This was such a sweet love story! I loved all of the hilarious Deck Daddy puns, and I had a great time watching Rose and Jason progress, in addition to the drama around them.

Rose is an outspoken, sex-positive wedding dress designer with zero filter—and honestly, I admired the boldness, even if it was a bit much at times. Jason, our hero, is a thoughtful social media craftsman (and the bride-to-be’s brother), navigating some serious religious baggage and a disapproving mom who could kill a vibe in 0.2 seconds.

Their chemistry? Undeniable. But we went from celibacy to full-on steamy real fast, and the emotional whiplash was real. The FMC’s unfiltered personality toeed the line between empowering and overwhelming—and for me, it leaned a little too hard in one direction.

Still, there were sweet moments, fun banter, and a fresh take on navigating identity and belief. Not a top-tier read for me, but I had a good time with the chaos.

This is a cute little book. I enjoyed the premise, and the spice was good. Overall, I did like most of it, but the third act breakup was not super enjoyable for me. I kept getting a bit annoyed with both main characters over how reactive they were being. While at the same time, they were relatable, and I don't think they were unrealistic.

There were a few characters I DESPISED, but they were the antagonists, so good job to the author on accomplishing that. Usually I don't hate characters that much in contemporaries, so I was surprised how much I did in this one.

Overall a good read.

I really liked this book! It was sweet, funny, and spicy, which is right up my alley!

Rose is a commitment-phobe who moves in with Jason to have space for her wedding dress making business. Jason is a shirtless carpenter influencer who is looking for commitment but only if the woman is approved by his mother. The chemistry between Rose and Jason was off the charts. I appreciated how supportive they were of each other's careers and personal lives. They're both trying to figure out how to move forward after having trust issues from past experiences. I appreciated that they were both honest with each other about wanting more than just sex. I also liked how there wasn't the typical commitment-phobe flakiness where they refuse to admit they're in a relationship. I hate that trope and this circumvented that nicely.

This was almost a five-star read except I felt like a few things were unresolved and Jason should've done a little bit more to earn Rose's trust back. I felt like there could've been more resolution with Jason's mom and Rose's sister, as well.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Star Siren Press, & Holly Rose for this ARC

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this book! The writing is fresh, vibrant, and full of personality, making it a breeze to fall into the story. The plot was engaging and easy to follow, and the chemistry between Rose and Jason was off the charts—tangible, electric, and oh-so-sweet.

Jason is the ultimate book boyfriend: kind, patient, and deeply respectful of Rose’s past and her boundaries, all while staying true to his own needs. And Rose? She’s a total firecracker—fierce, colorful, and the perfect match to shake up Jason’s world. Their romance struck the perfect balance of heart-melting sweetness and sizzling spice.

I’m already counting down the days until the next interconnected standalone in the series. Holly Rose is an auto-buy author for me now!

This book really confused me. I think there were just too many tropes. He was her middle school crush. Now they're roommates. Also there's forced proximity because of an evacuation. She's a sex positive, pagan, wedding dress designer who never wants to get married with a single mom who swore off men, but now Mom's engaged! He's a Christian on a celibacy journey (until he meets his future wife), doing a self-imposed Seinfeld "The Contest" as a way to get over his past abusive relationship that took him away from his religious family, being tempted by a "godless Guidry girl" (his mom's opinion of Rose), while taking his shirt off for his woodworking social media account and renovating a decommissioned church into his perfect home. Also he shares a name (and some personality things) with an ex of mine, which did NOT help on several occasions throughout, but that's not the book's fault.

And yet, I kinda couldn't put it down. Once I got past all the Christian/church stuff in the beginning, which I was NOT expecting and nearly turned me off entirely TBH, I was intrigued by what was going on. I really had no idea where things would go from chapter to chapter. They'd have a big "misunderstanding" and yet, everyone would act appropriately and apologize or see things the other person's way. She's a fashion designer who moved home to New Orleans from New York, but doesn't know how Instagram works or why she might want one for her wedding dress business, in 2025. He's on a celibacy journey, but their first romantic encounter is far from vanilla, and then he's over it and they're going at it like bunnies for pages on end, even though Rose is clear about not wanting to get married. (I should have taken the Tessa Bailey comparisons as a warning, because some of the sex scenes are kinda cringe, but I don't want to yuck anyone's yum. It was mostly not for me.)

