This story is all about relationships, not just Marigold and Alexis’s, but the ones that surround them too. It’s about family and community and how important they are, especially when it comes to getting the girl. Brayden’s latest novel Marigold might be one of her finest to date, but it’s too difficult to truly say. The Last Lavender Sister, her previous one, was a runaway hit and a 2023 Goldie Winner. Furthermore, it’s the basis for everything to love about this new romance, and if early reviews are any indicator, it will no doubt be just as favored.

But why do Brayden’s readers love the Lavenders so? The answer is no mystery. It’s the way she develops the relationships between the family members and their community. There’s a wisdom there that’s so generous and comforting; it nearly melts the heart. She understands the intricacies of families and the relationships inside them—especially between women. The nuances of the Lavender sisters and the quirks they share are scripted with a beauty that makes each scene just glow. It all works to give the storytelling texture and flavor, a real depth readers have grown to appreciate and trust.

Basically, it all comes down to this: Brayden writes with an emotional intelligence that elevates the storytelling like no other. She has a keen eye for it. Her ability to skillfully portray conversations, dialogues, and non-verbal cues effectively—one’s that convey emotions and intentions—make the storytelling pop. She knows how to capture the subtle differences of body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions so they add layers of realism to the interactions between her characters. This heightened level of communication enhances the readers’ experience, making them feel intimately involved in the unfolding of the story. It’s what draws her readers to her writing. It’s what keeps them coming back book after book.

Readers see Brayden’s sharp eye for emotional intelligence first hand in the interactions of the Lavender family. Because she understands the intricacies of human emotions and relationships, she utilizes it for full effect in this romance. It helps her create characters that feel real and relatable, individuals with their own unique sets of desires, fears, and vulnerabilities. By delving deep into Alexis and Marigold’s emotions, Brayden is able to portray them authentically, giving readers the ability to connect with them on a personal level. Their chemistry and attraction is a powerful part of the story. It facilitates scenarios that allow emotions to flourish. By exploring the characters’ emotional responses to each other and their world, Brayden builds a strong bond between them, all while keeping readers invested in their relationship.

Final thoughts…

These characters will get under your skin. In fact, I’m just going to come right out and say it: I wish I was the fourth Lavender sister. I’d revel in every moment with them. I’d cheer Marigold and Alexis on and show up everyday at The Lavender House because they are all that special. Marigold is a gorgeous romance and I didn’t want it to end—ever.

Strengths…

Engaging storyline
Well-crafted and well-scripted narrative
Lovely, well-developed characters
Engaging, heart-tugging romance
Endearing story world

When it comes to sapphic romance, Melissa Brayden is a true icon. Her 26 books play a big part in our growing canon. I’ll confess that I haven’t read many after not getting on with Kiss the Girl, where a woman of colour is repeatedly described as “exotic.” But it was published nearly a decade ago, and Brayden has grown both as a person and an author in that time.

At a romance writing event last year she gave an incredibly heartfelt and encouraging answer to my question about including Black characters in my own novels – an exchange which meant the world to me. So I decided to revisit Brayden’s work, and am very glad to have read her latest novel: Marigold.

Marigold Lavender is sunshine personified. She brightens her family, her community, bringing warmth and kindness to everything that she does. Sometimes MG longs for a life full of adventure beyond Homer’s Bluff, the small town where she’s lived for 35 years. Homer’s Bluff doesn’t exactly have a lively lesbian scene. But there are deep roots – MG’s family, and the lavender business they run together. Plus, she’s fiercely protective of her siblings in the wake of their mother’s death. So, when a restaurant critic savages her baby sister’s restaurant – named Marilyn’s after their late mum – MG goes scorched earth, leading a boycott of the paper.

Cosmopolitan food critic Alexis Wakefield travels across the country to visit restaurants. She’s an expert in her field, knowing all about what food should be – and what it shouldn’t. Alexis has built a very successful brand from her snarky takes on substandard dishes… until MG’s viral campaign gets her cancelled. Alexis returns to Homer’s Bluff to do some soul searching. Though she initially scoffs at rural America, Alexis ends up falling for the authenticity of the town – and one of its inhabitants. Every time they meet, sparks fly between MG and Alexis. And hatred turns into a different kind of passion.

