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In a Desert Daze: A Spicy Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance
One chance to save her hotel. One chance to save his career. One last chance at each other.
Daisy Johnson is hell-bent on keeping her late mother’s hotel in the California desert alive, despite costly renovations and vacation rentals sucking business dry. She can handle everything on her own just fine, thank you, but she falters when her childhood best friend returns home. He’s the boy she encouraged to chase his dreams eight years ago, even though those dreams took him away from her.
After a scandal crushes Max Weber’s art curator career, he has no choice but to return to Harlow, California, and plan his comeback. Once eager to escape his hometown and disapproving parents, he always found refuge in Daisy—so he’s surprised to find her so guarded now. Even with oceans and years apart, he could never forget her. Surely, their back-and-forth voicemails were proof of that…
Max and Daisy team up to salvage her hotel and his career, and while the project only goes until the end of the summer—he’ll leave, and she’ll stay—they can’t get each other out of their systems. As they reignite a spark they’ve both long ignored, the two must face what broke them apart and what’s still holding them together.
In a Desert Daze is a spicy childhood friends to lovers romance set in a small desert town, perfect for fans of the estranged friends to lovers in It's Different This Time by Joss Richard, the hopelessly devoted male main character in Savor It by Tarah Dewitt, and the heart and heat of Jessica Joyce books.
Daisy Johnson is hell-bent on keeping her late mother’s hotel in the California desert alive, despite costly renovations and vacation rentals sucking business dry. She can handle everything on her own just fine, thank you, but she falters when her childhood best friend returns home. He’s the boy she encouraged to chase his dreams eight years ago, even though those dreams took him away from her.
After a scandal crushes Max Weber’s art curator career, he has no choice but to return to Harlow, California, and plan his comeback. Once eager to escape his hometown and disapproving parents, he always found refuge in Daisy—so he’s surprised to find her so guarded now. Even with oceans and years apart, he could never forget her. Surely, their back-and-forth voicemails were proof of that…
Max and Daisy team up to salvage her hotel and his career, and while the project only goes until the end of the summer—he’ll leave, and she’ll stay—they can’t get each other out of their systems. As they reignite a spark they’ve both long ignored, the two must face what broke them apart and what’s still holding them together.
In a Desert Daze is a spicy childhood friends to lovers romance set in a small desert town, perfect for fans of the estranged friends to lovers in It's Different This Time by Joss Richard, the hopelessly devoted male main character in Savor It by Tarah Dewitt, and the heart and heat of Jessica Joyce books.
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Theresa Christine
3 books48 followersTheresa Christine writes contemporary romances where wanderlust meets heartfelt heat. Drawing on her years as a travel journalist, she sets her stories in unforgettable places around the world. She is the author of the vacation novella Match Made in the Maldives and the small-town Ireland romance The Half of It. She currently lives in Hamburg, Germany, with her husband and their two energetic cats. To stay up to date on Theresa's books, follow her on social media @theresachristinewrites or sign up for her newsletter at her website: www.theresachristine.com
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May 14, 2026
In a Desert Daze
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑
🌵་༘࿐ In the small community of Harlow, California, Daisy Johnson has a lot of things on her plate as she struggles to keep her late mother's hotel, The Mirage, afloat amid the rise of vacation rentals and the costs of renovations. To make things tougher, her estranged best friend, Max Weber, an art curator, returns to town after a career scandal.
Planning to make a comeback to the art world and help Daisy keep her business running, he proposes an art pop-up in her hotel. They're longtime friends who used to work well together. What could go wrong?
Release Date: May 07, 2026 ⟢
⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ Hotel Owner x Art Curator
⌗ Small-town Community
⌗ Estranged Friends
⌗ Years of Yearning
Now, this was such a cute read! When I first saw that the story would follow a hotel owner, I was hooked. I learned that it's a subtrope I enjoy regardless of the storyline. When it was described as being set in a desert, I truly felt transported into their world. I could feel the sun, smell the earth, and hear the wind. Theresa did an excellent job, particularly with the descriptions of the environment. It was vivid, but not so overwhelming as to pull me out of the story.
𓏲⋆🪴* Daisy Johnson: A baddie who is actually a cinnamoroll. We witness her face multiple dilemmas, and she does her best to make things work because of how independent she has become. I especially resonated with her anxiety, as it seemed like everyone else was quickly progressing in their personal journeys while she remained caught in the shadows of her grief.
𓏲⋆🖼️* Max Weber: A cinnamoroll who is a cinnamoroll. I think some people were pretty harsh on Max despite only wanting the best for Daisy and the town. Did he have selfish intentions at the beginning? Kinda, but he definitely made up for it immediately after, and another thing I loved about his plotline was his family dynamics.
Theresa beautifully captured our characters' years of yearning, and I love how the flashbacks unfold throughout the story. We witness the beginning of their friendship and its development over time, allowing us to understand the events that led to the fallout in their relationship. And the spice was hot hot HOT. I don't normally read a ton of it, but this felt very natural since we actually took the time for their relationship to grow and draw boundaries.
I adore how the small-town community was portrayed, as each character was their own. Daisy has a strong foundation with the people around her, and I get so excited when we see more of the town and interaction with the townsfolk. Though there were some moments I thought they were too tough on Max, even though it wasn't the issue, especially when it wasn't that big a deal. Also, I just adore Freddie so much, despite only having glimpses of him.
The miscommunication between Daisy and Max also annoyed me a bit, because they work very well together and have known each other for so long, yet holding back wasn't doing them any good.
જ⁀➴ Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected and am definitely checking out the first book in the series because, alas, this is an interconnected standalone series. Thank you to Love Notes PR and Theresa Christine for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓂃 ོ⋆☀︎𓂃ᨒོ
pre-read : First title from Love Notes PR ♡ and I cannot wait to dive right in!
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑
ꕤ*.ﾟ❝ My lips make a map of all the places I adore. I kiss every freckle, every tattoo, every curve. ❞
🌵་༘࿐ In the small community of Harlow, California, Daisy Johnson has a lot of things on her plate as she struggles to keep her late mother's hotel, The Mirage, afloat amid the rise of vacation rentals and the costs of renovations. To make things tougher, her estranged best friend, Max Weber, an art curator, returns to town after a career scandal.
Planning to make a comeback to the art world and help Daisy keep her business running, he proposes an art pop-up in her hotel. They're longtime friends who used to work well together. What could go wrong?
Release Date: May 07, 2026 ⟢
⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ Hotel Owner x Art Curator
⌗ Small-town Community
⌗ Estranged Friends
⌗ Years of Yearning
Now, this was such a cute read! When I first saw that the story would follow a hotel owner, I was hooked. I learned that it's a subtrope I enjoy regardless of the storyline. When it was described as being set in a desert, I truly felt transported into their world. I could feel the sun, smell the earth, and hear the wind. Theresa did an excellent job, particularly with the descriptions of the environment. It was vivid, but not so overwhelming as to pull me out of the story.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ❝ You, I don’t know… you welcome people here in a special way. Make them feel like they’re staying with their cool cousin or something, not just paying for a few nights at a hotel. ❞
𓏲⋆🪴* Daisy Johnson: A baddie who is actually a cinnamoroll. We witness her face multiple dilemmas, and she does her best to make things work because of how independent she has become. I especially resonated with her anxiety, as it seemed like everyone else was quickly progressing in their personal journeys while she remained caught in the shadows of her grief.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ❝ The Max Weber Charm. ❞
𓏲⋆🖼️* Max Weber: A cinnamoroll who is a cinnamoroll. I think some people were pretty harsh on Max despite only wanting the best for Daisy and the town. Did he have selfish intentions at the beginning? Kinda, but he definitely made up for it immediately after, and another thing I loved about his plotline was his family dynamics.
⋆˚ʚɞ ❝ Don’t do that.” She pulls back an inch so we’re breathing each other in. “Don’t make me some unattainable thing. I’m just Daisy.”
The Daisy I rode bikes with and broke into neighbors’ pools with. The Daisy I always looked for first at house parties. The Daisy who, whether I liked it or not, I compared every other woman I dated to. “Just Daisy.”
Theresa beautifully captured our characters' years of yearning, and I love how the flashbacks unfold throughout the story. We witness the beginning of their friendship and its development over time, allowing us to understand the events that led to the fallout in their relationship. And the spice was hot hot HOT. I don't normally read a ton of it, but this felt very natural since we actually took the time for their relationship to grow and draw boundaries.
⟡ ܁₊ . ❝ I thought you were anti-Max,” I say.
“Not anti-Max—just pro-you. ❞
I adore how the small-town community was portrayed, as each character was their own. Daisy has a strong foundation with the people around her, and I get so excited when we see more of the town and interaction with the townsfolk. Though there were some moments I thought they were too tough on Max, even though it wasn't the issue, especially when it wasn't that big a deal. Also, I just adore Freddie so much, despite only having glimpses of him.