I appreciated the Rose doesn't apologize for her sexuality, and while some of her sex discussions with Jason veered a little too far into the "TikTok video explaining what you didn't learn in health class" territory, it was nice to read about a male character who thinks he has something to learn. I liked that the book was set in New Orleans, which is not your typical romance novel setting. I liked how the Instagram comment sections seemed real and appropriately thirsty given his content (I think the author probably watches that wood-chopping guy like I do LOL!). There were some good texts toward the end, but I wish there had been more sprinkled throughout.

But the ending, especially the two skip forwards, didn't work for me as well as I wanted. Rose seemed like a more fully formed character than Jason, which is odd since it's dual-POV. I couldn't remember how old everyone was supposed to be, so whether their behavior was age appropriate or not. And since this was the first of a series about the "Dream House Girls," it would have been helpful to spend more time with them as well as really explain how they came up with that name, etc.

It was a quick read, but I think I'll pass on the others in the trilogy for now.

I had a good time reading this story.
Yes, it's a funny, cute, and swoony romance—but it also delves into the characters’ psyches in a meaningful way without taking itself too seriously. People say romances have no depth? This one proves otherwise.

Rose had a crush on a boy back in middle school—Jason, the brother of her sister’s best friend, who even took her to prom. Fast forward years later, and life throws them back together.

Jason is skittish around love after surviving an emotionally abusive relationship that isolated him from his family. Now, he wants to find a woman his mother would approve of—but he's disillusioned by hypocritical churchgoers who don't live by what they preach.

Rose, on the other hand, is shaped by her parents’ divorce and her upbringing with a sex therapist mom. She's strong, self-sufficient, and hesitant to commit—afraid that needing someone might mean losing herself.

This story is for you if you like:
- Forced proximity
- Roommates to lovers (technically landlord/tenant)
- Open-minded FMC / celibate MMC
- Slightly forbidden romance
- Characters with emotional depth wrapped in a fun, romantic package
Thank you to the author for this ARC

Really liked this one a lot. It’s one of those stories that just feels easy to read. Cute, simple, and exactly what I needed. It didn’t try to be something it wasn’t, and that’s what made it so enjoyable.

Jason was such a green flag. Like, full-on golden retriever boyfriend vibes, sweet, supportive, genuinely good. I adored him from the start. Rose was fantastic, she said what she thought, didn't sugarcoat anything. Definitely my favorite character.

Jason could’ve been more decisive in a few key moments, but to be fair, he made up for it beautifully.

Also, the writing flowed really well. Overall, a solid 4 star read and something I’d totally recommend if you’re in the mood for something light and fun. Thank you so much to the author and NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review voluntary

I absolutely loved this book. It was such an addictive, fun read with a sweet, heart-melting romance. The dual POV was done perfectly, and I especially loved seeing scenes from both characters' perspectives because it added so much depth. The character development, even for the side characters, was really well done.

Heads up: there is open-door spice, dirty talk, and toys included early on, which fit the story and characters perfectly. The miscommunication frustrated me at times, but only because I loved them together so much. I also appreciated the mental health representation and the refreshing, supportive family relationships.

The social media angle was really well woven in, and I adored the idea of a wedding dress designer who does not believe in marriage. Overall, the vibes, romance, and depth completely won me over. I cannot wait for the next book.

