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He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
When his dad's old florist’s shop is up for sale, he has to have it. Only problem is, he'd need to sell a kidney to afford it. The reality show Battle of the Blossoms is the perfect opportunity to win the money he needs, but when his childhood crush blows back into his life, distractions risk taking his eyes off the prize. He needs his head and heart to start working together to ensure he doesn't miss the opportunity of a lifetime. When she's dumped just as she's expecting an engagement ring, she knows she's put her heart into the wrong man. Hoping for a second chance at being a grown-up, she moves home to stay with her brother and his best friend Dax, a boy whose memory faded as she ran away from her past. Facing the hurt she left behind means facing some home truths about herself, but there’s one boy who has always loved her, if only she’d take the time to notice him. Prepare to swoon, laugh and punch the air with Aimee Brown’s new friends-to-lovers romance . Perfect for all fans of Sariah Wilson, Lindsey Kelk and Abby Jiminez. What readers say about Aimee ‘This is wonderful, romantic and uplifting read that I adored from beginning to end.’ ‘Couldn't put it down so blissfully sweet. Exciting ever-changing story exactly what I needed for a summer break.’ ‘Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down. Probably safe to say it’s the best book I’ve read.’ ‘This book is just so good it's funny, sweet and crazy all at the same i couldn't stop reading and wanting more.’ ‘Loved this book - a great story and really well written. At times I literally couldn't put it down! I honestly couldn't guess how the ending would turn out although luckily it was the way I wanted it to!! Read it you won't be disappointed.’
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2022
259 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Brown
15 books331 followersAimee Brown is a romantic comedy/contemporary romantic comedy author. Happily Ever After’s keep her going in a world less than likable at times. She’s been married for twenty-five years and has raised three kids. She’s lived in four different states, has a house full of pets, and houseplants, and can usually be found reading, writing, cleaning, or watching her favorite shows over and over.
Aimee is very active on social media. She'd love to have you stop by and say hi!
FB - http://facebook.com/authoraimeebrown
Instagram - http://instagram.com/authoraimeeb
Twitter - http://twitter.com/aimeebwrites
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aimee...
Website - https://aimeebwrites.com/
Aimee writes closed-door sex with sweary bits and representation of mental health.
Aimee is very active on social media. She'd love to have you stop by and say hi!
FB - http://facebook.com/authoraimeebrown
Instagram - http://instagram.com/authoraimeeb
Twitter - http://twitter.com/aimeebwrites
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aimee...
Website - https://aimeebwrites.com/
Aimee writes closed-door sex with sweary bits and representation of mental health.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
August 8, 2023
4.5⭐
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Publication date ~ December 8, 2022
Page Count ~ 322
Audio length ~ 9 hours 6 minutes
Narrators ~ Patrick Boylan, Stephanie Cannon
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ florist, childhood friends, roommates, forced proximity, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, off limits, reality competition, friends to lovers, he falls first, slow burn, no steamage
Dax & Hollyn
Hollyn (cute name!) just got dumped in the worst way and moves in with her brother, River, and his roommate, Dax. It's only a two bedroom, so River stays with his girlfriend for the time being. Unbeknownst to her, Dax has been in love with her for like 15 years. The problem is that there's a bro code in effect and Hollyn has been off limits all these years. Was not feeling how River was going on and on and on and on about that.
Dax is book boyfriend material with his adorableness and sweetness and he's a florist, so he must be super romantic, right? right! And to want to follow in his father's footsteps, gah!
I liked watching Hollyn grow as a woman over the weeks and even though I knew what she was going to do with the money before she even had the check in her hands I loved it.
I enjoyed the timestamps at the beginning of each chapter or page break, even if it only said moments ago or later that day.
I am totally looking forward to more books by Aimee that follow River and Mercy, Hollyn's bff....but not them as a couple.
*Thanks to Aimee Brown, Rachel @Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Publication date ~ December 8, 2022
Page Count ~ 322
Audio length ~ 9 hours 6 minutes
Narrators ~ Patrick Boylan, Stephanie Cannon
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ florist, childhood friends, roommates, forced proximity, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, off limits, reality competition, friends to lovers, he falls first, slow burn, no steamage
Dax & Hollyn
Hollyn (cute name!) just got dumped in the worst way and moves in with her brother, River, and his roommate, Dax. It's only a two bedroom, so River stays with his girlfriend for the time being. Unbeknownst to her, Dax has been in love with her for like 15 years. The problem is that there's a bro code in effect and Hollyn has been off limits all these years. Was not feeling how River was going on and on and on and on about that.
Dax is book boyfriend material with his adorableness and sweetness and he's a florist, so he must be super romantic, right? right! And to want to follow in his father's footsteps, gah!
I liked watching Hollyn grow as a woman over the weeks and even though I knew what she was going to do with the money before she even had the check in her hands I loved it.
I enjoyed the timestamps at the beginning of each chapter or page break, even if it only said moments ago or later that day.
I am totally looking forward to more books by Aimee that follow River and Mercy, Hollyn's bff....but not them as a couple.
*Thanks to Aimee Brown, Rachel @Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
dnf
May 13, 2023dnf at %64 aka the first kiss aka my newest cause of nausea.
i literally could not care less-i felt nothing. except annoyance. i will admit i got really annoyed.
holland,i think that's her name?, dates her college professor in college and even spends $150,000 on buying an apartment with him. naturally, he's very obviously an asshole the entire time. then when he cheats on her and abruptly breaks up with her, she is flabbergasted.
we're at least 50% of the way through before she realizes - cue dramatic gasp - that she's colorblind to the color red. then this becomes a point of intense self hatred via her internal monologue that i fully agree with.
no, holland, i don't really like you either. yes, holland, you are being a deadweight to your relatives and family friends.
and i'm even pretty sure she's not that rich?? how did she afford that?? make it make sense.
and deanthat's definitely not his name, is down so bad. like it just gets annoying. he's meant to be misunderstood and ignored by his childhood crush and like this great guy hidden away just for her, but i don't care. i'm just annoyed when he mentions how he's lusted after her for years and years and he wants to taste her lips for the umpteenth time.
tldr: it's like really fucking unrealistic. i feel like he'd pull the "nice guy" card if i turned him down, and i feel like she'd spit on my poor people shoes and then start crying and screaming bloody murder because she shared air with someone who has bought clothes from walmart.
half a star added to whatever rating it would be (1 star) because at least they're compatible-
i literally could not care less-i felt nothing. except annoyance. i will admit i got really annoyed.
holland,
we're at least 50% of the way through before she realizes - cue dramatic gasp - that she's colorblind to the color red. then this becomes a point of intense self hatred via her internal monologue that i fully agree with.
no, holland, i don't really like you either. yes, holland, you are being a deadweight to your relatives and family friends.
and i'm even pretty sure she's not that rich?? how did she afford that?? make it make sense.
and dean
tldr: it's like really fucking unrealistic. i feel like he'd pull the "nice guy" card if i turned him down, and i feel like she'd spit on my poor people shoes and then start crying and screaming bloody murder because she shared air with someone who has bought clothes from walmart.
half a star added to whatever rating it would be (1 star) because at least they're compatible-
November 16, 2022
2.75 stars//
Thank you Netgalley and Aimee Brown for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Hollyn who gets dumped by her significantly older boyfriend of 8 years in Seattle. Since her ex-boyfriend sold their apartment, Hollyn was left with no choice but to go back to her hometown and stay with her brother and his best friend. Dax is said-brother's best friend who is also known to be the town's hot florist. Dax joins a floral competition to win money so he could buy a building for his floral shop, so Hollyn joins him as his assistant while trying to figure out her future at the same time.
