Zoe Hart is right where she belongs: in her cozy Maple Falls flower shop with her cat Whiskers. But her oldest friend (and secret crush) Jackson is back in their small town too. And most of all, she longs to be in his strong arms. So when her hopelessly romantic mom bets on them being Couple of the Year at the Spring Festival, Zoe finds herself fake-dating the friend-zoned guy she’s always wanted…
When Jackson returns from military service, even working on his llama sanctuary can’t
heal him. But Zoe is the only person who can truly make him smile. He’d do anything for her… even pretend to be dating for the Spring Festival. There’s nothing fake about his feelings as he crushes his lips to hers. But there’s no way she’d really want a broken man like him, would she?
All eyes are on them as the town prepares to vote for Couple of the Year. But when a hidden wildflower meadow becomes their escape, real passion blooms amid falling cherry blossom. Will the magic of spring turn their make-believe romance into true love forever?
About The Author
My Review
This book is about finding courage, healing old wounds, and letting love bloom in the most ordinary, small-town moments.This book introduces Zoe Hart, a florist holding her life together with determination, humor, and her scene-stealing cat Whiskers. When wedding chaos strikes, her longtime best friend—and secret crush—Jackson Hawthorne steps in, setting the stage for a tender friends-to-lovers romance.
Heather Graham shines with character-driven storytelling. Jackson is a compelling hero: a veteran struggling with PTSD, torn between his feelings for Zoe and his fear of hurting her. His emotional distance feels frustrating at times, but painfully realistic. Zoe, meanwhile, is strong, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, especially as she grapples with fertility concerns and dreams of a future that feels increasingly uncertain.
Their emotional baggage is handled with care and sincerity, allowing their connection to unfold naturally. The fake-dating mishap sparked by small-town gossip adds humor and charm, while side characters—especially Krista—enrich the story with warmth and support. Cozy, heartfelt, and emotionally satisfying, this romance feels like a warm hug, perfect for readers who love gentle love stories with depth, growth, and genuine feeling.
My Rating
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