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Among Wildflowers
She had it all. Then she lost it all. Now she's stuck in a town where designer heels sink into the dirt.
At 28, Ali Bennett had the perfect life—money, status, a jet-setting lifestyle filled with exclusive parties, high-end fashion, and epic adventures across the globe. Her world was glossy magazine-worthy, meticulously curated, and exactly what she'd always wanted.
Until it all came crashing down.
Broke, humiliated, and desperate for a fresh start, Ali finds herself exiled to Lakeside, Wisconsin—a charming ( aggressively quaint) small town with an over-the-top devotion to wildflowers, no such thing as ride shares, and a pace of life that's the polar opposite of everything she's ever known. Here, gossip travels faster than Wi-Fi, everyone knows everyone's business, and her Louboutins are completely impractical.
She's comically, spectacularly out of her element.
But Ali's never been one to give up without a fight. Armed with her quick wit, unexpected kindness, and a determination to prove she's more than just a rich girl with a bruised ego, she slowly starts winning over the quirky townsfolk—including her infuriatingly handsome, maddeningly practical, frustratingly perfect next-door neighbor.
Jake Elliott is Lakeside's beloved veterinarian and all-around do-gooder. He's earnest, grounded, and deeply committed to his community. He rescues animals, attends book club, and champions wild gardening in his spare time. He's everything Ali's not—and everything she never knew she needed.
On paper, they're a contradiction. Her brand of chaos should be a total turn-off for someone as practical and level-headed as Jake. But the more time they spend together—whether she's helping put Lakeside on the map, or resolving a local business’s inventory crisis he is discovering that beneath her designer armor is someone who's scared, vulnerable, and trying so damn hard—the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks flying between them.
Ali came to Lakeside to hide. Instead, she's blooming.
Opposites may attract, but can a city girl with a shattered past find love—and herself—in a town where wildflowers aren't the only thing that bloom?
Among Wildflowers is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding home, falling hard, and the unexpected magic of small-town charm. It's about second chances, discovering who you are when everything you thought defined you is gone, and realizing that sometimes the life you didn't plan for is exactly the one you needed.
At 28, Ali Bennett had the perfect life—money, status, a jet-setting lifestyle filled with exclusive parties, high-end fashion, and epic adventures across the globe. Her world was glossy magazine-worthy, meticulously curated, and exactly what she'd always wanted.
Until it all came crashing down.
Broke, humiliated, and desperate for a fresh start, Ali finds herself exiled to Lakeside, Wisconsin—a charming ( aggressively quaint) small town with an over-the-top devotion to wildflowers, no such thing as ride shares, and a pace of life that's the polar opposite of everything she's ever known. Here, gossip travels faster than Wi-Fi, everyone knows everyone's business, and her Louboutins are completely impractical.
She's comically, spectacularly out of her element.
But Ali's never been one to give up without a fight. Armed with her quick wit, unexpected kindness, and a determination to prove she's more than just a rich girl with a bruised ego, she slowly starts winning over the quirky townsfolk—including her infuriatingly handsome, maddeningly practical, frustratingly perfect next-door neighbor.
Jake Elliott is Lakeside's beloved veterinarian and all-around do-gooder. He's earnest, grounded, and deeply committed to his community. He rescues animals, attends book club, and champions wild gardening in his spare time. He's everything Ali's not—and everything she never knew she needed.
On paper, they're a contradiction. Her brand of chaos should be a total turn-off for someone as practical and level-headed as Jake. But the more time they spend together—whether she's helping put Lakeside on the map, or resolving a local business’s inventory crisis he is discovering that beneath her designer armor is someone who's scared, vulnerable, and trying so damn hard—the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks flying between them.
Ali came to Lakeside to hide. Instead, she's blooming.
Opposites may attract, but can a city girl with a shattered past find love—and herself—in a town where wildflowers aren't the only thing that bloom?
Among Wildflowers is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding home, falling hard, and the unexpected magic of small-town charm. It's about second chances, discovering who you are when everything you thought defined you is gone, and realizing that sometimes the life you didn't plan for is exactly the one you needed.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
C. Ellan Rose
1 book9 followersC. Ellan writes spicy, swoony love stories for readers who want a little heat, a lot of heart, and all the fluttering butterflies. She’s a joy seeker who champions those who identify as women. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her teaching yoga, reading, packing for her next adventure, reading, cheering on her teenage daughter for winning at life by being her true self, reading, canoodling with her husband of eight hundred and twenty-two years, or walking her two fur babies. Oh, and of course, reading. Always reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 23, 2026
I went into this book hoping for a cozy small-town romance, and for the most part, that's exactly what I got.
After losing both her job and her boyfriend in spectacular fashion, Ali retreats to the only place she can think of: a cottage her grandmother left her in a small Wisconsin town. Good riddance to the boyfriend, we DO NOT like him!
Watching Ali adjust to small-town life was one of my favorite parts of the book. The fish-out-of-water moments (or fish-out-of-window lol) were genuinely funny, and I enjoyed seeing her slowly win over the locals. What I appreciated most was her growth throughout the story. She starts off a little spoiled and out of her element, but gradually becomes someone very easy to root for.
And then there's Jake.
First of all, if a book has a veterinarian in it, there's a very good chance I'm going to pick it up. :D
Jake was kind, dependable, patient and exactly the sort of person you'd want living next door. I liked that despite the instant attraction between him and Ali, the relationship took some time to develop instead of immediately jumping into romance.
That said... toward the end, Jake seriously tested my patience. I wanted to give him a firm kick and tell him to use some common sense. The man definitely could have benefited from a little more groveling afterward.
Overall, this was a sweet and easy read with likable characters, charming small-town vibes, and a satisfying character arc for Ali. My only issue was that while I was fully invested at the beginning, some of that excitement faded as the story went on. I feel like the things slowed down gradually, and I never quite recaptured the spark I felt during the first half.
Still, if you're looking for a cozy small-town romance with a lovable veterinarian, personal growth, and plenty of charm, this is worth checking out.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
After losing both her job and her boyfriend in spectacular fashion, Ali retreats to the only place she can think of: a cottage her grandmother left her in a small Wisconsin town. Good riddance to the boyfriend, we DO NOT like him!
Watching Ali adjust to small-town life was one of my favorite parts of the book. The fish-out-of-water moments (or fish-out-of-window lol) were genuinely funny, and I enjoyed seeing her slowly win over the locals. What I appreciated most was her growth throughout the story. She starts off a little spoiled and out of her element, but gradually becomes someone very easy to root for.
And then there's Jake.
First of all, if a book has a veterinarian in it, there's a very good chance I'm going to pick it up. :D
Jake was kind, dependable, patient and exactly the sort of person you'd want living next door. I liked that despite the instant attraction between him and Ali, the relationship took some time to develop instead of immediately jumping into romance.
That said... toward the end, Jake seriously tested my patience. I wanted to give him a firm kick and tell him to use some common sense. The man definitely could have benefited from a little more groveling afterward.
Overall, this was a sweet and easy read with likable characters, charming small-town vibes, and a satisfying character arc for Ali. My only issue was that while I was fully invested at the beginning, some of that excitement faded as the story went on. I feel like the things slowed down gradually, and I never quite recaptured the spark I felt during the first half.