The miscommunication between Daisy and Max also annoyed me a bit, because they work very well together and have known each other for so long, yet holding back wasn't doing them any good.
જ⁀➴ Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected and am definitely checking out the first book in the series because, alas, this is an interconnected standalone series. Thank you to Love Notes PR and Theresa Christine for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓂃 ོ⋆☀︎𓂃ᨒོ
pre-read : First title from Love Notes PR ♡ and I cannot wait to dive right in!
May 4, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
In a desert daze follows Daisy and Max, two childhood best friends that grew apart after the end of high school. After years of complete silence, they reconnect after Max comes back to their hometown unexpectedly.
This was my first book by this author so I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of writing style and storytelling, I have to say I enjoyed her style and I will probably be inclined to check her other works/next releases. I mostly enjoyed the story too, the first half of the book was really nice and it managed to hold my attention but the second half slowed down and I had some trouble getting through it. I think what bothered me the most was all the miscommunication between the characters, at one point I couldn’t stand our fmc Daisy. I just wanted to plant my hand on her shoulders and shake her until she came to her senses😂
The setting was gorgeous, the descriptions of the desert made me feel like I was there.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
In a desert daze follows Daisy and Max, two childhood best friends that grew apart after the end of high school. After years of complete silence, they reconnect after Max comes back to their hometown unexpectedly.
This was my first book by this author so I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of writing style and storytelling, I have to say I enjoyed her style and I will probably be inclined to check her other works/next releases. I mostly enjoyed the story too, the first half of the book was really nice and it managed to hold my attention but the second half slowed down and I had some trouble getting through it. I think what bothered me the most was all the miscommunication between the characters, at one point I couldn’t stand our fmc Daisy. I just wanted to plant my hand on her shoulders and shake her until she came to her senses😂
The setting was gorgeous, the descriptions of the desert made me feel like I was there.
May 14, 2026
This was such a cute read. After reading The Half Of It and finding out there would be another book set in the same world Theresa created I knew I had to read it. The setting of the story is what pulled me in but the characters are the ones who kept me hostage.
Daisy and Max had such a complex and complicated relationship. They were each other’s person for so long and my heart absolutely broke at certain points for them and how I just needed them to realize that they would be better together than they were ever apart like immediately. This book had all of the best tropes. You can never go wrong with small town romance, childhood friends to lovers, and the YEARNING. These two yearned for each other for so long that I was a mess by the time they finally kissed. You would also think form the cover, which is super cute, that this would be a super cute closed door romance? WRONG. Max Weber knew exactly what he was and doing the moment he said the words “good girl” and “you aren’t in control here,” I was a goner.
Theresa were times when I wanted to actually strangle both characters because of how stubborn they were both being. But at the end I came to realize that both Daisy and Max needed to find themselves before they could finally be together. Daisy more than anything needed to start living for her and when she finally did I was so happy for my girl. I think that’s why the second act breakup gets a bad rep, but if it’s done well and right it makes the ending so much more perfect for when they finally get it right.
*Thank you so much to Theresa Christine for the opportunity to receive the ARC!*
Daisy and Max had such a complex and complicated relationship. They were each other’s person for so long and my heart absolutely broke at certain points for them and how I just needed them to realize that they would be better together than they were ever apart like immediately. This book had all of the best tropes. You can never go wrong with small town romance, childhood friends to lovers, and the YEARNING. These two yearned for each other for so long that I was a mess by the time they finally kissed. You would also think form the cover, which is super cute, that this would be a super cute closed door romance? WRONG. Max Weber knew exactly what he was and doing the moment he said the words “good girl” and “you aren’t in control here,” I was a goner.
Theresa were times when I wanted to actually strangle both characters because of how stubborn they were both being. But at the end I came to realize that both Daisy and Max needed to find themselves before they could finally be together. Daisy more than anything needed to start living for her and when she finally did I was so happy for my girl. I think that’s why the second act breakup gets a bad rep, but if it’s done well and right it makes the ending so much more perfect for when they finally get it right.
*Thank you so much to Theresa Christine for the opportunity to receive the ARC!*
May 23, 2026
4.5 Stars!
Small Town + Friends To Lovers + Right Person Wring Time + Hotel Owner/Art Curator
Daisy is a struggling hotel owner who has taken over her mother's business in hopes of keeping her legacy alive. She tries to manage everything herself, keep up repairs, and figure out a way to bring new customers to her hotel. Max, Daisy's childhood best friend, sweeps into town on a break from his job as an art curator. He is escaping a recent scandal at his previous employer and is looking to find solace and regroup in his hometown. Max and Daisy decide to put together an art show for the hotel to bring in more customers and support the local art community. While these two always had a close friendship, there was always an underlying "will they, wont they" connection. After years of separation and Max returning to town, they decide to take the plunge and become more than friends.
I really liked both characters back stories. Daisy is grieving her mom and always viewed her as this perfect, got all her stuff together, hotel owner and she feels the pressure to live up to those expectations. Max decided to take a career path different from what his parents wanted in a field that could have an unstable income and he has always felt like a disappointment to his parents. Both of these characters find solace in each other and comfort of having these outside pressures dictate their lives.
The spice was great and I loved the epilogue. We really had to work for that one and it kept us waiting until the very end for a HEA.
Spice: 3/5
This book was sent to me from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Small Town + Friends To Lovers + Right Person Wring Time + Hotel Owner/Art Curator
Daisy is a struggling hotel owner who has taken over her mother's business in hopes of keeping her legacy alive. She tries to manage everything herself, keep up repairs, and figure out a way to bring new customers to her hotel. Max, Daisy's childhood best friend, sweeps into town on a break from his job as an art curator. He is escaping a recent scandal at his previous employer and is looking to find solace and regroup in his hometown. Max and Daisy decide to put together an art show for the hotel to bring in more customers and support the local art community. While these two always had a close friendship, there was always an underlying "will they, wont they" connection. After years of separation and Max returning to town, they decide to take the plunge and become more than friends.
I really liked both characters back stories. Daisy is grieving her mom and always viewed her as this perfect, got all her stuff together, hotel owner and she feels the pressure to live up to those expectations. Max decided to take a career path different from what his parents wanted in a field that could have an unstable income and he has always felt like a disappointment to his parents. Both of these characters find solace in each other and comfort of having these outside pressures dictate their lives.
The spice was great and I loved the epilogue. We really had to work for that one and it kept us waiting until the very end for a HEA.
Spice: 3/5
This book was sent to me from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2026
Ok, I think this is a 3.75 for me but I’m rounding up for Goodreads’ sake.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but as we got deeper into it I just became less and less sympathetic with the FMC which SUCKS because I always want to root for them. Like she truly put this man through the wringer when all he’d ever done was love her 😭 and I understand she has her own reasons but I think what bothered me was that she and people around her almost treated the MMC like he was the one poised to hurt her when it was most certainly her poised to hurt him (AGAIN, mind you). Like that man has been down bad for decades and I just felt like the fmc’s outlook on the situation grated on me, but I don’t want to begrudge anyone their journey or discredit her growth by the end. So I landed at a 3.75 because the writing was good! The banter was good! The flashbacks are delicious! I love friends to lovers!! The history and the yearning!! The spice!! Max Weber is a gem of a human (even if he’s a Pisces man). I just think that the FMC needed therapy to work through her issues before making assumptions and treating Max the way she does when he’s never given her any reason to doubt him. But also like she’s human? No one is perfect??? Am I being too harsh??? Idk I think maybe the ending needed to be handled a little differently. So I am sticking with 3.75 💀
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the advanced copy to review!
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but as we got deeper into it I just became less and less sympathetic with the FMC which SUCKS because I always want to root for them. Like she truly put this man through the wringer when all he’d ever done was love her 😭 and I understand she has her own reasons but I think what bothered me was that she and people around her almost treated the MMC like he was the one poised to hurt her when it was most certainly her poised to hurt him (AGAIN, mind you). Like that man has been down bad for decades and I just felt like the fmc’s outlook on the situation grated on me, but I don’t want to begrudge anyone their journey or discredit her growth by the end. So I landed at a 3.75 because the writing was good! The banter was good! The flashbacks are delicious! I love friends to lovers!! The history and the yearning!! The spice!! Max Weber is a gem of a human (even if he’s a Pisces man). I just think that the FMC needed therapy to work through her issues before making assumptions and treating Max the way she does when he’s never given her any reason to doubt him. But also like she’s human? No one is perfect??? Am I being too harsh??? Idk I think maybe the ending needed to be handled a little differently. So I am sticking with 3.75 💀
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the advanced copy to review!
May 7, 2026
3,75 ✨
This was such a bittersweet read for me because there's so much I genuinely loved here... but also a few things that kept me from fully adoring it.
