I had a love-hate relationship with this book. It felt cheesy and very predictable at times. I also felt like the characters were immature and lacked depth.
I could see this book being a movie. It definitely follows the whole Hallmark movie plot. GIrl dates jerky boyfriend who ends up dumping her and she runs home to her hometown where she reconnects with her childhood crush.

I received this book from NetGalley

Dax signs on to participate in a florist tv competition to try to win money to help him buy his dad’s old flower shop, and enlists his childhood crush, Hollyn, to be his assistant. Over the course of the show and it’s challenges, Hollyn and Dax both face their feelings for each other. With a lot of involvement from their family and friends.

This book was cute, if a little basic. There were a lot of side characters, who at times seemed to distract from the main characters. And Dax/Hollyn felt more like they fell back into old (maybe unknown) feelings versus finding eachother again years later. So the romance felt a little surface level. Cute though!

My first @authoraimeeb read!
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⭐️ I enjoyed the chemistry between Dax and Hollyn.
⭐️ Loved the fact that Dax loved flowers & how sweet he was with them.
⭐️ Really cool story and I especially loved the competition element and descriptions of the wedding flowers.
⭐️ For a first read from Aimee it was fun, flirty and feel good!

"Even better. The brother’s best friend. It’s only my favorite romance trope."

Reading back to back books that sub mentions trope in it is what I am loving and same goes to the introductions here with Jillian and overall.

I didn't like Hollyn much. Nor her decisions in the past. You don't just cut out your family for a guy you don't know. However somehow she grew immensely till the end. Better late than never fits her given what the stupid ex did to her.

Dax is a florist just like his father and wants to get his old shop back. He was too good. He being in love from the start made the falling in love fast from Hollyn manageable. He is book boyfriend you will add to your list.

Tristan was an idiot. I need books of both Mercy and River. I just can't not want them. They have been amazing side characters who deserve a story of their own.

"Why do we all avoid love?’ he asks sincerely. ‘It’s the one emotion every person searches for, yet we pretend like it’s too much to handle. We’re scared of it. Why?"

The plot was interesting with a mixture of childhood friends, best friends sister or brother's best friend, forced proximity, friends to lovers, he falls first. Adding to all this is the dual POV which I liked. The reality show concept here was different and well done.

The storytelling was good, lovely, flirty and swoony. The book was unique and we'll developed.

‘Sometimes it takes time to find the right words, and it’s always worth the wait.’

Recommending to anyone who loves a feel good romance.

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

While I loved the competition vibe, this book simply wasn't for me. I did not like the characters at all and felt that they had no chemistry

I really like this one! It's a cute, funny, and sweet story follows a journey of Hollyn who just got out of a toxic relationship and trying to find her own true calling in life after messed up a big one and Dax--Hollyn's brother's best friend, the actual romanticist who is trying to win a florist competition to get his father shop back. Having to live together in Dax's house and become his assistant for the competition, Hollyn start to realize and sees him in a new light, while Dax is confronted to his unfinished-more-than-teenage-crush-feelings he has towards her.

Both of the main characters arc and the plot itself is charming and refreshing. The brother's best friend (especially younger brother's best friend) and childhood friends-t0-lovers combined turns out totally my cup of tea. I like the way the author showing how much Dax's love Hollyn, even since they're teen till now, through the way his act and behavior. Though I found some repetitive sentences or phrase, The resolutions of their own problem along with the competition show scenes are well done.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not starts out with Hollyn in Seattle in a longterm relationship of 8 years with her much older boyfriend. Her boyfriend was her professor at college and she was instantly attracted to him. She found a receipt for an engagement ring in his pocket and assumed their upcoming date at a fancy restaurant was going to finally be the proposal. Hollyn buys a new dress and looks beautiful for their date. Once they arrive, things take a turn and not only does he not propose but he breaks up with Hollyn, tells her he's sold their condo, gives her a check for one third of the money she put in, and he gives her plane ticket back home. He actually bought the ring for someone else he's in love with!!!

