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Paws And Petals
Coming home to Primrose Glenn was never part of my plan.
But after catching my boyfriend cheating, running back to my small hometown suddenly feels like the least embarrassing option.
The problem?
Jude Holloway.
My brother’s best friend.
The man who now runs the rescue centre I practically grew up in.
And the last person I expected to see again.
Jude has always preferred animals to people.
Which would be fine… if I didn’t suddenly have to see him everywhere.
At the rescue centre, around town and now since there’s literally nowhere else for me to stay, living under the same roof.
Apparently small towns come with rules.
Like don’t fall for your brother’s best friend.
And definitely don’t move in with him.
Too bad Primrose Glenn is full of chaotic rescue animals, meddling neighbours, and one man who’s a lot harder to ignore than he should be.
Paws and Petals is a grumpy × sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity small-town romance set at an animal rescue centre where love has a habit of showing up when you least expect it.
But after catching my boyfriend cheating, running back to my small hometown suddenly feels like the least embarrassing option.
The problem?
Jude Holloway.
My brother’s best friend.
The man who now runs the rescue centre I practically grew up in.
And the last person I expected to see again.
Jude has always preferred animals to people.
Which would be fine… if I didn’t suddenly have to see him everywhere.
At the rescue centre, around town and now since there’s literally nowhere else for me to stay, living under the same roof.
Apparently small towns come with rules.
Like don’t fall for your brother’s best friend.
And definitely don’t move in with him.
Too bad Primrose Glenn is full of chaotic rescue animals, meddling neighbours, and one man who’s a lot harder to ignore than he should be.
Paws and Petals is a grumpy × sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity small-town romance set at an animal rescue centre where love has a habit of showing up when you least expect it.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 29, 2026
Omg I love this book so much. This is the first book in the Primrose Glen series, can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
I was very excited to be part of Abbey Wales ARC team and wow this book amazing.
Paws and Petals is a grumpy × sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity small-town romance set at an animal rescue centre where love has a habit of showing up when you least expect it.
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
I was very excited to be part of Abbey Wales ARC team and wow this book amazing.
Paws and Petals is a grumpy × sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity small-town romance set at an animal rescue centre where love has a habit of showing up when you least expect it.
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
May 1, 2026
Paws and Petals is the first book in Wales' Primrose Glenn series. This grumpy/sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, small-town romance features Bethany Greenwood and Jude Holloway.
When Bethany comes home to find her boyfriend, Ryan, in bed with her best friend, Jess, on their 1-year anniversary, she decides she needs to get away and heads home to Primrose Glenn. She hasn't been back in 3 years, but knows that her loving parents and big brother Ben will be there to welcome her. Unfortunately things have changed in the past couple of years and while they are delighted to see her and have her home, they don't have space for her.
Jude, Ben's best friend, has a spare room though, and Ben readily offers it up to his little sister. While Jude isn't thrilled with the idea, he resigns himself to deal with having her in his space. Of course, he didn't realize that one night would turn into more, and that he would actually end up liking having her there.
Jude has been on his own for most of his life. He was kicked out when he was only 16, but the Greenwoods were there for him. When he realizes that he doesn't see Bethany as a little sister anymore, he tries his best to resist. He knows he can't go there because it would affect his relationship not only with Ben, but with the Greenwoods. They've been a second family to him, and even handed over their beloved animal rescue to him to try to make a go of it.
Bethany enjoys teasing and flirting with Jude. She prides herself in getting under his skin. That said, when she starts to get hot and then cold behaviour from him, it not only confuses her, but annoys her as well.
Bethany is supposed to be in Primrose Glenn short term while she moves on from Ryan, but when her father asks her to use her social media talents to help the rescue, how could she say no? That leads to Bethany and Jude not only living together but working together too. With all that pressure, something is bound to pop.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the banter between Bethany and Jude. They each give as good as they get, and they love it. It was hard to see Jude struggle with his feelings, but watching their connection bloom was a lot of fun. One thing I wanted though was to know more about Jude's backstory.