Still, if you're looking for a cozy small-town romance with a lovable veterinarian, personal growth, and plenty of charm, this is worth checking out.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
July 2, 2026
Unfortunately I struggled to get into this one. The gorgeous cover was screaming cozy summer romance but the writing was just too hard to get into. The pacing was slow and overall the story failed to grab my interest.
June 22, 2026
There is something so comforting about a small town romance where the setting feels just as important as the love story, and Among Wildflowers absolutely delivered that feeling.
After her life takes an unexpected turn, Ali heads to her grandmother’s cabin in Wisconsin looking for a reset. What she finds is a community that welcomes her with open arms, a handsome veterinarian who is impossible not to fall for, and a chance to rediscover herself.
Jake was such an easy hero to love. He’s caring, dependable, and quietly carries the weight of his past without letting it define him. Ali was equally wonderful. I loved that she was generous, compassionate, and strong, even after years of having her confidence worn down by the people around her. Watching her find herself again was one of my favorite parts of the book.
If you enjoy small town romance, healing journeys, found family vibes, and a sweet summer setting, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thanks to C. Ellan Rose for the gifted copy. I always appreciate it! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
After her life takes an unexpected turn, Ali heads to her grandmother’s cabin in Wisconsin looking for a reset. What she finds is a community that welcomes her with open arms, a handsome veterinarian who is impossible not to fall for, and a chance to rediscover herself.
Jake was such an easy hero to love. He’s caring, dependable, and quietly carries the weight of his past without letting it define him. Ali was equally wonderful. I loved that she was generous, compassionate, and strong, even after years of having her confidence worn down by the people around her. Watching her find herself again was one of my favorite parts of the book.
If you enjoy small town romance, healing journeys, found family vibes, and a sweet summer setting, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thanks to C. Ellan Rose for the gifted copy. I always appreciate it! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2026
A cozy small-town romance with a sweet premise, but one that didn’t fully land for me. 💛
There were definitely elements I enjoyed, especially the wildflower project and some of the side characters, which brought warmth and charm to the story. Those pieces had a lot of potential and were what kept me reading.
Where I struggled was with the writing itself. It felt quite repetitive at times, not just in wording but in structure and phrasing, which made it harder to stay immersed. The dual POV also didn’t feel very distinct, and both perspectives blended together in a way that made the characters feel less developed as individuals.
I also found the emotional arc a bit lacking. The story leans into themes of finding home and belonging, but it felt more externally resolved than internally, and I was hoping for a stronger sense of personal growth from both of the main characters.
Overall, there were some nice ideas here, but the execution didn’t fully land for me. I can see this working for readers who enjoy more trope-forward, formulaically written romances, but it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were definitely elements I enjoyed, especially the wildflower project and some of the side characters, which brought warmth and charm to the story. Those pieces had a lot of potential and were what kept me reading.
Where I struggled was with the writing itself. It felt quite repetitive at times, not just in wording but in structure and phrasing, which made it harder to stay immersed. The dual POV also didn’t feel very distinct, and both perspectives blended together in a way that made the characters feel less developed as individuals.
I also found the emotional arc a bit lacking. The story leans into themes of finding home and belonging, but it felt more externally resolved than internally, and I was hoping for a stronger sense of personal growth from both of the main characters.
Overall, there were some nice ideas here, but the execution didn’t fully land for me. I can see this working for readers who enjoy more trope-forward, formulaically written romances, but it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2026
3.5 stars
Among Wildflowers is a charming small town romance where our city girl Ali falls for the small town veterinarian. I believe this is the author’s debut novel. Our town of Lakeside is detailed, and I love the Wildflower Project. The side characters add plenty of humor.
I like that Ali and Jake are flawed, and the author gives them layers. There are many moments that make this book a good summer read. I did enjoy the read, at times I was pulled from the story, but not enough to keep me from wanting to read the next book in the series. As a first novel C. Ellan Rose has promise and I plan to follow for the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Among Wildflowers is a charming small town romance where our city girl Ali falls for the small town veterinarian. I believe this is the author’s debut novel. Our town of Lakeside is detailed, and I love the Wildflower Project. The side characters add plenty of humor.
I like that Ali and Jake are flawed, and the author gives them layers. There are many moments that make this book a good summer read. I did enjoy the read, at times I was pulled from the story, but not enough to keep me from wanting to read the next book in the series. As a first novel C. Ellan Rose has promise and I plan to follow for the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Did Not Finish
July 7, 2026Thank you C. Ellan Rose, Xpresso Book Tours, and NetGalley for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 45%
I tried really hard to get into this book, and by no means is it bad or poorly written, it’s just not the book for me. Ali is—from what I observed—a weak FMC with a lot of potential to grow and have a compelling character arc, but I think the dual pov narrative did her a disservice by not letting us get fully immersed in her story.
I liked Jake but he did have some cringe moments, like when he met Ali the first time. The conflict for the book was solid and I think the resolution it was building to will be good but I wasn’t a fan of the pacing and ultimately decided to let it go.
DNF @ 45%
I tried really hard to get into this book, and by no means is it bad or poorly written, it’s just not the book for me. Ali is—from what I observed—a weak FMC with a lot of potential to grow and have a compelling character arc, but I think the dual pov narrative did her a disservice by not letting us get fully immersed in her story.
I liked Jake but he did have some cringe moments, like when he met Ali the first time. The conflict for the book was solid and I think the resolution it was building to will be good but I wasn’t a fan of the pacing and ultimately decided to let it go.
June 8, 2026
Review to come shortly! Must read for romance book lovers!
I was recently gifted an eARC of this debut novel by C. Ellan Rose and loved it so much that I immediately preordered a copy for my shelves! If you’re a fan of small town romance, open door spice, opposites attract, or he falls first then THIS is your perfect summer (or any season) read! I was so impressed by this author’s writing style and pacing of the chapters that I really can’t believe that this is her first novel. Ali and Jake are perfectly flawed humans that will make you root for them and long for more. The side characters, humor, and four legged friends make this light, feel-good romance a must-read. I truly cannot wait for the next book in the Among Wilds series! 💜
I was recently gifted an eARC of this debut novel by C. Ellan Rose and loved it so much that I immediately preordered a copy for my shelves! If you’re a fan of small town romance, open door spice, opposites attract, or he falls first then THIS is your perfect summer (or any season) read! I was so impressed by this author’s writing style and pacing of the chapters that I really can’t believe that this is her first novel. Ali and Jake are perfectly flawed humans that will make you root for them and long for more. The side characters, humor, and four legged friends make this light, feel-good romance a must-read. I truly cannot wait for the next book in the Among Wilds series! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 rounded to a GR 3
“Even wildflowers set down roots somewhere.”
This story didn’t fully take root for me, even though I really wanted it to.
Among Wildflowers is a small-town romance where a big-city girl meets the local lovable veterinarian. While this is technically a romance, for me it felt more like a story about transformation, self-discovery, and finding the path you’re meant to follow.