I adored the atmosphere of this book. I don’t read many romances set in the desert, and the setting gave the story this very distinct feeling of stillness and emotional isolation that worked beautifully with the themes of grief and feeling stuck between who you were and who you're becoming.
Daisy and Max carry far more pain than they openly admit, and watching their relationship evolve felt incredibly tender at times. I saw a lot of myself in Daisy, especially in the way she carries grief quietly and tries to protect other people from the full weight of what she's feeling (I'm working on it!!). As someone who understands what it's like to grieve versions of yourself you can no longer return to, her emotional isolation hit very close to home for me. If you know, you know.
And yes... miscommunication strikes again. 💀
I might be cursed.
Realistically, Max and Daisy could have saved themselves a lot of heartbreak if they had just been honest about what they felt instead of constantly trying to decide what was best for the other person. But at the same time, I get that's real life, isn't it? Feelings are messy, we don't always communicate perfectly, and sometimes love gets buried under fear, grief, silence, and unmet expectations...
I also really loved the family/found family dynamics in this book. The side characters were beautifully written.
That said, this is also where my biggest issue comes in. I wanted more pages not only because I was invested, but because it sometimes felt like the emotional depth the story was reaching for didn't fully materialize.
Also, despite Daisy being at the center of the story, Max occasionally overshadowed her for me. His emotions and backstory felt more developed, while Daisy sometimes remained just... out of reach?? 😩
I also struggled a bit with the pacing. Somehow the story felt both slow and rushed at the same time, with large chunks of time passing quickly between scenes, which made the emotional progression feel slightly uneven.
Still, this was my first book by Theresa Christine and I really enjoyed her writing style. There's something very tender about the way she writes relationships, emotional pain, and quiet loneliness, and I'd definitely pick up her future releases.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc! ✨
This was such a bittersweet read for me because there's so much I genuinely loved here... but also a few things that kept me from fully adoring it.
I adored the atmosphere of this book. I don’t read many romances set in the desert, and the setting gave the story this very distinct feeling of stillness and emotional isolation that worked beautifully with the themes of grief and feeling stuck between who you were and who you're becoming.
Daisy and Max carry far more pain than they openly admit, and watching their relationship evolve felt incredibly tender at times. I saw a lot of myself in Daisy, especially in the way she carries grief quietly and tries to protect other people from the full weight of what she's feeling (I'm working on it!!). As someone who understands what it's like to grieve versions of yourself you can no longer return to, her emotional isolation hit very close to home for me. If you know, you know.
And yes... miscommunication strikes again. 💀
I might be cursed.
Realistically, Max and Daisy could have saved themselves a lot of heartbreak if they had just been honest about what they felt instead of constantly trying to decide what was best for the other person. But at the same time, I get that's real life, isn't it? Feelings are messy, we don't always communicate perfectly, and sometimes love gets buried under fear, grief, silence, and unmet expectations...
I also really loved the family/found family dynamics in this book. The side characters were beautifully written.
That said, this is also where my biggest issue comes in. I wanted more pages not only because I was invested, but because it sometimes felt like the emotional depth the story was reaching for didn't fully materialize.
Also, despite Daisy being at the center of the story, Max occasionally overshadowed her for me. His emotions and backstory felt more developed, while Daisy sometimes remained just... out of reach?? 😩
I also struggled a bit with the pacing. Somehow the story felt both slow and rushed at the same time, with large chunks of time passing quickly between scenes, which made the emotional progression feel slightly uneven.
Still, this was my first book by Theresa Christine and I really enjoyed her writing style. There's something very tender about the way she writes relationships, emotional pain, and quiet loneliness, and I'd definitely pick up her future releases.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc! ✨
May 10, 2026
ahh another friends to lovers romance to adore!! Daisy and Max are another example of "PLS RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP!!!", and as always, I love just how much Theresa writes a good cinnamon roll MMC. From the very beginning, I was easily sucked into the seamless banter and feel good writing that Theresa pours into her stories, but also just the overall nature of Daisy and Max's friendship. With glimpses of the past and little moments stolen, I think it was hard to deny the feelings these two had for one another, and it was just a matter of time before SOMEONE made the first move. I think both of the characters do have a complex past and emotions that I wish we saw them address a bit more, but overall, I enjoyed reading how well these two complement one another.
Also, huge fan of Stacey + all the side characters in this one!! The little found family moment in Harlow was also just a nice cherry on top.
If you're looking for a sweet friends to lovers romance, pick this one up!! Thank you LoveNotesPR & the author for the eARC!!
Also, huge fan of Stacey + all the side characters in this one!! The little found family moment in Harlow was also just a nice cherry on top.
If you're looking for a sweet friends to lovers romance, pick this one up!! Thank you LoveNotesPR & the author for the eARC!!
May 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Our main characters Daisy and Max have a long, complicated history; their chemistry is undeniable when Max returns to Harlow and I couldn’t wait to watch their love story unfold!
The author sets the scene really well, I could picture Harlow and Daisy’s hotel The Mirage as if they were real. There are so many elements to this book - dealing with grief, complicated family relationships, figuring out what you want, different concepts of art and I really enjoyed how they all came together creating a wholesome journey for Max and Daisy… with a touch of spice 🤭
Towards the end I just wanted to give Daisy a shake! Max was so deeply in love with her so I’m glad we got a happy ending eventually 😅
Thank you to Theresa Christine and Love Notes PR for the ARC 💘
🌶️🌶️
Our main characters Daisy and Max have a long, complicated history; their chemistry is undeniable when Max returns to Harlow and I couldn’t wait to watch their love story unfold!
The author sets the scene really well, I could picture Harlow and Daisy’s hotel The Mirage as if they were real. There are so many elements to this book - dealing with grief, complicated family relationships, figuring out what you want, different concepts of art and I really enjoyed how they all came together creating a wholesome journey for Max and Daisy… with a touch of spice 🤭
Towards the end I just wanted to give Daisy a shake! Max was so deeply in love with her so I’m glad we got a happy ending eventually 😅
Thank you to Theresa Christine and Love Notes PR for the ARC 💘
May 19, 2026
First of all, I'd like to thank NetGalley, and Theresa Christine for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a Desert Daze tells the story of Daisy and Max, childhood best friends who have always wanted to be more but never crossed that line – until one night they do. Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of Daisy's (both because she annoyed me and we had similar crisis going on) so this made this book less enjoyable to me. But Max Weber? What a man. Theresa's writing, as always, is a delight to read and a very nice treat. Unfortunately, this book was not my favorite of hers, but I still had a good time. And it made me want to go to the desert so badly! Maybe what I need is to stay at The Mirage and find my own small town man.
In a Desert Daze tells the story of Daisy and Max, childhood best friends who have always wanted to be more but never crossed that line – until one night they do. Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of Daisy's (both because she annoyed me and we had similar crisis going on) so this made this book less enjoyable to me. But Max Weber? What a man. Theresa's writing, as always, is a delight to read and a very nice treat. Unfortunately, this book was not my favorite of hers, but I still had a good time. And it made me want to go to the desert so badly! Maybe what I need is to stay at The Mirage and find my own small town man.
May 13, 2026
I intentionally was really excited starting this read. I enjoyed the setting in which it took place. and I get what the author was going for but it just didn’t work for me. Daisy and Max are so cute together but my problem is it’s fmc and how she handled things. The way she ultimately avoided things and I get it, she had her reasons but most times I just found myself going
one conversation and this could all be solved. But that didn’t happen and somehow the mmc would be painted as the bad guy. Which I didn’t really enjoy.
one conversation and this could all be solved. But that didn’t happen and somehow the mmc would be painted as the bad guy. Which I didn’t really enjoy.
June 15, 2026
4.5/5
Max & Daisy
There’s just something about a childhood friends to lovers later on in life when the fmc & mmc have gone separate ways for several years. The way they both loved each other for so long but never said anything omg. I love both of these characters from the get go(and even loved max from the minute he was mentioned in “the half of it”). This truly was an all around feel good book aside from the slight miscommunication trope(which is my least favorite especially from full grown adults).
Max & Daisy
There’s just something about a childhood friends to lovers later on in life when the fmc & mmc have gone separate ways for several years. The way they both loved each other for so long but never said anything omg. I love both of these characters from the get go(and even loved max from the minute he was mentioned in “the half of it”). This truly was an all around feel good book aside from the slight miscommunication trope(which is my least favorite especially from full grown adults).
May 13, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
3.75 stars but rounded up for Goodreads. This was a cute friends to lovers. It wasn’t my all time favorite but her descriptions of scenes and such was amazing I felt like I was there.