Marigold has a lovely atmosphere. It manages to be both sweet and sexy. The vibe reminds me of Steel Magnolias; a small-town story that’s beautiful because of its sincerity. But this book also feels incredibly current, with an accurate depiction of social media and its toxicity. Brayden’s take on cancellation as “a long-form time out” felt particularly on the money – while I read Marigold, my news feeds filled up with glowing coverage of Caroline Calloway’s $65 memoir four years after she went viral for all the wrong reasons.

And – in the same way I’m sceptical about Calloway’s motives – I had doubts about Alexis. Brayden does an excellent job of depicting how social media rewards conflict and cruelty through this character – Alexis gained a huge following through being savage in her reviews, and she has fully leant into this persona. Yet, unlike a great many cancelled, Alexis puts real thought into her behaviour. She accepts accountability for her actions and grows as a person. Which makes her arc very compelling.

I loved MG from the opening page, read in the waiting room for therapy, when I discovered that she too is a maladaptive daydreamer – someone who immerses herself in imagining elaborate scenarios to escape the disappointments of her own life. At points MG gets a little bit too mid-2000s Manic Pixie Dream Girl. But for the most part her quirkiness and charm make Marigold easy to root for – especially as she puts her heart and soul into holding her family together following a devastating loss.

And while at first glance it might look like Alexis is the one that needs to change, MG’s growth arc is just as impressive. It takes immense courage for her to live in reality as much as fantasy. MG and Alexis complement one another perfectly.

As well as being a smouldering hot Enemies to Lovers, Marigold is an elite Opposites Attract romance. Marigold dreams of a committed relationship; building a family of her own, just like her brother and sisters. Whereas Alexis is a one-night-stand type of girl. Her longest and closest relationship is with her dachshund. But our leading ladies catalyse meaningful change in one another, and it’s a gorgeous love story.

I have to admit, there’s one thing I struggled with through the novel. MG has a sister called Aster. And Alexis has a sister called Aspen. The similarity in these side characters’ names and roles meant I struggled to keep them straight in my head, which got confusing at points. But otherwise I haven’t a single criticism to make.

Until picking up this book, I had no idea that a romance novel without graphic sex scenes could be so hot. But the subtle poetry of Brayden’s words adds a powerful emotional resonance to the love between her characters. Marigold is a heart-warming, wholesome story – the perfect pick-me-up.

Cute, funny, enemies to forever. Melissa Brayden doesn't disappoint in this Lavender sisters book based on Marigold and food critic Alexis. The banter and quick whit kept me laughing. The family dynamics with the entire Lavender crew bring it all together. Great read.

It was a surprise when I saw this book because I didn’t know there was going to be a follow up of The Last Lavender Sister book, although this book is a standalone, I suggest you read this first as it provides you a great context to the Lavender’s family and the hometown of Homer’s Bluff.
I enjoyed Marigold’s story very much, as usual with Melissa Brayden you get some witty characters which usually shine when starting as enemies. I love food and there was a lot of food in this book, but I never knew someone could eat so much pie in one day! Very nice feel-good read

3.5 stars
A cute predictable love story. Sweet characters, cute and clever dialog and lots and lots of family.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I decided to try the new book by Melissa Brayden, despite the fact that her latest books did not quite convince me, I am not saying that they were bad, what happened to me is that her formula is quite repeated and well-known and it seems that if she deviates from the usual patterns is going to be problematic. In her stories there are few surprises and plenty of predictability. This one pretty much follows her usual script.

And now that I'm writing the review several days after finishing it, I realize that it's hard for me to remember, which is not a good sign.

The protagonist and woman who gives the book its title is Marigold Lavender, who is the sister of the protagonist of a previous novel by this author, The last lavender sister, which is why she also appears here. Along with the rest of the family, another sister, nieces, nephews, in-laws. And they show up a lot because the story is set in a small rural town, where everyone knows each other.

Marigold is dreamy and somewhat naive, an excellent person above all else, but the strong protective sense of her family makes her react in an unexpected way to a culinary criticism received by her sister's restaurant, the protagonist of the previous book. Thus, in this way, the paths of Marigold and Alexis, two completely opposite women in their way of life and their vital choices, cross.

And the usual patterns begin: meeting, instant attraction, tug of war, misunderstandings, drama in 80% of the novel and final HEA. Is that bad? Not necessarily, but taste lies in variety.

Sweet follow-up to The Last Lavender Sister. Not a lot of depth, but overall it's a feel-good book with some slight angst thrown in for a bit of tension. Readers can always rely on Melissa Brayden to produce a quick, entertaining romance with humorous, quippy dialogue.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Marigold Lavender is a ray of sunshine to everyone she knows, family, friends, neighbors. She’s always there for everyone who needs something, but at night, she goes home alone. It’s not exactly easy dating as a lesbian in a small town. When an attractive big-city food critic comes through to review her sister’s restaurant, Marigold is take aback at how attractive she is, but when her review tears the restaurant apart, Marigold goes on the defensive. Her rant goers viral and reviewer Alexis Wakefield gets cancelled. When Alexis returns to the scene of the crime to sort herself out, the chemistry between her and Marigold is electric, even if they hate each other.

This was a pleasant and easy read. I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, and that journey and into figuring out long-distance kept me interested. The supporting characters fleshed out the story even more, and I loved Marigold’s family. Overall, it was super cute and is great for a break between heavier works (or as an escape from life stress).

There was a lot going on in this latest novel from Melissa Brayden, which perhaps led it to lack depth. Everything was 'nice' on top but it felt like it didn't really go anywhere fancy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Marigold is worth her weight in gold.
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on 12 July 2023
Marigold Lavender is much loved by her close knit family, friends and the people of the small Kanas town she lives in and for the most part she loves her life and them. However, she day dreams of a different life, one with a loving partner, travelling to exciting places and a family of her own. A dream that seemed unattainable until one night Alexis Wakefield, food critic walks into her sisters new restaurant and both their lives are turned upside down.

I had hoped that Brayden would write Marigolds story when reading The Last Lavender Sister and I loved this story and catching up with the Lavender family. The normally sweet Marigold shows the world her fiercely loyal side when she lashes out at Alexis for a bad review and it goes viral on social media with devastating consequences, that ultimately brings the two face to face, with fireworks.

This is a well crafted story with snappy humour, loveable characters , family drama, life changing moments and characters who you believe in. A enemy to lovers romance where the pages crackle with the chemistry these two give off. I loved it.🌼🌼🌼🌼

Melissa Brayden is one of my favorite authors and as always, she doesn't disappoint. Marigold is great addition to the lavender Sister Series. The characters Alexis and Marigold are great and lovable. The interactions between them was amazing, you couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Well done melissa Brayden. I recommend getting a copy, you won't be disappointed.


Thank you To the publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Marigold was another great book by Melissa Brayden in the Lavender sisters series. A few of the major themes of this book included an enemies to friends trope, cancel culture when food reviewer Alexis Wakefield gets cancelled by Marigold and society in general, and the support of family, especially when times get tough.

The heated relationship between Marigold and Alexis starts to take a nice transition when Alexis returns to Homer’s Bluff, Kansas, to serve her penance, so to speak. After they begin to know and understand each other better, their heated relationship reaches a new dimension with searing kisses.
4 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sunshine: Marigold Lavender is soft and lovable and always takes care of the people she loves. Grump: Alexis Wakefield is a foodie critic and influencer who is known for her snarky, brutally honest reviews.

When Alexis comes into Marigold's small town USA and leaves her little sister's restaurant a scathing review, Marigold calls her out on her toxicity, and the internet goes wild. It does NOT end well for Alexis.

Alexis comes back to small town USA, of all places, to escape from her life that is falling apart, and keeps running into Marigold. I love the setup with this enemies to lovers. The darting banter between the two is delicious, and neither of them can help being drawn to the other.

Deliciously spicy, I really enjoyed watching these two fight each other and their feelings, and eventually give in. They are the sweetest. I also really enjoyed the secondary cast of family and friends, and felt they added a lot to the story. For the whole book, I wondered how they would end up with a HEA, so I was surprised and super satisfied with the way things turned out in this well written gem!

I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy small town sapphic enemies-to-lovers romances.

[Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

This book is yet another great romance by Melissa Brayden. She continues to constantly produce stories which are interesting as well as believable. This book is a follow up to “The Last Lavender Sister” which was published last year in the fall. Although you don’t need to read the first book, it is always nice to get more background information on the characters.

In Marigold we have two lead characters, Marigold Lavender and Alexis Wakefield. Marigold, also known as MG, is the sister who feels as though her main purpose in life is to take care of everyone, especially since her mother has passed away. Consequently, MG spends her time helping run the family store, assisting those in need, and daydreaming about a romantic life that could be.