This book was monotonous and amateur in terms of writing. It felt very flat from the get-go and it didn't really grip me like I had expected it would. The time-stamps were also unnecessary and could've been indicated within the plot's setting since there weren't any huge time jumps. Even the dialogues were a bit cringey to be completely honest, and that's coming from someone who loves clichés in romance books. As for the plot itself, I wish the author delved more into the competition and the creative challenges Dax and Hollyn faced. The first 30% of the book were too slow and could've been filled with more content within the competition instead of the events before it.
Hollyn was too self-deprecative and immature for a 29-year-old; her character development was good but not the greatest. Dax is an absolute sweetheart with golden retriever energy, but he also lacked complexity in my eyes. The timeline of their relationship was unrealistic given Hollyn had just gotten out of a borderline grooming relationship. Dax had been in love with Hollyn for years so I understand him, but Hollyn didn't even realize Dax had feelings for her. It didn't make sense for her to already be in love with him 4 weeks later when she had just gotten out of an 8 YEAR RELATIONSHIP.
If this was a movie instead, I think I would've loved it, but surprisingly, I didn't really enjoy it as a book. I think this would appeal to an older female audience specifically and I can't explain why you just have to read it to understand. It was packed with a bunch of tropes like second chance romance, brother's best friend, forced proximity, and friends-to-lovers so if that sounds like your vibe, totally give it a try.
Thank you Netgalley and Aimee Brown for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Hollyn who gets dumped by her significantly older boyfriend of 8 years in Seattle. Since her ex-boyfriend sold their apartment, Hollyn was left with no choice but to go back to her hometown and stay with her brother and his best friend. Dax is said-brother's best friend who is also known to be the town's hot florist. Dax joins a floral competition to win money so he could buy a building for his floral shop, so Hollyn joins him as his assistant while trying to figure out her future at the same time.
This book was monotonous and amateur in terms of writing. It felt very flat from the get-go and it didn't really grip me like I had expected it would. The time-stamps were also unnecessary and could've been indicated within the plot's setting since there weren't any huge time jumps. Even the dialogues were a bit cringey to be completely honest, and that's coming from someone who loves clichés in romance books. As for the plot itself, I wish the author delved more into the competition and the creative challenges Dax and Hollyn faced. The first 30% of the book were too slow and could've been filled with more content within the competition instead of the events before it.
Hollyn was too self-deprecative and immature for a 29-year-old; her character development was good but not the greatest. Dax is an absolute sweetheart with golden retriever energy, but he also lacked complexity in my eyes. The timeline of their relationship was unrealistic given Hollyn had just gotten out of a borderline grooming relationship. Dax had been in love with Hollyn for years so I understand him, but Hollyn didn't even realize Dax had feelings for her. It didn't make sense for her to already be in love with him 4 weeks later when she had just gotten out of an 8 YEAR RELATIONSHIP.
If this was a movie instead, I think I would've loved it, but surprisingly, I didn't really enjoy it as a book. I think this would appeal to an older female audience specifically and I can't explain why you just have to read it to understand. It was packed with a bunch of tropes like second chance romance, brother's best friend, forced proximity, and friends-to-lovers so if that sounds like your vibe, totally give it a try.
October 25, 2022
Fun and flirty! Aimee Brown is back, and she’s penned one helluva novel with He Loves Me He Loves Me Not. This book has everything. It’s sexy, heartfelt, and packed with sarcasm – a modern twist on the classic boy next-door romantic comedy that will have you giggling from page to page. I adored Hollyn, and watching her go from flawed and broken to empathetic and strong was a joy. Dax will always be my favorite hero—he was authentically funny and a true boy from next door. Highly recommend! This book would make an excellent movie!
November 3, 2022
I feel a bit conflicted writing this review because my complaints about the book are very, sometimes very very, personal. And I understand most people will not have a problem with this. So the disclaimer is needed.
My main issue with this novel was that it felt like it wasn't edited. There were many times when things were repeated in two paragraphs in a row, which was definitely not necessary. And as a writer, that took me off the story for a second. Also, the little annotations showing which time of the day/scene we were in felt to me like something I write on my documents to remind myself of where the story is going or that I need to add something about a particular event. It isn't really something I see in books often. It's one thing to point out that there is a bit of a time jump, and then there is specifying that it's "later in the day" or "the same night". That's something that should be shown by describing the scene. It felt very first draft to me.
I am aware that criticism is slightly harsh. And also that most readers will not be so picky. Same for the structure. I felt like the beginning was a bit slow and then at the end, we had too many events that had to be quickly sorted because we were running out of book. And that also affected how fleshed out the characters were and how their relationships were developed. Big plots were solved in two lines. All is sorted all of a sudden when the conflict has been going on since the first chapter. And that makes me feel unsatisfied with the resolutions.
All that being said, most readers won't be as picky and analytical as I am. As I have mentioned before. So I wouldn't tell people not to read this book. But for me personally, it was a miss.
Thank you to NetGaller and Boldwood Books for providing me with an early copy of this book.
My main issue with this novel was that it felt like it wasn't edited. There were many times when things were repeated in two paragraphs in a row, which was definitely not necessary. And as a writer, that took me off the story for a second. Also, the little annotations showing which time of the day/scene we were in felt to me like something I write on my documents to remind myself of where the story is going or that I need to add something about a particular event. It isn't really something I see in books often. It's one thing to point out that there is a bit of a time jump, and then there is specifying that it's "later in the day" or "the same night". That's something that should be shown by describing the scene. It felt very first draft to me.
I am aware that criticism is slightly harsh. And also that most readers will not be so picky. Same for the structure. I felt like the beginning was a bit slow and then at the end, we had too many events that had to be quickly sorted because we were running out of book. And that also affected how fleshed out the characters were and how their relationships were developed. Big plots were solved in two lines. All is sorted all of a sudden when the conflict has been going on since the first chapter. And that makes me feel unsatisfied with the resolutions.
All that being said, most readers won't be as picky and analytical as I am. As I have mentioned before. So I wouldn't tell people not to read this book. But for me personally, it was a miss.
Thank you to NetGaller and Boldwood Books for providing me with an early copy of this book.
December 8, 2022
At last! Author Aimee Brown’s “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” has just released. I had the opportunity to read this as a beta reader and I loved it then but I love it more now in its published form.
Dax is a florist who has loved Hollyn since he was a teenager. When Hollyn’s long term boyfriend college professor (manther…old guys who date much younger women. Man plus panther) breaks her heart, she returns to her hometown broke, homeless, and without a job. Her brother River offers her a room in his apartment—but that also means she’ll be sharing the apartment with River’s best friend Dax.
“He’s no longer the skinny, dorky kid who used to help River terrorize everything did. This guy is cool, tattooed, bearded, smells nice, looks nicer, and he brought me flowers. I’d say his dorky days are behind him. Well done, puberty. I applaud you.”
Dax hires Hollyn as his floral assistant and when they end up competing in reality floral competition, the stakes increase—that prize money would allow him to buy the floral shop that once belong to his deceased father.
“I think he feels like his life purpose is on the line. He wants to use this money to buy back his late father’s florist shop. He was just a kid when his dad passed and I watched his whole world collapse that day.”
Brown is a great storyteller. She knows how to make the heart pitter-patter:
“Dax,” she says, stepping closer, her voice hardly more than a whisper as she closes her eyes. “Do it now. Kiss me now.”