3.75 stars but rounded up for Goodreads. This was a cute friends to lovers. It wasn’t my all time favorite but her descriptions of scenes and such was amazing I felt like I was there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
ARC Opportunity from Love Notes PR 💌✨📚💗
Stopppp because this book was actually so adorable! It was the perfect pallet cleanser and did wonderfully at standing out compared to other contemporary romances for me— Max was such a fun MMC and really brought out the best in Daze! The romantic storyline took a bit to get going and is told in a non-linear format, going between the past and the present but once you’re in it… you’re IN ITTT!
(Estranged Childhood) Friends to Lovers 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
Yearning 😍
Cinnamonroll MMC 🧸
Small Desert Town 🏜️
He falls first & harder ❤️🔥
Dual POV 👀
Grief Rep 🎗️
Dual Timeline 🕰️
“Good Girl” 😛
Spicy Romance 🌶️
Nostalgic Vibes 💫
Slow Burn 🕯️
Forced Proximity 🤞🏻
Stopppp because this book was actually so adorable! It was the perfect pallet cleanser and did wonderfully at standing out compared to other contemporary romances for me— Max was such a fun MMC and really brought out the best in Daze! The romantic storyline took a bit to get going and is told in a non-linear format, going between the past and the present but once you’re in it… you’re IN ITTT!
(Estranged Childhood) Friends to Lovers 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
Yearning 😍
Cinnamonroll MMC 🧸
Small Desert Town 🏜️
He falls first & harder ❤️🔥
Dual POV 👀
Grief Rep 🎗️
Dual Timeline 🕰️
“Good Girl” 😛
Spicy Romance 🌶️
Nostalgic Vibes 💫
Slow Burn 🕯️
Forced Proximity 🤞🏻
May 14, 2026
Thank you to Theresa Christine and Love Notes PR for this ARC!
I read The Half of It by Theresa Christine last year, and loved it. I am so glad to have read this one, too!
Daisy and Max are such lovely characters, and it was great fun to read about them, their friendship, and their love story. The setting is homey and filled with love and warmth—the perfect place for a romance.
I read The Half of It by Theresa Christine last year, and loved it. I am so glad to have read this one, too!
Daisy and Max are such lovely characters, and it was great fun to read about them, their friendship, and their love story. The setting is homey and filled with love and warmth—the perfect place for a romance.
May 9, 2026
4 / 5 Stars
In a lot of ways, this book was so tailored to a lot of my preferences so I think if you like those things too, you’ll like this book. It is an estranged best friends to lovers romances about Daisy and Max. Max is coming back from years away in Ireland after leaving his curator job with his tail between his legs. Daisy has been running her late mother’s hotel for years without much help. They reunite and the crushes that have always been there are still there as they have to navigate their emotions.
You will probably like this book if you like:
❣️ Estranged best friends to lovers
🏜️ Small-town Mojave Desert setting
❣️ He falls first & harder
🏜️ Golden retriever MMC x black cat FMC
❣️ Let’s do it once to get it out of our systems
🏜️ Years of pining
❣️ Grief representation
🏜️ Hurt / comfort
When I am reading something that has flashbacks like this book does or a dual timeline, my personal preference is to spend a majority of the time in the present. I feel like when it is 50/50 or anything close to that, you don’t have as much time to see their relationship develop in the present. That is why I loved the small flashbacks here. I felt like they added small, fun details, showed the years of yearning, and then explained why the estrangement happened as well. I enjoyed that they were short and sweet, so they worked perfectly for me.
I am also the biggest hater of miscommunication / lack of communication UNLESS it is earned and it felt earned here. When they aren’t saying what they are feeling as teens, it makes perfect sense because teens don’t always have the capacity to communicate what they want or need. And then when they aren’t sharing what they are feeling in the present, it also made perfect sense to me because of their estrangement – it felt like they would, in fact, walk on eggshells around each other. So yes, I hate miscommunication but I am totally okay with it when it is written well like it is here.
I also appreciated how deeply flawed each character was. I don’t want perfect FMCs and I definitely don’t want perfect MMCs who feel too good to be true. I completely related to Daisy’s feelings of being unworthy or feeling left behind or like she didn’t want to risk falling in love for lots of different reasons. And her reason for pulling away from Max in the first place was so heartbreaking and so real. And I liked that Max wasn’t an unrealistic perfect MMC – he looked down on his hometown because he had bad memories there and was not always the nicest about it. But both of them really grew and I appreciated that.
I am just not the biggest fan of “let’s do it once to get it out of our system.” I feel like no matter how good the writing is, I still have a really hard time buying into the logic. But I know there are fans of this trope out there and if that's you, you will eat this up. The spice here starts early so be prepared for them to really do it once to get it out of their systems!
Thank you Theresa Christine, Love Notes PR, and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 7, 2026
In a lot of ways, this book was so tailored to a lot of my preferences so I think if you like those things too, you’ll like this book. It is an estranged best friends to lovers romances about Daisy and Max. Max is coming back from years away in Ireland after leaving his curator job with his tail between his legs. Daisy has been running her late mother’s hotel for years without much help. They reunite and the crushes that have always been there are still there as they have to navigate their emotions.
You will probably like this book if you like:
❣️ Estranged best friends to lovers
🏜️ Small-town Mojave Desert setting
❣️ He falls first & harder
🏜️ Golden retriever MMC x black cat FMC
❣️ Let’s do it once to get it out of our systems
🏜️ Years of pining
❣️ Grief representation
🏜️ Hurt / comfort
When I am reading something that has flashbacks like this book does or a dual timeline, my personal preference is to spend a majority of the time in the present. I feel like when it is 50/50 or anything close to that, you don’t have as much time to see their relationship develop in the present. That is why I loved the small flashbacks here. I felt like they added small, fun details, showed the years of yearning, and then explained why the estrangement happened as well. I enjoyed that they were short and sweet, so they worked perfectly for me.
I am also the biggest hater of miscommunication / lack of communication UNLESS it is earned and it felt earned here. When they aren’t saying what they are feeling as teens, it makes perfect sense because teens don’t always have the capacity to communicate what they want or need. And then when they aren’t sharing what they are feeling in the present, it also made perfect sense to me because of their estrangement – it felt like they would, in fact, walk on eggshells around each other. So yes, I hate miscommunication but I am totally okay with it when it is written well like it is here.
I also appreciated how deeply flawed each character was. I don’t want perfect FMCs and I definitely don’t want perfect MMCs who feel too good to be true. I completely related to Daisy’s feelings of being unworthy or feeling left behind or like she didn’t want to risk falling in love for lots of different reasons. And her reason for pulling away from Max in the first place was so heartbreaking and so real. And I liked that Max wasn’t an unrealistic perfect MMC – he looked down on his hometown because he had bad memories there and was not always the nicest about it. But both of them really grew and I appreciated that.
I am just not the biggest fan of “let’s do it once to get it out of our system.” I feel like no matter how good the writing is, I still have a really hard time buying into the logic. But I know there are fans of this trope out there and if that's you, you will eat this up. The spice here starts early so be prepared for them to really do it once to get it out of their systems!
Thank you Theresa Christine, Love Notes PR, and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 7, 2026
Review of advance copy
This book felt like standing in the middle of a desert at sunset… warm, a little lonely, a little magical, and then suddenly everything is on fire in the best way.
In a Desert Daze by Theresa Christine completely swept me away. I went in expecting a cute second-chance romance and instead got this aching, slow-burn, emotionally rich story that just quietly wrecked me.
Daisy Johnson??? I loved her so much. She’s holding onto her mum’s hotel with both hands, refusing to let it slip through her fingers even when everything is stacked against her. She’s strong but tired, independent but carrying way too much alone. There’s this softness under her stubbornness that made every moment hit harder.
And Max Weber… sir, you do not just walk back into town with all that history and expect me to be normal about it. This man is down bad in the most delicious way. Even after everything, even after years apart, you can feel how much he still loves her in every interaction. The voicemail history?? STOP. That detail alone had me melting.
Their dynamic is pure slow-burn tension. Not loud, not chaotic… just this constant pull. Like gravity decided to get involved personally. You can feel the weight of what they were, what they lost, and everything they’re too scared to say out loud. Every look, every almost-touch, every conversation that skirts around the truth… it builds and builds until you’re practically begging them to just TALK.
And the setting?? The desert town feels alive. Dusty roads, golden light, that quiet, tucked-away feeling where everything important happens behind the scenes. The hotel storyline adds so much heart too… it’s not just a backdrop, it’s part of Daisy, part of her grief, her love, her fight.
I also loved how real their conflict felt. This isn’t miscommunication for drama… this is years of distance, hurt, timing, choices. The “end of summer” deadline hanging over them made everything sharper, like every moment mattered more because it might be the last.
And when things finally shift between them?? The chemistry is SO good. It’s emotional first, physical second, and that just makes it hit ten times harder.
