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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I know this book is all the rage on TikTok. But honestly it was kinda the worst.
Good things:
-Thayer is HOT. I’m here for the grumpy, sexy, dads.
- He is sweet and loving
Bad things:
-love story is too quick, too volatile, and isn’t believable.
-killing Forrest felt like a drastic plot device. Yes it was forshadowed… but still felt so dramatic and Not necessary.
-Salem is annoying. Sorry I said it.
-I’m all for a good swear here and there… but when you overuse the f-word this much… it just feels like an angry teenager who wants to be rebellious.
- nothing felt deep and real…. It all felt very on the nose and kind of like a soap opera….
-the sex scenes felt forced and not steamy.
Too many tropes for one book:
-sick mom
-sexual abuse
-grumpy sunshine
-age gap
-cheating
-divorce
-child loss
like..: just too much!!
Good things:
-Thayer is HOT. I’m here for the grumpy, sexy, dads.
- He is sweet and loving
Bad things:
-love story is too quick, too volatile, and isn’t believable.
-killing Forrest felt like a drastic plot device. Yes it was forshadowed… but still felt so dramatic and Not necessary.
-Salem is annoying. Sorry I said it.
-I’m all for a good swear here and there… but when you overuse the f-word this much… it just feels like an angry teenager who wants to be rebellious.
- nothing felt deep and real…. It all felt very on the nose and kind of like a soap opera….
-the sex scenes felt forced and not steamy.
Too many tropes for one book:
-sick mom
-sexual abuse
-grumpy sunshine
-age gap
-cheating
-divorce
-child loss
like..: just too much!!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
I thought this was an excellent book. I was hooked from the beginning. very well written and honestly I never had a "bored" part.
Please note, for some reason on kindle it doesn't open to this page, but there is a trigger warning!
SPOILER!!!
I really like how they show how a guy should be with his significant other who has gone through sexual trauma.
Please note, for some reason on kindle it doesn't open to this page, but there is a trigger warning!
SPOILER!!!
I really like how they show how a guy should be with his significant other who has gone through sexual trauma.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
medium-paced
Average. CoHo vibes, not in a good way. Will I read the second book? Yeah because I’m a glutton for punishment and I need to know what happens.
I mean she literally ended the book with my LEAST favorite trope ever. I threw the book on the floor when I finished the last sentence. Ugh.
I mean she literally ended the book with my LEAST favorite trope ever. I threw the book on the floor when I finished the last sentence. Ugh.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
The heartbreak is real. I’m sad, wrapped up in a warm blanket after ordering the second book. This was good. Very good. I cried and my heart hurts. Check CW’s for sure
This had the small town vibes I needed, a good age gap, forced prox/ forbidden romance, and heartache. It’s available on KU. Now I’m going to stare at my ceiling, THINK ABOUT THE ENDING, and wonder why I didn’t order the second book sooner
This had the small town vibes I needed, a good age gap, forced prox/ forbidden romance, and heartache. It’s available on KU. Now I’m going to stare at my ceiling, THINK ABOUT THE ENDING, and wonder why I didn’t order the second book sooner
The Confidence of Wildflowers had potential, but overall, it left me underwhelmed. The teenage perspective made the writing feel immature, which would have been fine if the story had more depth. Instead, I found myself skimming through repetitive details—how many times do we need to hear about making cupcakes or eating cookie dough? The pacing was odd, with some parts dragging and others feeling rushed.
The romance itself didn’t feel well-developed, and I couldn’t fully invest in Salem and Thayer’s relationship. The age gap was treated as more of a plot device than something explored with depth, and given Salem’s past trauma, it was strange how little anyone questioned it. Her mother’s lack of concern felt especially unrealistic.
While there were attempts at emotional moments, they often fell flat because the characters weren’t fleshed out enough. Even major plot twists lacked the impact they should have had. The book did end on a strong cliffhanger, which is the only reason I’d consider picking up the sequel, but I wish the rest of the story had been as gripping.
Overall, this felt like a first draft in need of serious refinement. With better pacing, character development, and emotional depth, it could have been a much stronger read. As it stands, I’d rate it around 2.5 stars.
The romance itself didn’t feel well-developed, and I couldn’t fully invest in Salem and Thayer’s relationship. The age gap was treated as more of a plot device than something explored with depth, and given Salem’s past trauma, it was strange how little anyone questioned it. Her mother’s lack of concern felt especially unrealistic.
While there were attempts at emotional moments, they often fell flat because the characters weren’t fleshed out enough. Even major plot twists lacked the impact they should have had. The book did end on a strong cliffhanger, which is the only reason I’d consider picking up the sequel, but I wish the rest of the story had been as gripping.
Overall, this felt like a first draft in need of serious refinement. With better pacing, character development, and emotional depth, it could have been a much stronger read. As it stands, I’d rate it around 2.5 stars.