There were parts of this book I really appreciated. The town of Lakeside had a lot of charm, and C. Ellan Rose did a lovely job of painting the setting, especially through the wildflower project and the imagery connected to it.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully work for me. I can see what the author was trying to do with vivid, lyrical descriptions, but I often found myself noticing the writing itself rather than getting lost in the story. The frequent use of multiple adjectives and short, grouped sentence structures started to feel repetitive for me over time, and it affected the pacing and made it harder for me to stay fully immersed. At times, it also lessened the emotional impact of some of the more pivotal moments.
As individuals, I did enjoy Jake and Ali, and they had some really nice moments together. I especially liked the scenes at the lake, the mural unveiling, and the town hall gathering. But I personally struggled to fully connect with their romance, and I never quite reached the emotional investment I was hoping for.
There were a lot of side characters introduced in this book, and while I did enjoy a few of them, specifically Betsy, Asher, Eric, and Misha, there were simply too many for me to feel fully connected to them. I think a slightly more focused cast would have helped those relationships stand out more and feel more developed.
All that said, I did enjoy the concept and several individual elements of the story, even if the overall execution didn’t fully land for me. I do think there is a lot of promise here, and as this is a debut novel, I am interested to see how the author’s writing continues to grow in future books.
Thank you to author C. Ellan Rose & Book Sirens for providing me with a copy of Among Wildflowers in exchange for my honest review.
⚠️Trigger warning: death of an animal; off-page death of a parent
“Even wildflowers set down roots somewhere.”
This story didn’t fully take root for me, even though I really wanted it to.
Among Wildflowers is a small-town romance where a big-city girl meets the local lovable veterinarian. While this is technically a romance, for me it felt more like a story about transformation, self-discovery, and finding the path you’re meant to follow.
There were parts of this book I really appreciated. The town of Lakeside had a lot of charm, and C. Ellan Rose did a lovely job of painting the setting, especially through the wildflower project and the imagery connected to it.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully work for me. I can see what the author was trying to do with vivid, lyrical descriptions, but I often found myself noticing the writing itself rather than getting lost in the story. The frequent use of multiple adjectives and short, grouped sentence structures started to feel repetitive for me over time, and it affected the pacing and made it harder for me to stay fully immersed. At times, it also lessened the emotional impact of some of the more pivotal moments.
As individuals, I did enjoy Jake and Ali, and they had some really nice moments together. I especially liked the scenes at the lake, the mural unveiling, and the town hall gathering. But I personally struggled to fully connect with their romance, and I never quite reached the emotional investment I was hoping for.
There were a lot of side characters introduced in this book, and while I did enjoy a few of them, specifically Betsy, Asher, Eric, and Misha, there were simply too many for me to feel fully connected to them. I think a slightly more focused cast would have helped those relationships stand out more and feel more developed.
All that said, I did enjoy the concept and several individual elements of the story, even if the overall execution didn’t fully land for me. I do think there is a lot of promise here, and as this is a debut novel, I am interested to see how the author’s writing continues to grow in future books.
Thank you to author C. Ellan Rose & Book Sirens for providing me with a copy of Among Wildflowers in exchange for my honest review.
⚠️Trigger warning: death of an animal; off-page death of a parent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel like I could post the dedication for Among Wildflowers by Rose and for those that understand-it would be enough:
“To anyone who has ever been made to feel like they were too much and not enough at the same time. And for all those who love us.” However, if you don’t feel that dedication, let me tell you about this gem of a book. Written to show the demise of one life and the beginning of another, we follow Ali as she is exiled from Chicago(big city, big money, big influencer life) to riding on a bus(!), hitching a ride and then, unsuccessfully breaking into her grandma’s cabin in “Nowheresville, Wisconsin” She just happens to catch a ride with her new neighbor and the beloved town vet, Jake; who has keys to Gibby’s house. As could be expected, small-town, steady Jake and big city, chaotic Ali are polar opposites…and yet, each attracts the other. Put together to solve the town’s impending demise by an evil conglomerate(where Ali used to work and which her ex’s dad owns); Ali & Jake get to know each other better as the book goes on: “I can be a lot for most people. Too much, in fact,” I said. “That’s their problem, then.” “How would you know? We just met.” “True. But I think I’m right,” Needless to say, they both start to learn that they need the qualities of the other. And just like the wildflowers of Lakeside, Ali learns that everything(everyone) can be appreciated for what(or who) they are. When you add in the very nosy townfolk, a store owner who Ali must “overcome” and Mischa, Ali’s bff who falls for one of the townsfolk, you get lots of gossipy fun. Add in lederhosen and a dirndl and Lakeside will never be the same! But, will Ali become a local or race back to her city life? With small WI references(that this WI reader adored), Rose’s book was too enjoyable to put down. I hope you’ll read this colorful story and, like me, be reminded that: if you’re “too much” for people, that’s their problem not yours.
“To anyone who has ever been made to feel like they were too much and not enough at the same time. And for all those who love us.” However, if you don’t feel that dedication, let me tell you about this gem of a book. Written to show the demise of one life and the beginning of another, we follow Ali as she is exiled from Chicago(big city, big money, big influencer life) to riding on a bus(!), hitching a ride and then, unsuccessfully breaking into her grandma’s cabin in “Nowheresville, Wisconsin” She just happens to catch a ride with her new neighbor and the beloved town vet, Jake; who has keys to Gibby’s house. As could be expected, small-town, steady Jake and big city, chaotic Ali are polar opposites…and yet, each attracts the other. Put together to solve the town’s impending demise by an evil conglomerate(where Ali used to work and which her ex’s dad owns); Ali & Jake get to know each other better as the book goes on: “I can be a lot for most people. Too much, in fact,” I said. “That’s their problem, then.” “How would you know? We just met.” “True. But I think I’m right,” Needless to say, they both start to learn that they need the qualities of the other. And just like the wildflowers of Lakeside, Ali learns that everything(everyone) can be appreciated for what(or who) they are. When you add in the very nosy townfolk, a store owner who Ali must “overcome” and Mischa, Ali’s bff who falls for one of the townsfolk, you get lots of gossipy fun. Add in lederhosen and a dirndl and Lakeside will never be the same! But, will Ali become a local or race back to her city life? With small WI references(that this WI reader adored), Rose’s book was too enjoyable to put down. I hope you’ll read this colorful story and, like me, be reminded that: if you’re “too much” for people, that’s their problem not yours.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 rounded up, even though i heavily considered rounding down. It was just fine, not great.
The plot was fun, but simple; pretty cozy, if you will. The MMC was fine, while the FMC took me a bit of time to warm up to (and I'm still not sure I did 100%). Honestly, I'm not sure I saw them as actual people though? Throughout the whole book, I feel like I was very aware they were Main Characters of a Romance Novel, if that makes sense? The romance itself was rather insta-lust, even if it did take a while for them to actually get together.
However, I think my biggest problem with this book was the writing. Firstly, the dual POV. It dragged the narrative a lot, so it felt boring at times. Also, I normally love a dual POV, but I don't feel as if it added anything here? It didn't add depth to each character's emotions nor help me see how they were falling for each other. Instead, we were just told about what was happening from each of their points of view?
As for the actual writing, my gosh. I made a note that it felt like the author was writing a high school research paper and trying to meet a word count. As I said above, we got sooooo much detail it dragged on foreverrrrr. I found myself constantly wondering "okay... why do I care about this? What is it contributing? Can we move on with the plot?" Your plot shouldn't be suffering for the sake of flowery language; there absolutely is a way to write really beautiful prose while continuing to move along (and truthfully, I wouldn't even call the prose in this beautiful. It really was just wordy).
