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The Sun #1
Saving Sunflower
Dominic DeBlanc is a wayward street hustler and part-time rapper constantly running from a past that haunts him. With a bleak outlook on life, he finds himself teetering between two worlds—a seedy one where he’s not guaranteed to see his twenty-second birthday and a promising one that might bring him recognition for his talent.
After a chance encounter with a peculiar waitress, he finds himself engulfed in a friendship he never knew he needed. However, his complex life and reckless decisions challenge their already complicated bond.
After a chance encounter with a peculiar waitress, he finds himself engulfed in a friendship he never knew he needed. However, his complex life and reckless decisions challenge their already complicated bond.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2020
942 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
February 16, 2021
I kept seeing folks talking about this book- and now I see why. Wow. I'm a sucker for this style of writing—realistic, layered, complex, authentic, and wise. Beyond the fact that she's an excellent writer, I think what really stood out for me was how well Lyse tapped into her characters' thoughts, desires, struggles, and pain as they journey together to a place neither one of them initially envisioned. At face value, the story is fairly familiar–a street guy who's inexplicably drawn to an innocent girl and begins a romance that's frowned upon by everyone in their lives. But Lyse takes it to an entirely different place with her focus on the intimate moments that make her characters human, and the perceptiveness and wisdom she waves into this story. She doesn't focus on the flashy aspects of the story. Instead, she's patient as she carefully unravels two characters from different backgrounds who share similar loss, making them human and whole as they attempt to understand themselves and each other. A good chunk of this book is told from Dominic's point of view, and Lyse's writing really shines when she's in his head—it's magnetic, compelling, heartbreaking, and maybe most of all, authentic. She reminds me of Nia Forrester in that respect-- who is also notably gifted at writing multidimensional, realistic male characters. Anyway, this is just excellent writing from one of the purest talents I've come across in a good minute. This is my fav book of the year so far, and Lyse is an author I will be following.
May 18, 2023
Listen, Saving Sunflower took me through it. I was not expecting this book to be such an emotional rollercoaster. Claudette and Dominic were the true definition of opposites attract. He's a rising street rapper who hustles on the side and she's a naïve virgin fresh off the farm. They had absolutely nothing in common but, when these two meet, the attraction was instant from the start. Now, while they may have had the intense attraction going for them, Claudette and Dominic’s love journey was anything but easy. They come from different backgrounds but, share a similar loss. Both of them have unresolved mommy issues that have never been addressed which, leads to an incredibly dysfunctional love story. Struggle, pain, and heartbreak are at the forefront of this book so, just gon' and grab your tissues. I’m not a fan of young adult romance but, I really liked Saving Sunflower. This book had just the right amount of everything. A realistic storyline, complex characters, and great plot development. You want to tell Claudette, “Run girl! He don’t mean you no good.” But, in the same instance, you can’t help but root for the young babies to get it together so they can have the HEA they never thought was possible. Watching Dominic finally accept the love he didn't think he deserved was just so heartwarming. Insert crying GIF here. 🥹🥹🥹 This was my first book by Rae Lyse and I absolutely loved it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 23, 2024
Claudette x Dominic
So this story was a lot, but it was good. Really good. Dominic was just a damaged soul, doing what he had to, to survive. This story started with a young man trying to make it in music to help his family, but it ended with a super love story. An unintentional super love story. Dominic was in the streets, doing hood niğģa stuff. He met Claudette, who's also trying to make it for herself, but in the more traditional way. She's in college and has a regular job. I mean sis was still out here with her side hustle, but nothing like what Dominic was out here doing. She was so business-minded and used it to her advantage. She was a good girl. She was innocent and pure in every sense of the way. I personally do not like stories about young people. Like, mid-twenties is the youngest I can tolerate. I prefer my hero and heroine to be a bit more mature. Dominic and Claudette were extremely young, so maturity wasn't in their forte. She was 18 and he was 21. They had so much growing up to do.
I'm not sure I liked Dominic for Claudette because of his lifestyle. I didn't think it was fair that he dragged her into his crazy lifestyle, knowing who she was and how innocent she was. But Dominic fell for her without even trying, and she was a willing participant. But, by the time Dominic realized that, it was a little too late. I like that the story was not a fairy tale love story. Some crazy stuff happened and there were consequences to these things. It made the story real and made me appreciate it way more.
