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Something Like Sunflowers
Look, I know I haven’t been the greatest me I can be as of late. I’m selfish, materialistic, and I’ve forgotten where I come from, according to Hunter.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not the same girl I was. Or could be.
Now more than ever, I need to convince everyone that I definitely could be. And by everyone, I mean the executive panel at Classy Country, the last three people standing in between me and my dream job.
The problem? They don’t think I fit with their small-town values. Are you kidding me? I practically bleed small-town vibes.
Or I did.
I guess I’ve come a long way from pageants and pickup trucks. But I’m still the same girl who was born and raised in the sticks, and even though Hunter Isaac might know just how to get under my skin, that doesn’t mean I can’t bite back a little.
I know he’s my brother’s best friend. I know I’ve never hated anyone more. Most importantly, I know I shouldn’t let myself fall for someone like him.
The only problem is…I married him last night.
A spicy but sweet, small-town, second chance, brother's best friend romance full of banter, secrets and unexpected twists, with a dirty-talking cowboy and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not the same girl I was. Or could be.
Now more than ever, I need to convince everyone that I definitely could be. And by everyone, I mean the executive panel at Classy Country, the last three people standing in between me and my dream job.
The problem? They don’t think I fit with their small-town values. Are you kidding me? I practically bleed small-town vibes.
Or I did.
I guess I’ve come a long way from pageants and pickup trucks. But I’m still the same girl who was born and raised in the sticks, and even though Hunter Isaac might know just how to get under my skin, that doesn’t mean I can’t bite back a little.
I know he’s my brother’s best friend. I know I’ve never hated anyone more. Most importantly, I know I shouldn’t let myself fall for someone like him.
The only problem is…I married him last night.
A spicy but sweet, small-town, second chance, brother's best friend romance full of banter, secrets and unexpected twists, with a dirty-talking cowboy and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.
- GenresContemporary
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
About the author
Elsie Bea
1 book4 followersElsie Bea is a contemporary romance author from Richmond, Virginia. She lives 'out in the sticks' with her incorrigible husband, two crazy kids, and gaggle of dogs, ducks and chickens. When she isn't writing inappropriately steamy romcoms, you can find her dancing and singing in her kitchen or spending time with family.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 6, 2024
I am SO grateful to have received an arc of Something Like Sunflowers!
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I fell in love with the characters, the small town and of course Elsie's writing!
This is definitely one you should add to your tbr! A beautifully written book with fantastic characters, emotion, depth, love and happiness.
I'm so excited for the next book!
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I fell in love with the characters, the small town and of course Elsie's writing!
This is definitely one you should add to your tbr! A beautifully written book with fantastic characters, emotion, depth, love and happiness.
I'm so excited for the next book!
September 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Don’t let the sweet cover fool you! Inside these pages is spicy goodness that involves a second chance romance, brother’s best friend, a small town, and a dirty talking cowboy. Elsie knows how to write a story that is sweet and heartwarming, but also spicy, full of dirty talking that we love, and at the center of it all a story that you can’t put down.
Devyn is coming home, not completely happy about why, but it’s for her dream job. She can do this even if it means bunking with her brother again and having to compete against her childhood sweetheart. She’ll get the job and all will be good. What she isn’t prepared for is to see how much the town has changed, thanks to her former sweetheart.
Hunter has put his heart and soul into turning his small hometown into something people admire. I mean it doesn’t hurt that he makes rural living look good, and by that I mean he looks good doing it. He also has created a thriving youth rodeo program. Seeing his former love come home wasn’t something he thought would ever happen. Then one night, while out at a bar, they make a decision that changes everything.
Elsie writes a story beautifully balanced with romance, humor, heartwarming moments, tension, and healing. Devyn and Hunter are dynamic characters that reveal layer after layer as we get to know them. The former pageant girl and thirst trap cowboy are so much more below the surface. As they work through their pasts to better their future, you see them bring out the best of each other. Their connection is not only sizzling, but there is no much history entwined, it is easy to see the unbreakable bond they have.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
Don’t let the sweet cover fool you! Inside these pages is spicy goodness that involves a second chance romance, brother’s best friend, a small town, and a dirty talking cowboy. Elsie knows how to write a story that is sweet and heartwarming, but also spicy, full of dirty talking that we love, and at the center of it all a story that you can’t put down.
Devyn is coming home, not completely happy about why, but it’s for her dream job. She can do this even if it means bunking with her brother again and having to compete against her childhood sweetheart. She’ll get the job and all will be good. What she isn’t prepared for is to see how much the town has changed, thanks to her former sweetheart.