This was my first read by Wales but I hope to be able to read more of her works soon. I believe the second book in this series will feature big brother Ben, and a Ms Fallon Emerson who is new to town. I'm keen to know more about Ben's backstory, and definitely want to see what happens between these two.
We also met Bethany's friend Rosalie Harper. I love that character and hope that she might get her own book in this adorable (yet spicy) series.
This book definitely gets a thumbs up from me!
When Bethany comes home to find her boyfriend, Ryan, in bed with her best friend, Jess, on their 1-year anniversary, she decides she needs to get away and heads home to Primrose Glenn. She hasn't been back in 3 years, but knows that her loving parents and big brother Ben will be there to welcome her. Unfortunately things have changed in the past couple of years and while they are delighted to see her and have her home, they don't have space for her.
Jude, Ben's best friend, has a spare room though, and Ben readily offers it up to his little sister. While Jude isn't thrilled with the idea, he resigns himself to deal with having her in his space. Of course, he didn't realize that one night would turn into more, and that he would actually end up liking having her there.
Jude has been on his own for most of his life. He was kicked out when he was only 16, but the Greenwoods were there for him. When he realizes that he doesn't see Bethany as a little sister anymore, he tries his best to resist. He knows he can't go there because it would affect his relationship not only with Ben, but with the Greenwoods. They've been a second family to him, and even handed over their beloved animal rescue to him to try to make a go of it.
Bethany enjoys teasing and flirting with Jude. She prides herself in getting under his skin. That said, when she starts to get hot and then cold behaviour from him, it not only confuses her, but annoys her as well.
Bethany is supposed to be in Primrose Glenn short term while she moves on from Ryan, but when her father asks her to use her social media talents to help the rescue, how could she say no? That leads to Bethany and Jude not only living together but working together too. With all that pressure, something is bound to pop.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the banter between Bethany and Jude. They each give as good as they get, and they love it. It was hard to see Jude struggle with his feelings, but watching their connection bloom was a lot of fun. One thing I wanted though was to know more about Jude's backstory.
This was my first read by Wales but I hope to be able to read more of her works soon. I believe the second book in this series will feature big brother Ben, and a Ms Fallon Emerson who is new to town. I'm keen to know more about Ben's backstory, and definitely want to see what happens between these two.
We also met Bethany's friend Rosalie Harper. I love that character and hope that she might get her own book in this adorable (yet spicy) series.
This book definitely gets a thumbs up from me!
May 5, 2026
Paws and Petals, written by Abbey Wales, is a romantic novel that explores love, professional ambition, and healing. This was my introduction to Abbey Wales, and I look forward to reading more in the future.
The book focuses on Bethany Greenwood, who finds her life suddenly dismantled after her partner’s cheating, and seeks comfort in her hometown of Primrose Glenn. Her return forces her to reconcile with her past and its unfinished business. Her newfound independence aids her reinvention. Rejoining her brother, Ben, and her childhood friend, Jude Holloway. There, of course, is unresolved tension between Jude and Bethany.
The slow-burning and proximity fuel the romance between the two. Their shared history together creates a unique bond, while social expectations, family dynamics, and fear of repeating past mistakes create a push-and-pull dynamic. They also confront trauma and anxiety.
I love a small-town, return-to-home story! I think it allows for a more intimate atmosphere and relationships with the community. Jude and Bethany’s romance defies social expectations, emerging as not only partners but as individuals who have learned the value of their own voice.
Thanks to Abbey Wales for gifting me an eARC of Paws and Petals. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book focuses on Bethany Greenwood, who finds her life suddenly dismantled after her partner’s cheating, and seeks comfort in her hometown of Primrose Glenn. Her return forces her to reconcile with her past and its unfinished business. Her newfound independence aids her reinvention. Rejoining her brother, Ben, and her childhood friend, Jude Holloway. There, of course, is unresolved tension between Jude and Bethany.
The slow-burning and proximity fuel the romance between the two. Their shared history together creates a unique bond, while social expectations, family dynamics, and fear of repeating past mistakes create a push-and-pull dynamic. They also confront trauma and anxiety.