This is my first story by this author and she did a super job and I will gladly read from her catalog again.
So this story was a lot, but it was good. Really good. Dominic was just a damaged soul, doing what he had to, to survive. This story started with a young man trying to make it in music to help his family, but it ended with a super love story. An unintentional super love story. Dominic was in the streets, doing hood niğģa stuff. He met Claudette, who's also trying to make it for herself, but in the more traditional way. She's in college and has a regular job. I mean sis was still out here with her side hustle, but nothing like what Dominic was out here doing. She was so business-minded and used it to her advantage. She was a good girl. She was innocent and pure in every sense of the way. I personally do not like stories about young people. Like, mid-twenties is the youngest I can tolerate. I prefer my hero and heroine to be a bit more mature. Dominic and Claudette were extremely young, so maturity wasn't in their forte. She was 18 and he was 21. They had so much growing up to do.
I'm not sure I liked Dominic for Claudette because of his lifestyle. I didn't think it was fair that he dragged her into his crazy lifestyle, knowing who she was and how innocent she was. But Dominic fell for her without even trying, and she was a willing participant. But, by the time Dominic realized that, it was a little too late. I like that the story was not a fairy tale love story. Some crazy stuff happened and there were consequences to these things. It made the story real and made me appreciate it way more.
This is my first story by this author and she did a super job and I will gladly read from her catalog again.
October 14, 2023
Not your average love story ❤️🔥
A hustler turned rapper forms an unlikely bond with the naive college student who unexpectedly stole his heart.
I loved Nic but absolutely hated him for Clo as a love interest. He was wary of his lifestyle corrupting her innocence but eventually decided to engulf her in his world anyway, although he didn’t really have much choice because she was prepared to sprint head first into the BS with her man. 😭 In spite of my dislike for this match, I enjoyed watching them grow and attempt to heal from their past trauma together. I’m usually a sucker for a HEA but I appreciated how real, raw, and just different Saving Sunflower was from a typical romance. I hope we get to see more of them in the other books of the series!
A hustler turned rapper forms an unlikely bond with the naive college student who unexpectedly stole his heart.
I loved Nic but absolutely hated him for Clo as a love interest. He was wary of his lifestyle corrupting her innocence but eventually decided to engulf her in his world anyway, although he didn’t really have much choice because she was prepared to sprint head first into the BS with her man. 😭 In spite of my dislike for this match, I enjoyed watching them grow and attempt to heal from their past trauma together. I’m usually a sucker for a HEA but I appreciated how real, raw, and just different Saving Sunflower was from a typical romance. I hope we get to see more of them in the other books of the series!
July 27, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Claudette and Dominic’s story! It was so realistic and told the story of so many! Dominic was dealt and poor hand and learned to survive by any means necessary! Feeling that he wasn’t deserving of love his world was forever changed by a freshman in college named Claudette! Claudette turned his world upside down in the best way possible! What I loved most about this story was that while dipped in love, it also highlights that actions have consequences and that ultimately it’s up to you to change instead of allowing yourself to be a victim of circumstance. The ending was perfect and again realistic. I can’t wait to read Josiah’s story and hope we get to see more from Nic and Clo! 🥰
May 11, 2023
Dominic & Claudette
This was my first read by Rae Lyse and I throughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with the characters right away. They were all layered and complex as well as the story. I loved watching the budding relationship between Dominic and Clo blossom. Their situation wasn’t Ideal but they made it work. Clo ended up being a ride or die but in a good way. I Loved the brotherly love that Jo and Nic had for one another. Nic was like a brother/father figure for Jo. I also appreciate the way Diane and Josiah rallied around Clo and the immediate acceptance they had of her. I Couldn’t figure out MO’s deal with Clo but look forward to finding out in his story. I hope we continue to to a glimpse of Nic and Clo in the remainder of the series.
This was my first read by Rae Lyse and I throughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with the characters right away. They were all layered and complex as well as the story. I loved watching the budding relationship between Dominic and Clo blossom. Their situation wasn’t Ideal but they made it work. Clo ended up being a ride or die but in a good way. I Loved the brotherly love that Jo and Nic had for one another. Nic was like a brother/father figure for Jo. I also appreciate the way Diane and Josiah rallied around Clo and the immediate acceptance they had of her. I Couldn’t figure out MO’s deal with Clo but look forward to finding out in his story. I hope we continue to to a glimpse of Nic and Clo in the remainder of the series.