Hunter has put his heart and soul into turning his small hometown into something people admire. I mean it doesn’t hurt that he makes rural living look good, and by that I mean he looks good doing it. He also has created a thriving youth rodeo program. Seeing his former love come home wasn’t something he thought would ever happen. Then one night, while out at a bar, they make a decision that changes everything.
Elsie writes a story beautifully balanced with romance, humor, heartwarming moments, tension, and healing. Devyn and Hunter are dynamic characters that reveal layer after layer as we get to know them. The former pageant girl and thirst trap cowboy are so much more below the surface. As they work through their pasts to better their future, you see them bring out the best of each other. Their connection is not only sizzling, but there is no much history entwined, it is easy to see the unbreakable bond they have.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
August 5, 2024
Something Like Sunflowers by Elsie Bea - ARC Review
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
🌻 Small Town Romance
🌻 Second Chance
🌻 Brother’s Best Friend
🌻 Dirty Talking Cowboy
🌻 Childhood Sweethearts
"I swear to all the stars in the sky and the mountains that kiss their light, that I would marry you for a thousand reasons, and not one of them would be to change you."
The minute I started reading I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. It just made me keep going and needing to know what would happened next. Something Like Sunflowers has humor, heartbreak, spice, and secrets and let me tell you there were times I needed tissues to wipe up my tears.
This beautiful story that Elsie has creature was simply beautiful and I loved reading the beautiful story between Devyn and Hunter, they have a lot of history together but being able to get a second chance at their love was just everything and so much more. Devyn and Hunter meet many years later at a job interview and as they come back together, we get to know their real story comes fully to light along the journey as they complete for the job position at Classy Country.
As I was reading what I really loved was seeing the growth for Devyn with what she has been through and to see her go through more as she learns about the hometown and friends she left behind years ago when she first left.
I absolutely loved reading this story and I highly recommend you give it a read, but get ready to have your heart broken and put back together. So make sure to have some tissues on hand ready to go but also please be aware that there are multiple trigger warnings for this book - be sure to check those out.
I can’t wait for the next book in the Pine Forest series.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
🌻 Small Town Romance
🌻 Second Chance
🌻 Brother’s Best Friend
🌻 Dirty Talking Cowboy
🌻 Childhood Sweethearts
"I swear to all the stars in the sky and the mountains that kiss their light, that I would marry you for a thousand reasons, and not one of them would be to change you."
The minute I started reading I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. It just made me keep going and needing to know what would happened next. Something Like Sunflowers has humor, heartbreak, spice, and secrets and let me tell you there were times I needed tissues to wipe up my tears.
This beautiful story that Elsie has creature was simply beautiful and I loved reading the beautiful story between Devyn and Hunter, they have a lot of history together but being able to get a second chance at their love was just everything and so much more. Devyn and Hunter meet many years later at a job interview and as they come back together, we get to know their real story comes fully to light along the journey as they complete for the job position at Classy Country.
As I was reading what I really loved was seeing the growth for Devyn with what she has been through and to see her go through more as she learns about the hometown and friends she left behind years ago when she first left.
I absolutely loved reading this story and I highly recommend you give it a read, but get ready to have your heart broken and put back together. So make sure to have some tissues on hand ready to go but also please be aware that there are multiple trigger warnings for this book - be sure to check those out.
I can’t wait for the next book in the Pine Forest series.
August 8, 2024
When pageant queen Devyn gets roped into a not-so-friendly competition against her ex, Hunter, for her dream job, she's determined to win. Moving back to her small hometown is not ideal, and suddenly having to bunk with her brother, also not ideal. However, he realizes Pine Forest has changed a lot since she left, and Hunter has a lot to do with it. His country boy thirst trap charm has been fueling a newfound love for rural living, and his youth rodeo program is booming. One night at the bar reignites the fire between them, and it just so happens their friend is an officiant. One bar napkin wedding certificate later, Devyn finds herself married to the man she's never stopped thinking about. Hunter isn't the same guy who she left behind, and to make things work, she has to accept their past and his new life, or they have no future.
Oh goodness! So I found the lovely Elsie Bea when she first started teasing about writing a brother's best friend small town romance what feels like ages ago. Seeing her go from bookish reels to a published story makes me so happy. She's such a nice person! It doesn't hurt that this story was phenomenal. Our boy Hunter is a cowboy who films thirst traps and knows shibari. Need I say more? He's the dirty talking rough rider I didn't know I needed and couldn't get enough of. The small town life hit hard for me, as I can easily relate. Devyn and Hunter's rough past and their challenging future had me flipping pages late into the night, desperate to see how it ends up. This book consumed me and left no survivors. What a wild ride.