The book is told from different points of view which I found enjoyable. As Hollyn is going home, she lets her brother, River, know what's happened. She asks him to pick her up from the airport and not to tell their parents yet. Hollyn has been distant from her parents since she left. River's best friend and roommate, Dax, is asked to pick up Hollyn as River has a meeting with potential investors. Dax has known River and Hollyn his entire life and has always been in love with Hollyn. No one knows this, but River has an idea. He doesn't realize that Dax would still feel that way for his sister and asks for his help. Dax agrees to pick her up, but he is very nervous about it. Dax hasn't seen or talked to Hollyn in 8 years. He's changed a lot. He's very good looking, muscular, and a truly nice guy.

The relationship between Hollyn and Dax is so much fun. At first they're just friends reliving things from their childhood, but things heat up over time. Hollyn is very insecure because of what happened in Seattle. Dax is trying his best not to blow his cool as he's still in love with Hollyn. Dax works as a florist and has a delivery truck. His business is called Flower Boy. His dad was also a florist before he passed and his shop is for sale. Dax wants to buy it, but it's a bit out of reach. Brynn enters Dax in a floral competition that will be filmed and streamed on YouTube. It will take place over 6 weeks and the top 2 will be announced each week based on votes. Dax asks Hollyn to be his assistant as the person is not supposed to have any knowledge of the flower business. She agrees and has the time of her life. She's actually quite talented and helps Dax to earn top honors on the show for several weeks.

Will Dax ever tell Hollyn how he feels? Will Hollyn get over her bad breakup and be able to trust in love again? Will she ever see Dax as a love interest instead of a childhood friend? Will Hollyn ever figure out what she wants to do with her life? Will she and her parents be able to overcome the rift in their relationship? Will Dax and Hollyn win the competition giving Dax the money he needs to buy his Dad's flower shop? This is such a heartwarming book that I enjoyed thoroughly. I'm glad to find out that there will be other books based on some of the other characters coming out in the future. Do yourself a favor and take a day to read this book. It makes you believe that there is good out there, just keep looking! I rate this book 5 stars.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood for an advanced copy of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not in exchange for a fair review. #HeLovesMeHeLovesMeNot

If there's one thing that I like doing it's discovering new authors. Aimee Brown is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis of 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I needed at that moment in time- a light hearted and ultimately uplifting read. Well it was certainly that and so much more. I really enjoyed reading 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' but more about that in a bit.

It took me no time at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to become addicted to the story. From then on, it's safe to say that this book was constantly on my mind. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. Part of the attraction of the story was that I warmed to both of the lead characters and grew to consider them as friends of mine rather than characters in a book. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen and of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. I kept everything crossed that things would work out for them and that they would have the 'happy ever after' ending that they both so deserved. The more of the book that I read, the more that I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' and I had to say goodbye to the two main characters Hollyn, Dax and the rest of the characters. I found 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' to be a fun, light hearted and ultimately uplifting read, which left me feeling as though I had had a 'hug from a mug of hot chocolate' in that I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' is extremely well written. Aimee has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. The story is divided up into chapters voiced by a particular character. The chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly. Aimee clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. This book certainly took me on a bit of an emotional journey with lots of laughs, fun and the occasional bit of sadness. I felt as though I had bonded so well with Hollyn that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort out whoever had upset her. I love the way in which Aimee makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Aimee's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*

This was unfortunately a quite forgettable romance. There was just nothing that really makes it stand out, although there are some cute moments between the two characters.

Do you like brother's best friend trope, florist, childhood friends to lovers, slowburn, roommate romances?? He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not is a MUST read!

After getting dumped by her long term boyfriend, Hollyn has to move back home with her brother (and his best friend, our love interest, Dax). We get a fun competition vibe with Dax as a florist and Hollyn as his assistant. We get a lot of slow burn and not a lot of steam.

Overall a cute romance, not super unique, but definitely a great beach read!

Go on any social media site and round up a group of readers, especially those that read Romance in any form. You're bound to hear one two word term of endearment rather frequently...BOOK BOYFRIEND. I've never really subscribed to the notion, but here lately, I'm compiling a list! My last few additions included Rhys (Imperfect Angel), and Luka (Lovelight Farms), but I've got to make room for yet another entry because DAX has GOT to be on there! First, let's find out why, and get a little better feel for the story...