April 20, 2024
Saving Sunflower is an amazing story of how one encounter involving two opposite people changes their lives.
I LOVED everything about Saving Sunflower, from the story's pace to the characters. Claudette was my favorite!
Saving Sunflower was so good I did not want it to end!
I LOVED everything about Saving Sunflower, from the story's pace to the characters. Claudette was my favorite!
Saving Sunflower was so good I did not want it to end!
July 29, 2024
4.25⭐️
I went through it, okay?! But I love me some Dough and Clo!
I went through it, okay?! But I love me some Dough and Clo!
May 2, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
The love I have for these young men in these books who are products of their environment 😩 Dominic made me want to shake him sometimes with the decisions that he made but underneath all that, I just wanted to hug him. Despite his talent, all he knew was the streets and taking care of the ones he loved.
Claudette really stole my heart. I loved how she motivated Dominic and spoke life into him. She had his back from the first night they met. In the end, Dominic’s bad choices caught up with him and he had to suffer the consequences but Clo made sure he didn’t lose sight of his talent that could give him a better life.
I do feel like it kinda just ended. I would have loved to read more about Nic changing his life. Hope to hear tidbits about these two in the remainder of the series.
The love I have for these young men in these books who are products of their environment 😩 Dominic made me want to shake him sometimes with the decisions that he made but underneath all that, I just wanted to hug him. Despite his talent, all he knew was the streets and taking care of the ones he loved.
Claudette really stole my heart. I loved how she motivated Dominic and spoke life into him. She had his back from the first night they met. In the end, Dominic’s bad choices caught up with him and he had to suffer the consequences but Clo made sure he didn’t lose sight of his talent that could give him a better life.
I do feel like it kinda just ended. I would have loved to read more about Nic changing his life. Hope to hear tidbits about these two in the remainder of the series.
December 22, 2020
God I don’t ask for much.....
Alexa play Whitney Houston - I have nothing!
My god I love this man...he completes me. Like whew this man is walking perfection. It’s been a long time since I have said a man is the prize but this man right here is top tier! He is the prize. He is everything.
It’s at the point I’ll propose ! I’ll get down on one knee!
Alexa play Kelly price he proposed to me! Right now! I’m risking it all for him! There is nothing this man can do that would have me turn my back on him! He tell me cut off my family I will! Tuh! This man ask me to jump. Ima ask him how high and where to?! This a good man! Usually I ain’t into sharing but ima let this man be shared in peace!
Alexa play Whitney Houston - I have nothing!
My god I love this man...he completes me. Like whew this man is walking perfection. It’s been a long time since I have said a man is the prize but this man right here is top tier! He is the prize. He is everything.
It’s at the point I’ll propose ! I’ll get down on one knee!
Alexa play Kelly price he proposed to me! Right now! I’m risking it all for him! There is nothing this man can do that would have me turn my back on him! He tell me cut off my family I will! Tuh! This man ask me to jump. Ima ask him how high and where to?! This a good man! Usually I ain’t into sharing but ima let this man be shared in peace!
November 26, 2024
Dominic & Claudette 🤎 Rae Lyse brought these two together so well, from strangers to lovers. As a reader, I wanted things to click for Dominic, but he had some deep struggles and rightfully so. From day one, Claudette stood in the gap for Dominic. She didn’t give up on him even when everyone else told her that she should. I wanted more post-release, but I’m hoping there are cameos throughout the series. 🌻
April 9, 2021
Not Relationship Goals
After seeing so many good reviews, I really wanted to read this book. The plot was decent and the writing is pretty good. I just couldn’t get into the main characters. Dominic is so damaged. He spent so much of the book manipulating this 18 year old girl all in the name of love. That really turned me off. Claudette toggled between being ridiculously naive and tough as nails. I didn’t find myself rooting for them as a couple. Their love story is incredibly dysfunctional. I’d sum it by saying that it wasn’t a good love story for me. I don’t care to read the second book. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it if they’re a fan of street lit. I’ve just outgrown that genre.