Max being that hopelessly devoted, slightly wrecked, still-only-ever-her kind of man?? I am unwell. Daisy slowly letting her walls crack open?? Ruined me.
This book isn’t just about falling in love… it’s about finding your way back to something you never really let go of.
Five stars, easily. My heart is somewhere in that desert with Daisy and Max, probably sitting on a motel balcony watching the sun go down and refusing to leave 🌵✨📚
In a Desert Daze by Theresa Christine completely swept me away. I went in expecting a cute second-chance romance and instead got this aching, slow-burn, emotionally rich story that just quietly wrecked me.
Daisy Johnson??? I loved her so much. She’s holding onto her mum’s hotel with both hands, refusing to let it slip through her fingers even when everything is stacked against her. She’s strong but tired, independent but carrying way too much alone. There’s this softness under her stubbornness that made every moment hit harder.
And Max Weber… sir, you do not just walk back into town with all that history and expect me to be normal about it. This man is down bad in the most delicious way. Even after everything, even after years apart, you can feel how much he still loves her in every interaction. The voicemail history?? STOP. That detail alone had me melting.
Their dynamic is pure slow-burn tension. Not loud, not chaotic… just this constant pull. Like gravity decided to get involved personally. You can feel the weight of what they were, what they lost, and everything they’re too scared to say out loud. Every look, every almost-touch, every conversation that skirts around the truth… it builds and builds until you’re practically begging them to just TALK.
And the setting?? The desert town feels alive. Dusty roads, golden light, that quiet, tucked-away feeling where everything important happens behind the scenes. The hotel storyline adds so much heart too… it’s not just a backdrop, it’s part of Daisy, part of her grief, her love, her fight.
I also loved how real their conflict felt. This isn’t miscommunication for drama… this is years of distance, hurt, timing, choices. The “end of summer” deadline hanging over them made everything sharper, like every moment mattered more because it might be the last.
And when things finally shift between them?? The chemistry is SO good. It’s emotional first, physical second, and that just makes it hit ten times harder.
Max being that hopelessly devoted, slightly wrecked, still-only-ever-her kind of man?? I am unwell. Daisy slowly letting her walls crack open?? Ruined me.
This book isn’t just about falling in love… it’s about finding your way back to something you never really let go of.
Five stars, easily. My heart is somewhere in that desert with Daisy and Max, probably sitting on a motel balcony watching the sun go down and refusing to leave 🌵✨📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book felt like sunshine on warm skin. Soft, safe, and unexpectedly hot 🔥 🌶️
I went in with zero expectations and got a beautiful story that felt genuinely real. I love the lack of forced drama and over-the-top angst! It is just two people who have known each other forever, quietly circling something that’s been there all along.
The childhood friends-to-lovers dynamic between Daisy and Max works beautifully because the foundation is already solid. There’s history, trust, and that deep familiarity that makes everything feel grounded.
Daisy was a standout for me. She’s independent, still figuring things out, and not magically “put together” from the start, which felt refreshingly honest. Max, on the other hand, starts off almost too perfect, a little pedestal-coded… but then softens into something much better: a passionate, slightly vulnerable guy who’s been gone for her since day one.
What really carries this book is the emotional safety. These two don’t tear each other down. They support, they hesitate, they grow and watching them navigate adulthood, career decisions, and the question of “what now?” felt authentic in a way a lot of romance misses.
The spice is very much there. Adult, natural, and actually woven into the relationship instead of feeling like the story exists for it. I loved the balance. It never felt forced, just like a natural extension of their connection, even if one or two moments of tonal shift (hello, sudden dirty talk) felt slightly out of place.
What surprised me most was what the book didn’t do. No last-minute drama explosion. No artificial conflict to “earn” the happy ending. I kept waiting for it and it fortunately never came. Instead, the story just flows from one life moment to the next. That felt so damn healing.
The only real drawback was the structure. The dual POV works perfectly but adding a second timeline (past + present from both perspectives) felt unnecessary. The writing is strong enough that the past is already felt through the present. Going back to explicitly show it didn’t add depth, but slowed things down. By the end, those sections felt skippable.
Still… this is a story I’d come back to.
It's heartwarming, intimate, and feels as safe as a hug from your favourite person.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went in with zero expectations and got a beautiful story that felt genuinely real. I love the lack of forced drama and over-the-top angst! It is just two people who have known each other forever, quietly circling something that’s been there all along.
The childhood friends-to-lovers dynamic between Daisy and Max works beautifully because the foundation is already solid. There’s history, trust, and that deep familiarity that makes everything feel grounded.
Daisy was a standout for me. She’s independent, still figuring things out, and not magically “put together” from the start, which felt refreshingly honest. Max, on the other hand, starts off almost too perfect, a little pedestal-coded… but then softens into something much better: a passionate, slightly vulnerable guy who’s been gone for her since day one.
What really carries this book is the emotional safety. These two don’t tear each other down. They support, they hesitate, they grow and watching them navigate adulthood, career decisions, and the question of “what now?” felt authentic in a way a lot of romance misses.
The spice is very much there. Adult, natural, and actually woven into the relationship instead of feeling like the story exists for it. I loved the balance. It never felt forced, just like a natural extension of their connection, even if one or two moments of tonal shift (hello, sudden dirty talk) felt slightly out of place.
What surprised me most was what the book didn’t do. No last-minute drama explosion. No artificial conflict to “earn” the happy ending. I kept waiting for it and it fortunately never came. Instead, the story just flows from one life moment to the next. That felt so damn healing.
The only real drawback was the structure. The dual POV works perfectly but adding a second timeline (past + present from both perspectives) felt unnecessary. The writing is strong enough that the past is already felt through the present. Going back to explicitly show it didn’t add depth, but slowed things down. By the end, those sections felt skippable.
Still… this is a story I’d come back to.
It's heartwarming, intimate, and feels as safe as a hug from your favourite person.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The 4.3⭐️ best friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that hits hard and fast like a summer storm in the desert.
Daisy is stuck - in her small town, in her grief, and running/renovating her mom’s hotel. The last thing she needs (or wants) is her (ex?) best friend throwing another wrench into her already destroyed plans. But Max is just as stuck, or at least regressing. Now back in his small hometown, fresh out of his curator job amidst scandal, with no prospects or plan, the only person Max wants to lean on is Daisy.
After years of an ocean in between them, there seems to be tension that Max can’t figure out and that Daisy can’t shake. When the opportunity presents itself for Max to get back into the art scene, he practically jumps at the chance. However, he needs a resume palate cleanser - enter teaching summer art classes and convince Daisy to host a pop up at her motel.
As the days get longer, things begin to heat up between Max and Daisy, introducing a new type of tension to the mix. And like any two adults, they make a “one night only” pact to “get it out of their systems” 🙄 Spoiler: one night turns into every night (and some mornings). As summer progresses, both must face what loss really means and when they are pushing something away.
So what do I really love about this book…
- The way grief and loss is portrayed through different relationships. Daisy is obviously struggling through her grief over the loss of her mom, but at the same time we see her struggle with the loss of her relationship with her dad and max in the face of change
- Freddy - our beautiful, blind tuxedo cat sidekick
- The setting and community which backs Daisy
- Max; specifically his confidence in the bedroom to use Daisy’s *extra helpers*
My biggest problem with this book is the miscommunication between the two main characters - most of which lands heavily on Daisy. It seemed like there was a genuine concrete reason why Daisy made the decision to distance herself from Max, especially considering her mom and friends backed this decision. There wasn’t. Do I fault Max for not telling Daisy about his feelings? Sure. Do I think Daisy should go to therapy (or a padded room) until she understands why she was ultimately the person who kept herself and Max apart? Absolutely.
🏜️ best friends-to-lovers
🏜️ Processing grief
🏜️ “One Night Only” Pact
🏜️ Renovations
🏜️ He likes using her toys
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions! To the author directly: thank you for writing about grief in a real, tangible, sneak up on you, hold on to a memento so you don’t forget them way.
Daisy is stuck - in her small town, in her grief, and running/renovating her mom’s hotel. The last thing she needs (or wants) is her (ex?) best friend throwing another wrench into her already destroyed plans. But Max is just as stuck, or at least regressing. Now back in his small hometown, fresh out of his curator job amidst scandal, with no prospects or plan, the only person Max wants to lean on is Daisy.
After years of an ocean in between them, there seems to be tension that Max can’t figure out and that Daisy can’t shake. When the opportunity presents itself for Max to get back into the art scene, he practically jumps at the chance. However, he needs a resume palate cleanser - enter teaching summer art classes and convince Daisy to host a pop up at her motel.
As the days get longer, things begin to heat up between Max and Daisy, introducing a new type of tension to the mix. And like any two adults, they make a “one night only” pact to “get it out of their systems” 🙄 Spoiler: one night turns into every night (and some mornings). As summer progresses, both must face what loss really means and when they are pushing something away.