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall, it was just an okay read.
The plot was fun, but simple; pretty cozy, if you will. The MMC was fine, while the FMC took me a bit of time to warm up to (and I'm still not sure I did 100%). Honestly, I'm not sure I saw them as actual people though? Throughout the whole book, I feel like I was very aware they were Main Characters of a Romance Novel, if that makes sense? The romance itself was rather insta-lust, even if it did take a while for them to actually get together.
However, I think my biggest problem with this book was the writing. Firstly, the dual POV. It dragged the narrative a lot, so it felt boring at times. Also, I normally love a dual POV, but I don't feel as if it added anything here? It didn't add depth to each character's emotions nor help me see how they were falling for each other. Instead, we were just told about what was happening from each of their points of view?
As for the actual writing, my gosh. I made a note that it felt like the author was writing a high school research paper and trying to meet a word count. As I said above, we got sooooo much detail it dragged on foreverrrrr. I found myself constantly wondering "okay... why do I care about this? What is it contributing? Can we move on with the plot?" Your plot shouldn't be suffering for the sake of flowery language; there absolutely is a way to write really beautiful prose while continuing to move along (and truthfully, I wouldn't even call the prose in this beautiful. It really was just wordy).
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall, it was just an okay read.
June 17, 2026
After her life in Chicago falls apart, Ali escapes to her late grandmother's cabin in Lakeside, Wisconsin, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she finds a welcoming community, an irresistible veterinarian named Jake, and the chance to rediscover who she is while helping protect the town she's quickly grown to love.
This was such a fun summer romance with plenty of heart.
Jake is an absolute gem of a book boyfriend. Despite carrying scars from his past, he's kind, hardworking, dependable, and everything Ali has been missing in her life. He's genuine in a way that makes him impossible not to root for. Ali was such a refreshing heroine. She's proof that you can be wealthy and still be genuinely caring, generous, and willing to put others before yourself. After years of being taken advantage of and having her confidence chipped away, watching her rediscover her worth was incredibly satisfying.
The supporting cast was fantastic, too… especially Mischa, who completely stole every scene he was in! Everyone wants and needs a best friend like him! I’d love the Mischa/Eric story!
One of my favorite parts of the story was the beautiful wildflower theme woven throughout the novel and the touching connection to Ali's grandmother. It added so much warmth and emotional depth to an already enjoyable romance.
If you're looking for a heartfelt small-town romance filled with lovable characters, community, healing, humor, and a Wisconsin setting that feels like the perfect summer getaway, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a fun summer romance with plenty of heart.
Jake is an absolute gem of a book boyfriend. Despite carrying scars from his past, he's kind, hardworking, dependable, and everything Ali has been missing in her life. He's genuine in a way that makes him impossible not to root for. Ali was such a refreshing heroine. She's proof that you can be wealthy and still be genuinely caring, generous, and willing to put others before yourself. After years of being taken advantage of and having her confidence chipped away, watching her rediscover her worth was incredibly satisfying.
The supporting cast was fantastic, too… especially Mischa, who completely stole every scene he was in! Everyone wants and needs a best friend like him! I’d love the Mischa/Eric story!
One of my favorite parts of the story was the beautiful wildflower theme woven throughout the novel and the touching connection to Ali's grandmother. It added so much warmth and emotional depth to an already enjoyable romance.
If you're looking for a heartfelt small-town romance filled with lovable characters, community, healing, humor, and a Wisconsin setting that feels like the perfect summer getaway, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 22, 2026
3.5 stars
This was a cozy small-town romance with found-family vibes and a charming setting that make Lakeside feel like home. I enjoyed the details about the community and the setting; it made me feel like I was there. I liked the warmth and closeness of the community. This was a story about healing and starting over.
While I enjoyed the story overall, the middle section felt slow at times, which made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged. I also found myself wanting a deeper emotional connection with the characters and their romance. I did love the characters of Ali and Jake. They were both genuine, generous, and kind which I loved. I just thought the emotional arc was a bit lacking, and I guess I wanted more conflict/resolution than I felt like I got. The side characters were fun and added to the found family theme. I especially loved Mischa, the gay best friend. He was so genuine and funny and I wish I had a supportive friend like he was! He made the story so much more enjoyable and I hope we get a novel about him. I also loved the incorporation of wildflowers throughout the book and that Jake called Ali a wildflower, and the touching incorporation of Ali's grandma and the effects she had on her as a child and the community itself.
This is C. Ellan Rose's debut novel, and I think she has a lot of promise as an author. I am sure her next book will be even better, and I can't wait to read it! This is perfect for readers that love cozy, small-town romances and feel-good books. Thanks so much to book sirens and the author for the arc of this book!
This was a cozy small-town romance with found-family vibes and a charming setting that make Lakeside feel like home. I enjoyed the details about the community and the setting; it made me feel like I was there. I liked the warmth and closeness of the community. This was a story about healing and starting over.
While I enjoyed the story overall, the middle section felt slow at times, which made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged. I also found myself wanting a deeper emotional connection with the characters and their romance. I did love the characters of Ali and Jake. They were both genuine, generous, and kind which I loved. I just thought the emotional arc was a bit lacking, and I guess I wanted more conflict/resolution than I felt like I got. The side characters were fun and added to the found family theme. I especially loved Mischa, the gay best friend. He was so genuine and funny and I wish I had a supportive friend like he was! He made the story so much more enjoyable and I hope we get a novel about him. I also loved the incorporation of wildflowers throughout the book and that Jake called Ali a wildflower, and the touching incorporation of Ali's grandma and the effects she had on her as a child and the community itself.
This is C. Ellan Rose's debut novel, and I think she has a lot of promise as an author. I am sure her next book will be even better, and I can't wait to read it! This is perfect for readers that love cozy, small-town romances and feel-good books. Thanks so much to book sirens and the author for the arc of this book!
July 5, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up.
Ali was a working socialite, hot job, great followers on her socials, boyfriend that's a son of a huge developer. Until she figured out something is not right, at the same time, her boyfriend asked her to back him up.... except, he was hanging her out there to dry. Not only that, she got fired, found out her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her best friend. The icing on the cake? Her dad cut her off. Wow, talk about life kicking you while you're down. What to do but to escape to a small town.
In walk this hot vet, Dr. Jake who is kinda unfriendly to out of towners, but nice enough to give her a ride. Luckily they're neighbors.
Ali realized her ex's family business is trying to take over Lakeside, that small little town and do a hostile takeover. What to do but to boost everyone's businesses and drum up some attention to scare them away. Though that Jake volunteered to be liaison so he can spend more time with her. He discovered she might be hyper but her heart is good and in the right place, she helped alot of people and boost everyone up. Meanwhile, Jake as rigid as he can be, he has this attraction that he cannot fight.
This is my 1st book with the author, it's a cute slow burn. And this one for me, even though it is a slow burn, doesn't feel slow. The pacing, the banter, all goes along very well. The scenes are vivid, and the town characters are colorful. Some bits dwelled on parts of the insecurities and over-thinking of the ex a bit too much, which knock out 1/2 a star for me. Otherwise, it's a very sweet book, and the sexy scenes are hot!