And these characters? Swoon. I love the “Flower Boy.” Easy to recommend “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.” Stories like this are why I love reading romance. This would translate well to film. Hear me Netflix gods?
Dax is a florist who has loved Hollyn since he was a teenager. When Hollyn’s long term boyfriend college professor (manther…old guys who date much younger women. Man plus panther) breaks her heart, she returns to her hometown broke, homeless, and without a job. Her brother River offers her a room in his apartment—but that also means she’ll be sharing the apartment with River’s best friend Dax.
“He’s no longer the skinny, dorky kid who used to help River terrorize everything did. This guy is cool, tattooed, bearded, smells nice, looks nicer, and he brought me flowers. I’d say his dorky days are behind him. Well done, puberty. I applaud you.”
Dax hires Hollyn as his floral assistant and when they end up competing in reality floral competition, the stakes increase—that prize money would allow him to buy the floral shop that once belong to his deceased father.
“I think he feels like his life purpose is on the line. He wants to use this money to buy back his late father’s florist shop. He was just a kid when his dad passed and I watched his whole world collapse that day.”
Brown is a great storyteller. She knows how to make the heart pitter-patter:
“Dax,” she says, stepping closer, her voice hardly more than a whisper as she closes her eyes. “Do it now. Kiss me now.”
And these characters? Swoon. I love the “Flower Boy.” Easy to recommend “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.” Stories like this are why I love reading romance. This would translate well to film. Hear me Netflix gods?
November 3, 2022
This book was so cute and such a breath of fresh air! It was original, and unique! The characters were so endearing. <3
My only hiccup was not caring for Hollyn’s dad. Seem like there were more issues there that were never unpacked. They talked about her being self-centered so much, but it’s not a quality we ever actually see. She seems so sweet from beginning to end, but she does grow as a character.
Dax…. Holy moly! Dax is dream man material!!!
I am not a movie watcher, but I would watch the crap out of this if it ever becomes a movie…. Which it should!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read such a great book! All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
My only hiccup was not caring for Hollyn’s dad. Seem like there were more issues there that were never unpacked. They talked about her being self-centered so much, but it’s not a quality we ever actually see. She seems so sweet from beginning to end, but she does grow as a character.
Dax…. Holy moly! Dax is dream man material!!!
I am not a movie watcher, but I would watch the crap out of this if it ever becomes a movie…. Which it should!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read such a great book! All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.
October 26, 2022
'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' made me fall in love with all of the characters. It's the perfect balance of slow-burn, second chance love, and friends to lovers that makes me unable to put down the book. The main character, Hollyn, has just been dumped by her boyfriend, and she thought that he was going to propose to her! She has to figure out what her next chapter is, and she reaches out to her brother, River. River tells Hollyn that she can come and stay with him and his best friend, Dax. Dax was River and Hollyn's next-door neighbor growing up, but he has been in love with Hollyn since he was 12 years old. Dax never told her how he really felt about her. Will sparks fly as she returns how and she's sleeping in the bedroom next to us?
Dax is more than just the boy next-door. He runs a floral business out of a van, and he is hoping to be able to buy back his father's floral shop. His cousin, Brynn, enters him into a reality competition to find the next great floral designer. As part of the competition, Dax has to choose an assistant, and he picks Hollyn. The two of them begin to work closer together, and they begin to spend all of their time together.
The author, Aimee Brown, does such a great job of developing this world, and all of the side characters are so interesting. I'm so happy to see that she is making separate books for the characters of River and Mercy. Mercy is Hollyn's childhood best friend, and I can't wait to read more about her in the next book in the series. Because of the depth of characters, I was swept up by the love and friendship throughout this story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel-good romance. I read a lot of romance books, and this one really stood out to me. It's such a sweet story, and I can't wait to read the follow-up books in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this amazing book!
Dax is more than just the boy next-door. He runs a floral business out of a van, and he is hoping to be able to buy back his father's floral shop. His cousin, Brynn, enters him into a reality competition to find the next great floral designer. As part of the competition, Dax has to choose an assistant, and he picks Hollyn. The two of them begin to work closer together, and they begin to spend all of their time together.
The author, Aimee Brown, does such a great job of developing this world, and all of the side characters are so interesting. I'm so happy to see that she is making separate books for the characters of River and Mercy. Mercy is Hollyn's childhood best friend, and I can't wait to read more about her in the next book in the series. Because of the depth of characters, I was swept up by the love and friendship throughout this story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel-good romance. I read a lot of romance books, and this one really stood out to me. It's such a sweet story, and I can't wait to read the follow-up books in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this amazing book!
September 25, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is a cute love story that covers some favourite romance tropes like second chances, friends-to-lovers, small age gap, and close proximity.
Hollyn, after getting dumped from her long-term and older boyfriend, goes back to her hometown after eight years. Since she messed up her relationship with her parents, she asks her younger brother for help. Her brother offers her his room, and there enters Dax. Dax is her brother's best friend and roommate and she has known him since they were children; what she doesn't know is Dax's longstanding crush on her.
Dax is a florist and needs to buy his late dad's flower shop. In order to do that, he enters a reality competition, and asks Hollyn to be his assistant. This combined with their close proximity at home speeds things up for their relationship.
Dax is a great book boyfriend; cute, romantic, and true to himself and his feelings. I really liked that, because it was something different than the usual 'alpha' male characters we see on romance books. Nevertheless, I really didn't like how Hollyn was written. It is perfectly acceptable to make mistakes and have flaws, but not communicating with her family for so long, and staying with a man for so long really disappointed me. Instead of taking things in her hands and take her life back, others do it for her. The secondary characters are much strongly written than the main female character.
The story has many cute and romantic moments, but it felt quite flat at times. The secondary characters are greatly written and very funny. I would love to read their story next; River's or Mercy's.
On the whole, it was enjoyable, but I expected more.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is a cute love story that covers some favourite romance tropes like second chances, friends-to-lovers, small age gap, and close proximity.
Hollyn, after getting dumped from her long-term and older boyfriend, goes back to her hometown after eight years. Since she messed up her relationship with her parents, she asks her younger brother for help. Her brother offers her his room, and there enters Dax. Dax is her brother's best friend and roommate and she has known him since they were children; what she doesn't know is Dax's longstanding crush on her.
Dax is a florist and needs to buy his late dad's flower shop. In order to do that, he enters a reality competition, and asks Hollyn to be his assistant. This combined with their close proximity at home speeds things up for their relationship.
Dax is a great book boyfriend; cute, romantic, and true to himself and his feelings. I really liked that, because it was something different than the usual 'alpha' male characters we see on romance books. Nevertheless, I really didn't like how Hollyn was written. It is perfectly acceptable to make mistakes and have flaws, but not communicating with her family for so long, and staying with a man for so long really disappointed me. Instead of taking things in her hands and take her life back, others do it for her. The secondary characters are much strongly written than the main female character.
The story has many cute and romantic moments, but it felt quite flat at times. The secondary characters are greatly written and very funny. I would love to read their story next; River's or Mercy's.
On the whole, it was enjoyable, but I expected more.
December 13, 2022
Delightful, romantic, heartfelt. I was completely charmed by Dax and Hollyn’s story, and by the characters themselves. My heart swooped along with theirs, tears fell at the tender, poignant moments, and many times I chuckled out loud! I’m looking forward to River’s and Mercy’s stories!!
February 6, 2023
Winter blues will fade away as one flies through the pages of this blooming romance!