So what do I really love about this book…
- The way grief and loss is portrayed through different relationships. Daisy is obviously struggling through her grief over the loss of her mom, but at the same time we see her struggle with the loss of her relationship with her dad and max in the face of change
- Freddy - our beautiful, blind tuxedo cat sidekick
- The setting and community which backs Daisy
- Max; specifically his confidence in the bedroom to use Daisy’s *extra helpers*
My biggest problem with this book is the miscommunication between the two main characters - most of which lands heavily on Daisy. It seemed like there was a genuine concrete reason why Daisy made the decision to distance herself from Max, especially considering her mom and friends backed this decision. There wasn’t. Do I fault Max for not telling Daisy about his feelings? Sure. Do I think Daisy should go to therapy (or a padded room) until she understands why she was ultimately the person who kept herself and Max apart? Absolutely.
🏜️ best friends-to-lovers
🏜️ Processing grief
🏜️ “One Night Only” Pact
🏜️ Renovations
🏜️ He likes using her toys
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions! To the author directly: thank you for writing about grief in a real, tangible, sneak up on you, hold on to a memento so you don’t forget them way.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
3 stars.
"In a Desert Daze" by Theresa Christine is a fine small-town childhood-to-best-friends-to-lovers second-chance-ish romance. I didn't love it, but I certainly didn't hate it. I just "liked" it. My biggest issue here is that there is A LOT of miscommunication in this story, and it just didn't work for me. It frustrated me more than I understood the need for it. The main characters, Daisy and Max, are just not honest with each other, like, EVER. They were childhood friends who lost contact because Max wanted Daisy more than he knew she wanted him, but they both liked each other more than friends (then AND now!). He left town, she inherited a hotel, he comes to her rescue, they are back in each other's orbits, they refuse to say what they fell over and over and overrrrrrrrr!!!!! As a reader, I was *screaming* and *pulling my hair out* for them to be truthful, to communicate properly with one another about their wants and needs! Their immaturity really killed any potential yearning that could have been built up over time. My favorite thing about this book is the setting. Christine paints such a terrific picture of the hotel Daisy's late mother left her in the California desert. It might help that I live here, but her descriptions are spot-on; I could see the hotel in my mind while I was reading, see the sun setting, see the cactuses, I could smell the desert air, everything! I think the bones of a great story are here, but for me personally, I could not get over the constant miscommunications. It sort of took the fun out of reading about Daisy and Max. I have a feeling lots of readers will be thrilled by this book, though, and I will definitely read this author again in the future.
Thank you to Theresa Christine and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"In a Desert Daze" by Theresa Christine is a fine small-town childhood-to-best-friends-to-lovers second-chance-ish romance. I didn't love it, but I certainly didn't hate it. I just "liked" it. My biggest issue here is that there is A LOT of miscommunication in this story, and it just didn't work for me. It frustrated me more than I understood the need for it. The main characters, Daisy and Max, are just not honest with each other, like, EVER. They were childhood friends who lost contact because Max wanted Daisy more than he knew she wanted him, but they both liked each other more than friends (then AND now!). He left town, she inherited a hotel, he comes to her rescue, they are back in each other's orbits, they refuse to say what they fell over and over and overrrrrrrrr!!!!! As a reader, I was *screaming* and *pulling my hair out* for them to be truthful, to communicate properly with one another about their wants and needs! Their immaturity really killed any potential yearning that could have been built up over time. My favorite thing about this book is the setting. Christine paints such a terrific picture of the hotel Daisy's late mother left her in the California desert. It might help that I live here, but her descriptions are spot-on; I could see the hotel in my mind while I was reading, see the sun setting, see the cactuses, I could smell the desert air, everything! I think the bones of a great story are here, but for me personally, I could not get over the constant miscommunications. It sort of took the fun out of reading about Daisy and Max. I have a feeling lots of readers will be thrilled by this book, though, and I will definitely read this author again in the future.
Thank you to Theresa Christine and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In a Desert Daze 🌺
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Theresa Christine for trusting me with this ARC !💛
Daisy is focused on keeping her late mother's hotel alive,while Max has to return back to his hometown after a scandal crushes his promising career.They both feel like their world has ended,when in reality it has just started.
In a Desert Daze is such a lovely spring read that is definitely worth your time.
We follow a beautiful childhood friends to lovers romance,that personally had me giggling me feet,and literally I was unable to stop reading (no jokes I read it in ONE SITTING).More,it is easy to follow,with that making it perfect even if you are on the reading slump trenches.
Now,getting into our characters.Daze (aka Daisy Flower)is our small town struggling with life decisions kind of fmc. She is cute,funny,relatable and you cannot not love her the moment you read about her.Her story,is one of finding your inner peace and strength,which is something really refreshing to read in the every day chaos.On the other side, Max is a more complicated character to look at,since he has to re adjust in a new workplace,town,and life that he though hit was long gone.If you ask me,I really do think he found his true self during that time,and as reader you get that big cities and career tend to not be as glamorous as it is though to be,and your real self may be hiding back in the small city that you wanted to live so much,and yes having a nice girl paired with that may be good to.✨
Ending,if you want a beautiful spring,lovely read for those first weeks of May,In a Desert Daze is the perfect for you
Out In May,7th 🦋
3⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Theresa Christine for trusting me with this ARC !💛
Daisy is focused on keeping her late mother's hotel alive,while Max has to return back to his hometown after a scandal crushes his promising career.They both feel like their world has ended,when in reality it has just started.
In a Desert Daze is such a lovely spring read that is definitely worth your time.
We follow a beautiful childhood friends to lovers romance,that personally had me giggling me feet,and literally I was unable to stop reading (no jokes I read it in ONE SITTING).More,it is easy to follow,with that making it perfect even if you are on the reading slump trenches.
Now,getting into our characters.Daze (aka Daisy Flower)is our small town struggling with life decisions kind of fmc. She is cute,funny,relatable and you cannot not love her the moment you read about her.Her story,is one of finding your inner peace and strength,which is something really refreshing to read in the every day chaos.On the other side, Max is a more complicated character to look at,since he has to re adjust in a new workplace,town,and life that he though hit was long gone.If you ask me,I really do think he found his true self during that time,and as reader you get that big cities and career tend to not be as glamorous as it is though to be,and your real self may be hiding back in the small city that you wanted to live so much,and yes having a nice girl paired with that may be good to.✨
Ending,if you want a beautiful spring,lovely read for those first weeks of May,In a Desert Daze is the perfect for you
Out In May,7th 🦋
3⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely devoured Daisy and Max's story! Theresa Christine completely transported me to the sun-soaked town of Harlow, and I felt like I was right there watching their story unfold in real time.
Daisy is such a compelling heroine. Taking over The Mirage after her mother's tragic passing is no small thing, and Christine does a beautiful job showing the weight she carries alongside the warmth and resilience that make her impossible not to root for. And Max — oh, Max. All he wants is to make Daisy happy, and that devotion radiates from every single page. The man had my heart from the start.
What absolutely wrecked me was knowing these two had been childhood best friends carrying feelings for each other for a decade without either of them being brave enough to say it out loud. The tension and longing that builds from that history is just chef's kiss. And when Max finally says "just my Daisy" — I had to put the book down for a moment because my heart was so full.
What also sets this story apart is the desert setting, which feels alive and atmospheric — almost like a character in its own right. It perfectly mirrors the slow-burn, hazy, dreamy quality of the romance.
If you're looking for a book that wraps around you like a warm desert night and refuses to let go, this is it. In a Desert Daze is an absolute gem and Theresa Christine is now firmly on my auto-buy list!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Daisy is such a compelling heroine. Taking over The Mirage after her mother's tragic passing is no small thing, and Christine does a beautiful job showing the weight she carries alongside the warmth and resilience that make her impossible not to root for. And Max — oh, Max. All he wants is to make Daisy happy, and that devotion radiates from every single page. The man had my heart from the start.
What absolutely wrecked me was knowing these two had been childhood best friends carrying feelings for each other for a decade without either of them being brave enough to say it out loud. The tension and longing that builds from that history is just chef's kiss. And when Max finally says "just my Daisy" — I had to put the book down for a moment because my heart was so full.
What also sets this story apart is the desert setting, which feels alive and atmospheric — almost like a character in its own right. It perfectly mirrors the slow-burn, hazy, dreamy quality of the romance.
If you're looking for a book that wraps around you like a warm desert night and refuses to let go, this is it. In a Desert Daze is an absolute gem and Theresa Christine is now firmly on my auto-buy list!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC « In a Desert Daze » by Theresa Christine
The story is a high-heat, emotionally charged "Childhood Friends to Lovers" story set against the backdrop of a struggling California desert hotel. When Max Weber returns to his hometown after a career-ending scandal, he finds himself back in the orbit of Daisy Johnson the girl he left behind to chase his dreams. As they work together to save her hotel, they have to face the years of silence, the "what-ifs," and a spark that refuses to die.
What I Loved:
• The Setting: The California desert atmosphere is a character in itself. You can feel the heat and the dust, which mirrors the simmering tension between Max and Daisy.
• The Growth: Daisy’s independence is admirable, even when it’s stubborn. Her struggle to keep her mother’s legacy alive while guarding her heart feels very earned.
The Emotional Core:
• The "Wait" Factor: While Max is clearly "hopelessly devoted," I struggled at times with his choices over the last eight years. It was frustrating to see him date others while clearly pining for Daisy, rather than fighting for her or being honest about his feelings before he left. Similarly, Daisy’s self-sacrifice pushing him away "for his own good" led to a decade of unnecessary heartbreak. Their lack of communication made the pining feel more painful than it needed to be!
The story is a high-heat, emotionally charged "Childhood Friends to Lovers" story set against the backdrop of a struggling California desert hotel. When Max Weber returns to his hometown after a career-ending scandal, he finds himself back in the orbit of Daisy Johnson the girl he left behind to chase his dreams. As they work together to save her hotel, they have to face the years of silence, the "what-ifs," and a spark that refuses to die.
What I Loved:
• The Setting: The California desert atmosphere is a character in itself. You can feel the heat and the dust, which mirrors the simmering tension between Max and Daisy.
• The Growth: Daisy’s independence is admirable, even when it’s stubborn. Her struggle to keep her mother’s legacy alive while guarding her heart feels very earned.
The Emotional Core:
• The "Wait" Factor: While Max is clearly "hopelessly devoted," I struggled at times with his choices over the last eight years. It was frustrating to see him date others while clearly pining for Daisy, rather than fighting for her or being honest about his feelings before he left. Similarly, Daisy’s self-sacrifice pushing him away "for his own good" led to a decade of unnecessary heartbreak. Their lack of communication made the pining feel more painful than it needed to be!
Review of advance copy
I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers, especially if they already had feelings for one another before being separated for one reason or another, so I had a feeling I'd really enjoy this, and it didn’t disappoint. I truly loved Daisy and Max as a pairing. They already had such a great understanding of one another from when they were children that when they were rediscovering one another, the tension and feelings didn’t feel false or sudden. Speaking of tension, there’s a lot of it from both ends. You could feel Daisy and Max's long held love from childhood. I loved the lingering gazes, the yearning and the communication they built in the end. I also enjoyed them as separate characters with Daisy's independence and Max’s softness.
The story is structured really well, with shifting timelines from the present day to their childhoods, so we get to see their friendship when they were younger, which I so enjoyed reading. The setting felt so new to me within this book, maybe I've just not read anything set in the California desert, but it felt so fitting for the story and added to the atmosphere and tension. This is my first Theresa Christine book, but I will be reading more of hers, especially if we get more of the characters involved in this story. If you’re looking for a heartfelt childhood friends to lovers, you should definitely consider this!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC! ♥︎
The story is structured really well, with shifting timelines from the present day to their childhoods, so we get to see their friendship when they were younger, which I so enjoyed reading. The setting felt so new to me within this book, maybe I've just not read anything set in the California desert, but it felt so fitting for the story and added to the atmosphere and tension. This is my first Theresa Christine book, but I will be reading more of hers, especially if we get more of the characters involved in this story. If you’re looking for a heartfelt childhood friends to lovers, you should definitely consider this!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC! ♥︎
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM PUBLISHER
In a Desert Daze is a sweet, estranged‑friends‑to‑lovers romance filled with unresolved tension. There’s a steady tug‑of‑war chemistry between the two main characters, Max and Daisy, that pulls you in from the start.
The story follows Daisy and Max, who grew up together in the small desert town of Harlow. Daisy is determined to keep her late mom’s boutique hotel alive, pouring everything she has into it. Max, after spending several years working overseas, returns home after losing his job under tough circumstances. The moment he’s back in Harlow, he and Daisy reconnect, and their old bond begins to spark again.
As they slowly rebuild their friendship, their chemistry heats up—flirty, believable, and rooted in years of shared history. The dual timeline works beautifully, showing how their unresolved feelings never really faded and how those emotions surge back the moment Max returns. I especially loved how the present‑day storyline gives them real obstacles to face, highlighting their growth and their willingness to work through things together.
This book is perfect for readers who love a well‑developed, spicy, character‑driven romance with plenty of small‑town charm.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s heartfelt, charming, and had me rooting for Max and Daisy from the very beginning.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
In a Desert Daze is a sweet, estranged‑friends‑to‑lovers romance filled with unresolved tension. There’s a steady tug‑of‑war chemistry between the two main characters, Max and Daisy, that pulls you in from the start.
The story follows Daisy and Max, who grew up together in the small desert town of Harlow. Daisy is determined to keep her late mom’s boutique hotel alive, pouring everything she has into it. Max, after spending several years working overseas, returns home after losing his job under tough circumstances. The moment he’s back in Harlow, he and Daisy reconnect, and their old bond begins to spark again.
As they slowly rebuild their friendship, their chemistry heats up—flirty, believable, and rooted in years of shared history. The dual timeline works beautifully, showing how their unresolved feelings never really faded and how those emotions surge back the moment Max returns. I especially loved how the present‑day storyline gives them real obstacles to face, highlighting their growth and their willingness to work through things together.
This book is perfect for readers who love a well‑developed, spicy, character‑driven romance with plenty of small‑town charm.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s heartfelt, charming, and had me rooting for Max and Daisy from the very beginning.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
May 9, 2026
Let me start this off by saying I could not put this read down!!
This story was enthralling and I wish there was more of Daisy and Max, they are so so good together
The tension between Daisy Johnson, who is fiercely protective of her family legacy, and Max Weber, a disgraced art curator seeking redemption, creates a delicious "will-they-won't-they" plot that kept me glued to the pages.
The story follows Max as he is forced to return to his hometown of Harlow, California, after a scandal crushes his pristine career in the art world. Seeking a way to stage a professional comeback, he teams up with Daisy to salvage her late mother’s struggling hotel, using his expertise to turn his career saving project into a summer success.
Through the chapters you see them growing closer and closer, not getting enough of one another
Meaning, I absolutely devoured their tension, heart-to-hearts and spicy moments as if they were served on a silver platter. They spent eight. long. YEARS. apart from one another making the pull between them even stronger as they worked closely together
And don't even get me started on the wonderful oasis setting. The small-town desert and close knit community added a beautiful layer of isolation and intimacy, which made their temporary summer alliance feel like a ticking clock.
Overall, this was a wonderful and deeply enjoyable read. I am very grateful for the opportunity I received to read this novel! 🩷
This story was enthralling and I wish there was more of Daisy and Max, they are so so good together
The tension between Daisy Johnson, who is fiercely protective of her family legacy, and Max Weber, a disgraced art curator seeking redemption, creates a delicious "will-they-won't-they" plot that kept me glued to the pages.
The story follows Max as he is forced to return to his hometown of Harlow, California, after a scandal crushes his pristine career in the art world. Seeking a way to stage a professional comeback, he teams up with Daisy to salvage her late mother’s struggling hotel, using his expertise to turn his career saving project into a summer success.
Through the chapters you see them growing closer and closer, not getting enough of one another
Meaning, I absolutely devoured their tension, heart-to-hearts and spicy moments as if they were served on a silver platter. They spent eight. long. YEARS. apart from one another making the pull between them even stronger as they worked closely together
And don't even get me started on the wonderful oasis setting. The small-town desert and close knit community added a beautiful layer of isolation and intimacy, which made their temporary summer alliance feel like a ticking clock.
Overall, this was a wonderful and deeply enjoyable read. I am very grateful for the opportunity I received to read this novel! 🩷
May 8, 2026
In a Desert Daze is written by Theresa Christine, a new-to-me author. I was drawn to this book by its cover and stayed for the childhood friends-to-lovers romance! This book explores how past grief and dreams can shape our future.
This contemporary romance centers on Daisy Johnson, who lives in the small desert town of Harlow to honor her late mother’s legacy by managing The Mirage, a modest, serene hotel. Daisy’s life is flipped upside down when a childhood friend, Max Weber, returns to town. As Max navigates the wreckage of his professional life and strained relationship with his parents, he finds himself drawn back to Daisy. They face tension because they both want two very different things - Max’s desire for global recognition and Daisy’s devotion to her mom’s memory.
Together, Max and Daisy collaborate in a pop-up museum project called Desert Daze. They find a way to honor the heart of their town while creating something globally significant. Through patience, trust, and willingness to take risks, they both grow. Daisy’s journey in letting go of The Mirage and finding her own career path was extremely emotional for me.