After seeing so many good reviews, I really wanted to read this book. The plot was decent and the writing is pretty good. I just couldn’t get into the main characters. Dominic is so damaged. He spent so much of the book manipulating this 18 year old girl all in the name of love. That really turned me off. Claudette toggled between being ridiculously naive and tough as nails. I didn’t find myself rooting for them as a couple. Their love story is incredibly dysfunctional. I’d sum it by saying that it wasn’t a good love story for me. I don’t care to read the second book. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it if they’re a fan of street lit. I’ve just outgrown that genre.
December 6, 2024
I THINK THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE BOOK IVE READ THUS FAR!! I enjoyed every minute of this book. I didn’t want their story to end! This has been one of the more realistic books I’ve read. I’ve never felt so many emotions from a book. I need more from this couple.
July 8, 2024
Book Review✨
Dominic DeBlanc was dealt a terrible hand, and had to learn to survive by any means necessary. He finds himself teetering between two worlds, one as a street hustler, and the other as a part-time rapper. Constantly running from his past that haunts him he feels that he is undeserving of love. After a chance encounter with a beautiful, shy waitress, he finds himself engulfed in a friendship he never knew he needed. However, his reckless behavior and pass sins threatens their already complicated bond.
While pursuing his rap career he meets Claudette. She is a sweet soul and all she wants to do is help. Sensing that Dominic needed her to step in, she does without thinking, while providing her assistance, she also gained Dominic’s trust and he couldn’t let her go after that encounter.
This story is so well written. Rae Lyse storytelling is absolutely stunning. The way she tapped into her characters, thoughts, struggles, and pain had me in golfed in the story. This is not your mushy gushy romance, this is a slow burn that focuses on the characters development. We really get great insight into these characters heads. The way she was able to bring two different characters from two different backgrounds, who share similar losses, together, we really went on a journey with these two. Witnessing them grow and attempt to understand themselves, and each other was such a beautiful ride to be a part of.
I felt like I really knew these characters. This story was magnetic, compelling, heartbreaking, but most of all authentic. At first you think this is a very familiar story, a street guy who is drawn to an innocent girl and begins a romance that is frowned upon by everyone in their circle. But the way Rae Lyse tells this story it’s anything but familiar.
I also love the dynamic between Dominic and Josiah, the love that they share for one another was so deep. Also loved the way Jo and Diane rallied around Clo and how they welcomed her to the family almost immediately. I wish we got a deeper insight into Mo’s issues with Clo, I didn’t understand his problem. And I have a love-hate relationship with Autumn, I know she was just trying to look out for her friend, but it came off very judgmental, but she got it together in the end.
This was my first book by Rae Lyse and it most definitely won’t be my last!! I can’t wait to read Josiah story next. Hopefully we get some more of Col and Dom as well.
Dominic DeBlanc was dealt a terrible hand, and had to learn to survive by any means necessary. He finds himself teetering between two worlds, one as a street hustler, and the other as a part-time rapper. Constantly running from his past that haunts him he feels that he is undeserving of love. After a chance encounter with a beautiful, shy waitress, he finds himself engulfed in a friendship he never knew he needed. However, his reckless behavior and pass sins threatens their already complicated bond.
While pursuing his rap career he meets Claudette. She is a sweet soul and all she wants to do is help. Sensing that Dominic needed her to step in, she does without thinking, while providing her assistance, she also gained Dominic’s trust and he couldn’t let her go after that encounter.
This story is so well written. Rae Lyse storytelling is absolutely stunning. The way she tapped into her characters, thoughts, struggles, and pain had me in golfed in the story. This is not your mushy gushy romance, this is a slow burn that focuses on the characters development. We really get great insight into these characters heads. The way she was able to bring two different characters from two different backgrounds, who share similar losses, together, we really went on a journey with these two. Witnessing them grow and attempt to understand themselves, and each other was such a beautiful ride to be a part of.
I felt like I really knew these characters. This story was magnetic, compelling, heartbreaking, but most of all authentic. At first you think this is a very familiar story, a street guy who is drawn to an innocent girl and begins a romance that is frowned upon by everyone in their circle. But the way Rae Lyse tells this story it’s anything but familiar.