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 10, 2022
I really liked this one! The romance was so sweet. I loved all the banter and just the fun relationships between all the characters. The friends were perfectly sarcastic and snarky, the siblings exactly how I act with my siblings at times. I enjoyed how the mom had been a former pop star, and all that her world had brought about in Hollyn’s life. It made for so many interesting aspects and details that aren’t always what you see in a story like this.
The reality tv show aspect of the story was fun as well. I liked how they did the show, how the votes were done, and that our team we were rooting for ended up the way they did. It was all so realistic in my opinion. I liked the way the bro code played out between Dax and Hollyn’s brother when they finally decided to give in. And when Hollyn realized how long Dax had really been into her, wow, that moment was just perfect.
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely read more in the future when/if I get a chance!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
The reality tv show aspect of the story was fun as well. I liked how they did the show, how the votes were done, and that our team we were rooting for ended up the way they did. It was all so realistic in my opinion. I liked the way the bro code played out between Dax and Hollyn’s brother when they finally decided to give in. And when Hollyn realized how long Dax had really been into her, wow, that moment was just perfect.
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely read more in the future when/if I get a chance!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
December 30, 2022
4.5
I so ADORED this friend's older sister/brother's best friend, dual POV romance between a recently dumped and homeless girl and a flowershop owner who is determined to save his father's shop. I am such a sucker for a good "he falls first romance" and this totally delivered!! Highly recommended for anyone excited for Too wrong to be right by Melonie Johnson or Practice makes perfect by Sarah Adams (two other flowershop romances). This was a kissing only love story and I didn't care in the least - the banter and chemistry was top notch and the narration by Patrick Boylan and Stephanie Cannon was excellent! I can't wait to read more from Aimee Brown!!
I so ADORED this friend's older sister/brother's best friend, dual POV romance between a recently dumped and homeless girl and a flowershop owner who is determined to save his father's shop. I am such a sucker for a good "he falls first romance" and this totally delivered!! Highly recommended for anyone excited for Too wrong to be right by Melonie Johnson or Practice makes perfect by Sarah Adams (two other flowershop romances). This was a kissing only love story and I didn't care in the least - the banter and chemistry was top notch and the narration by Patrick Boylan and Stephanie Cannon was excellent! I can't wait to read more from Aimee Brown!!
November 3, 2022
ARC REVIEW
He Loves Me He Loves Me Not by Aimee Brown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sweet romcom about starting over again.
💐Hollyn heads home after getting her heart broken. Little did she suspect that the boy next door, Dex, and a flower completion were exact what she needs to heal.
This was a good, quick read. Here’s what I loved:
🌺 the dialogue. This was an amazing example of hilarious dialogue that just worked. One liners, zippy comebacks, and the ever changing nicknames for Hollyn’s ex were spot on.
🌻 The side characters. Literally every one of them was amazing. I wanted to join in on this little world and be friends with all of them. Jake and Brynn had me dying in laughter. Mercy is the bff we all deserve. River was just the right amount of annoying little brother. The parents were iconic. I just loved them all.
🌸 The love story. I adored Hollyn and Dex. His childhood crush and their developing friendship made for some good angst. I wanted them to be together! Plus Dex is such a book boyfriend. This man had it all.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 12/8
He Loves Me He Loves Me Not by Aimee Brown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sweet romcom about starting over again.
💐Hollyn heads home after getting her heart broken. Little did she suspect that the boy next door, Dex, and a flower completion were exact what she needs to heal.
This was a good, quick read. Here’s what I loved:
🌺 the dialogue. This was an amazing example of hilarious dialogue that just worked. One liners, zippy comebacks, and the ever changing nicknames for Hollyn’s ex were spot on.
🌻 The side characters. Literally every one of them was amazing. I wanted to join in on this little world and be friends with all of them. Jake and Brynn had me dying in laughter. Mercy is the bff we all deserve. River was just the right amount of annoying little brother. The parents were iconic. I just loved them all.
🌸 The love story. I adored Hollyn and Dex. His childhood crush and their developing friendship made for some good angst. I wanted them to be together! Plus Dex is such a book boyfriend. This man had it all.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: 12/8
November 1, 2022
‘I’m sorry I took so long to get here.’‘You’re right on time, gorgeous.’
This was an endearing and sweet second chance romance book. The characters were well crafted and sensible. Dax & Hollyn have known each other since years because Dax is Hollyn's little brother's bestfriend. Hollyn is going through a bad breakup which leads her back to her hometown. She reconnects with old friends, her family and Dax. She still considers Dax a very dear friend but she's unaware of the fact that he has had feelings for her right from when he was just twelve years old. But due to their age gap and an unspoken agreement with his bestfriend, he had to maintain his distance. Though now that she's back, will Dax finally confess or will some problems create misunderstandings between them? You have to read to find out! Overall, it was a well written read but sometimes I felt disconnected with the story so it was a 3.5 star read for me. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a feel good light-hearted romance, this one is the right pick for you.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
This was an endearing and sweet second chance romance book. The characters were well crafted and sensible. Dax & Hollyn have known each other since years because Dax is Hollyn's little brother's bestfriend. Hollyn is going through a bad breakup which leads her back to her hometown. She reconnects with old friends, her family and Dax. She still considers Dax a very dear friend but she's unaware of the fact that he has had feelings for her right from when he was just twelve years old. But due to their age gap and an unspoken agreement with his bestfriend, he had to maintain his distance. Though now that she's back, will Dax finally confess or will some problems create misunderstandings between them? You have to read to find out! Overall, it was a well written read but sometimes I felt disconnected with the story so it was a 3.5 star read for me. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a feel good light-hearted romance, this one is the right pick for you.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
November 18, 2022
Love me love me not by Aimee Brown
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher:
Publication Date: 08 Dec 2022
Genre :General Fiction, Romance
After years of a relationship with an older man, Hollyn is devastated when he proposed to another woman and broke up with her after 8 long years. On top of that Tristan and she bought a condo and he's stolen a big chunk of money from her.
What's Hollyn to do now she's got to move back to her hometown not speaking to her parents because of the age gap between her and her previous boyfriend she phones her brother River.
River has a roommate called Dax who was the kid next door. Dax is Rivers's roommate.
Dax picks up Hollyn off the plane as River is busy with work.
Dax is working on a YouTube show to help get his dad's flower shop back he needs an assistant with no floral knowledge so he asks Hollyn who's been staying at Dax and Rivers's apartment.
As time goes on we see developments between these two characters. It flows so smoothly on top of this I read this book in one sitting.
I like the additional characters we meet as well as the added substance to the story. Mercy is so fun. Penny and Dr James are parents I hope we get to see more off as is Dax's mam.
I'd recommend picking this book up to read when you are feeling low.
Come in a romantic trope I didn't
know I wanted. I had a good laugh also at the pop culture references
This will be a series to
follow for romance 😊
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads @bookandtonic #romance #generalfiction @Aimee Brown
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher:
Publication Date: 08 Dec 2022
Genre :General Fiction, Romance
After years of a relationship with an older man, Hollyn is devastated when he proposed to another woman and broke up with her after 8 long years. On top of that Tristan and she bought a condo and he's stolen a big chunk of money from her.
What's Hollyn to do now she's got to move back to her hometown not speaking to her parents because of the age gap between her and her previous boyfriend she phones her brother River.
River has a roommate called Dax who was the kid next door. Dax is Rivers's roommate.
Dax picks up Hollyn off the plane as River is busy with work.
Dax is working on a YouTube show to help get his dad's flower shop back he needs an assistant with no floral knowledge so he asks Hollyn who's been staying at Dax and Rivers's apartment.