Oh goodness! So I found the lovely Elsie Bea when she first started teasing about writing a brother's best friend small town romance what feels like ages ago. Seeing her go from bookish reels to a published story makes me so happy. She's such a nice person! It doesn't hurt that this story was phenomenal. Our boy Hunter is a cowboy who films thirst traps and knows shibari. Need I say more? He's the dirty talking rough rider I didn't know I needed and couldn't get enough of. The small town life hit hard for me, as I can easily relate. Devyn and Hunter's rough past and their challenging future had me flipping pages late into the night, desperate to see how it ends up. This book consumed me and left no survivors. What a wild ride.
August 1, 2024
⭐ 4/5
🌶️3/5
Something like Sunflowers is a small town, brother’s best friend, second chance romance that starts out in a big city, that grabs you from the start. It was definitely not what I had expected, but was so much better. This was such a heart wrenching story filled with so many heart breaking moments, so many secrets, but it was filled with spice and humorous moments as well.
In my street team chat, another reader said something along the lines of be prepared to get your heart broken and literally put back together. I hadn’t gotten to that part of the book yet, but when I did, I totally understood that statement, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth. But in the best possible way.
The way Elsie wrote this book was crazy and insane, how she managed to connect both the MMC and the FMC showcasing their heartbreaking love story, grappling with their pain from their past struggles and trauma through their hidden secrets, to coming out on the other side, fighting at anything and everything that stands in their way.
If this book sounds good, just be aware of the multiple trigger warnings that are indicated both on the authors website and in front of the book.
Tropes:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
🌻 Past Trauma
🌻 Loss
🌶️3/5
Something like Sunflowers is a small town, brother’s best friend, second chance romance that starts out in a big city, that grabs you from the start. It was definitely not what I had expected, but was so much better. This was such a heart wrenching story filled with so many heart breaking moments, so many secrets, but it was filled with spice and humorous moments as well.
In my street team chat, another reader said something along the lines of be prepared to get your heart broken and literally put back together. I hadn’t gotten to that part of the book yet, but when I did, I totally understood that statement, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth. But in the best possible way.
The way Elsie wrote this book was crazy and insane, how she managed to connect both the MMC and the FMC showcasing their heartbreaking love story, grappling with their pain from their past struggles and trauma through their hidden secrets, to coming out on the other side, fighting at anything and everything that stands in their way.
If this book sounds good, just be aware of the multiple trigger warnings that are indicated both on the authors website and in front of the book.
Tropes:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
🌻 Past Trauma
🌻 Loss
August 5, 2024
"Something Like Sunflowers" is a captivating small-town, second-chance romance set in a big city, drawing you in from the start with its mix of unexpected twists, heartbreak, secrets, humor, and passion. The story intertwines the characters' past traumas with their love journey, showcasing their struggles and eventual triumph. The author's writing effectively connects their painful pasts to their path toward healing. The book grabs your attention with its fiery character connections and keeps you hooked with surprises and twists, blending classic romance elements with a rich, engaging storyline about family and friends. Readers should be aware of trigger warnings listed on the author’s website and in the book. This compelling read leaves you eager for more from the author.
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
🌻 Past Trauma
🌻 Loss
I absolutely could not put this book down! It’s full of twists and turns that could change everything, making for a truly captivating read. Devyn and Hunter’s story is beautiful, showcasing their second chance at love with a rich history that unfolds during a job interview, revealing their true story along the way. Elsie masterfully creates a deep connection between the characters and uncovers hidden secrets, moving from a big city to a small town where past memories play a significant role.
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
🌻 Past Trauma
🌻 Loss
I absolutely could not put this book down! It’s full of twists and turns that could change everything, making for a truly captivating read. Devyn and Hunter’s story is beautiful, showcasing their second chance at love with a rich history that unfolds during a job interview, revealing their true story along the way. Elsie masterfully creates a deep connection between the characters and uncovers hidden secrets, moving from a big city to a small town where past memories play a significant role.
August 19, 2024
First off, thank you Elsie for the ARC of this. Absolutely loved it!