This book reminds us that love is an active choice. Embrace your truth!
Thanks to Theresa Christine for gifting me an eARC of In a Desert Daze. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This contemporary romance centers on Daisy Johnson, who lives in the small desert town of Harlow to honor her late mother’s legacy by managing The Mirage, a modest, serene hotel. Daisy’s life is flipped upside down when a childhood friend, Max Weber, returns to town. As Max navigates the wreckage of his professional life and strained relationship with his parents, he finds himself drawn back to Daisy. They face tension because they both want two very different things - Max’s desire for global recognition and Daisy’s devotion to her mom’s memory.
Together, Max and Daisy collaborate in a pop-up museum project called Desert Daze. They find a way to honor the heart of their town while creating something globally significant. Through patience, trust, and willingness to take risks, they both grow. Daisy’s journey in letting go of The Mirage and finding her own career path was extremely emotional for me.
This book reminds us that love is an active choice. Embrace your truth!
Thanks to Theresa Christine for gifting me an eARC of In a Desert Daze. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
3.75 but rounding up!
There was a lot that I truly loved about this story, and then some that I didn't 😅 The setting? Perfect. Messy family dynamics? Check. The yearning? Got it. The spice? Nice 😉 And in general I enjoyed the authors writing!
There is a LOT of miscommunication with this, which isn't usually my first pick of Tropes. Everything that happened in high school could have been fixed with a convo, what happened in Dublin could have been a convo (although I do actually understand where she was coming from here). The 3rd act miscommunication? Well, I have to give credit that they *tried* to have a convo about it lol, but Daisy was just too dumb stubborn and convinced she knew what was better for Max than he did.
These two were really just ships passing in the night, I loved their shared history and their support for each other. While questionable, Daisy's actions showed her unwavering desire for Max to have everything in the world (or what she thought would be everything for him). Meanwhile, Max's actions showed that he would essentially give up absoluey anything just to be with her. These two have quite the angsty, frustrating road to get to their HEA but they make it to their destination!
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and the author for allowing me to read and review!
There was a lot that I truly loved about this story, and then some that I didn't 😅 The setting? Perfect. Messy family dynamics? Check. The yearning? Got it. The spice? Nice 😉 And in general I enjoyed the authors writing!
There is a LOT of miscommunication with this, which isn't usually my first pick of Tropes. Everything that happened in high school could have been fixed with a convo, what happened in Dublin could have been a convo (although I do actually understand where she was coming from here). The 3rd act miscommunication? Well, I have to give credit that they *tried* to have a convo about it lol, but Daisy was just too dumb stubborn and convinced she knew what was better for Max than he did.
These two were really just ships passing in the night, I loved their shared history and their support for each other. While questionable, Daisy's actions showed her unwavering desire for Max to have everything in the world (or what she thought would be everything for him). Meanwhile, Max's actions showed that he would essentially give up absoluey anything just to be with her. These two have quite the angsty, frustrating road to get to their HEA but they make it to their destination!
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and the author for allowing me to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Theresa Christine for the early digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts !
In a desert daze is a small town steamy romance that follows Daisy and Max. She owns a hotel and he's an art curator. He comes back to Harlow after a huge scandal broke out at the company he was working at.
They were friends in high school, both dating other people but never finding the right person because ... flash news : they both liked the other as more than friends.
I really liked the premise of the book. I'm a sucker for small towns and this one was no different.
Our mcs teaming up to save both their careers was a nice touch. The pop up museum they created was a hit, and I liked how daisy didn't back down on some of her wants for it (like including local artists instead of aiming for only hotshots ones).
However, I wasn't a fan of the miscommunication. To be honest I don't know if it's miscommunication or total lack of communication on both sides. It seemed like they were repeating past mistakes once again and didn't learn much from them... ie: communication is KEY.
I did like how the both got their happy ending, especially that daisy learned to let go of some things and found another field that makes her happy.
In a desert daze is a small town steamy romance that follows Daisy and Max. She owns a hotel and he's an art curator. He comes back to Harlow after a huge scandal broke out at the company he was working at.
They were friends in high school, both dating other people but never finding the right person because ... flash news : they both liked the other as more than friends.
I really liked the premise of the book. I'm a sucker for small towns and this one was no different.
Our mcs teaming up to save both their careers was a nice touch. The pop up museum they created was a hit, and I liked how daisy didn't back down on some of her wants for it (like including local artists instead of aiming for only hotshots ones).
However, I wasn't a fan of the miscommunication. To be honest I don't know if it's miscommunication or total lack of communication on both sides. It seemed like they were repeating past mistakes once again and didn't learn much from them... ie: communication is KEY.
I did like how the both got their happy ending, especially that daisy learned to let go of some things and found another field that makes her happy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
I read this book in two days. It immediately hooked me!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
SPOILERS
Our FMC Daisy owns a hotel called the Mirage in Harlow (Southern California). She took over ownership after her mother passed away. It’s not her dream job but she’s doing everything she can to keep it running for her mother.
Our MMC Max is an art curator. He was working in Dublin until his job went up in flames due to his shady employer. He decides to return to his hometown, Harlow.
Daisy and Max have a long history. They first met in second grade and had been inseparable since. Until Max got the offer of a lifetime and moved away at 18. He always wanted Daisy but he was basically friend zoned. He yearned for her so badly.
So when he returns to Harlow, he and Daisy reconnect.
It turns out Daisy did have the same feelings toward him. She was just too scared. Too scared to hold him back from life and his dreams. She thought she wasn’t good enough.
Forced proximity, friends to lovers, & small town romance with a HEA. And so much yearning!
There is a third act break up but it didn’t bother me. I honestly got teary eyed at the end.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Theresa Christine!
I read this book in two days. It immediately hooked me!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
SPOILERS
Our FMC Daisy owns a hotel called the Mirage in Harlow (Southern California). She took over ownership after her mother passed away. It’s not her dream job but she’s doing everything she can to keep it running for her mother.
Our MMC Max is an art curator. He was working in Dublin until his job went up in flames due to his shady employer. He decides to return to his hometown, Harlow.
Daisy and Max have a long history. They first met in second grade and had been inseparable since. Until Max got the offer of a lifetime and moved away at 18. He always wanted Daisy but he was basically friend zoned. He yearned for her so badly.
So when he returns to Harlow, he and Daisy reconnect.
It turns out Daisy did have the same feelings toward him. She was just too scared. Too scared to hold him back from life and his dreams. She thought she wasn’t good enough.
Forced proximity, friends to lovers, & small town romance with a HEA. And so much yearning!
There is a third act break up but it didn’t bother me. I honestly got teary eyed at the end.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Theresa Christine!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rounding up from 3.5
Max and Daisy
* Childhood friends
* Friends-to-more
* Mutual crush
* Returning home
* The girl next door
* Dual/Various timelines
Daisy is struggling to keep her grandma’s hotel running. She fell into it instead of chasing her dreams, so she seems to be stuck in a rut.
Max has only returned to hide from a scandal, and their friendship had slowly fallen apart, leaving voicemails without laying eyes on each other for 8 years…
The flashbacks give an idea of why, but one statement really threw me…
“I know you told me not to come to the funeral, but I…I feel terrible about missing it. For you.”
A friend would not have missed it.
This is a story of miscommunication, which frustrates me… That has to be one of my most disliked microtropes… There are others, but it’s such a silly thing to think that ALL of their troubles could have been avoided if they just… You know… talked?
The biggest issue I have is the pacing. It just felt slow. I’m not sure if it’s the flashbacks in the early chapters, but it just felt like it took forever to even get anywhere!
Thanks, Theresa Christine, for the advance copy.
I enjoyed this. I really did.
But it also felt a teeny bit flat.
Max and Daisy
* Childhood friends
* Friends-to-more
* Mutual crush
* Returning home
* The girl next door
* Dual/Various timelines
Daisy is struggling to keep her grandma’s hotel running. She fell into it instead of chasing her dreams, so she seems to be stuck in a rut.
Max has only returned to hide from a scandal, and their friendship had slowly fallen apart, leaving voicemails without laying eyes on each other for 8 years…
The flashbacks give an idea of why, but one statement really threw me…
“I know you told me not to come to the funeral, but I…I feel terrible about missing it. For you.”
A friend would not have missed it.
This is a story of miscommunication, which frustrates me… That has to be one of my most disliked microtropes… There are others, but it’s such a silly thing to think that ALL of their troubles could have been avoided if they just… You know… talked?
The biggest issue I have is the pacing. It just felt slow. I’m not sure if it’s the flashbacks in the early chapters, but it just felt like it took forever to even get anywhere!
Thanks, Theresa Christine, for the advance copy.
I enjoyed this. I really did.
But it also felt a teeny bit flat.
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