I also love the dynamic between Dominic and Josiah, the love that they share for one another was so deep. Also loved the way Jo and Diane rallied around Clo and how they welcomed her to the family almost immediately. I wish we got a deeper insight into Mo’s issues with Clo, I didn’t understand his problem. And I have a love-hate relationship with Autumn, I know she was just trying to look out for her friend, but it came off very judgmental, but she got it together in the end.
This was my first book by Rae Lyse and it most definitely won’t be my last!! I can’t wait to read Josiah story next. Hopefully we get some more of Col and Dom as well.
October 30, 2024
Let me just say that I was wrong, so very wrong. Let me explain.
I purchased this ebook on October 14, 2020 because of the cover alone. It was so gorgeous I couldn’t not have it in my collection. I then saw the author at the Atlanta Kick Back in June of 2021 and purchased the paperback, because once again it was just a beautiful cover. However I continued to put off reading this book because I was intimidated by the page count of over 400.
Fast forward to January 2022 when I finally dove into this masterfully written slow burn read of young love. I feel like I cheated myself out of the wonder that was held in these pages by continuing to put it off. Don’t be like me. Take the time to read or listen to the tale of Claudette (Clo) and Dominic's (Nic) journey into adulthood and love.
This is Rae Lyse’s first published work and her pen isn't to be played with!! 5 Stars
I purchased this ebook on October 14, 2020 because of the cover alone. It was so gorgeous I couldn’t not have it in my collection. I then saw the author at the Atlanta Kick Back in June of 2021 and purchased the paperback, because once again it was just a beautiful cover. However I continued to put off reading this book because I was intimidated by the page count of over 400.
Fast forward to January 2022 when I finally dove into this masterfully written slow burn read of young love. I feel like I cheated myself out of the wonder that was held in these pages by continuing to put it off. Don’t be like me. Take the time to read or listen to the tale of Claudette (Clo) and Dominic's (Nic) journey into adulthood and love.
This is Rae Lyse’s first published work and her pen isn't to be played with!! 5 Stars
January 28, 2021
This is hands down probably going to be one of the best books I read in 2021. Rae Lyse style of writing is wonderful. It's just the right amount of everything and she shows things so beautifully that you feel like you're right in the scene. I loved this book from page one to the end and I'm so ready for more!! Dough is a whole bae !!
January 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very slow read. There wasn't much tension or drama, but there was a lot of angst. You got to really follow the minds of these characters as they went through the day to day of their lives while they unintentionally developed a strong bond. I loved both characters, and I enjoyed that the story was very true to life.
August 11, 2022
Whew this was a lot and real. I can see why people love it the layers , authenticity, trauma. I wasn’t expecting the ending but it’s realistic and I’m happy with it. Claudette was definitely a rider. Dominic was a interesting character
December 29, 2020
Way to end 2020 off with a Bang! (maybe...I might be able to squeeze one more book in)
Man...I don't even know how I found this book. I haven't seen any buzz about it on Goodreads, in any of my book clubs on IG, or groups on FB. But there certainly SHOULD be because honey! Saving Sunflower was amazing.
Dominic DeBlanc and Claudette Goins live very different lives.
Nic has been in survival mode since he was a kid. Protecting and providing for those around him without ever experiencing what it was like to be cared for himself. He had to grow up quickly, doing whatever necessary to keep a roof over his family's head and food on the table. At only 21, he's experienced very early on what it was like to live without, to go days without food, to live in fear for his life, to have to fight to live every single day. When you live a life like that, it's hard to find time to let others in, to love and be loved and feel deserving of that love, to aspire to anything besides the next come up to keep the lights on for another month. But then Claudette comes along...
This young and innocent girl with a raspy voice and light still left in her eyes comes into Dominic's life. 18 years old, fresh out of high school and trying to make it through her first year of college, doing what she has to do to make ends meet—she meets Dominic one night, inserts herself into a business deal for a rap gig that Dominic is barely taking seriously and sees in him what no one else does. Loyalty, intelligence, determination, talent, worthiness. And for the first time in his life, he has something to live for instead of just surviving. He gets a taste of hope, of self-belief, of unconditional love.