As time goes on we see developments between these two characters. It flows so smoothly on top of this I read this book in one sitting.
I like the additional characters we meet as well as the added substance to the story. Mercy is so fun. Penny and Dr James are parents I hope we get to see more off as is Dax's mam.
I'd recommend picking this book up to read when you are feeling low.
Come in a romantic trope I didn't
know I wanted. I had a good laugh also at the pop culture references
This will be a series to
follow for romance 😊
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads @bookandtonic #romance #generalfiction @Aimee Brown
November 1, 2022
"𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒐, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅."
This book gave me all the feels! Some scenes I laughed out loud, others I had to swallow the lump in my throat and then there were the scenes where the lump didn't go away and I just cried!
I loved that we got to experience the feelings of both Hollyn and Dax in the same scene. I feel like it was really important for the reader to experience it this way since the one's feelings were so different than the other - they stemmed from different places.
Character development also played a very important role in this story and it was displayed perfectly. We got to experience the growth of Hollyn first hand by seeing her struggles (the ones she showed to others as well as those she kept to herself) and how she overcame them with some help from her loved ones. I also loved Hollyn's little revenge achievements during her lowest moments, they were so comedic!
Hello brothers best friend! Dax was once a dorky teenage next door neighbor / brothers best friend - but Dax had character development inside and out! He is now every woman's dream, but he only has one woman in his dreams.
"... 𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑰'𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍."
Dax is of course the perfect book boyfriend ever! Not only is he perfect on the outside (if you know what I mean), but his actions is so pure and romantic that you cannot get any better.
"𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂?
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆."
Need I say more!?
The side characters - I loved the attitude that River has and the brother sister bond with Hollyn. Mercy on the other hand is very straight and honest when it comes to her best friend, and she will also do anything to protect her. I don't want to go into a lot of detail on them since they will both get their own books! Excitement overload!
This is one for the fans of romance (hint of rom-com), brothers best friend trope and the boy next door.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book gave me all the feels! Some scenes I laughed out loud, others I had to swallow the lump in my throat and then there were the scenes where the lump didn't go away and I just cried!
I loved that we got to experience the feelings of both Hollyn and Dax in the same scene. I feel like it was really important for the reader to experience it this way since the one's feelings were so different than the other - they stemmed from different places.
Character development also played a very important role in this story and it was displayed perfectly. We got to experience the growth of Hollyn first hand by seeing her struggles (the ones she showed to others as well as those she kept to herself) and how she overcame them with some help from her loved ones. I also loved Hollyn's little revenge achievements during her lowest moments, they were so comedic!
Hello brothers best friend! Dax was once a dorky teenage next door neighbor / brothers best friend - but Dax had character development inside and out! He is now every woman's dream, but he only has one woman in his dreams.
"... 𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑰'𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍."
Dax is of course the perfect book boyfriend ever! Not only is he perfect on the outside (if you know what I mean), but his actions is so pure and romantic that you cannot get any better.
"𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂?
𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆."
Need I say more!?
The side characters - I loved the attitude that River has and the brother sister bond with Hollyn. Mercy on the other hand is very straight and honest when it comes to her best friend, and she will also do anything to protect her. I don't want to go into a lot of detail on them since they will both get their own books! Excitement overload!
This is one for the fans of romance (hint of rom-com), brothers best friend trope and the boy next door.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2023
I had a love-hate relationship with this book. It felt cheesy and very predictable at times. I also felt like the characters were immature and lacked depth.
I could see this book being a movie. It definitely follows the whole Hallmark movie plot. GIrl dates jerky boyfriend who ends up dumping her and she runs home to her hometown where she reconnects with her childhood crush.
I received this book from NetGalley
I could see this book being a movie. It definitely follows the whole Hallmark movie plot. GIrl dates jerky boyfriend who ends up dumping her and she runs home to her hometown where she reconnects with her childhood crush.
I received this book from NetGalley
February 6, 2023
Dual first person. Closed door. Brother’s best friend/best friend’s sister. High school crush pining. Age gap, barely. 2 years, FMC is older.
This is a devour of a book. A decadent chocolate cake at the end of a long, long week. The writing style, the plots, the characters (mostly the MMC) will draw readers in and keep them turning pages. The dialogue was great, the side characters great, and the ending wrap up great.
I think readers will find FMC to be irritating, but I find her to be oddly realistic. She is HIGHLY insecure. It’s a huge plot point, but OMG stop. How much more clear does Dax have to be that he’s been in love with her forever for her to get it? He spelled it out very clearly in some of the most straightforward communication I’ve ever seen in a book.
The MMC is wonderful. Mature, level headed, mature, communicates clearly, drama free, and did I mention mature? I guess it’s been a while since I’ve read a single, dual POV where the MMC was not some sort of caricature or annoying. I love a pining MMC. I loved how the pining was handled too, the nuances of it slowly but all at once coming back to him.
Complaints are small. “Sly” was overused to describe smiles. Oh god, the third act conflict. It’s him kissing another girl? Mega major eye roll. I get it; it plays into Hollyn’s past and her insecurities. But really?!? Again, how much more clear can he be in his feelings? This almost ruined the book for me. It was so dumb and obviously a plot device because “we need a third act conflict,” but like… we could’ve had anything else. Tristan could’ve come back and they could’ve argued over the money. Victoria could’ve come back. An-y-thing. And then a proposal at a wedding for the ending??? Wut. I thought everyone knew that was tacky and a no-no. I wished there was more on the Victoria dumping him thing. I felt jipped by that after everything.
Author is British? But this is set in the States. It’s not a big deal, but it is obvious in the punctuation and some of the word choices. “Stones” instead of balls. The use of “wanker,” things like that.
Solid, solid read. I always enjoy Aimee Brown novels and when I saw she was the author of this one, I couldn’t hit request fast enough. Her storytelling is thoroughly enjoyable and this new one is no exception! 4.5 stars, and me, waiting eagerly for Ms. Brown's next book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review!
This is a devour of a book. A decadent chocolate cake at the end of a long, long week. The writing style, the plots, the characters (mostly the MMC) will draw readers in and keep them turning pages. The dialogue was great, the side characters great, and the ending wrap up great.
I think readers will find FMC to be irritating, but I find her to be oddly realistic. She is HIGHLY insecure. It’s a huge plot point, but OMG stop. How much more clear does Dax have to be that he’s been in love with her forever for her to get it? He spelled it out very clearly in some of the most straightforward communication I’ve ever seen in a book.
The MMC is wonderful. Mature, level headed, mature, communicates clearly, drama free, and did I mention mature? I guess it’s been a while since I’ve read a single, dual POV where the MMC was not some sort of caricature or annoying. I love a pining MMC. I loved how the pining was handled too, the nuances of it slowly but all at once coming back to him.
Complaints are small. “Sly” was overused to describe smiles. Oh god, the third act conflict. It’s him kissing another girl? Mega major eye roll. I get it; it plays into Hollyn’s past and her insecurities. But really?!? Again, how much more clear can he be in his feelings? This almost ruined the book for me. It was so dumb and obviously a plot device because “we need a third act conflict,” but like… we could’ve had anything else. Tristan could’ve come back and they could’ve argued over the money. Victoria could’ve come back. An-y-thing. And then a proposal at a wedding for the ending??? Wut. I thought everyone knew that was tacky and a no-no. I wished there was more on the Victoria dumping him thing. I felt jipped by that after everything.
Author is British? But this is set in the States. It’s not a big deal, but it is obvious in the punctuation and some of the word choices. “Stones” instead of balls. The use of “wanker,” things like that.
