “just friends” moment didn’t feel believable in a good way, because you can tell there’s so much more there. And the little jealousy moments made it even more fun to read.
I also really liked Everleigh’s bond with her mom and her friendship with Crestin. Those parts felt very genuine.
Overall, a really engaging and emotional story. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
Ryker and Everleigh’s dynamic kept me hooked. I liked how their relationship wasn’t rushed and you could actually see their growth. Ryker especially grew on me as the story went on.
The ending was my favorite part. It leaves you with so many questions and makes you excited for what’s next. The whole “just friends” moment didn’t feel believable in a good way, because you can tell there’s so much more there. And the little jealousy moments made it even more fun to read.
I also really liked Everleigh’s bond with her mom and her friendship with Crestin. Those parts felt very genuine.
Overall, a really engaging and emotional story. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
November 21, 2025
Can I leave my review early? I did receive an ARC of this book and it was amazing. I was a little distracted in the beginning and it quickly swept up my attention and kept it there. When the book ended on a cliffhanger, all I wanted was the next book, even though the author teased me with a couple of chapters from the second book. I. Still. Want. More. I can't wait until she gets the second book finished and will definitely have to check out the other books by this author. The Sunflower Experience is worth every second I spend reading this book. And when you finish, you will want to know what happens next to our main characters.
August 7, 2026
I absolutely love a good enemies-to-lovers moment, so it's safe to say that "The Sunflower Experience" left a lasting impression on me! It stirred deep emotions and lingering reflections well beyond the final page.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the story masterfully weaves themes of healing, resilience, and finding hope again..even when you think all hope is lost.
Both characters undergo significant growth throughout the story, and I loved watching them open up and connect. Rhonda Mumby’s writing kept me wanting to read more and more! Especially with that cliffhanger!!!
Can't wait to read the next book!
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the story masterfully weaves themes of healing, resilience, and finding hope again..even when you think all hope is lost.
Both characters undergo significant growth throughout the story, and I loved watching them open up and connect. Rhonda Mumby’s writing kept me wanting to read more and more! Especially with that cliffhanger!!!
Can't wait to read the next book!
July 25, 2026
The Sunflower Experience was an emotional and thought-provoking read that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. The story beautifully explores healing, growth, and finding light even after life's darkest moments—much like a sunflower always turning toward the sun.
The characters felt authentic and relatable, and I found myself invested in their journeys from beginning to end. The author's writing is heartfelt and engaging, with moments that made me smile, reflect, and even tear up.
The characters felt authentic and relatable, and I found myself invested in their journeys from beginning to end. The author's writing is heartfelt and engaging, with moments that made me smile, reflect, and even tear up.
March 22, 2026
The Sunflower Experience 5/5
I absolutely loved this book. The relationship/experience shared between Ryker and Everleigh was a complex one. I understand the frustration they both felt towards the end of the book. I love the side characters. I loved how supportive Rita was with her son.
Ugh, a cliffhanger. I am dying to find out what happens next. I need to find out what happened to Ryker and Everleigh. I also would like to know what happened to Kyleigh.
I absolutely loved this book. The relationship/experience shared between Ryker and Everleigh was a complex one. I understand the frustration they both felt towards the end of the book. I love the side characters. I loved how supportive Rita was with her son.
Ugh, a cliffhanger. I am dying to find out what happens next. I need to find out what happened to Ryker and Everleigh. I also would like to know what happened to Kyleigh.
July 25, 2026
What a cute little love story that we’re diving right into! The beginning was a little hard to get into at first but the complexity of Ryker and Crestin’s love for his best friend is what kept me in. I grew to love Everleigh but she’s got one last time to doubt herself before I jump into the pages and knock her head around.
I did rate it 4 stars because I’m not hopelessly in love with the book but can appreciate it for what it is.
I did rate it 4 stars because I’m not hopelessly in love with the book but can appreciate it for what it is.
July 25, 2026
This was a good book. I am eager to read the next one to see what happens next. I love the Sunflower farm and really could picture it in my head. I want to go there so badly and spend the day there. I want to both hug Ryker and tell him that it will be ok and slap him and tell him to get a clue. The cover of the book is beautiful!!
January 6, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and was so excited to start reading it. This book was beautifully written and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the 2 main characters and how their story played out! Oh and crestin everyone needs a crestin in their lives. I can not wait for book 2 to see where the journey leads!
February 21, 2026
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The main characters, and the side characters were so well written! This story took me back to my childhood with the setting being on a small town farm, love that! I’m excited for book 2.
June 25, 2026
Rhonda Mumby is an amazing person and an even better author! This book is incredibly well written and does a fantastic job capturing the emotional ups and downs of two people learning about each other and navigating complicated feelings. The push-and-pull between Everleigh and Ryker kept me invested from beginning to end, and the suspense surrounding their relationship made it impossible to stop reading.