Let me tell you, I got about 20% through this book, and IMMEDIATELY got aggravated. Because this ALWAYS happens to me. For years (going on 5) I've been trying to find a nice group of authors whose stories, writing, characters, and vibe I love, NOT LIKE, love . And just 20% into this book, I knew Rae Lyse was immediately going on that list. Which is a good thing, don't get me wrong. BUT THIS IS HER FIRST AND ONLY BOOK. So yes...at 20% of this book, I was enjoying the characters, plot, vibe, everything so much, that I got pissed because I knew I wouldn't immediately be able to experience a repeat of my enjoyment in the form of another Rae Lyse book.
It was the character development, the exposition, the slow build and burn, the time taken to piece together the different aspects of Dominic and Claudettes lives that made them very different, but so similarly broken and perfect for one another at the same time. It was the small glimpses into their pasts to inform their present. It was the focus on the other people in their lives that you needed to learn about and get to know because they shaped who Nic and Clo were. It was just...the care taken to build out this beautiful story centered around love, struggle, turmoil, light, darkness, circumstance, passion...pain.
Rae Lyse took her time with this book and you can tell by the amount of feeling and energy you feel coming off the pages and from these characters while reading. Over the course of these 350+ pages, I fell in love with Claudette and Dominic. I was sad when Nic couldn't see in the potential for greatness in himself, or that he deserved better, deserved to dream, deserved to be loved. I felt frustrated right along with Claudette as she navigated the feelings she was having for Nic, while she tried her best to be there for him while not losing herself in the process. But not only them, I also fell in love with all of their family and friends as well.
This book was written in such a way that you leave the final page of the book feeling like you just spent time with family. They linger in your head...even as I'm writing this I'm wondering how they're doing. If they're going to be okay. If they're happy—and you know what? I'm not even mad. As much as these types of stories kill me—the ones that reach into your chest, grip your heart, squeeze, and refuse to let go even after you've long finished them—they're the very types of stories I crave. So I'll take the stress, the heartache, the aggravation, the grief...because, in the end, I get to have experience characters like Nic and Clo, I get to cherish stories like Saving Sunflower, and pass them along so others can get to enjoy them as well.
Thank you Rae Lyse—for taking the time to weave this story together and ultimately deciding to share it with us. I can't wait to see what else is in store.
Man...I don't even know how I found this book. I haven't seen any buzz about it on Goodreads, in any of my book clubs on IG, or groups on FB. But there certainly SHOULD be because honey! Saving Sunflower was amazing.
Dominic DeBlanc and Claudette Goins live very different lives.
Nic has been in survival mode since he was a kid. Protecting and providing for those around him without ever experiencing what it was like to be cared for himself. He had to grow up quickly, doing whatever necessary to keep a roof over his family's head and food on the table. At only 21, he's experienced very early on what it was like to live without, to go days without food, to live in fear for his life, to have to fight to live every single day. When you live a life like that, it's hard to find time to let others in, to love and be loved and feel deserving of that love, to aspire to anything besides the next come up to keep the lights on for another month. But then Claudette comes along...
This young and innocent girl with a raspy voice and light still left in her eyes comes into Dominic's life. 18 years old, fresh out of high school and trying to make it through her first year of college, doing what she has to do to make ends meet—she meets Dominic one night, inserts herself into a business deal for a rap gig that Dominic is barely taking seriously and sees in him what no one else does. Loyalty, intelligence, determination, talent, worthiness. And for the first time in his life, he has something to live for instead of just surviving. He gets a taste of hope, of self-belief, of unconditional love.
Let me tell you, I got about 20% through this book, and IMMEDIATELY got aggravated. Because this ALWAYS happens to me. For years (going on 5) I've been trying to find a nice group of authors whose stories, writing, characters, and vibe I love, NOT LIKE, love . And just 20% into this book, I knew Rae Lyse was immediately going on that list. Which is a good thing, don't get me wrong. BUT THIS IS HER FIRST AND ONLY BOOK. So yes...at 20% of this book, I was enjoying the characters, plot, vibe, everything so much, that I got pissed because I knew I wouldn't immediately be able to experience a repeat of my enjoyment in the form of another Rae Lyse book.
It was the character development, the exposition, the slow build and burn, the time taken to piece together the different aspects of Dominic and Claudettes lives that made them very different, but so similarly broken and perfect for one another at the same time. It was the small glimpses into their pasts to inform their present. It was the focus on the other people in their lives that you needed to learn about and get to know because they shaped who Nic and Clo were. It was just...the care taken to build out this beautiful story centered around love, struggle, turmoil, light, darkness, circumstance, passion...pain.