Solid, solid read. I always enjoy Aimee Brown novels and when I saw she was the author of this one, I couldn’t hit request fast enough. Her storytelling is thoroughly enjoyable and this new one is no exception! 4.5 stars, and me, waiting eagerly for Ms. Brown's next book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review!
March 28, 2023
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not was a fun friends to lovers romance. Hollyn just got dumped by her boyfriend of 8 years. He sold their apartment, handed her a cheque that was only 1/3 of what she put into it, and gave her an airplane ticket home. He is getting engaged to someone who is more appropriate to marriage to someone of his standing. She has nowhere to go to calls her brother, River. River says she can stay at his place with his roommate and best friend Dax, and he will stay with his girlfriend until she gets on her feet. Dax was their neighbour growing up, and unbeknownst to her, he has been in love with her for the last 15 years. The problem is that there's a bro code in effect and Hollyn has been off limits all these years. She moves in and realizes that Dax has grown up and matured and she is attracted to him. Dax wants to buy the shop that was previously his father's florist shop, but to do that he needs to win a contest on a youtube channel. The next thing you know he and Hollyn are working together, traveling together for the show and becoming more and more attracted to one another. Will their relationship work?
I really enjoyed this story. Not only is it a friends to lovers, but the best friend's sister trope, and boy next door as well. The story was told from both Dax's and Hollyn's POV which was nice. I liked that this was a mix of humour, drama and growth. Holly grows from a broken, depressed woman to an independent, strong and loving person who knew what she wanted out of life. Her ex was awful and I loved that he did get his comeuppance. The descriptions of the flower arrangements in the contest were wonderful and I wish I could have seen them. Overall, this was a fun romance with great characters and situations. I enjoyed it and recommend it to those who enjoy romance. There were a couple of steamy scenes but it was not too bad and I didn't have to skim too much.
Patrick Boylan and Stephanie Cannon narrated this audiobook and did a good job. My only complaint is that when Patrick's part was performed and it was a female speaker, the voice was a bit over the top. Otherwise, the expression and emotion was well done and made for an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed this story. Not only is it a friends to lovers, but the best friend's sister trope, and boy next door as well. The story was told from both Dax's and Hollyn's POV which was nice. I liked that this was a mix of humour, drama and growth. Holly grows from a broken, depressed woman to an independent, strong and loving person who knew what she wanted out of life. Her ex was awful and I loved that he did get his comeuppance. The descriptions of the flower arrangements in the contest were wonderful and I wish I could have seen them. Overall, this was a fun romance with great characters and situations. I enjoyed it and recommend it to those who enjoy romance. There were a couple of steamy scenes but it was not too bad and I didn't have to skim too much.
Patrick Boylan and Stephanie Cannon narrated this audiobook and did a good job. My only complaint is that when Patrick's part was performed and it was a female speaker, the voice was a bit over the top. Otherwise, the expression and emotion was well done and made for an enjoyable read.
November 3, 2022
Get ready to laugh out loud and have a tissue box ready!!!!
Dax Hartley, a florist, has been in love with his childhood crush, Hollyn for nearly a decade. Hollyn has just been betrayed by her long term boyfriend and has to move back home jobless and broke. Hollyn’s brother offers his room in the apartment he shares with Dax as a soft spot for Hollyn to land. Now Dax is faced with living with the woman he is in love with, but doesn’t know it. The two compete in a floral competition to win the money to buy his deceased dad’s floral shop, all while exploring what might have been.
I would recommend this book to any lover of forced proximity, friends to lovers, an slow burn romance tropes. I don’t generally become attached to the male love interest, but man did I fall hard for Dax! He’s everything you want in a man: supportive, sensitive, protective, and funny. Hollyn on the other hand just seemed to blunder her way through the book. I liked her subplot of working through childhood trauma and anxiety though. This book was also hilarious. I haven’t enjoyed a rom-com this much since Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters series. Both are laugh out loud funny with great mental health representation. I think He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is perfect for someone who loved the general feel of the Brown Sisters, but doesn’t like smut as much. All of the steamier scenes are written in a fade to black format, so you’re mostly focusing on the character’s emotional connection, not the physicality.
I seriously loved this book and I think it’s a contender for my top 10 of 2022.
Dax Hartley, a florist, has been in love with his childhood crush, Hollyn for nearly a decade. Hollyn has just been betrayed by her long term boyfriend and has to move back home jobless and broke. Hollyn’s brother offers his room in the apartment he shares with Dax as a soft spot for Hollyn to land. Now Dax is faced with living with the woman he is in love with, but doesn’t know it. The two compete in a floral competition to win the money to buy his deceased dad’s floral shop, all while exploring what might have been.
I would recommend this book to any lover of forced proximity, friends to lovers, an slow burn romance tropes. I don’t generally become attached to the male love interest, but man did I fall hard for Dax! He’s everything you want in a man: supportive, sensitive, protective, and funny. Hollyn on the other hand just seemed to blunder her way through the book. I liked her subplot of working through childhood trauma and anxiety though. This book was also hilarious. I haven’t enjoyed a rom-com this much since Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters series. Both are laugh out loud funny with great mental health representation. I think He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is perfect for someone who loved the general feel of the Brown Sisters, but doesn’t like smut as much. All of the steamier scenes are written in a fade to black format, so you’re mostly focusing on the character’s emotional connection, not the physicality.
I seriously loved this book and I think it’s a contender for my top 10 of 2022.
November 30, 2022
I would like to start by thanking NetGalley, Boldwood Books and everyone involved in allowing me early access to this ebook.
TW: cheating
4.5 stars - “He loves me, he loves me not” was a book that came to me in a time of need and I will always have a special place in my heart for it!
I’m a lover of romance books, but, by now, I feel I’ve pretty much seen it all. Specially when considering contemporary romance. I mean, it’s always one of the same tropes, when it’s not an author trying to fit a lot of tropes in a single book. Well, “He loves me, he loves me not” is very far away from this experience and it came as fresh air for me!
In this story, we get a dual point of view, alternating between the male and female main characters. Hol was just trough a breakup that left some damages and will move in into her brother’s apartment, where her brother lives with his best friend, Dax. It’s true we have a trope (best friend’s sister) but it’s so cute and so far away from all the clichês!
I’ve loved the overall construct of the narrative, both the pacing and the details about the characters lives’, with Dax trying to carry on his father legacy and Hol trying to grow apart from her famous mother. I just couldn’t stop smiling to how cute these two were and honestly, I feel at this point romance books have ruined romance for me! Dax has put my, already super high expectations, higher than possible to met. I need a Dax asap, but if I can’t have him, I will keep on reading Aimee’s books!
TW: cheating
4.5 stars - “He loves me, he loves me not” was a book that came to me in a time of need and I will always have a special place in my heart for it!
I’m a lover of romance books, but, by now, I feel I’ve pretty much seen it all. Specially when considering contemporary romance. I mean, it’s always one of the same tropes, when it’s not an author trying to fit a lot of tropes in a single book. Well, “He loves me, he loves me not” is very far away from this experience and it came as fresh air for me!
In this story, we get a dual point of view, alternating between the male and female main characters. Hol was just trough a breakup that left some damages and will move in into her brother’s apartment, where her brother lives with his best friend, Dax. It’s true we have a trope (best friend’s sister) but it’s so cute and so far away from all the clichês!
I’ve loved the overall construct of the narrative, both the pacing and the details about the characters lives’, with Dax trying to carry on his father legacy and Hol trying to grow apart from her famous mother. I just couldn’t stop smiling to how cute these two were and honestly, I feel at this point romance books have ruined romance for me! Dax has put my, already super high expectations, higher than possible to met. I need a Dax asap, but if I can’t have him, I will keep on reading Aimee’s books!
