Member Reviews
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.
unfortunately i couldn’t get around to read this book yet… i’ll write a review when i’m able to read this.
"He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" by Aimee Brown is a delightful and heartwarming tale that weaves together the themes of second chances, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The novel introduces us to Dax Hollingsworth, a determined young man whose dream of acquiring his father's old florist shop becomes the driving force behind his participation in the reality show "Battle of the Blossoms."
Brown skillfully crafts a narrative that combines the charm of small-town life with the excitement of a reality show competition. The author's portrayal of Dax's dedication and struggles to achieve his dream adds depth to the story, making readers empathize with his journey. The reality show backdrop provides an engaging and unique setting, adding an element of competition and tension that keeps the pages turning.
The dynamics between Dax and Hollyn Matthews, his childhood crush, introduce a layer of romance that is both sweet and realistic. Hollyn's return home after making significant life mistakes sets the stage for her own journey of self-discovery and redemption. The way Brown explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of past decisions on the characters' lives is both poignant and relatable.
The characters in the novel are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is satisfying. Dax's determination and Hollyn's quest for maturity create a compelling balance, and their evolving relationship is portrayed with authenticity and genuine emotion. The supporting characters, including Hollyn's brother, contribute to the overall warmth of the small-town setting.
The narrative is well-paced, with a good balance of romance, humor, and personal growth. Brown's writing style is engaging, making the novel an easy and enjoyable read. The incorporation of floral themes and the florist shop backdrop adds a charming touch, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story.
In conclusion, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is a four-star gem that combines heartwarming romance with themes of resilience and self-discovery. Aimee Brown delivers a captivating story that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a renewed belief in the power of second chances. This is a must-read for those who appreciate feel-good novels with a touch of romance and a message of hope.
This book was slow and it was a struggle to hold my attention. I think it could have benefited from additional editing
I enjoyed this one! A slow burn but still very cute. A fun read and sweet characters!
Thank you NetGalley and Aimee Brown!
Another good read
Perfect book to curl up with and to get lost in
Will have you hooked from the first page
Thanks NetGalley
When I started to read the first chapter I thought Dax was a girl and I was so confused. But then I read more and found myself laughing the whole way through the book. I just loved Dax and Hollyns friendship grow and blossom into something beautiful.
This book needed a little more editing. The writing was a little clunky and repetitive, telling us the same thing either on the same page or within a couple of pages.
It's also really slow paced, which was a real struggle for me to get through.
This book was just fine. I found myself bored and skipping parts. It could work better for someone else thought!
A slow burn cute rom com. Very sweet and cheesy, perfect if you're looking for a super quick and light read you can read in one sitting. I just wish there had been a bit more spice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A slow burn, closed door romance. Really enjoyable, I love brothers best friend romances and this was no exception.
Also he falls first 😍😍😍 they're childhood friends too 💘
I loved the whole forced proximity, roommate element too 👏
Definitely recommend!!
This story is a delightful friends-to-lovers romance that explores the themes of second chances, personal growth, and the power of following one's heart. With its swoon-worthy moments, humorous banter, and relatable characters, this book offers a heartwarming and entertaining reading experience.
The story revolves around Dax Hartley, a man whose passion for flowers drives him to acquire his late father's old florist shop. However, financial constraints pose a significant challenge. In a bid to secure the funds needed, he decides to participate in the reality show Battle of the Blossoms. Yet, when his childhood crush, Hollyn Matthews, reenters his life, distractions threaten to steer him off course. As the two reconnect, they must confront past mistakes, reconcile their feelings, and seize the chance for a brighter future.
Aimee Brown has crafted compelling and relatable characters in Dax and Hollyn. Dax's dedication to his craft and his endearing personality make him a swoon-worthy romantic lead. Hollyn's journey of self-discovery, as she confronts her past and reassesses her priorities, adds depth to the story. The chemistry and emotional connection between the two characters are palpable, making their journey from friends to lovers all the more satisfying.
The author's writing style is engaging, balancing humor, tender moments, and heartfelt emotions. The banter and witty dialogue between the characters add a touch of levity, resulting in laugh-out-loud moments that enhance the overall enjoyment of the story. The pacing is well-maintained, with the plot progressing smoothly, keeping the reader engaged and invested in Dax and Hollyn's evolving relationship.
However, while "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" delivers an engaging and heartwarming romance, it occasionally falls into familiar romantic tropes, which may make certain plot developments predictable for some readers. Additionally, certain conflicts and resolutions within the story could have been further developed to add complexity and depth to the narrative.
Aimee Brown always writes such cute rom coms. This was a fun friends to lovers romance. It was funny and an enjoyable read.
This book is so easy to fall in love with it is just a pleasure to read. Touching and romantic. The love seeps through the pages.
This book had some good aspects to it but it very much felt like a first draft and could have used some polishing.
I was thrown off by some plot elements being mentioned several times in multiple paragraphs and feel like an editor could have helped with this.
The concept of the story was good but I did not like how the heroine was surprised that her older college professor boyfriend would break up with her when he was really not a nice person.
An enjoyable contemporary romance spiced with sass, heat, warmth and charm, Aimee Brown’s He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is simply delightful.
Flowers have been a part of Dax Hartley’s life for as long as he can remember. With his late father’s flower shop coming up for sale, Dax is prepared to do whatever it takes to buy it. The only problem is that is is way out of his price range. But could a reality TV competition help raise his profile and enable him to get the money he so desperately needs? Dax needs to focus on the competition and he cannot afford distractions of any kind – so the last thing he needs is to have his childhood crush coming back to town and turning his whole world upside down.
Hollyn Matthews has made plenty of mistakes in her life. She thought that she had her life figured out, but when instead of the engagement ring she was expecting, she gets dumped, Hollyn realizes that the time has come for her to grow up, so she heads off to stay with her brother and his best friend, Dax. But is Hollyn about to realize that everything she has always wanted has been right under her nose all along?
As Hollyn faces up to some home truths about herself and her past, is she ready to own up to her mistakes and start afresh? Could the boy who had adored her as a teenager be the man who could make her truly happy? Or is Hollyn about to let the happiness that has been denied to her for so long slip through her fingers?
Aimee Brown’s He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is a wonderful romantic tale about second chances, falling in love and finding a place to belong that will make readers laugh and cry. Witty, warm-hearted and hopeful, readers are going to fall in love with Dax and Hollyn and they will be left with a huge smile on their face by the end of their terrific love story.
Aimee Brown’s He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is a compelling romance that ticks all the right boxes – don’t miss it.
Oh wow! I am so happy I read this book! I already had a feeling that I was going to like it as the other books I read by Aimee Brown in the past were all very good, but this one is even better!!! I loved everything about this book but for a flower lover as me, this book is perfect!!!! and there is a lovely romance building in this book which I absolutely loved reading about! I totally recommend this book to you! Go ahead and read it! You won't regret it!!!
An OK read, not as funny, romantic and charming as I'd like in a bookin this genre. OK for a rainy day read.
This was an incredibly sweet and cheesy in a good way book if you can get over the whole professor power dynamic everyone in the book didn’t take too seriously.
I had a hard time getting over it personally…
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not starts off with Hollyn being devastated at being betrayed by her ex and a close friend while having to deal with taking over her brother's room and live with his best friend.
Both Hollyn and Dax have their own financial woes and are struggling to find themselves again after being forced to live in close quarters, while also dealing with Dax competing on a flower decoration show. This book flows well, and is easy to read. You're rooting for Dax and Hollyn to admit their feelings, even when their friends feel differently.