Rae Lyse took her time with this book and you can tell by the amount of feeling and energy you feel coming off the pages and from these characters while reading. Over the course of these 350+ pages, I fell in love with Claudette and Dominic. I was sad when Nic couldn't see in the potential for greatness in himself, or that he deserved better, deserved to dream, deserved to be loved. I felt frustrated right along with Claudette as she navigated the feelings she was having for Nic, while she tried her best to be there for him while not losing herself in the process. But not only them, I also fell in love with all of their family and friends as well.
This book was written in such a way that you leave the final page of the book feeling like you just spent time with family. They linger in your head...even as I'm writing this I'm wondering how they're doing. If they're going to be okay. If they're happy—and you know what? I'm not even mad. As much as these types of stories kill me—the ones that reach into your chest, grip your heart, squeeze, and refuse to let go even after you've long finished them—they're the very types of stories I crave. So I'll take the stress, the heartache, the aggravation, the grief...because, in the end, I get to have experience characters like Nic and Clo, I get to cherish stories like Saving Sunflower, and pass them along so others can get to enjoy them as well.
Thank you Rae Lyse—for taking the time to weave this story together and ultimately deciding to share it with us. I can't wait to see what else is in store.
December 10, 2020
Such a hidden gem 💎
Incredible job on this story!!!
Initially I was intrigued by the cover and once I started reading I quickly realized that this would be a book that I could not put down. It truly is a gem and a darn good story!
Dominic is an upcoming rapper and he just wants to provide for his aunt and cousin. Dominic is a very complex character but you can’t help but to love him. There is always a method to his madness. There was so many layers to him that when I thought I had him figured out he would reveal another part to himself. Dominic was the ultimate hustler, loyalty was everything to him, and he loved his Sunflower.
Claudette is a college student; the good girl that you wouldn’t even expect to be with a rapper. She’s got her head on right and she’s a go-getter, it made sense for her to find her way into Dominic’s heart. Claudette’s friend was always in her ear about falling for Dominic and just putting all these negative vibes into the atmosphere but Claudette stood up to her friend and she earned my respect. Together, Claudette and Dominic was the dream team. They just meshed so well together and the chemistry was off the chart. I loved them together and literally they needed each other in so many ways.
The author did such a good job on this story. It’s kind of a slow burn and at times dark but she draws the reader in from the beginning. It sometimes felt like I was watching a movie and I FELT everything that I was reading! I so loved this. Definitely would give 10 stars if I could! ❤️
Incredible job on this story!!!
Initially I was intrigued by the cover and once I started reading I quickly realized that this would be a book that I could not put down. It truly is a gem and a darn good story!
Dominic is an upcoming rapper and he just wants to provide for his aunt and cousin. Dominic is a very complex character but you can’t help but to love him. There is always a method to his madness. There was so many layers to him that when I thought I had him figured out he would reveal another part to himself. Dominic was the ultimate hustler, loyalty was everything to him, and he loved his Sunflower.
Claudette is a college student; the good girl that you wouldn’t even expect to be with a rapper. She’s got her head on right and she’s a go-getter, it made sense for her to find her way into Dominic’s heart. Claudette’s friend was always in her ear about falling for Dominic and just putting all these negative vibes into the atmosphere but Claudette stood up to her friend and she earned my respect. Together, Claudette and Dominic was the dream team. They just meshed so well together and the chemistry was off the chart. I loved them together and literally they needed each other in so many ways.
The author did such a good job on this story. It’s kind of a slow burn and at times dark but she draws the reader in from the beginning. It sometimes felt like I was watching a movie and I FELT everything that I was reading! I so loved this. Definitely would give 10 stars if I could! ❤️
January 2, 2021
The Sun and his Sunflower! This was a really good debut novel. It’s a slow burn but Claudette and Dominic’s love story was everything. I’m a sucker for young wayward love so this was right up my alley. Dominic was flawed but beautiful. Claudette was green but dope and just what he needed. I hope to see more of their story in the future. I also really loved Josiah and I hope to see his story one day too. Great read.