Thank you NetGalley & Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC.
Ali was a working socialite, hot job, great followers on her socials, boyfriend that's a son of a huge developer. Until she figured out something is not right, at the same time, her boyfriend asked her to back him up.... except, he was hanging her out there to dry. Not only that, she got fired, found out her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her best friend. The icing on the cake? Her dad cut her off. Wow, talk about life kicking you while you're down. What to do but to escape to a small town.
In walk this hot vet, Dr. Jake who is kinda unfriendly to out of towners, but nice enough to give her a ride. Luckily they're neighbors.
Ali realized her ex's family business is trying to take over Lakeside, that small little town and do a hostile takeover. What to do but to boost everyone's businesses and drum up some attention to scare them away. Though that Jake volunteered to be liaison so he can spend more time with her. He discovered she might be hyper but her heart is good and in the right place, she helped alot of people and boost everyone up. Meanwhile, Jake as rigid as he can be, he has this attraction that he cannot fight.
This is my 1st book with the author, it's a cute slow burn. And this one for me, even though it is a slow burn, doesn't feel slow. The pacing, the banter, all goes along very well. The scenes are vivid, and the town characters are colorful. Some bits dwelled on parts of the insecurities and over-thinking of the ex a bit too much, which knock out 1/2 a star for me. Otherwise, it's a very sweet book, and the sexy scenes are hot!
Thank you NetGalley & Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC.
June 20, 2026
Among Wildflowers was one of those books that took a while to win me over. I was drawn in by the promise of a small-town romance, found-family dynamics, and a FMC rebuilding her life after everything falls apart, but I found it difficult to fully connect with the story during the first half. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and while I could see the groundwork being laid for both the romance and the community, I kept waiting for the moment that would truly hook me.
That moment finally came when the conflict surrounding Lakeside became more prominent. From then on, I found myself much more invested in both the story and Ali's journey. Ali's personal growth was easily my favorite part of the book, and I loved watching her slowly discover who she was outside of the life she thought she have.
The romance between Ali and Jake was sweet though the slow burn felt a little too slow for my personal taste. I also had mixed feelings about some of the side characters. While the found-family atmosphere was one of the book's strengths, I didn't connect with every member of the community as much as I had hoped.
Overall, Among Wildflowers is a warm and heartfelt story about healing, belonging, and finding a place to call home. It wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I still enjoyed the journey and can see it appealing to readers who love cozy small-town romances and character-driven stories.
Many thanks to BookSirens and to C. Ellan Rose for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
That moment finally came when the conflict surrounding Lakeside became more prominent. From then on, I found myself much more invested in both the story and Ali's journey. Ali's personal growth was easily my favorite part of the book, and I loved watching her slowly discover who she was outside of the life she thought she have.
The romance between Ali and Jake was sweet though the slow burn felt a little too slow for my personal taste. I also had mixed feelings about some of the side characters. While the found-family atmosphere was one of the book's strengths, I didn't connect with every member of the community as much as I had hoped.
Overall, Among Wildflowers is a warm and heartfelt story about healing, belonging, and finding a place to call home. It wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I still enjoyed the journey and can see it appealing to readers who love cozy small-town romances and character-driven stories.
Many thanks to BookSirens and to C. Ellan Rose for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
June 21, 2026
This was such a cute, cozy and heartwarming small-town romance. It follows Ali as she escapes a very public unraveling of her life and lands in Lakeside, Wisconsin, hoping to regroup at her late grandmother's cabin. What she finds instead is a town full of quirky & lovable people, a meaningful new purpose, and the local veterinarian, Jake.
One of my favourite parts of this book was watching Ali's character growth. Beneath her chaotic, impulsive reputation was someone who had spent far too long feeling like she was "too much" for the people around her. Seeing her slowly find her confidence, community, and a place where she belonged was incredibly satisfying. Jake was the perfect counterpart to her. He is basically the definition of dependable golden retriever energy - steady, kind, and endlessly patient.
The real standout for me, though, was the sense of community. Lakeside felt like a place I'd actually want to visit, and the wildflower theme woven throughout the story added a lot of warmth and charm. The supporting cast was so much fun and memorable!
While there were a few small moments that didn't completely pull me in, overall this was an enjoyable debut full of heart, healing, friendship, and romance. If you're looking for a feel-good small-town love story with lovable characters and summer-read vibes, this one is definitely worth picking up. I'm excited to see where future books in the series go.
Thank you to C. Ellan Rose, Xpresso Book Tours, and NetGalley for the ARC.
One of my favourite parts of this book was watching Ali's character growth. Beneath her chaotic, impulsive reputation was someone who had spent far too long feeling like she was "too much" for the people around her. Seeing her slowly find her confidence, community, and a place where she belonged was incredibly satisfying. Jake was the perfect counterpart to her. He is basically the definition of dependable golden retriever energy - steady, kind, and endlessly patient.
The real standout for me, though, was the sense of community. Lakeside felt like a place I'd actually want to visit, and the wildflower theme woven throughout the story added a lot of warmth and charm. The supporting cast was so much fun and memorable!
While there were a few small moments that didn't completely pull me in, overall this was an enjoyable debut full of heart, healing, friendship, and romance. If you're looking for a feel-good small-town love story with lovable characters and summer-read vibes, this one is definitely worth picking up. I'm excited to see where future books in the series go.
Thank you to C. Ellan Rose, Xpresso Book Tours, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
As excited as I was to read this ARC, I'm afraid it fell a little flat for me.
City girl trying to escape her life, moves to a small town where she's inherited a house, meets a local cinnamon roll (who happens to be the town veterinarian), is exactly the type of story I usually gobble up. Unfortunately, I found I had to push myself through this story.
The story itself has a great premise. And the town had a lot of charm. However, the author's overuse of description often made the story repetitive and longer than it needed to be, and I still felt the characters were never fully fleshed out or developed.
Dual POV is always my favourite in romance, and I'm glad the author gave us both Ali's and Jake's POVs; however, I didn't feel there was a clearly distinct voice for either of them, and I often found myself trying to remember whose POV I was reading.
All that said, I did find myself giggling a few times and, overall, enjoyed the story's concept. As an author's debut novel, I can see a lot of potential, and if this series continues, I look forward to seeing how she grows. I'd love to see a novel featuring Misha, as I felt he was a fun side character and would like to see more of him.
Thank you, C. Ellan Rose for providing me with a copy of Among Wildflowers in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
As excited as I was to read this ARC, I'm afraid it fell a little flat for me.
City girl trying to escape her life, moves to a small town where she's inherited a house, meets a local cinnamon roll (who happens to be the town veterinarian), is exactly the type of story I usually gobble up. Unfortunately, I found I had to push myself through this story.
The story itself has a great premise. And the town had a lot of charm. However, the author's overuse of description often made the story repetitive and longer than it needed to be, and I still felt the characters were never fully fleshed out or developed.
Dual POV is always my favourite in romance, and I'm glad the author gave us both Ali's and Jake's POVs; however, I didn't feel there was a clearly distinct voice for either of them, and I often found myself trying to remember whose POV I was reading.
All that said, I did find myself giggling a few times and, overall, enjoyed the story's concept. As an author's debut novel, I can see a lot of potential, and if this series continues, I look forward to seeing how she grows. I'd love to see a novel featuring Misha, as I felt he was a fun side character and would like to see more of him.
Thank you, C. Ellan Rose for providing me with a copy of Among Wildflowers in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for an advanced reader copy of Among Wildflowers in exchange for my honest review!
Among Wildflowers was SUCH a cute book. A rich city girl retreats to the small town her grandmother loved dearly when her life falls apart. In the town where she has so many wonderful memories from childhood, she begins to question what she really wants her life to look like. Not what others want her life to be, but what she wants her life to be.
This book was very sweet. The friendships Ali makes when she moves to Lakeside are so lovely and genuine. I am an absolute sucker for a true, lift others up female friendship and I think the author does a great job writing that into this story. We have the quintessential gay bestie from the city who is nothing but a bundle of support and love. And of course, there is Jake: the steadfast, calm MMC and love interest who is the polar opposite of the tornado of chaos that is Ali. Together, they are harmony and balance.
I loved the wildflower theme and references all through this book. The descriptions of Lakeside and the flora of the area had me nostalgic for somewhere I have never been. I can say with certainty I would love to live in a place like that.
Come visit Lakeside and experience the wildflower beauty for yourself!
Among Wildflowers was SUCH a cute book. A rich city girl retreats to the small town her grandmother loved dearly when her life falls apart. In the town where she has so many wonderful memories from childhood, she begins to question what she really wants her life to look like. Not what others want her life to be, but what she wants her life to be.
This book was very sweet. The friendships Ali makes when she moves to Lakeside are so lovely and genuine. I am an absolute sucker for a true, lift others up female friendship and I think the author does a great job writing that into this story. We have the quintessential gay bestie from the city who is nothing but a bundle of support and love. And of course, there is Jake: the steadfast, calm MMC and love interest who is the polar opposite of the tornado of chaos that is Ali. Together, they are harmony and balance.
I loved the wildflower theme and references all through this book. The descriptions of Lakeside and the flora of the area had me nostalgic for somewhere I have never been. I can say with certainty I would love to live in a place like that.
Come visit Lakeside and experience the wildflower beauty for yourself!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I'm rounding this book up to a 4, even though it's a 3.5.
I really liked the premise of the story and the plot. I really liked Jake's character, you could feel how much he liked Ali and was drawn to her. I just wish we were shown him falling for her, rather than being told about their instant connection. Ali was tough for me. She went back and forth between being level-headed to aloof and almost ditzy. I'm not sure if that was intended but sometimes she felt a little too over the top - as did Misha. The writing style took a little bit of getting used to, a lot of description, which is fine, I just wanted more action and interaction between the characters.
I think the best parts of the story was when they were together and you got to see them interact and be drawn to each other. My favorite part was them working together at the cheese event. I wish there were more of those moments. I also didn't hate the part where the ex came back - I think that added some needed drama. Another thing I did like was opposites attract - this was done really really well. He was a more reserved character but came out of his shell with her - and he didn't try to quiet her - I did really love that part of this book.
I'm rounding this book up to a 4, even though it's a 3.5.
I really liked the premise of the story and the plot. I really liked Jake's character, you could feel how much he liked Ali and was drawn to her. I just wish we were shown him falling for her, rather than being told about their instant connection. Ali was tough for me. She went back and forth between being level-headed to aloof and almost ditzy. I'm not sure if that was intended but sometimes she felt a little too over the top - as did Misha. The writing style took a little bit of getting used to, a lot of description, which is fine, I just wanted more action and interaction between the characters.
I think the best parts of the story was when they were together and you got to see them interact and be drawn to each other. My favorite part was them working together at the cheese event. I wish there were more of those moments. I also didn't hate the part where the ex came back - I think that added some needed drama. Another thing I did like was opposites attract - this was done really really well. He was a more reserved character but came out of his shell with her - and he didn't try to quiet her - I did really love that part of this book.
May 30, 2026
Thank you for the ARC!
After her life in Chicago suddenly implodes, Ali escapes to the small town of Lakeside to hideout for the summer and decide her next move. As she steamrolls into town, she meets her new neighbor, Jake, who is her opposite in most ways but is instantly intrigued by her. They end up working with each other to save the town and feelings develop despite their differences. Ali has to decide if she can trust Jake and the community she is starting to love or if she wants to run back to Chicago and the life she thought she wanted.
This was a perfect book to read to kick off summer! Overall, it was fun time with great main characters and side characters. Ali was a really likable and relatable FMC. She felt she needed to be what everyone else needed instead of who she was. Jake was that calm and steady force that let her know she was enough. And Mischa is amazing! I will be using the term “burritoing” asap!
Favorite Quotes:
“Even wildflowers set down roots somewhere.”
“It’s fire. Not the kind that burns. It draws people in. It drew me in.”
“Fresh air. Fresh start.”
“A pattern of a transactional kind of love. The kind where I had to prove my worth or earn it by fixing everyone’s problems. It felt like duty disguised as love sometimes.”
After her life in Chicago suddenly implodes, Ali escapes to the small town of Lakeside to hideout for the summer and decide her next move. As she steamrolls into town, she meets her new neighbor, Jake, who is her opposite in most ways but is instantly intrigued by her. They end up working with each other to save the town and feelings develop despite their differences. Ali has to decide if she can trust Jake and the community she is starting to love or if she wants to run back to Chicago and the life she thought she wanted.
This was a perfect book to read to kick off summer! Overall, it was fun time with great main characters and side characters. Ali was a really likable and relatable FMC. She felt she needed to be what everyone else needed instead of who she was. Jake was that calm and steady force that let her know she was enough. And Mischa is amazing! I will be using the term “burritoing” asap!
Favorite Quotes:
“Even wildflowers set down roots somewhere.”
“It’s fire. Not the kind that burns. It draws people in. It drew me in.”
“Fresh air. Fresh start.”
“A pattern of a transactional kind of love. The kind where I had to prove my worth or earn it by fixing everyone’s problems. It felt like duty disguised as love sometimes.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
It's been nearly a decade since I've picked up a romance novel but Among Wildflowers might just change that. Set in a small Wisconsin town that captures that "up north" escape and the feeling of stepping into a place where time slows down. "You've fallen from grace and landed in a zip code time forgot." Felt that in my gut as someone that grew up heading north.
The town and characters reminded me of a mashup between Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls - quirky, warm, full of characters who make regular appearances. Ali's connection to her late grandmother is quietly beautiful, although I wish this was even more developed. And I enjoyed that her friend gets his own love story too. The friendships and community feel just as central as the romance itself.
And the romance? Once it finally heated up & the connection took hold, it was sweet, spicy, and completely earned. There's a scene where Jake picks Ali up at the hospital - “He lifted my tote bag from the floor beside me like none of this was a burden on him in the least." "…the kind of embrace that didn't ask for anything, but gave everything."
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The town and characters reminded me of a mashup between Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls - quirky, warm, full of characters who make regular appearances. Ali's connection to her late grandmother is quietly beautiful, although I wish this was even more developed. And I enjoyed that her friend gets his own love story too. The friendships and community feel just as central as the romance itself.
And the romance? Once it finally heated up & the connection took hold, it was sweet, spicy, and completely earned. There's a scene where Jake picks Ali up at the hospital - “He lifted my tote bag from the floor beside me like none of this was a burden on him in the least." "…the kind of embrace that didn't ask for anything, but gave everything."
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2026
Among Wildflowers by C. Ellan Rose was a light, cozy small-town romance with a sweet, slow-burning feel and a setting that reminds me of Hallmark movies.
Read if you like:
🌼 Small-town romance
🌼 Slow burn
🌼 Charming settings you want to step into
🌼 Fun side characters and friendships
What I liked:
🌷 The small-town setting was one of my favorite parts. It felt like the kind of place you’d want to visit once and then never leave.
🌷 Misha. The bestie we all need. And the new girlfriends around her. They gave the story more warmth and made the town feel fuller and more alive.
🌷 The overall tone was light and easy to settle into. If you’re in the mood for something soft, romantic, and comforting, this definitely has that kind of appeal.
What didn’t fully work for me:
The main characters' flaws and emotional issues felt a little overexplained at times. I understood why they mattered, and I do think the conflict made sense because of them, but the repetition started to give me a sense of fatigue.
My biggest issue was that I wanted more payoff for Ali (the FMC). I felt she deserved a stronger sense of vindication, especially for her reputation, with her father and her ex.
Overall, a good, easy read.
Read if you like:
🌼 Small-town romance
🌼 Slow burn
🌼 Charming settings you want to step into
🌼 Fun side characters and friendships
What I liked:
🌷 The small-town setting was one of my favorite parts. It felt like the kind of place you’d want to visit once and then never leave.
🌷 Misha. The bestie we all need. And the new girlfriends around her. They gave the story more warmth and made the town feel fuller and more alive.
🌷 The overall tone was light and easy to settle into. If you’re in the mood for something soft, romantic, and comforting, this definitely has that kind of appeal.
What didn’t fully work for me:
The main characters' flaws and emotional issues felt a little overexplained at times. I understood why they mattered, and I do think the conflict made sense because of them, but the repetition started to give me a sense of fatigue.
My biggest issue was that I wanted more payoff for Ali (the FMC). I felt she deserved a stronger sense of vindication, especially for her reputation, with her father and her ex.
Overall, a good, easy read.
Read
June 28, 2026🌺🌻 ARC REVIEW 🌺🌻
Among Wildlowers by C. Ellan Rose
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“To anyone who has ever been made to feel like they were too much and not enough at the same time. And for all those who love us.”
We are introduced to Ali as she is “booted” out of Chicago (in a riches to rags kind of way), riding on a bus to hitching a ride to the cabin she inherited from her grandmother “Gibby”. The hunky man who gives her a ride, happens to be the town’s vet. Jake is your typical small-town, steady, kind hearted man that also owns a dog.
Jake and Ali are put together to solve the town’s impending demise by an evil land developer and where Ali used to work and where her cheating ex works.
The more they work together Ali and Jake get to know each other the “tension” between them grows.
Then you throw in the very nosy townfolk, some instant friends, Betsy a store owner and her brother “Dumpy.” And Ali’s best friend Mischa, who falls for one of the locals.
I really enjoyed this book, it was your typical Hallmark romance with some 🌶️
Thank you to @c.ellanroseauthor for allowing me to read Among Wildflowers as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Among Wildlowers by C. Ellan Rose
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“To anyone who has ever been made to feel like they were too much and not enough at the same time. And for all those who love us.”
We are introduced to Ali as she is “booted” out of Chicago (in a riches to rags kind of way), riding on a bus to hitching a ride to the cabin she inherited from her grandmother “Gibby”. The hunky man who gives her a ride, happens to be the town’s vet. Jake is your typical small-town, steady, kind hearted man that also owns a dog.
Jake and Ali are put together to solve the town’s impending demise by an evil land developer and where Ali used to work and where her cheating ex works.
The more they work together Ali and Jake get to know each other the “tension” between them grows.
Then you throw in the very nosy townfolk, some instant friends, Betsy a store owner and her brother “Dumpy.” And Ali’s best friend Mischa, who falls for one of the locals.
I really enjoyed this book, it was your typical Hallmark romance with some 🌶️
Thank you to @c.ellanroseauthor for allowing me to read Among Wildflowers as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this book, but it just did not land for me.
The premise is adorable, and I went in expecting something that felt like a Hallmark movie, which is exactly my kind of read. Unfortunately, the humor did not quite hit for me, and a lot of the dialogue felt forced throughout.
Dual POV is genuinely difficult to pull off, and I think it should only be used when both characters truly have something meaningful to add. The MMC's inner monologue ended up undercutting his character because we are led to believe he is this wonderful guy, and his thoughts did not always support that.
Instead of learning about each character through genuine interactions and natural storytelling, the author relies on anecdotes to tell us who these people are rather than showing us through the story itself.
The premise has real charm, and I think there is an audience for this book. It just was not the right fit for me.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is adorable, and I went in expecting something that felt like a Hallmark movie, which is exactly my kind of read. Unfortunately, the humor did not quite hit for me, and a lot of the dialogue felt forced throughout.
Dual POV is genuinely difficult to pull off, and I think it should only be used when both characters truly have something meaningful to add. The MMC's inner monologue ended up undercutting his character because we are led to believe he is this wonderful guy, and his thoughts did not always support that.
Instead of learning about each character through genuine interactions and natural storytelling, the author relies on anecdotes to tell us who these people are rather than showing us through the story itself.
The premise has real charm, and I think there is an audience for this book. It just was not the right fit for me.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2026
Among Wildflowers definitely was one of those books that hooked you in right from the beginning and just made you fall in love with this town. The FMC and the MMC had incredible chemistry. Some tropes that were present are second act breakup and miscommunication trope - they were pretty heavy so if those are not your vibe, I wouldn’t recommend this book. If you can stomach those it had fantastic world building. I wanna live in this town. It just is so picturesque and I can literally feel the cold plunges in lake.
Their love story was dramatic, beautiful and flawed. It was something that I feel like so many people can definitely relate to, especially after trauma from past relationships. I feel like this book did such a beautiful job of the characters really coming into their own and overcoming some big trauma patterns. Plus we know I love me a found family vibe.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I will definitely be continuing in reading this series as it develops.
4.5 🌟 2.5 pepper
Their love story was dramatic, beautiful and flawed. It was something that I feel like so many people can definitely relate to, especially after trauma from past relationships. I feel like this book did such a beautiful job of the characters really coming into their own and overcoming some big trauma patterns. Plus we know I love me a found family vibe.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I will definitely be continuing in reading this series as it develops.
4.5 🌟 2.5 pepper
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was excited to be able to get an ARC of this book. As someone who lives in Wisconsin, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the essence of WI small towns with how she wrote about Lakeside. I liked the dynamic of Ali and Jake, and thought the sex scenes were very well done - brava! I also liked the cast of supporting characters in the town.
At times the dialogue did not seem like what real people would say, particularly between Ali and Jake. I think the conflict of Ali feeling like she was too much was a little overdone - I would have liked that to have had less appearances in the story. I enjoy a dual POV, and would have liked Jake to have been more flushed out. I think a lot of their conflicts felt repetitive , though I am typically not a fan of miscommunication as a trope in romance. I think it fits perfectly in a trope-forward romances and those usually are three star reads for me personally.
I was excited to be able to get an ARC of this book. As someone who lives in Wisconsin, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the essence of WI small towns with how she wrote about Lakeside. I liked the dynamic of Ali and Jake, and thought the sex scenes were very well done - brava! I also liked the cast of supporting characters in the town.
At times the dialogue did not seem like what real people would say, particularly between Ali and Jake. I think the conflict of Ali feeling like she was too much was a little overdone - I would have liked that to have had less appearances in the story. I enjoy a dual POV, and would have liked Jake to have been more flushed out. I think a lot of their conflicts felt repetitive , though I am typically not a fan of miscommunication as a trope in romance. I think it fits perfectly in a trope-forward romances and those usually are three star reads for me personally.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Completely and utterly charming! It's hard not to fall in love with Jake and Ali right away. Their meet cute ends up being one of the funniest I've read in awhile! The rest of the ensemble is rounded out by a group of characters you'd expect to find in a small town (sweet Chicory truly is the best boy), with some notable exceptions.
C. Ellan Rose's writing is really vivid. It's easy to picture Lakeside and its residents in all of its wildflower glory. Not only do you know this town, you've definitely been to a town like it and reading this book will make you want to go back.
They say this is a slow burn and they are not kidding. It is full to the brim with pining so passionate that you'll want to shout "omg, just kiss already!" You will root for the characters no matter how long it takes them to "get there."
Overall, Among Wildflowers is a book I'd know I'll reach for again on my bookshelf when I need a ray of sunshine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
C. Ellan Rose's writing is really vivid. It's easy to picture Lakeside and its residents in all of its wildflower glory. Not only do you know this town, you've definitely been to a town like it and reading this book will make you want to go back.
They say this is a slow burn and they are not kidding. It is full to the brim with pining so passionate that you'll want to shout "omg, just kiss already!" You will root for the characters no matter how long it takes them to "get there."
Overall, Among Wildflowers is a book I'd know I'll reach for again on my bookshelf when I need a ray of sunshine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Among Wildflowers by C. Ellan Rose is a charming and heartfelt small-town romance filled with with lovable characters, emotional growth, and the kind of cozy community we as readers dream of finding. Set in the small town of Lakeside, Wisconsin, we meet our FMC Alison "Ali" Bennet, a once-privileged woman whose life unravels in spectacular fashion. Seeking a fresh start, she retreats to her late grandmother's cabin where she meets the MMC Jake Elliot, the small-towns veterinarian. One of the things I liked about this book is its cast of quirky small-town characters that made Lakeside feel alive and welcoming. The banter was witty, the emotional moments felt genuine, and the romance unfolded at a satisfying pace. Overall, Among Wildflowers is a delightful debut to the Among Wilds series and is perfect for readers who enjoy small-town romances with humor, heart, and a heroine learning to bloom after life's setbacks.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
June 20, 2026
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for the ARC of Among Wildflowers in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a pleasantly delightful read and I’m so excited to see that is book one of a future series! I fell in love with the characters immediately (Misha is a hands down favorite) and the small town dreamy feel that was created in Lakeside. As a fellow Wisconsin girl myself, I can attest that these rare gems can be found throughout our great state and Among Wildflowers painted it perfectly.
Initially, Ali’s character annoyed me a bit, but as we began to see her come out from behind the wall she created, I could really connect with her character and her struggle to trust those around her for fear of being too much. Jake is an absolute golden retriever of a man (funny that he also owns one) and I loved his character right out of the gate. I’m incredibly excited to see where this series goes and I can’t wait to get my hands on MJ’s story with Liam. I know it’s going to be another great one!
This book was such a pleasantly delightful read and I’m so excited to see that is book one of a future series! I fell in love with the characters immediately (Misha is a hands down favorite) and the small town dreamy feel that was created in Lakeside. As a fellow Wisconsin girl myself, I can attest that these rare gems can be found throughout our great state and Among Wildflowers painted it perfectly.
Initially, Ali’s character annoyed me a bit, but as we began to see her come out from behind the wall she created, I could really connect with her character and her struggle to trust those around her for fear of being too much. Jake is an absolute golden retriever of a man (funny that he also owns one) and I loved his character right out of the gate. I’m incredibly excited to see where this series goes and I can’t wait to get my hands on MJ’s story with Liam. I know it’s going to be another great one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The PERFECT small town romance story. Anyone who loves a Midwesterner or wants to understand Midwesterners, read this book! This book seriously has it all though, a close-proximity slow-burn romance, set in a (fictional) beautiful lakeshore community in Wisconsin with all it's quirky characters and town traditions.
While I was reading this, it gave me Gilmore Girls vibes, but set on a lake. All the small-town charm that most of us crave to feel in our own life, the author brought that feeling to life in this book. And the wildflower theme woven throughout was perfection.
Ali, the main character, and all her lovely flaws made the book feel so much more real than some romance books I've read. The entire cast of characters made me fall even harder for this book, and the storyline that runs through the book tugged at the heartstrings too.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next in the Among Wilds series!
While I was reading this, it gave me Gilmore Girls vibes, but set on a lake. All the small-town charm that most of us crave to feel in our own life, the author brought that feeling to life in this book. And the wildflower theme woven throughout was perfection.
Ali, the main character, and all her lovely flaws made the book feel so much more real than some romance books I've read. The entire cast of characters made me fall even harder for this book, and the storyline that runs through the book tugged at the heartstrings too.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next in the Among Wilds series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was fantastic.
I was giggling. I was gasping. I was nursing a broken heart starting from the 65% mark.
This story gave me Alexis Rose and Ted vibes. The fun and flirty privileged out of towner instantly connecting with the small town vet? Sparks. Magic.
Ali was exactly what Jake said she was. A wildflower. I loved her character, and I loved everyone around her reminder her who she was.
Jake was adorable. Steady and strong, and way cuter than the self-proclaimed nerd gave himself credit for.
Add in the depth of each of their characters? Their combined traumas, their own healing....?
Yes, the banter was fun. The writing was engaging. And the spice was so delicious, but the story here is one that I'll happily sit with for awhile. Everything was so well rounded, and timed beautifully, I could only enjoy it.
ALSO! That epilogue?!? Give me that next book ASAP!
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: open door
I was giggling. I was gasping. I was nursing a broken heart starting from the 65% mark.
This story gave me Alexis Rose and Ted vibes. The fun and flirty privileged out of towner instantly connecting with the small town vet? Sparks. Magic.
Ali was exactly what Jake said she was. A wildflower. I loved her character, and I loved everyone around her reminder her who she was.
Jake was adorable. Steady and strong, and way cuter than the self-proclaimed nerd gave himself credit for.
Add in the depth of each of their characters? Their combined traumas, their own healing....?
Yes, the banter was fun. The writing was engaging. And the spice was so delicious, but the story here is one that I'll happily sit with for awhile. Everything was so well rounded, and timed beautifully, I could only enjoy it.
ALSO! That epilogue?!? Give me that next book ASAP!
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: open door
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