This book was incredibly adorable and I couldn’t get enough!

Hollyn thinks she’s getting proposed to but ends up getting dumped (seriously, good riddance jerk) and flies back home where she hopes her brother will help pick up the pieces. Except he pons her off on his best friend, Dax, who has apparently had a crush on Hollyn their entire lives.

The more time they spend together, the more his feelings resurface and the harder it becomes to keep them from Hollyn. But what happens when her ex shows up on her front porch? Or when he asks her to help him on a tv show competition and they’re forced to spend even more time together? Can Dax keep his feelings to himself since Hollyn just got out of a relationship and clearly isn’t ready?

Like I said, this was adorable! I would love this to become a series, honestly, as Hollyn’s best friend deserves her own book – she had main character energy written all over her!

Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- It’s always been you
- Brother’s best friend / best friend’s sister
- Tv show competition / office romance
- Roommates to more

Hollyn returns home after her breakup. She returns back heartbroken and homeless where she ends up having to room with Dax, her brothers best friend. Dax, who had a not ending crush on her since they were kids. To get a chance to win money so he can buy his old father’s florist shop, he joins forces with Hollyn to assist him in the floral competition he signed up for. What can proximity do is a mystery to uncover.

This just made me happy!

The plot and relationship were all wonderfully executed and paced. It was simply charming, heartwarming, and fun to read. The premises of the flower competition show was quite interesting and added an enticing touch to the story. Fun. Flirty. It was exceptionally hilarious reading about the two main MCs living situation and them working together.

Dax, The Flower Boy. Dax is the star of this read. I just sit and imagine him doing that dance. That started to become my favorite past time activity to do. I loved how sweet, patient, understanding, and supporting he was with Hollyn.

I really appreciated seeing Hollyn gaining her confidence back bit by bit and finding out what she is good at and what she wants to do with her life. Witnessing her growth journey and healing process from start to end was a heartwarming experience.

This is my first read by Aimee, but definitely won’t be the last. I need River’s story. I need Mercy’s story. So yeah, I’ll be sticking around!

He Love Me He Loves Me Not
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 12/8/22
Author: Aimee Brown
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 320
GR: 4.03

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

My Thoughts: I absolutely adored this book. It was fun, flirty, and lighthearted. I know when I pick up a Boldwood book, I will love it. The story is narrated by both Hollyn and Dax, in a dual POV, which I absolutely loved. Each chapter is stamped with the character and the time, which was amazing. I loved the premise for this one, friends to lovers trope, second chance romance trope, forced proximity trope, and mixed with a floral competition, something I have not seen in a prior romance novel. Hollyn is shy, timid, has been hurt, while a flawed character, she is strong. Dax is independent, sweet, has been in love with Hollyn since they were young, and the absolute perfect hero. Their banter and chemistry was amazing to watch. The characters were well developed with depth, growth, witty banter, chemistry, and creatively done. The supporting characters were spot on, and each had important parts sprinkled throughout the novel. The author’s writing style was complex, crisp, funny, swoony, and just brilliant. I cannot wait for the other books in this series, Hollyn’s brother, River, and her best friend, Mercy, I would love to read each of their stories (or their story). I am now a fan of Aimee Brown and look forward to future novels. This would be the perfect Rom-Com movie. This novel just makes you happy. I highly recommend picking up this book!

Hollyn and Dax are entertaining characters and this story of floristry is unusual enough to make the basic premise interesting. Ideal for a spot of post-Christmas relaxation.

I adore Aimee Brown as an author. I’ve loved her books and can’t wait to read her upcoming book. Dax and Hollyn were such great characters. I love how the book revolved around a floral shop as I love flowers and it was neat to see how Dax fit into Hollyns life. She was such a relatable character, When things don’t land up working out for her it’s amazing how an unexpected turn of Dax reentering her life hangers everything, Nothing beats a good friends to lovers romance, Boldwood always delivers. I absolutely adore their books. P,ease check this one out. You won’t regret it.

'A total page-turner - I devoured it!' Sandy BarkerDax Hartley has made flowers his entire life, just like his late father did.
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.
Hollyn Matthews has made some colossal mistakes in life. 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 Brown:

I thought this was a really lovely, easy read. I felt the pace was good, not too quick or too slow to lose interest. I thought Dax was a brilliant male lead, however I did wish we’d got to know him a little better and more connection to his dad who was obviously a huge part of his story.

The story of Dax and Hollyn. After being dumped, Hollyn has no choice but to stay with her brother and his best friend Dax. She also ends up helping Dax with his floristry competition, but can they be more than friends?