December 15, 2020
I didn’t want it to end
This love story wasn’t perfect, my heart broke along the way but they put the pieces back together. Being young and in love is already a task but when both of them have issues it’s a longer journey. I didn’t want this book to end and I’m glad it didn’t. Hopefully there is a part 2.
This love story wasn’t perfect, my heart broke along the way but they put the pieces back together. Being young and in love is already a task but when both of them have issues it’s a longer journey. I didn’t want this book to end and I’m glad it didn’t. Hopefully there is a part 2.
July 4, 2025
Audiobooks reread 3.75 🎶🎶🎶🎶
3.25⭐⭐⭐💫
This book could have been a lot shorter.
3.25⭐⭐⭐💫
This book could have been a lot shorter.
September 13, 2024
You Deserve
I loved that the theme of this book was you deserve, whether it be love, a second chance, rest, to want what you want, to be forgiven, to be selfish. You deserve and Nic and Clo definitely did. I hardly enjoyed coming of age stories anymore but this was so sweet. Now idk if I ever what to love someone so much I can’t breath without em but that’s me being at big age in my life after marriage era. Rae Lyse is without a doubt a gifted wordsmith and I love her ability to paint the emotions of a moment. You can always see, feel, taste, and hear every moment in her stories and that makes for an incredible reading experience.
I loved that the theme of this book was you deserve, whether it be love, a second chance, rest, to want what you want, to be forgiven, to be selfish. You deserve and Nic and Clo definitely did. I hardly enjoyed coming of age stories anymore but this was so sweet. Now idk if I ever what to love someone so much I can’t breath without em but that’s me being at big age in my life after marriage era. Rae Lyse is without a doubt a gifted wordsmith and I love her ability to paint the emotions of a moment. You can always see, feel, taste, and hear every moment in her stories and that makes for an incredible reading experience.
August 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ “For every Sunflower & Dough that ever lived” 🌻
These teeny boppers done stole my heart 🥰 From meeting at the Waffle House & becoming friends to lovers.
I want moreeeeee of Dominic & Claudette!
These teeny boppers done stole my heart 🥰 From meeting at the Waffle House & becoming friends to lovers.
I want moreeeeee of Dominic & Claudette!
September 30, 2022
Dominic and Claudette are both on the struggle bus. She’s just trying to pay bills and live, while Dom is trying to watch out for his nephew and make rap music which is expensive to record. Dom found himself straddling the line of legal and illegal work. This was such a precarious situation that I knew it found this book to be so angsty.
I don’t know if I loved Claudette and Dominic together but they clearly loved each other. There was just such a codependency and Dominic was such an alpha male to her naivety. I wish she had her own grandmother and not her judgmental but well meaning girlfriend as a sounding board.
If you love real, no holds barred street love, this is a really good romance book to read. I will amend my review after bookclub meets and we discuss it.
December 29, 2020
This book was so impressively written by an author making a debut. This was written like a veteran. Dominic and Claudette had me at the first page of their story. Filled with humor, challenges, gems, affirmations, and real life lessons! I look forward to everything this author brings!
December 10, 2020
Easily one of my favorite 2020 reads.
February 18, 2021
A walk thru the sunflower fields
This was a beautiful story of love earned for 2 people who had love denied to them by the person that should have loved them without hesitation. They found that love love in each other. This was an emotional but very necessary roller coaster ride. Even though this was the authors first published work she released a more polished piece of art that is nothing short of amazing. Sorry it took me so long to enjoy this beautiful story.
This was a beautiful story of love earned for 2 people who had love denied to them by the person that should have loved them without hesitation. They found that love love in each other. This was an emotional but very necessary roller coaster ride. Even though this was the authors first published work she released a more polished piece of art that is nothing short of amazing. Sorry it took me so long to enjoy this beautiful story.
June 17, 2022
sooo good
I already knew that this book was good before cracking it open but my goodness, I wasn’t ready! Nic and Clo gave me All the feels. I did so much smiling that my cheeks hurt. I can’t wait to dive into Jo’s book 💕
I already knew that this book was good before cracking it open but my goodness, I wasn’t ready! Nic and Clo gave me All the feels. I did so much smiling that my cheeks hurt. I can’t wait to dive into Jo’s book 💕
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