Devyn and Hunter have had a turbulent past. One of grief, love, and secrets. As high school sweethearts they endured pain like no other. So when tragedy strikes, Devyn leaves to find herself a new path leaving Hunter in the dust. Fast forward years later, she is a successful TV anchor while Hunter is back home putting his farm (and himself) on full display on all the social medias. When Devyn finds herself battling for the same job as Hunter, things take an interesting turn. One that requires her to go back home. Devyn and Hunter start to peal back the past and things start to unravel like never before. A secret he’s been hiding changes their entire lives. But Devyn has secrets of her own. Can they move past it all and try for a second chance? Or is their love water under the bridge?
Such a sweet, emotionally heart wrenching love story!! Absolutely loved the journey we went on with these two and excited for the next book!
I would suggest reading the TWs because there are some pretty heavy topics this book covers (loss of a child, addiction, teen pregnancy - just to name a few).
Devyn and Hunter have had a turbulent past. One of grief, love, and secrets. As high school sweethearts they endured pain like no other. So when tragedy strikes, Devyn leaves to find herself a new path leaving Hunter in the dust. Fast forward years later, she is a successful TV anchor while Hunter is back home putting his farm (and himself) on full display on all the social medias. When Devyn finds herself battling for the same job as Hunter, things take an interesting turn. One that requires her to go back home. Devyn and Hunter start to peal back the past and things start to unravel like never before. A secret he’s been hiding changes their entire lives. But Devyn has secrets of her own. Can they move past it all and try for a second chance? Or is their love water under the bridge?
Such a sweet, emotionally heart wrenching love story!! Absolutely loved the journey we went on with these two and excited for the next book!
I would suggest reading the TWs because there are some pretty heavy topics this book covers (loss of a child, addiction, teen pregnancy - just to name a few).
August 27, 2024
Let me start this review by saying I am so proud of my girl Elsie Bea for publishing a book. I've seen her write this book along the way and to finally be able to read her book was amazing.
"Something Like Sunflowers" was a beautiful book that showed great growth and depth to the main characters Dev and Hunter. Dev was an unlikable character initially, but watching her grow and become her old self again was beautiful. Seeing her relationship with Hunter grow again once given a second chance made my heart flutter.
Hunter was a dreamboat of a character that had me swooning left, right, and center. He was a good man and his heart of gold warmed my heart.
This Brother's Best Friend, Second Chance Romance was an amazing read. Elsie Bea poured her heart and soul into this book and you can tell by all the emotions you felt. I cried, laughed, swooned, and an array of other emotions.
Elsie Bea, I'm so proud of you and it was a pleasure reading your book. I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
"Something Like Sunflowers" was a beautiful book that showed great growth and depth to the main characters Dev and Hunter. Dev was an unlikable character initially, but watching her grow and become her old self again was beautiful. Seeing her relationship with Hunter grow again once given a second chance made my heart flutter.
Hunter was a dreamboat of a character that had me swooning left, right, and center. He was a good man and his heart of gold warmed my heart.
This Brother's Best Friend, Second Chance Romance was an amazing read. Elsie Bea poured her heart and soul into this book and you can tell by all the emotions you felt. I cried, laughed, swooned, and an array of other emotions.
Elsie Bea, I'm so proud of you and it was a pleasure reading your book. I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
July 31, 2024
Something Like Sunflowers captures your attention from the very beginning. Within the first two chapters, you get a hint of the storyline and get a taste of the two main characters and the fire that is already burning between them. You think you know where the story is going to go, but then you find out you don’t. There are twists and turns that create questions you need answers to, which makes you want to read more and faster. This book has all the pieces you expect of a romance, while also having a beautiful storyline that makes you feel like you truly know the characters. This book is more than a love story, it contains the life stories of family and friends. The author does an amazing job of keeping you interested and wanting more. There are surprises until the very end. I can’t wait for what she comes out with next!
August 5, 2024
This is Hunter and Devyn’s story.
Devyn is Hunter’s best friends’ little sister, and they have history between them. Now they find themselves competing against each other for a dream job at Classy Country.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with childhood sweethearts, dirty talking cowboy, heartbreak, loss, past trauma, secrets, unexpected twists, humor, witty banter, revelations, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and spicy, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Devyn is Hunter’s best friends’ little sister, and they have history between them. Now they find themselves competing against each other for a dream job at Classy Country.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with childhood sweethearts, dirty talking cowboy, heartbreak, loss, past trauma, secrets, unexpected twists, humor, witty banter, revelations, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and spicy, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
July 31, 2024
I absolutely could not put this book down!! There are twists and turns and choices that could change the whole story but it is beautiful!! When reading this book please be aware of your triggers.
Devyn and Hunter have such a beautiful story with a lot of history but getting a second chance at love was everything and more. As they come back together during a job interview only for their real story to come fully to light along the journey.
Elsie did an amazing job at creating this connection between the two characters and revealing hidden secrets along the way. Starting out in the big city to end up in a small town where so many memories of the past take precedente to bring this story to life. I can’t wait to read more of her works in the future!!
Devyn and Hunter have such a beautiful story with a lot of history but getting a second chance at love was everything and more. As they come back together during a job interview only for their real story to come fully to light along the journey.
Elsie did an amazing job at creating this connection between the two characters and revealing hidden secrets along the way. Starting out in the big city to end up in a small town where so many memories of the past take precedente to bring this story to life. I can’t wait to read more of her works in the future!!
August 12, 2024
This book took me a few chapters to settle into the characters. Once thinks clicked I couldn’t put it down. It has a good storyline and steamy chemistry. It’s a second chance, brother’s best friend, small town, cowboy romance 😍.
This is Hunter and Devyn’s story. They have history together and fall again isn’t hard no matter how hard they try not to.
This is Hunter and Devyn’s story. They have history together and fall again isn’t hard no matter how hard they try not to.
August 30, 2024
If you enjoy small town love stories with small town vibes, involving best friends, cowboys and life in the country, then you will love Hunter & Devyn’s story! I loved following them as they rekindled the love they left behind years ago after suffering a heartbreaking loss. A solid 5/5 ⭐️’s …. And the spice level was on point - 4/5 🌶️!! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 I can’t wait to read Shana and Dustin’s story next!
September 9, 2024
I honestly wasn’t sure what I expected from this novel, but I absolutely loved it! It had spice, humor, sass, drama - everything that gets your attention and keeps it.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a small town romance ofpeople finding their way back to each other. Great job, Elsie Bea! Can’t wait to read what comes next!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a small town romance ofpeople finding their way back to each other. Great job, Elsie Bea! Can’t wait to read what comes next!
August 3, 2024
I couldn’t put it down
I couldn’t put this book down. I am beyond obsessed with the story of Devyn and Hunter and honestly I’m SO sad it’s over. This heartfelt, spicy read tugged at my heartstrings and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Something Like Sugar.
I couldn’t put this book down. I am beyond obsessed with the story of Devyn and Hunter and honestly I’m SO sad it’s over. This heartfelt, spicy read tugged at my heartstrings and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Something Like Sugar.
August 8, 2024
Loved this story hunter and Devyn were giving me all the enemies to lovers brothers best friend vibes and how they pick on each other because they don’t want to admit what they want.. loved it from start to finish
August 18, 2024
enjoyable
A sweet and sexy story that had this couple going through some very difficult times and somehow they still managed to find their HEA
A sweet and sexy story that had this couple going through some very difficult times and somehow they still managed to find their HEA
August 18, 2024
A sweet and sexy story that had this couple going through some very difficult times and somehow they still managed to find their HEA
August 1, 2024
This book was amazing. I'm so honored I got the opportunity to receive it as an ARC, this was such a great story and it will definitely stay in my mind for a while. I highly recommend it!!😊
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September 25, 2024
💛🌻 ARC REVIEW 🌻💛
Something Like Sunflowers
Pine Forest - Book 1
Holy man. This book was not what I expected but definitely needed. It had humor, heartbreak, spice, and secrets.
I loved the growth the reader got to see Devyn go through as she learned about the hometown and friends she left behind.
Get ready to have your heart broken and put back together.
Pick this one up if you enjoy:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
“I swear to all the stars in the sky and the mountains that kiss their light, that I would marry you for a thousand reasons, and not one of them would be to change you.”
Please be aware there are multiple trigger warnings for this book - be sure to check those out.
Something Like Sunflowers
Pine Forest - Book 1
Holy man. This book was not what I expected but definitely needed. It had humor, heartbreak, spice, and secrets.
I loved the growth the reader got to see Devyn go through as she learned about the hometown and friends she left behind.
Get ready to have your heart broken and put back together.
Pick this one up if you enjoy:
🌻 Small town romance
🌻 Brother's best friend
🌻 Childhood sweethearts
🌻 Second chance romance
🌻 Dirty talking cowboy thirst trap
“I swear to all the stars in the sky and the mountains that kiss their light, that I would marry you for a thousand reasons, and not one of them would be to change you.”
Please be aware there are multiple trigger warnings for this book - be sure to check those out.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews