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Beatrice and the Houseplants
She moved away to find stability, and fell for the boy next door; he wanted freedom, and found a heart to come home to.
Beatrice Thompson doesn't do serious or committed, and she certainly doesn't do long-term. This cookie-baking high school teacher just wants peace and security. After being raised by a constantly angry father and a doormat mother and being cheated on many times, Beatrice has given up on love. Surely she can mix friendship with sex with her plant-loving neighbor Ron as a way to get satisfaction while protecting her heart.
Ron Carden would rather wade through a bog or tend his orchids than sit behind his desk all day. His family? Trying to keep him in a corporate box and set him up with some classy, rich young woman who will submit to his mother's control. Ron's nice and funny and gentle, but lacks the self-confidence to go for it with his attractive neighbor.
After Ron overcomes his nerves and kisses Beatrice, she'll have to decide if risking their friendship is worth their growing attraction. Can Beatrice overcome her past trauma and let Ron in? And can Ron be the strong partner Beatrice deserves?
Beatrice Thompson doesn't do serious or committed, and she certainly doesn't do long-term. This cookie-baking high school teacher just wants peace and security. After being raised by a constantly angry father and a doormat mother and being cheated on many times, Beatrice has given up on love. Surely she can mix friendship with sex with her plant-loving neighbor Ron as a way to get satisfaction while protecting her heart.
Ron Carden would rather wade through a bog or tend his orchids than sit behind his desk all day. His family? Trying to keep him in a corporate box and set him up with some classy, rich young woman who will submit to his mother's control. Ron's nice and funny and gentle, but lacks the self-confidence to go for it with his attractive neighbor.
After Ron overcomes his nerves and kisses Beatrice, she'll have to decide if risking their friendship is worth their growing attraction. Can Beatrice overcome her past trauma and let Ron in? And can Ron be the strong partner Beatrice deserves?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Philippa Lodge
21 books240 followersPhilippa Lodge is an office worker by day, reader by night, and author on the weekends. She lives in California (though not one of the cool parts) with her husband, whatever kids (maximum of three) as haven’t yet gone to college and/or moved out, and two cats who probably don’t turn into humans, but who argue like hangry toddlers.
She can be found on BlueSky as @plaatsch or at her website https://www.philippalodge.com/ which is probably in desperate need of an overhaul.
Follow me here on Goodreads and subscribe to my newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/3f319014d591/subsc...
She can be found on BlueSky as @plaatsch or at her website https://www.philippalodge.com/ which is probably in desperate need of an overhaul.
Follow me here on Goodreads and subscribe to my newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/3f319014d591/subsc...
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 20, 2026
I was so excited to read this book! (And not just because I'm a landscape architect who is obsessed with spider plants).
Beatrice and the House Plants was a charming, emotionally grounded read with characters who felt REAL. Beatrice’s jadedness was especially relatable *ahem* She has that weary, guarded perspective that I recognize in myself, and it made her journey compelling to follow. Me and Ron are also shy and anxious, and that felt authentic and endearing, making it easy to root for him.
What really kept me invested was the dynamic between them. I felt like they were perfect for each other and found myself wanting them to just BE TOGETHER already! That emotional pull is always the sign of strong character writing. Philippa created leads who were easy to care about, and their connection gave the story a warm, satisfying heart.
This was a sweet, character-driven book that I read while convalescing from a surgery. Any reader who enjoys modern, relatable romance and personal growth will appreciate it!!
Beatrice and the House Plants was a charming, emotionally grounded read with characters who felt REAL. Beatrice’s jadedness was especially relatable *ahem* She has that weary, guarded perspective that I recognize in myself, and it made her journey compelling to follow. Me and Ron are also shy and anxious, and that felt authentic and endearing, making it easy to root for him.
What really kept me invested was the dynamic between them. I felt like they were perfect for each other and found myself wanting them to just BE TOGETHER already! That emotional pull is always the sign of strong character writing. Philippa created leads who were easy to care about, and their connection gave the story a warm, satisfying heart.
This was a sweet, character-driven book that I read while convalescing from a surgery. Any reader who enjoys modern, relatable romance and personal growth will appreciate it!!
Displaying 1 of 1 review