Tropes:
▪︎ Wedding dress designer FMC
▪︎ Architect MMC
▪︎ Golden retriever MMC
▪︎ Friends to lovers
▪︎ Only one bed
▪︎ Dual POV
▪︎ Open door spice and dirty talk with toys

Duuude I fell in love with this book and the Characters 😭 I'm definitely rereading the book 🥹 I'm such a sucker for childhood turned lovers stories 💙💙 Jason has my heart 🥹💙 the chemistry, the anticipation, the frustration in some scenes, the swooooning AAAH 😭💙 I really loved reading this book and would recommend it to people I know 💙🤗

The plot and the characters were quite cute. As a neurodivergent Priest’s daughter who is quite spiritual I felt I could relate to Rose a lot. Whilst some of the sex scenes did make me feel a little uncomfortable personally, I’m not one to yuck on someone else’s yum and I completed this book for their love story.

I sometimes found the dialogue to feel a little awkward or seem disjointed/stinted/to switch too quickly between formal and informal. But this could be part of my AuDHD and am mindful that not everyone converses the same way.

However I adored both Rose and Jason’s storyline. This book was incredibly light, cozy, and fluffy, and felt like a warm hug on a cold day with cocoa and a hot bath. I read this as we were about to have a family funeral, so when we had some heavy things going on ready something so light and adorable helped to make my days a little brighter. 🥰 I’m excited to read more in the series.

Otherwise no complaints, and loved it. 🥰

This book is just so cute! It’s an adorable, feel-good romance that pulled me in right from the start.

I found myself really invested in both main characters and their journey. Their chemistry built steadily, and the tension between them was so well done — when they finally gave in, it felt so satisfying and well-earned!

One of my favorite parts was how Holly Rose wove in fun little visuals like Instagram comments, text messages, and the bucket list. It added such a fun, modern dynamic and really pulled me deeper into their world.

That said, there were a few moments where the dialogue felt a little cringy, like she was trying a bit too hard to sound “cool” or trendy, and it pulled me out of the story a couple of times. (Honestly, it reminded me of my teen and his friends with all the slang they use.) It wasn’t a major issue, but it was noticeable enough to mention.

Overall, I really liked Follow Your Bliss. It gave me all the swoony, cozy feelings I want from a contemporary romance. I’d rate it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 because I cared so much about the characters and was fully invested in their happily-ever-after. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Holly Rose in the future!

Follow Your Bliss by Holly Rose is a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance that blends humor, heat, and heart in equal measure. The story follows Rose Guidry, a talented wedding dress designer who has returned to her hometown to rebuild her life and business. She reconnects with Jason, a carpenter and social media influencer, leading to a charming and steamy romance that explores themes of self-discovery, trust, and healing.​

Rose is a relatable and witty heroine, navigating the complexities of love, family expectations, and personal growth. Jason is the epitome of a supportive and understanding partner, offering Rose the space and encouragement she needs to open her heart again. Their chemistry is palpable, and their journey from friends to lovers is both heartwarming and sizzling.​

The novel is peppered with humor, candid conversations about intimacy, and a refreshing take on modern relationships. Rose's anxiety is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, adding depth to her character and resonating with readers who appreciate nuanced mental health representation (I knowI do).​

While the story is lighthearted and fun, it doesn't shy away from addressing deeper issues such as religious trauma, family dynamics, and the complexities of reconciling personal desires with cultural expectations. These elements add layers to the narrative, making it more than just a typical romance.​

Overall, Follow Your Bliss is a delightful read that offers a perfect balance of humor, heat, and heart. Holly Rose has crafted a story that is both entertaining and meaningful, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

I LOVED the puns and word play that the author used in this book. It had me giggling more than once while reading it. I definitely was fully committed to the slow burn between our two main characters. Our FMCs internal thoughts made me feel seen as a person because my mind runs a mile a minute.