October 29, 2024
My first book by Aimee Brown and I absolutely loved it, I will definitely be looking out for more books by her! Another favourite author to add to my favourites list!
After 8 years together Hollyn finds an engagement ring receipt and then when her boyfriend, Tristan, reserves them a table at the prestigious FireFly restaurant and asks her to meet him there she is convinced that he is going to propose. However, her whole world falls apart when, instead of proposing, he breaks up with her and while she is still in shock over that he tells her he has sold their apartment and bought her a ticket for a flight back to her home town. Hollyn has put her life in Tristan, with no friends in Seattle, no job and nowhere to live she has no choice but to get on the flight and head back home. Her younger brother River says she could stay with him until she gets the courage up to tell her parents what has happened, they’re not on the best of terms since she ran away to Portland with Tristan who initially was her college professor and not only that, but they were also dismayed she sunk her entire trust fund into buying the apartment with Tristan. River tells Hollyn that he will stay at his girlfriend Summer’s flat and so she can have his room. But Hollyn won’t be alone as River shares the flat with Dax, his best friend from high school. When Dax finds out Hollyn is not only coming back to Portland but will be sharing a flat with him, he is shell shocked! For most of his life he has had a crush on Hollyn but never had the courage to tell her and certainly can’t now as he and River have a pact never to get involved with each other’s family members. River ducks out and leaves Dax to look after Hollyn, comforting her after her breakup and also trying to make her smile again. Dax is a florist and is desperate to buy his late dad’s shop however doesn’t have the money when his cousin signs him up for a YouTube show called Battle of the Blossoms and the winner gets a substantial money reward, enough for Dax to buy the shop. Once he realises that he enters and then asks Hollyn to be his assistant as a way of cheering her up. Hollyn and Dax work closely together and it becomes very obvious that not only do they really enjoy each other’s company, they are having a lot of fun, and Hollyn also has a great eye for floristry. Will Dax finally get the courage to tell Hollyn how he still feels about her? Or will Hollyn shy away from getting into another relationship so soon after Tristan. And the most important question is will River be ok with it if Dax and Hollyn decide to make a go of it considering his very serious bro code!!!!
What a great read from Aimee Brown! I laughed out loud whilst reading this multiple times, a few bits that made me really giggle were “manther” and “launch sequence”, I am actually going to now use “manther” myself. The T-shirt puns were funny, and I ended up giggling so much at the Flower Shop ruse that my husband asked me what was going on that was making me laugh so much. I absolutely adored both main characters and really rooted for them and I also loved that the story was told from both their perspectives. I was less of a fan of Hollyn’s parents who I felt were pretty harsh considering what she went through but they did soften up in the end which I was pleased about. I didn’t actually think that I was a fan of the “second chance” trope but this totally changed my mind, and I would definitely try a second chance storyline again after reading this. I love a book that makes me feel good when I am reading it and makes me laugh out loud, and this one certainly hit that spot without a doubt! I actually don’t know why I took so long to read this book and had I had any inkling how good it would be I would have read it as soon as it landed on my kindle!!!!
Ultimately a really deserved 5 stars for a fantastic feel good book. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves rom coms sprinkled with a little “second chance” trope. I was very excited to read at the end that River and Mercy have their own books, and I now have them on my TBR to be read. I look forward to what Aimee Brown writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aimee Brown and Boldwood Books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
After 8 years together Hollyn finds an engagement ring receipt and then when her boyfriend, Tristan, reserves them a table at the prestigious FireFly restaurant and asks her to meet him there she is convinced that he is going to propose. However, her whole world falls apart when, instead of proposing, he breaks up with her and while she is still in shock over that he tells her he has sold their apartment and bought her a ticket for a flight back to her home town. Hollyn has put her life in Tristan, with no friends in Seattle, no job and nowhere to live she has no choice but to get on the flight and head back home. Her younger brother River says she could stay with him until she gets the courage up to tell her parents what has happened, they’re not on the best of terms since she ran away to Portland with Tristan who initially was her college professor and not only that, but they were also dismayed she sunk her entire trust fund into buying the apartment with Tristan. River tells Hollyn that he will stay at his girlfriend Summer’s flat and so she can have his room. But Hollyn won’t be alone as River shares the flat with Dax, his best friend from high school. When Dax finds out Hollyn is not only coming back to Portland but will be sharing a flat with him, he is shell shocked! For most of his life he has had a crush on Hollyn but never had the courage to tell her and certainly can’t now as he and River have a pact never to get involved with each other’s family members. River ducks out and leaves Dax to look after Hollyn, comforting her after her breakup and also trying to make her smile again. Dax is a florist and is desperate to buy his late dad’s shop however doesn’t have the money when his cousin signs him up for a YouTube show called Battle of the Blossoms and the winner gets a substantial money reward, enough for Dax to buy the shop. Once he realises that he enters and then asks Hollyn to be his assistant as a way of cheering her up. Hollyn and Dax work closely together and it becomes very obvious that not only do they really enjoy each other’s company, they are having a lot of fun, and Hollyn also has a great eye for floristry. Will Dax finally get the courage to tell Hollyn how he still feels about her? Or will Hollyn shy away from getting into another relationship so soon after Tristan. And the most important question is will River be ok with it if Dax and Hollyn decide to make a go of it considering his very serious bro code!!!!
What a great read from Aimee Brown! I laughed out loud whilst reading this multiple times, a few bits that made me really giggle were “manther” and “launch sequence”, I am actually going to now use “manther” myself. The T-shirt puns were funny, and I ended up giggling so much at the Flower Shop ruse that my husband asked me what was going on that was making me laugh so much. I absolutely adored both main characters and really rooted for them and I also loved that the story was told from both their perspectives. I was less of a fan of Hollyn’s parents who I felt were pretty harsh considering what she went through but they did soften up in the end which I was pleased about. I didn’t actually think that I was a fan of the “second chance” trope but this totally changed my mind, and I would definitely try a second chance storyline again after reading this. I love a book that makes me feel good when I am reading it and makes me laugh out loud, and this one certainly hit that spot without a doubt! I actually don’t know why I took so long to read this book and had I had any inkling how good it would be I would have read it as soon as it landed on my kindle!!!!
Ultimately a really deserved 5 stars for a fantastic feel good book. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves rom coms sprinkled with a little “second chance” trope. I was very excited to read at the end that River and Mercy have their own books, and I now have them on my TBR to be read. I look forward to what Aimee Brown writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aimee Brown and Boldwood Books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
October 27, 2022
Hollyn, getting dumped Legally Blonde Style, goes back to her hometown after 8 years. She has no place to stay so her brother offers his room, which also is right next to his best friend Dax. Dax has been in love with Hollyn since he was 12 and his childhood crush coming back into his life is going to cause all sorts of issues.
Dax is in need of money to save his dad's flower shop that he took over. In order to do this, he gets into a reality competition so he doesn't have time for distractions now, namely, his feelings for Hollyn. When it comes up he needs an assistant though, he chooses Hollyn because, well, her life imploded and she isn't doing anything else right now.
I am in the minority, I know I am, but the lack of communication from Dax to pretty much everyone in this story was just unnerving. At every turn he wasn't telling people his true feelings and it got him into some weird situations to say the least. While I could sympathize with Hollyn, just getting out of an 8 year relationship the way she did was super hard and emotional, I struggled to picture her at 29 years old. The characters in this book were so immature that I really felt like I was reading a college age book. If you like brother's best friends to lovers books, you may really enjoy this, but it fell flat for me due to the issues I had with the male MC and other plotlines woven into this story that I felt were unncesscary and just overdone.