Dax Hartley has made flowers his entire life, just like his late father did. When his dad's shop is up for sale, he has to have it. The only problem is he can't afford it. The reality show Battle of the Blossoms is the perfect chance to win the money he needs, but with the arrival of his childhood crush back in his life, distractions risk taking his eyes off the prize. Hollyn Matthews has made some colossal mistakes in life. When she is dumped just as she's expecting an engagement ring, she knows she's put her heart into the wrong man. Hoping for another chance at being a grown up, she moves home to stay with her brother and his best friend Dax. Facing the hurt she left behind means facing some truths about herself, but there's only one boy who has always loved her, if she'd only take the time to notice him.

Dax has been in love with Hollyn since they were teens. However, she only ever saw him as her younger brother's best friend. In an attempt to escape a life where she saw herself as a disappointment to her parents, she moved away and cut off all those back home. After a comedic and devastating break up, she has no choice but to return home and is quickly confronted with just how terrible she has been to people who love her. Hollyn soon discovers Dax isn't the kid she remembers and when the two are forced to spend a lot of time together it's inevitable that a bond develops between them.

The book was full of some good characters and you could see a huge development in Hollyn's character, but it felt rushed and artificial to me. The book was full of lots of super convenient elements, which had the sole purpose of working to force Dax and Hollyn to spend more time together. However, it also had hilarious moments like the time Hollyn tried to attack someone with a lightsaber. I think the story was cute, but for me Dax and Hollyn didn't really know anything about one another as adults, it was all about the bond they had as teens. I did enjoy that the novel wasn't just a second chance at romance but a second chance at basically everything for Hollyn.

It is definitely a cute and fun read if you want a few laughs and a HEA. If you are a fan of closed door romances then you will love this one for sure. I just felt like the ending was a bit rushed and that the story was incredibly predictable. However, it was a fun take on the brother's best friend romance for sure.

Hollyn got all dolled up for dinner, expecting a proposal. Instead, she got dumped, with a ticket home and cheated out of the money.

Coming back home was not easy. When she dated her now ex, she grew apart from her friends and family. Her parents don't have a space for her, so she stays with her brother River and his best friend Dax. River gives her his room and spends more time with gf.

Dax has grown a lot in the last decade, from a nerdy teen to a heartthrob florist with charm to spare. He never did get over Hollyn, he was in love with her since they were little.

His cousin gets him roped into a reality TV-type competition, which could be the answer to his financial problems. He needs an assistant, and Hollyn who has no idea what she will do with her life is perfect for the job.

Even though they are just friends, they spend a whole lot of time together, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. :)

It's such a sweet romance, I had a smile on the whole time I was reading it. It's light, fun and very addicting to read.

got it on Netgalley, all opinions are my own

What a fun story! It felt fresh and inventive - - and flowery and lovely!

Hollyn is coming home after recently being dumped and losing her job. Only when she gets there, her parents tell her that she can't move back in. But it's okay because she can go stay with her brother, right? And the extremely hot florist who lives with him. the same guy who Hollyn has crushed on for years.

Dax is focused on trying to come up with the funds to buy his own business space - - not just any space - - he wants to buy his Dad's old floral shop space. Unfortunately it won't be cheap and he's short on funds. That's where the reality show Battle for the Blossoms comes into play. If Dax works hard and shows his ability on this show, maybe he can earn the money her needs.

Hollyn and Dax befriend one another even though they both have intense crushes on the other one. It makes for some fun and also frustrating moments. I just wanted these two to get together and stop dancing around it. Their story is cute, swoony and a bit steamy too. As a couple, I would definitely "ship" these two. They're perfect together.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I loved this book. I loved the characters so much to hug them so tight. It was an easy and fun reading but also some sad moments. But I loved it from the "bottom of my heart". Hollyn Matthews return home after her boyfriend of 8 years leave her. She can not stay with her parents so she share the appartments with her brothers best friend. Dax Hartley has always had a crash. After she left her town they lost eash other but they quicly catch up and become friends. Dax asks Hollyn to be his assistent for a show for florist. They become really united. I was really could not put this book down, it was warm and tender. And make you feel the importance of the family. At the end all come clear and moreemotions come to the surface.

"Kiss me now"

Thank You Bolwood publishers and Netgalley for this great arc.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

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.

Dax is a flower guy. He always has been, he also has always been in love with his best friends' sister, Hollyn. After being dumped by her boyfriend, Hollyn returns to her home town and reconnects with Dax. They become close when Dax chooses Hollyn to be his assistant in a flower arranging competition.

