The Confidence of Wildflowers (Wildflower Duet Book 1)

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Salem and Thayer keep their feelings and budding relationship a secret when there is no need. It was the strangest relationship progression I've ever read. So many grand gestures like Thayer building a home gym in his basement just for Salem (we're talking thousands of dollars worth of equipment) but oh no they definitely are NOT dating yet.... Some of the scenes were catastrophically, bury-my-head-in-the-sad, genuinely unbearably, cringe. I wish I could say they were the good kind. *They were not*. Omg Caleb is so incredibly sweet. Please tell me he gets a book! I literally started crying. I’m pretty sure I love him more than them.

I do wish there had been some more time before Salem and Thayer got involved romantically/sexually. I felt their connection wasn’t fully developed and felt very insta love and a little silly? It felt like Salem had a crush and Thayer was entertaining that crush just so he could get some. When tourism was connected to beautification, with wildflower trails, wildflower festivals, great gardens, we pretty much took the word beauty out of the sole province of the "ladies at a tea party" to the province of the business community.” Salem feels an instant connection to Thayer even though she knows it is wrong. There is something calming about Thayer, and it is with him that she finally finds peace from her nightmares and a partner she can confide in. I loved how much Thayer cared for Salem and all the little things he did without her knowing because he just wanted her to know that she mattered and that someone cared for her. Like, this man was the softest grump ever! You’re allowed to be upset, Salem.” His voice is soft, more gentle than usual. “You’re allowed to feel. Don’t let anyone ever let you think otherwise.”But as the story goes on, you truly see how strongly Thayer feels for Salem. I loved all the interactions with Thayer’s son, Forrest. He is such a great kid and he would say the sweetest things to Salem🥺. Salem's response to the tragedy at the end of this book was so off. I could not understand her rationale at all. It boggles the mind and that's not even taking into consideration the very last bomb dropped as the cliffhanger. There might be nothing sweeter or more emotional than this little girl talking to her brother’s grave.

The way the two loved each other, I had thought Salem would fight more for Thayer (the guy was grieving ffs). But I can't wait to see how they move past with this in the sequel. My future is a big ‘what if’ at the moment and I’m fine with that. For the most part. When Thayer Holmes moves in next door, the grumpy landscaper both fascinates and amuses me. When he asks me to nanny his kid, it’s a great way to make some extra money. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Thayer and his adorable son. There’s a big problem though. I’m eighteen. He’s thirty-one. Falling for someone almost fifteen years older than me wasn’t part of my plans, but sometimes things happen when you least expect them. The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer – eBook Details tropes: grumpy x sunshine, single dad, one bed + nightmare trope, age gap (13-14 years), employee x boss vibes bc she’s sometimes babysitting his son, cheating & small town.

The pace is slow at first but once you get accustomed to it, you start to enjoy it. The way it's written might feel slightly odd, but it is written from the POV of an 18 year old so it does make sense. It was an addicting read. I devoured it in a day. The plot on the surface seems simple enough but the characters is what bring depth to it.

Wildflowers are strong. Resilient. They can grow under most conditions. I want to be like that.” I let my hair down, his eyes watching my movements. “I want to have the confidence of wildflowers—to never give up, to flourish, and thrive.” On either side the wild roses, their pink dewy faces turned to the sun, tumbled over the fences, sprawled on the ground and filled the air with their pure summery smell.” The Endurance of Wildflowers - When I met Thayer Holmes, I had no idea how much he would single-handedly change my life. Throughout this was an emotion rollercoaster. It’s interesting how much Salem endured but still managed to shine. While comparatively Thayer’s life honestly seemed less complicated and he didn’t endure it as well.As the story progressed it came into its own. The relationship building between Salem and Thayer was beautiful.