Dax is in need of money to save his dad's flower shop that he took over. In order to do this, he gets into a reality competition so he doesn't have time for distractions now, namely, his feelings for Hollyn. When it comes up he needs an assistant though, he chooses Hollyn because, well, her life imploded and she isn't doing anything else right now.
I am in the minority, I know I am, but the lack of communication from Dax to pretty much everyone in this story was just unnerving. At every turn he wasn't telling people his true feelings and it got him into some weird situations to say the least. While I could sympathize with Hollyn, just getting out of an 8 year relationship the way she did was super hard and emotional, I struggled to picture her at 29 years old. The characters in this book were so immature that I really felt like I was reading a college age book. If you like brother's best friends to lovers books, you may really enjoy this, but it fell flat for me due to the issues I had with the male MC and other plotlines woven into this story that I felt were unncesscary and just overdone.
November 4, 2022
This was a cute, quick read with minimal angst, but not lacking depth or heart. Hollyn is back in her hometown after many years away coping with the end of a relationship, and finds herself sharing a space with her brother’s best friend. enjoy the “brother’s best friend” trope and Dax, the best friend here was also the boy next door. I liked that there were some unconventional aspects to Dax’s character in that he was a florist and younger than Hollyn. Dax was also in love with Hollyn growing up and is exactly who she needs when she’s at her lowest. I loved that he seemed to really listen to her, and he was supportive and encouraging to help her find her way. He didn’t come across as a man with a savior complex trying to rescue her, and I appreciated that. The secondary characters of Dax and Hollyn’s friends and family, particularly River and Mercy, were a good addition to the story and helped establish their relationship.
While I enjoyed the characters and their personalities, histories, and relationships, I was a little distracted by the pacing, which felt disjointed at times. The repeated timing headings of “A few moments later” or “That afternoon, at (insert setting” being used instead of setting the scene in the context of the next paragraph threw off the flow of the story for me.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and I would recommend it for anyone in the mood for a sweet romance read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
While I enjoyed the characters and their personalities, histories, and relationships, I was a little distracted by the pacing, which felt disjointed at times. The repeated timing headings of “A few moments later” or “That afternoon, at (insert setting” being used instead of setting the scene in the context of the next paragraph threw off the flow of the story for me.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and I would recommend it for anyone in the mood for a sweet romance read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
January 5, 2023
This was a very cute first time read for me by this author. The story was entertaining and the characters were realistic and loveable. Dax has known Hollyn since they were teenagers and has always been in love with her. But with her being his best friend's sister, she was off-limits. He is a florist and looking to buy his father's old florist shop when it comes up for sale, but he is lacking the funds. He decides to enter the reality show Battle of the Blossoms, which will help him get the money he needs. Hollyn has been dumped by her long-term boyfriend and decides to move back to her home town and stay with her brother River and his best friend, Dax, until she figures things out. Though she didn't notice him much back then, she certainly notices the handsome, kind and sexy man he's become now. When he enters the reality floral competition, he hires Hollyn as his assistant and as they work together to win, the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur.
The story was fun and flirty and just had me smiling or laughing all the way through. I just adored Dax as the hero, he gave off such strong. boy next door vibes and was totally swoon worthy. This was a great feel-good romance, which I think would make an excellent movie. I hope the author creates follow-up stories following the other characters such as River and Mercy. If so, sign me up!
I received a complimentary copy Boldwood Books via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was fun and flirty and just had me smiling or laughing all the way through. I just adored Dax as the hero, he gave off such strong. boy next door vibes and was totally swoon worthy. This was a great feel-good romance, which I think would make an excellent movie. I hope the author creates follow-up stories following the other characters such as River and Mercy. If so, sign me up!
I received a complimentary copy Boldwood Books via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
Do you ever really forget the girl next door? As much as he tries, Dax Hartley certainly doesn’t. Sure, he’s grown out of his teenage awkward years and into his 6’ 4” frame, and is now considered a hot bachelor known to charm the ladies. But when his best friend’s sister comes back home after years away, will Dax change his tune? Enter beautiful Hollyn Matthews, hoping to start fresh after losing her long time boyfriend and her job. But can she get over the chip on her shoulder of being in her former pop star mother’s shadow and also not being good enough to marry per her ex?
Well one thing’s for sure, when Dax comes to pick up Hollyn from the airport instead of her brother, she’s quick to realize that he’s not just her brother’s best friend anymore but so much more. And that is just what Dax has always wanted. Throw in some cohabitation, ex and family drama, and a reality show to boot and you’ve got a delightful love story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.
Well one thing’s for sure, when Dax comes to pick up Hollyn from the airport instead of her brother, she’s quick to realize that he’s not just her brother’s best friend anymore but so much more. And that is just what Dax has always wanted. Throw in some cohabitation, ex and family drama, and a reality show to boot and you’ve got a delightful love story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2022
I rated this book 3.5 🌟
This book was a really sweet romcom filled with some of the best tropes! We have he fell first, forced proximity, one bed trope and brothers best friend. It’s also a great read for those who don’t enjoy spicy reads as it has a fade to black.
There’s a dual perspective with Hollyn and Dax. Dax was a really sweet character and a great love interest but Hollyn fell a bit flat for me. I just wish we saw more from her. I would have loved to see her learning about flowers and I would have loved for her to be the one to solve the issue at the end with Tristan. Overall all though, it was a fun read!
A big thank you to Aimee Brown and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
This book was a really sweet romcom filled with some of the best tropes! We have he fell first, forced proximity, one bed trope and brothers best friend. It’s also a great read for those who don’t enjoy spicy reads as it has a fade to black.
There’s a dual perspective with Hollyn and Dax. Dax was a really sweet character and a great love interest but Hollyn fell a bit flat for me. I just wish we saw more from her. I would have loved to see her learning about flowers and I would have loved for her to be the one to solve the issue at the end with Tristan. Overall all though, it was a fun read!
A big thank you to Aimee Brown and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
December 18, 2022
I adored this book. It started off and you were just thrown straight into it. The first few chapters I really wasn't sure where it was going but I soon picked it up.
I liked both main character but I did find Dax a little too nice 🤦😂 I know right?! What am I saying!! 🤣 I loved how they brought the best out in each other and now much they seemed to care for each other from the get go.
There was so many little plots going on that even though you maybe thought you knew how the romance part of it would go, I was always questioning the other things. I liked how it all panned out and it was all done in a very nicely timed manner. Not rushed at all.
I liked both main character but I did find Dax a little too nice 🤦😂 I know right?! What am I saying!! 🤣 I loved how they brought the best out in each other and now much they seemed to care for each other from the get go.
There was so many little plots going on that even though you maybe thought you knew how the romance part of it would go, I was always questioning the other things. I liked how it all panned out and it was all done in a very nicely timed manner. Not rushed at all.
June 3, 2025
Dax and the flower competition and business were the highlights of this book. Otherwise, I don't think I would have finished it. Looking back, Hollyin wasn't too bad, she was just dumped, but she wasn't presented in a very good light and did little to redeem herself. Granted her family and friends, for that matter, were not likable at all as far as I'm concerned. I totally understood her parents' stance but they weren't roses and sunshine before the whole boyfriend thing either so no awards there. Her brother was probably the biggest disappointment. He was all supportive but "He forgot to be there."
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