This book was engaging for this full book. I liked the premise, but have a hard time with their miscommunication when the other flower lady hits on Dax. The reader could tell this lady was going to interrupt the budding romance from the moment she was introduced.

Thank you to Aimee Brown, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this eBook for free.

This was my first book by Aimee Brown and I’m so glad that I read this it’s such a fantastic novel. He Loves Me He Loves Me Not is just so funny, but feels so realistically funny if that makes any sense, it’s the boy next door who has kept his love secret for so long that just got to me so much, Dax is just everything, there needs to be many more Dax’s in the world!

This is definitely one of my favourite Rom-coms this year, it’s so cute, Hollyn is so oblivious to everything but in a sweet way. Dax is such an amazing sweetheart, my hero and main man, sexy and the full package, it’s fun going on the journey with Hollyn waiting for her to open her eyes and heart, as she heals, will she finally see what is right in front of her ?

I loved the build up of the relationship, slow burn is always so satisfying and makes it so much sweeter, just like the end of this gorgeous story, but since there are no spoilers from me, you’ll have to read to see what happens. I can fully and wholeheartedly recommend this, for a gorgeous, heartwarming tale full of humour and let’s not forget Dax, because you need to meet him !

Thanks to Aimee Brown, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review, all opinions are my own and freely given.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not was a really cute romance! First of all, choosing a title like that with a florist male lead was such a genius move! Kudos to the author! 🙌

Brother's best friend/Best friend's sister are two of my favorite tropes! I really liked how Dax and Hollyn navigated their true feelings for each other after basically being around each other for YEARS! The forced proximity situation due to the reality show was such a fun element in the mix too! I really liked Dax's character omg. His caring nature towards Hollyn melted my heart, and the PINING! I really wished to see more from their relationship though. Some of the incidents that happened in the story felt rushed, so the plot lacked the depth it needed, especially in the end. I wanted to see more character development from Hollyn's character too ~ but that might be just me.

It was a good read overall though! The comedic moments, and the secondary cast of characters definitely stole the show for me ❤️

This is the story of Hollyn and Dax, which is told over the course of 33 Chapters as well as an epilogue. The main theme of this book is a twist on brothers best friend. The twist is in the sense that in this particular story it is the brothers best friend who originally has feelings.
Hollyn is a very lovely character who at times can be naïve and gullible. However as the story progress readers will watch Hollyn's confidence grow and realise that it was less gullible and more gas lighting in this case.
Dax on the other hand is a very kind and caring gentleman. When he was growing up he was a nerd however he did his fair share of growing up and grew up into a fine man. Yes I mean fine when it comes to looks as well as personality.
Throughout this book the point of view switches between the main characters. This switch is done in a way that readers will not be confused as to whose head they are currently. These point of view switches allow readers to get a clear picture of who is feeling what. As well as point of view switches there are also time jumps. Now these aren't long time jumps but they do help to keep the story moving along.
Overall this book is very easy to fall in love with. Readers interests will be piqued after the first chapter and they will love watching this pair turn their forgotten friendship into something more as they grow closer.

I absolutely adored this book, the exact type of romance I enjoy reading.

Dax is so dreamy!! Loved seeing how Hollyn’s and his relationship developed. The floristry competition made this novel even more captivating.

This is the perfect read for the festive season and I am looking forward to reading more by the author.

The cover and description of this book made me sign up immediately for the blog tour and I’m very grateful to Rachel for having me on the list.

Hollyn is going through a shift in her life and ends up staying in her brother’s house with his best friend, Dax. They knew each other as teens but never interacted later on as adults.
Dax had feelings for her fifteen years ago and when they met again, those feelings resurfaced in moments. I liked him, he’s so sweet and a book boyfriend that felt reliable and needed his happily ever after.
They both fight for a prize and this will bring them in close proximity and some hilarious scenes.
I loved Hollyn, she grew so much throughout the story and she felt real and down to earth even when she fought someone with a lightsaber.
This is one of those romance books that won’t make you blush or feel sad for them, but make you laugh out loud and have a smile on your face at all times.

Very grateful to the publisher and author for my review copy through NetGalley

This was a super sweet story with Dax and Hollyn. When Hollyn gets dumped, by a much older man, she flees home, but has nowhere to go. Her brother invites her to stay with him and Dax.
What Hollyn doesn't know is that Dax has been in love with her for years. This is a slow burn romance and worth savoring. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series.