When first we meet Dax, he's the flower boy...but in a non traditional way. He's LITERALLY the flower boy in the fact that he's the florist in the midst of a major flower wall creation...and he's the flower boy in the soon-to-be viral (well, assumedly) video shaking his money maker while dolling out rose petals at the bequest of the bride. Yep. Flower boy in all his glory...but seriously, he's a doll! Accommodating, forgiving, a truly lovely soul following in his dad's footsteps...all wrapped up in a scrumptious package (sorry, trying to focus) that apparently drives the ladies wild. Grant it, he doesn't sound like a player...but he could be, if he wanted to...but again, unlikely, he's so sweet! Anywho, then we meet Hollyn who's having THE BEST DAY OF HER LIFE, and if you believe that, I've got some oceanfront property to sell you in Idaho. 🤨 Yeah, definitely not the best day, though I SUPREMELY applaud her reactions to the *sshat situation that unfolds, as well as the "little goodbyes" left at the apartment. Flash forward, she's back in her hometown being picked up by...well, decidedly not her brother, but his best friend, her new temporary roommate, and the guy who had a huge undisclosed crush on her in her teens...Dax. Yep. Can you see where we're going with this?

I love the way he battles his supposedly diminished feelings for her, while still showing his heart. He knows she's been through hades, and he's there for her come what may...but he also has his own things to deal with (thanks to his charming sister!) like a reality show, and a fully booked season of weddings to get off without a hitch. Finding the balance is what leads to some interesting situations, and realizations, on both their parts, as well as a few moments you'll LOVE being privy to. Let's just say that more than the flowers are blooming this season! Hols was a great character too...sorry for all the drooling over Dax, but, come on, it's DAX! Anyway, Hollyn was spectacular despite what she perceives as her own shortcomings. The ick-fest that was our intro to her life, SEVERELY unfortunate, but it's definitely a case of one-door-closing-and-another-opening in life and perchance in love!

If you're a fan of Romantic Comedies, or know one that is, this is definitely a book you don't want to miss!

This book had great descriptions of the feelings between the main characters, a really good representation of "the one that got away"! I enjoyed it greatly.

This one missed the mark for me - too many characters, too many names, just too much to keep up with right out of the gate. I do love the brother's best friend trope, but Hollyn and Dax just didn't seem to have much chemistry IMO. I'm not sure if it was the two of them together I didn't love or if I just wasn't a fan of each character separately, so that transferred to not rooting for them as a couple. Some funny bits, some sweet bits, but overall, not enough to hold my attention. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very cute first time read for me by this author. The story was entertaining and the characters were realistic and loveable. Dax has known Hollyn since they were teenagers and has always been in love with her. But with her being his best friend's sister, she was off-limits. He is a florist and looking to buy his father's old florist shop when it comes up for sale, but he is lacking the funds. He decides to enter the reality show Battle of the Blossoms, which will help him get the money he needs. Hollyn has been dumped by her long-term boyfriend and decides to move back to her home town and stay with her brother River and his best friend, Dax, until she figures things out. Though she didn't notice him much back then, she certainly notices the handsome, kind and sexy man he's become now. When he enters the reality floral competition, he hires Hollyn as his assistant and as they work together to win, the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur.
The story was fun and flirty and just had me smiling or laughing all the way through. I just adored Dax as the hero, he gave off such strong. boy next door vibes and was totally swoon worthy. This was a great feel-good romance, which I think would make an excellent movie. I hope the author creates follow-up stories following the other characters such as River and Mercy. If so, sign me up!
I received a complimentary copy Boldwood Books via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a ARC of this book.

Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of this book and I struggled to connect with the characters.

This is the sweetest. With Dax having been in love forever it is adorable with how he woos Hollyn. She’s not an easy character to love and is certainly as she says her self, selfish and self absorbed. She needed to have a moment in this to redeem herself and make her worthy of Dax in my opinion but it was an easy and cute read

This was a decent contemporary rom-com - I really enjoyed the flower reality show story line. There was nothing wrong with this book, but I'm not sure if I'll remember it in another month.

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!