I had some moments of frustration with our MMC where I tossed my kindle to the end of the couch but to me that’s amazing writing. If an author can illicit a physical reaction out of me I am instantly hooked.

this book was enjoyable in lots of ways but it started to get a little problematic for me because the main character man was a little too much. his need for the approval of his mother went way to far to just being something to work through. he had the term "mothers boy" leaning far to much in all the wrong ways.
Rose had alot of growth to do herself but it felt more relatable or at least not so problematic.
there swoon moments and witty banter was fun. and the premise of the book felt well done. and i enjoyed how the story played out. and whilst doing so touches some tough subjects well.
but for me it did put me off im afraid with just how red flag he was. i didnt want this for either of them but maybe i got or read it wrong.
this book does have some trigger warning which some might want to be aware of.
i dont know, maybe this book hit me at the wrong time. as i dont know why i couldnt love it. maybe the MMC getting me into that "thought spiral" straight away had me blacklisting the rest. but please dont get me wrong. i love a guy who can show is love. who can show his strength of love for his mum. that is NO problem. but this wasnt that for me and i can only apologize if i got the wrong end of the stick.

This was an engaging and lighthearted read. The two characters had great chemistry and the energy between them was fun. The romantic storyline was sweet with a touch of steam, and well paced. The conflict with one of the leads’ relationship with his mother added just the right amount of angst. A good book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holly Rose for the ARC!

<b><i>One Sentence Summary: "She's never learned how to love and he's never known true passion."</b></i>

When I tell you that I finished this book and IMMEDIATELY wanted to reread it, I mean it! I finished reading this book at 10:30pm, which is well past my bedtime, and I was so tempted to just turn around and start again.

Follow Your Bliss stars Rose and Jason, childhood acquaintances intertwined in adulthood, Rose is an aspiring bridal designer, Jason is a trained architect switching roles to be a carpenter/renovator/influencer. Brought back into each others' lives when Rose needs to get out of her mother's house because it's too small upon her move back to New Orleans, Jason offers to rent his rectory-turned-apartment in his church-house to her to have more space to work on his sister's wedding dresses.

They become a well working team boosting Jason's "Deck Daddy" social media presence and working on building Rose's to promote her budding bridal business. There is also A LOT of very sex-positive conversation. My favorite quote is "What's a c0ck ring? And do I need one?" Rose teaches Jason, Jason teaches Rose. The main obstacle in their budding relationship is Rose's inability to believe every man will leave her and Jason's religious trauma, his mother, and the abusive/manipulative relationship he had with his ex.

Holly Rose does such an amazing job exploring the complexities and emotions that come with a new relationship with an old friend. Follow Your Bliss is also a refreshing discussion on sex. It doesn't just HAPPEN. There's sex toys, celibacy, self-love, and so much more.

An excellently written rom-com that had me giggling, squealing, clutching my pearls, and sweating.

A wedding dress designer who doesn’t believe in marriage? Count me in.

There’s something charming about Follow Your Bliss, from the small-town return vibes to the flirty rekindling between two people with shared history. Rose’s inner monologue sparkles with wit, though her dialogue sometimes veers into a bit much. The religious elements pop in and out (more plot device than pillar), but don’t overpower the story. Bonus points for a sex therapist mom who steals every scene she’s in (which is a great contrast to to religious other side). This debut brings lighthearted fun, a dash of heart, and a heroine who’s trying to figure it all out, just like the rest of us!

Yeah, I couldn’t.

Okay sooo… I SWEAR I didn’t read the warnings or description properly and that’s 100% on me 😭. I had no clue this was 🔞 going in, and I’m not into that genre at all❌. The cover totally threw me off — like it gives middle grade vibes🌞?? But then BAM🔫 — it’s not.

I tried. I really did. But the second we hit chapter 2 and they saw each other, I was just… no💀. The vibes were OFF. The language?? I don’t even mind swearing in books usually, but for this book it just didn't work🥴.

And the internal thoughts?? TOO much. Like I get characters having unfiltered minds🙊, but this felt like I was stuck in a never-ending spiral of TMI🙈🙅🏽‍♀️. There was zero subtlety and everything was so upfront it made me cringe more than care🎭.

I hate DNFing books but I had to tap out around the halfway mark🪦. It’s just not for me at all. No shade to the author — if this is your thing, cool — but yeah, I’m gonna go follow my bliss… somewhere far away from this book🎯.

Thanks Netgalley and the author for the ARC 🙈🌚🎭