I love a small-town, return-to-home story! I think it allows for a more intimate atmosphere and relationships with the community. Jude and Bethany’s romance defies social expectations, emerging as not only partners but as individuals who have learned the value of their own voice.
Thanks to Abbey Wales for gifting me an eARC of Paws and Petals. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
If you love a forced proximity, brother’s best friend slow burn romance, then let me introduce you to Paws and Petals.
Jude and Bethany’s story is equal parts sweet and spicy. It brings all the emotions and complicated loyalties but mixed with plenty of banter (sometimes a little innuendo filled 😏) and “we can’t do this but if it’s in secret, we will” energy 😈
And the animal rescue setting just fuels the slow burn, extends the forced proximity and honestly, just deepens the cozy vibes and found family layer. Like I said equal parts sweet and spicy but let’s be real, that’s Abbey’s signature and I’m so here for it 😍
So if you’re in need of a Hallmark but hot forced proximity, brother’s best friend romance, then Paws and Petals is for you!
Jude and Bethany’s story is equal parts sweet and spicy. It brings all the emotions and complicated loyalties but mixed with plenty of banter (sometimes a little innuendo filled 😏) and “we can’t do this but if it’s in secret, we will” energy 😈
And the animal rescue setting just fuels the slow burn, extends the forced proximity and honestly, just deepens the cozy vibes and found family layer. Like I said equal parts sweet and spicy but let’s be real, that’s Abbey’s signature and I’m so here for it 😍
So if you’re in need of a Hallmark but hot forced proximity, brother’s best friend romance, then Paws and Petals is for you!
April 25, 2026
Received as an ARC to review.
If you’re into brother’s best friend forced proximity, this is your book !
The story deals with Bethany, a social media manager who’s forced to run back to her hometown after a love deception. Problem ? That’s where Jude is. Jude is her brother’s best friend who runs the rescue centre she grew up in. Grumpy with everyone, he rescues all abandoned animals. I mean, grumpy with everyone… except Bethany ! 👀
I’ve loved this book so much I couldn’t put it down. The amount of grumpy x sunshine was perfect and I loved how Jude softens more and more throughout each chapter. The book had a lot of banter and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
4/5 ⭐ - A really sweet and funny small-town read.
If you’re into brother’s best friend forced proximity, this is your book !
The story deals with Bethany, a social media manager who’s forced to run back to her hometown after a love deception. Problem ? That’s where Jude is. Jude is her brother’s best friend who runs the rescue centre she grew up in. Grumpy with everyone, he rescues all abandoned animals. I mean, grumpy with everyone… except Bethany ! 👀
I’ve loved this book so much I couldn’t put it down. The amount of grumpy x sunshine was perfect and I loved how Jude softens more and more throughout each chapter. The book had a lot of banter and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
4/5 ⭐ - A really sweet and funny small-town read.
May 3, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. I devoured it in one day. I can't wait for the next one to be released.
Jude and Bethany are brilliant and their story is one like a rollercoaster! He's her brother's best friend, so totally forbidden and isn't that the best kind of romance to read?!
With a HEA this book is a fab read. Definitely recommend.
Jude and Bethany are brilliant and their story is one like a rollercoaster! He's her brother's best friend, so totally forbidden and isn't that the best kind of romance to read?!
With a HEA this book is a fab read. Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to recieve this as an arc read and from reading the blurb it sounded a bit like Lucy Score.
I loved the writing, character development and overall just loved this book.
It was happy, funny and I loved that he was grumpy yet loveable.
I loved the writing, character development and overall just loved this book.
It was happy, funny and I loved that he was grumpy yet loveable.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of this book - I have been in such a book slump lately but when I started reading Paws & Petals I was HOOKED!! I mean I finished it in a day (That's how good Abbey is at grabbing the readers attention), the story between Jude and Bethany is filled with love, tension and a whole lot of choas. The book has broken my slump! If you are looking for a sign to read it, THIS IS IT. Abbey you have smashed it out of the park!
April 29, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! This is an grump/sunshine,brothers best friend romance filled with some spice, chaos and animals. This is the first book in the Primrose Glenn series. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews