Sassy & Sowed

by Amber Elwood

Bryce: She hates everything I stand for, but rubbing someone the wrong way never felt so good.

I’m determined to meet my fertilizer sales targets and get promoted. Then my boss puts me in charge of an environmentalist’s PhD research.

I don’t have time to babysit a naive tree-hugger, no matter how hot she is.

She’s smart, driven, and just as competitive as me… I’d love to knock her off her pedestal. Then the eco-princess surprises me by getting her hands dirty on planting day.

The problem? Once the seed is planted, I’m questioning everything… Including why I can’t make her mine.

Saralie: The only thing standing between me and my PhD is the soil research project I’m leading… And Bryce, the annoyingly hot jerk in charge.

Funding for my research is coming from notorious agrochemical company, TurnChem. Turns out, Bryce wants to use my research to get promoted by skewing the results in TurnChem’s favor.

He’s the enemy, but he makes me want to stoop to his level and get down and dirty.

We shouldn’t be getting involved, but the tension between us is irresistible. He ends up goading me into a bet, and we cross the line that puts my research at risk.

With my reputation on the line, and his promotion hanging in the balance, we need to decide where our loyalties lie before it’s too late.

This book was originally titled "Dare to Sow" but renamed to "Sassy & Sowed".

ebook

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Amber Elwood writes steamy contemporary romance that leaves you feeling hopeful about the future. Her Flowers of Fairport series is led by go-getting women who know what they want, and the men who will stop at nothing to help them get there.

After leaving a successful career in tech, Amber now splits her time between motherhood, farming, and writing. She has more ideas than she’ll ever have time, dark chocolate, or tea to write.

Reviews

[marilyn silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5⭐

Tropes
🩷Workplace Romance
🩷small town setting
🩷enemies to lovers
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷he falls first
🩷found family

First and foremost I would like to thank Author Amber Elwood and the publisher for giving me this ARC in return for an honest review. Workplace romance really sold me for this one and that too combined with enemies to lovers in the mix… say less!

When I read the blurb of the book for the first time I immediately wanted to read the book. If anyone’s up for a quick workplace romance with enemies to lovers, this is definitely for you.

The story revolves around Bryce and Saralie. Bryce is a fertilizer sales rep for a company called Turnchem whereas Saralie is an environmentalist and a PhD researcher. Since it’s Turnchem funding Saralie’s research, Bryce is asked to oversee her project. THIS was the part that had me thoroughly invested because the tension between them started brewing the moment they met. And the fact that Saralie hated everything Turnchem stood for? Oh yeah… the drama was drama-ing.

Both Bryce and Saralie’s story screamed *“I WANT SOMETHING I SHOULDN’T WANT”* and that had me giggling and kicking my feet because nothing hits harder than a little forbidden romance moment.

Bryce!!! The man was HOOKED the second he saw Saralie and he couldn’t even hide it no matter how hard he tried. Meanwhile Saralie absolutely could not stand his cocky self and honestly? my girl was one eye twitch away from throwing him into the nearest wall 🤣 Bryce truly did not know what he walked into but he sure as hell would do it all over again if it meant seeing Saralie.

And this man could NOT stay away from her even if he tried. The way his eyes were always searching for her, the way he got possessive before he even properly knew her… okay Mr. Possessive calm DOWN. The way he kept pushing her buttons just to get a reaction out of her?? sir please 😭 He might have been cocky and full of himself in the beginning but throughout the story Bryce’s character development genuinely made me love him more.

But let’s be real here… Saralie wasn’t any better when it came to staying away from him either 😭 No matter how much she hated his cocky self or how much he annoyed her, she kept getting pulled right back to him every single time. The tension between them was honestly giving “I’m trying so hard not to want you but failing miserably” energy and I ate that UP.

And Saralie? Oh she’s THAT girl. Strong, resilient, funny and insanely smart. My girl knew exactly what she was doing when it came to both her profession and her personal life. She’s the type to fight tooth and nail for what she wants and what she believes in and that honestly made me admire her character even more.

The tension, the banter, the chemistry??? Yeah inject it into my veins. And I HAVE to mention the found family dynamics because combined with the small town setting it just made everything feel so warm and fun to read.

With that being said, I really wish they added a bit more tension into this along with dialogues that intensified the enemies-to-lovers energy even more. In certain places I wasn’t able to fully connect with the characters the way I thought I would, and I also felt like they gave in to each other a little too quickly. I wanted just a tiny bit more “I hate you but also I want you” energy from them.

Overall this was definitely such a cute read that I enjoyed and would totally recommend.

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author


Sassy & Sowed had absolutely no business being this addictive. I went in expecting a cute STEM romance and came out emotionally invested in soil research, corporate sabotage, and two stubborn hotheads verbally sparring their way into chemistry so intense it practically composted itself into flames. 🌾

Bryce is the kind of MMC you want to roll your eyes at while simultaneously highlighting every line he says. Cocky, competitive, morally gray enough to be dangerous, yet somehow still irresistible. And Saralie? She’s not just “strong FMC” copy-paste material. She’s intelligent, ambitious, and refuses to let Bryce bulldoze over her goals. Their dynamic feels like watching two thunderstorms argue across a cornfield.

The tension in this book deserves its own warning label. Every interaction had that one more argument before we kiss or kill each other energy. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was filthy in the best way, and the planting-day scenes? Unexpectedly hot. Who knew dirt and academic rivalry could become foreplay? 🌱💋

What really surprised me was how grounded the conflict felt. It wasn’t drama for drama’s sake. Both characters had real stakes, real ambitions, and believable reasons for clashing. The push-and-pull between loyalty, ethics, attraction, and career goals made the romance hit even harder.

Also, the title change from Dare to Sow to Sassy & Sowed is honestly iconic. It perfectly matches the chaotic flirty energy of this book.

If you love:

* enemies to lovers
* STEM romance
* forced proximity
* arrogant MMCs who fall HARD
* competitive banter
* morally messy corporate tension
* “I hate you” kisses in fields at sunset 🌾

…this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.

[Lilly Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy received from Author

First, I want to preface this by saying I’m not usually a big contemporary reader, so this isn’t a genre I have a ton of experience reviewing. Take my thoughts with that in mind.

I had really high hopes going into this, and there were definitely parts that worked really well for me. The banter between the main characters? So fun. I am always here for enemies to lovers, and their dynamic had moments that genuinely kept me engaged. I also loved how consistent the theme was throughout the story, especially with the plants and setting. It added a cozy, small‑town charm that made everything feel connected.

That being said… there were a few things that held it back for me.

At times, the story felt a bit repetitive, and I found myself wishing we stayed in certain moments longer. There were scenes where I felt like I had just gotten into what was happening, and then suddenly it shifted into being summarized instead of letting me fully experience it. I think giving those moments more detail would have made the emotional payoff much stronger.

And the romance… I liked it, but I wanted more build up. I love a good slow burn, especially with enemies to lovers, and for me things moved a little faster than I personally prefer. I just wanted that extra “I shouldn’t want you but I do” tension pushed a bit further.

Overall, this was still an enjoyable read with some really solid elements, especially in the character interactions and overall theme. It just didn’t fully hit for me in terms of pacing and depth. I can definitely see this working really well for readers who enjoy lighter, quicker contemporary romances with some tension and charm.

[Ecem Esen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy & Sowed was such a fun and refreshing enemies-to-lovers romance. I really liked that the conflict between Bryce and Saralie wasn’t just personal drama — their opposing views and workplace tension actually gave the relationship real stakes, which made the chemistry between them even better.

Bryce definitely starts off as arrogant and frustrating, but watching his perspective slowly shift throughout the story made his character arc satisfying. Saralie was easy to root for too. She’s smart, ambitious, and refuses to compromise her integrity, even when the attraction between them starts complicating everything.

The banter and competitiveness between them carried the story really well, and I liked that their relationship developed through working together instead of instantly falling into romance. The tension felt natural, especially with the added pressure of the research project, career ambitions, and conflicting loyalties hanging over them.

I also really enjoyed the farm/small-town setting because it gave the story a different feel from a lot of workplace romances. It balanced the heavier themes around ethics and trust with humor, chemistry, and some genuinely sweet moments.

Overall, this was a spicy, entertaining romance with strong enemies-to-lovers energy, good emotional tension, and characters that challenged each other in interesting ways. If you enjoy workplace rivalry, opposites attract dynamics, and romances with both chemistry and substance, this is definitely worth reading.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

Sassy & Sowed by Amber Elwood was a cozy and enjoyable small-town romance. I really loved the enemies to lovers dynamic between the main characters — the attraction and chemistry between them was undeniable from the start, and the steamy moments were balanced nicely with genuine emotional development.

One of my favourite parts of the story was watching the characters slowly peel back each other’s layers and come to better understand and appreciate one another. The book does a great job reinforcing the idea that things aren’t always what they seem on the surface, and that first impressions don’t always tell the full story.

I also really appreciated the strong found family elements throughout the book. There was such a warmth to the relationships and community, which added to the cozy feel of the story overall.

Beyond the romance, I loved the themes surrounding reinvention and self-discovery — that it’s never too late to try something new or redefine yourself. The story also explored the idea that while careers can be an important part of someone’s life, they don’t have to completely define who they are as a person.

Another thing that stood out to me was the balance in the sacrifices and risks made within the relationship. It was refreshing to see mutual compromise and growth from both main characters, rather than placing all of the emotional sacrifice on the FMC which can happen so often in romance.
Overall this was a heartfelt, steamy, and cozy romance with great chemistry, meaningful character growth, and a lot of heart.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review
Dare to Sow (Flowers of Fairport #1)
by Amber Elwood
📅 Release Date: 2 June 2026
This book had me hooked from the first chapter 😍🔥
Dare to Sow delivers everything you want from a spicy small-town enemies-to-lovers romance—tension, banter, chemistry, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Bryce and Saralie are absolute fire together. Their dynamic is sharp, competitive, and full of that addictive “I shouldn’t want you… but I do” energy 👀
What I loved most is how their relationship builds alongside real stakes. It’s not just romance—there’s ambition, ethics, and conflicting goals woven through the story, which makes every moment feel more intense. The push and pull between career vs. connection? SO well done.
And the setting? A farm-based backdrop with environmental vs. corporate tension adds such a fresh twist to the trope 🌱✨
Spicy, addictive, and packed with tension—this is a brilliant start to the Flowers of Fairport series, and I cannot wait for more!

[Mara Rouleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare To Sow | ARC Review Net Galley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Saralie and Bryce

“I instantly hated him and everything he represented.”

Saralie is an adorable, to sweet for this world researcher working on her PHD. Bryce is a gruff salesman for TurnChem. Saralie hates everything TurnChem stands for but they are funding her research project after funding fell through and she especially doesn’t like the cocky self assured salesman assigned to over see her project.

Dare To Sow is a Vermont Farm/Small Town Enemies to Lovers romance. Heavy banter, tension and the perfect amount of spice. The book is not just spice though, it’s well thought out, a really interesting plot and you can tell the author did some serious research. Oh and the spicy scenes 🥵🔥

I cannot wait to see where the rest of the Flowers of Fairport series takes us!

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Forbidden Love
Small Town

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"“Your kind heart doesn’t make you weak. It’s what makes you strong enough to stand up for what you believe in,” I said emphatically. “It’s what I love most about you.”"

This was my first book by Amber and certainly won't be my last! I love enemies-to-lovers and she did it so well. Saralie and Bryce are complete opposites of eachother. Saralie is a PHD student working on her soil research project with TurnChem who sponsored the project and picked the farm. Bryce works as an determined salesman for TurnChem who was put in charge of the project his work is sponsoring. As they work together on the TurnChem project they never expected sparks to fly. Theres the perfect amount of plot, banter, tension, and spice. Amber doesn't make you wait until 80% for the spice, its dusted throughout the book starting fairly early on for an enemies-to-lovers book. I can't wait until the next installment of the series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allison King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read. A definite change from the dark romance I usually read. But the story line was sweet and romantic, which made you want to keep reading.

Saralie isn't looking for love, just trying to complete her research project and do her dissertatio by moving to a small, idyllic Vermont town. Of course she falls for the guy assigned to help her oversee a part of the project, working for a company she loathes.

The side characters add humor and whimsy to the story, making you want to learn more about them and their stories. So I'll definitely be adding the release dates of the next 2 books to my calendar so I can get them.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and i am writing this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

This book was different from anything I’ve read in the romance genre!

I’ve never read a book that focused on agricultural science.

I felt Saralie’s character was interesting… she broke up with her ex over his work ethic, was working toward her PhD, and recently started working on a research project. Giving in to her emotions for a man she just met was wild work. Personally, I wouldn’t have risked it.

Bryce was hot and pushed boundaries. Them not feeling each other at first was the best part, but they both gave in quickly. With so much at stake, I would’ve liked to see their relationship develop more to make it feel worth the risk.

I did enjoy their relationship and felt the book was a cozy, unique read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Dare to Sow by Amber Elwood. I enjoyed the different character backgrounds; with Saralie being a PhD researcher and Bryce working for TurnChem. This is an enemies to lovers small town romance where we see the two main characters battle their attraction to each other and their different goals. The only thing I found a tiny bit annoying was the abrupt 180s Saralie had from paragraph to paragraph regarding her and Bryce’s relationship. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the storyline!

Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing for this ARC.

#DaretoSow #NetGalley

[Shannon Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

FMC - Sassy as described ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MMC - he was confident on the outside but not so much inside until the right woman showed him how good he was. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot - just the right amount. I will admit it took me a few chapters to get on board and then I was hooked. 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Side Characters - Val, Caroline, Jack, and Marie were great. Kate and Pete were amazing. Bryce’s parents did not play much of a role but they added context to plot and how he was raised.

Overall this was great first book to a series. I am hoping that Caroline gets a book also.

I receive this as an ARC. Thank you Amber for trusting me with this book. I am definitely a fan now and looked forward to future books.

[Jessica Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC read.

If you love a good enemies to lovers book, this one is for you! Bryce is the cocky, arrogant (or so he puts on), promotion driven rep that Saralie is forced to work with for her doctoral research. He wants her research to prove that his company's chemicals help farmers' plants grow better while she wants to prove ancient methods are better all-around. They start off rocky with him believing the researcher will be a guy and dismissing her with a "sweetheart" when she arrives. Things only get more heated from there until you learn about both their pasts and why they are the way they are, you see Bryce's soft side, and they can't deny the physical attraction any longer. This one definitely has spice wants they get started and it doesn't stop!

[AJ Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The dual POV was great. Saralie was given the opportunity to be a part of a research project that would further her career and journey to a PhD. Bryce took on the research project begrudgingly, hoping to help himself into a promotion. What neither of them knew was the research project would lead them into something precarious. Their conflicts were genuine. They both held strong on their views. That made the enemies to lovers so much stronger here. This book gives you lust, spice, and love with a side of betrayal. You'll get sucked into the tension. You'll even probably find yourself curious about the research and the findings along the way. It's the type of book to grip you without you noticing until you've realized you're done. I'd definitely recommend it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Perfect dislike to love story! More so on Saralie’s part because Bryce was smitten when he first met her. Saralie and Bryce have to work with each other in regards to doing some research on farm land but Bryce is part of a team that Saralie does not like. They have great chemistry from the beginning and I just loved how the story flowed. We have spice, friendships, family and swoony moments. 4 stars!!

[Brenda Tannehill · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARV version was lucky enough to read, I went in blind other than quick synopsis that was introduced to ARC request. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read! The development of the characters evolve was wonderful in this story, it flowed so well and keep your connected and engaged. The warm and fuzzies were felt the whole story! Great chemistry, great friendships and growth. Great spice matched with the story and characters! Can't wait to read more from this author

[Shannon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic start to this series. It has the perfect amount of everything. The spice was good, the emotional connection was great, and I could not put this down.

I received this as an ARC and I want to say thanks for the opportunity. I will definitely want to read the other books in the series.

[kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is soooo addictively cute! It has amazing tension, banter, and great relationship development.

I loved the spicy, entertaining, small town, emotional feel of this book!

I recommend this book if you enjoy all things mentioned above.

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced reader copy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Saralie 👩‍🔬 We love a woman that stays true to herself and goes after what she believes in!

Bryce 🧔🏻‍♂️A man that’s career driven but smart enough to recognize a good woman when he sees her!

The other small town characters were also well developed and I can’t wait to see that happens in Fairport next!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read! I liked the small town vibes and characters. It was refreshing that the male character wasn’t successful financially but he was motivated. It’s definitely more realistic than your typical farmer who owns the entire ranch or billionaire romance!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

This book was perfect! The romance between Saralie and Bryce was so well written you couldn’t help but route for them. All of the sub plots were also so well woven into the story it just made you feel for every character in the book, I cannot wait for the second book to be released

[Chrisy Surrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance book starts off slow but then you are hooked. Amber Elwood is very detailed and I enjoyed her writing. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.

[Elicia Zebroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This country romance novel is super sweet and spicy at the same time.
Best non cowboy romance I've read in a long time.
Looking forward to reading the continuation and the novella!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly an enemies to lovers trope! They had vastly different ideals and lives and it took some serious compromise to make it work. I loved the gardening/farming storylines!

[Sarah Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - this was different to other romance books I usually read. I found it was a nice easy and cozy read to enjoy