Alexis Wakefield is a national restaurant reviewer who comes to town to review Aster Lavender’s restaurant. MG is immediately attracted to the beautiful and sophisticated reviewer, but when the evaluation is not favorable, she decides to go to war with Alexis and take her down a few notches.

The interaction between Alexis and MG is so well done that readers will want to see what is going to happen next. As with all of Ms. Brayden’s books, there is angst among characters, emotional highs and lows, and romance. There is a deep sense of family ties throughout the two books.

So, for a top-notch read, I highly recommend Marigold. I rate it with 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ms Brayden has taken us back to the Lavender family where we now get to share Marigold’s journey. As you might remember Marigold’s mom has died, her younger sister Asters restaurant is doing very well, and sister Violet is still working at the Lavender House, selling everything related to lavender. Her love life consists mainly in her fantasies where she of course meets the woman of her dreams.
In the meantime she spends her days working with Violet, helping her father around the farm house and making sure everyone’s all right. When some hot shot food critic comes to Homer’s Bluff to do a review of Aster’s restaurant, Marigold’s over the moon, just thinking how much Aster would love a good review.
When Alexis Wakefield makes her way to Homer’s Bluff she’s really looking forward to trying Aster’s menu. What she didn’t expect after traveling so far was to have the chef, Aster, having to go home early because her wife Brynn was very pregnant and needed her there. That left her second in command to look after the food service so the food that was plated for Alexis wasn’t all that good, leaving Alexis no choice but to give the restaurant a bad review.
Needless to say, Marigold was furious and promptly did a review of the reviewer, ‘ALexis’, causing Alexis a chill from all her followers. So back she goes to ‘Homer’s Bluff’, to try and get her readers back by showing them that she actually wasn’t all that bad. First thing to do is meet and convince Marigold she really isn’t that bad.
Again Ms Brayden has done a super job to bring us to the Lavender family where she has found love for Marigold and Aster. I can’t help but wonder what is going to happen with Violet. Perhaps she just might like the girls like her sisters. I will have to wait and see. Very Very good read!
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

I enjoyed reading this one, as I do with most of this author’s books. However, I did find myself having to push through and finish it. Nothing against the story itself. I enjoyed Marigold’s story, the continuation into the Lavender family, and the enemies to lovers aspect but everything felt just a hair repetitive and formulaic. I think the slow burn-ness of the romance might play a factor there though. I think the author has written better books, so this one is enjoyable but not my favorite.

Exceptionally glad that Marigold got a spotlight. What was even more amazing was how the author was able to find a HEA for these two completely opposite personalities. I just couldn’t see how they would fit, but that’s the glory of reading an excellent story, and how the author has become one of the best in lesfic today. Another exceptional read that I’m glad I picked up, found impossible to put down, and still in awe how it worked so well.

Marigold lavender Is it very protective of her family, and especially her sister Aster. When Alexis the food critic comes to town to review Esther's restaurant she gives it a bad review. Marigold does not want to take the bad review laying down and she goes to social media to give. her own scathing review of Alexis. when everything turns around for Alexis and she loses her position at the magazine. and her social media people, Alexis returns. to Marigold's town for peace and quiet. I really like the plot where. two enemies and eventually come together in love. I recommend this book for all romance readers.

What a wonderful and enjoyable follow-up to The Last Lavender Sister. This enemies-to-lovers troupe was funny as well as entertaining. Alex Wakefield, well known food critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. She is tasked with checking out and reviewing the restaurant Marilyn, owned and operated by Aster Lavender in the quaint town of Homer's Bluff, Kansas. Marigold Jane Lavender, works in the family business, selling all things lavender with her sister Violet Lavender.

After Alexis writes a not so nice review of Marilyn, Marigold takes matters into her own hands and writes her thoughts and opinions on the matter and as a result, Alexis is forced to take a step back and decides to return to the town where the review became an issue. There Alexis interacts and gets to know not only the Lavender Sisters (and their brother Sage) but specifically, Marigold. It is easy to enjoy this make you smile romance as the sisters and brother support each other and deal head on together with whatever issue is at hand.

Marigold was a fun and quick read. I appreciated the focus on civility and cancel culture, but thankfully the book didn't make it too heavy of a topic. I enjoy reading Melissa Brayden's books and this one was no exception. Thanks, Netgalley for allowing me to read this title early.