The small-town Iowa setting adds so much charm to the story, creating a cozy and authentic backdrop that feels like a character in its own right. Rhonda uses the setting beautifully, making readers feel immersed in the community and the sunflower farm. Every trope is executed perfectly—from the slow burn and enemies-to-lovers tension to the sweet summer-fling vibes that keep you rooting for the characters. This book had me hooked from the first page to the last, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance. A solid 10/10 read
The small-town Iowa setting adds so much charm to the story, creating a cozy and authentic backdrop that feels like a character in its own right. Rhonda uses the setting beautifully, making readers feel immersed in the community and the sunflower farm. Every trope is executed perfectly—from the slow burn and enemies-to-lovers tension to the sweet summer-fling vibes that keep you rooting for the characters. This book had me hooked from the first page to the last, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance. A solid 10/10 read
December 26, 2025
Wonderful
I thought this was an amazing read. I highly recommend for 15 year old and up. It is a little spicy which I enjoyed.
I thought this was an amazing read. I highly recommend for 15 year old and up. It is a little spicy which I enjoyed.
March 30, 2026
what an experience
This book was sweet and i absolutely ate it up. I wanted more! Ryker and Everleigh were so good together and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
This book was sweet and i absolutely ate it up. I wanted more! Ryker and Everleigh were so good together and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
July 22, 2026
Ahhhh!!! I loved it!!
I loved it so much but that endinggggg!!!! I need more!!!! Ughhh!!!! Such a cliffhanger! But overall amazing plot/storyline! Love love love
I loved it so much but that endinggggg!!!! I need more!!!! Ughhh!!!! Such a cliffhanger! But overall amazing plot/storyline! Love love love
November 24, 2025
The Sunflower Experience was such a fun read! I received an ARC of this book from Rhonda and dove straight in. Ryker and Everleigh are both exceptional characters who undergo significant growth throughout the book. This book is full of love and new things that I've never read before. Fair warning, it does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to NEED the next book immediately! Crestin is also an amazing side character that I want more from! Go read this immediately!
July 7, 2026
I loved all of the twists and turns. I loved the way it started as a slow burn almost an enemies to lovers to enemies trope. I couldn’t put it down, I know I stayed up with one more chapter said more than once! I can’t wait to read the next book, the cliffhanger at the end, showing Rkyer’s sensitivity side in public had me screaming and crying and I can’t wait to see if he gets the girl or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
What a Ride! Though the title leads to the thought that this book will be all sunshine and rainbows it is anything but. I found this book gritty, real, and slightly heartbreaking. I really felt for the FMC and the MMC in their struggles and found myself dying to read more at the end. Praise to Rhonda Mumby for writing a captivating read that will leave you wanting more!
January 24, 2026
Here's another good one from Miss Mumby that I absolutely ate up with delight. Everleigh and Ryker are a duo you get wrapped up in right from their first POVs. As always , I am enamored by Rhonda's immersive writing. Its truly the authenticity of the dialogue she portrayed and the conflicts that arise between their interactions. And I'll just say it , the spice was spicing Ma'am!!! Miss Mumby came through and delightfully! Six stars! I'm normally not a fan of the third person perspective, but the flow of the book drew me in with no hesitation. Even with the little intricacies of anxiety that Everleigh admits to, unsure whether Ryker texts her back after their encounter, is so relatable. There's more that goes on past the cozy book cover ;) . Rhonda's got herself a fan for life! And don't get me started on the amazing playlist recommendations! This was a unique read for me and I loved every bit of it.
July 5, 2026
Beautiful and emotional read that will stick with me for a long time.
Everleigh Wilson and Ryker Martin, both college students, navigate the complexities of past trauma, addiction, and the possibility of new beginnings. The story takes place at the University of Iowa and follows Everleigh as she balances academics and emotional scars left by her father's mistakes. She is also grappling with a painful past relationship with Ryker.
With dual POV, you get a sense of each character's fears, motivations, and struggles. Secondary characters provide comic relief and are fleshed out and enjoyable. When a medical crisis causes Everleigh to face something she has been avoiding. Ryler is tested by past struggles. Ultimately, this story is about the delicate process of healing and trust when the heart is pulled in multiple directions. It is a beautiful journey, and I can't wait to read the next book.
Everleigh Wilson and Ryker Martin, both college students, navigate the complexities of past trauma, addiction, and the possibility of new beginnings. The story takes place at the University of Iowa and follows Everleigh as she balances academics and emotional scars left by her father's mistakes. She is also grappling with a painful past relationship with Ryker.
With dual POV, you get a sense of each character's fears, motivations, and struggles. Secondary characters provide comic relief and are fleshed out and enjoyable. When a medical crisis causes Everleigh to face something she has been avoiding. Ryler is tested by past struggles. Ultimately, this story is about the delicate process of healing and trust when the heart is pulled in multiple directions. It is a beautiful journey, and I can't wait to read the next book.
August 6, 2026
The Sunflower Experience has all the perfect makings of a young adult romance - two main characters with really dynamic stories and conflicts. The story is great for that reason, there is a lot of dynamics going on that make perfect sense for your average person, and I loved that. However, this may be a personal bias, but the explicit relationship between the main characters made me so uncomfortable as a middle aged woman. I don't want to read about the sexual behaviors of two teenagers, and it's hard to ignore that this story is about teenagers when there are so many other factors bringing you back to that information. Things such as going to college for the first time, high school discussions, summer jobs, etc. I just think it's an important aspect for others to know when going into the story. If these characters were aged up by 5 to 10 years, this wouldn't be an issue at all, but again, that is a personal bias when reading the book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews