The Confidence of Wildflowers (Wildflower Duet Book 1)

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As the story progressed it came into its own. The relationship building between Salem and Thayer was beautiful. The prince made a big show of cautiously surveying the scene. Aurora Rose hid a smile. Nothing seemed harmful. "All right," he finally said. "My face could definitely do with a wash. Feels all dusty." Fast forward six years later, Salem's mother's cancer resurfaces, prompting Salem to return to her hometown. There, she reconnects with Thayer, who asks her out on a date. Salem agrees, and a few weeks later, they decide to move in together. As time goes by, Salem and Thayer contemplate having more children and eventually get married. To ensure that Caleb remains involved in Seda's life, he moves in next door, occupying Salem's deceased mother's home. This arrangement was Caleb's idea, as Salem isn't particularly concerned about potentially separating Caleb and Seda in the pursuit of her own happiness. No matter what conditions look like around you—keep on believing, keep on persisting—keep on going—keep on growing. Just like wildflowers grow wherever they choose, no matter the conditions—be and be becoming all that you were created to be and become.” Now, before you read this review, refer to my review of the first book to understand this better: (if you haven't read the duet)

I mean, the man raised her child, doesn't want to separate from her, and understandably wants to maintain a connection with her for a little longer. And thI had this wonderful feeling this would be bought in physical copy like I did Sweet Dandelion and put on my special shelf. I just can’t and I don’t think I’m going to read the sequel. I think I’ll try some of her other books to see if I find a love like Sweet Dandelion!

Sometimes paths aren’t always clear, but as time goes by and you experience life, things start to make more sense.” Wildflowers can't be controlled, and neither can the girl with a soul boundless as the sky, and a spirit as free and wild as the ocean.” No offense to Caleb, but you're her mom. I don't just mean that in the DNA sense. You're the one who's stayed at home with her and all that. Besides, he works long hours. I don't think he can be as stable for her as he'd like to think he can be. He's being selfish. Seda needs to be with you, and he can have her some weekends."Micalea Smeltzer’s writing style seamlessly navigates the highs and lows of the characters’ emotions, delivering a rollercoaster of feelings to the reader. At times somber, at others sweet and swoony, the chemistry between Salem and Thayer is portrayed with poetic precision. Their connection feels authentic and soul-deep, making it impossible not to be emotionally invested in their love story. And, I’m sorry (I’m not), but how, just how, was Forrest’s character LIKED?? I can understand the appeal of a child (I can’t), but every sentence he spoke was so clearly thought by an adult that it was just so hilarious😭😭. Our brilliant MC repeatedly praises the little human’s intelligence (that does appear to exist in some sentences) only for him to say: “What did she mean about my dad cheating on her? Were they playing a game and he cheated?”..... 😭GOD, the way his intelligence appeared only when the author thought it convenient, and otherwise reduced him to a blabbering, brainless prop, was atrocious. At least be coherent to the character itself😭. 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🥺. It took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.

I could do with a little bit of a break," she said, looking longingly at the soft, moss-covered braes above the tinkling water. I really went into this story thinking that it was going to be a nice steamy read with a few hiccups along the way and I have to say that I’m so glad that I was wrong. This turned out to be so much more and aside from that gut punch that I’m still feeling and not having this told in dual pov, I enjoyed it. I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting for the final book because not only do we need answers from that cliffhanger, I need an HEA for my sanity! If you thought that adding a kid to the picture would help us get some kind of reaction from the characters, then you’ve guessed wrong.I should’ve DNFd this book honestly, because nothing happens in the 70% that follows. Literally nothing. The rest of the book is Thayer and Salem having their HEA. It felt like an unnecessarily long epilogue.

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. Sadly, like I mentioned before, there was so much foreshadowing about Forrest's death. The spiral that happened to Thayer is understandable. I felt his pain at the loss and his sadness took over every good thing he had in his life. Nothing was going to fix it and he tried to push Salem away and did a fantastic job at it. ok so this was not good but it was feel good. in other words it was an overly long epilogue. all this story consists of is feel good moments and a HEA. i don’t regret reading it and i’m happy it all ended the way it did but there was just too much filler writing for me to give this a higher rating. Love is like a wild rose; the thorns will only make your heart bleed if you touch it without care.”

Series Reading Order

One thing to mention, Salem is in a relationship when she meets Thayer so I wasn’t a fan of the “love triangle” aspect but that is more of a personal choice. I love grumpy people and Thayer was very lovable in almost an Eeyore kind of way. He couldn’t have given Salem a more apt pet name in Sunshine because she never gave up, she walked under all of his rain clouds. Additionally, the age gap between Salem and Thayer, a central theme of the book, could have been explored with more depth and complexity. While their connection was undeniably heartwarming, it sometimes felt like Thayer did not fully embody his age due to his actions and choices, which made the age gap less noticeable than expected.