Some wallflowers are too beautiful to hide in the shadows forever. After growing up in the shadow of her vivacious sister, Layla Jenson believed she’d never measured up, preferring to live a quiet existence, dreaming of true love while watching life pass her by. When a member of her college football team suddenly asks her out, Layla is stunned but also hopeful. Maybe being the awkward girl who … stunned but also hopeful. Maybe being the awkward girl who struggles socially is an endearing quality after all?
Watching Layla date his teammate is a problem for Ethan Miller. Athletic and outgoing, he’s been best friends with Layla since childhood. He is the one person who sees her—who has always seen her. And as the stakes in the game change, Ethan is forced to face his feelings.
He’s left with a single choice—admit he’s in love with his best friend, or stand back and possibly lose her forever.
Disclaimer: Don’t let the cute cover fool you. Friend Zone is as steamy as it is sweet and contains scenes that will make you blush.
more
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Though to be honest I enjoyed this so much and saw who was in the first two books I went bought them. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite troupes. This one is a little different. I loved that Layla and Ethan have known one another since they were four. Their first meeting all those years ago is heartbreaking for why, but yet so beautiful. I can so relate to Layla in how she sees herself because I struggle with it myself. I wish I had an Ethan like she does. Ethan see the how beautiful Layla is inside and out. Keeping their true feelings a secret almost cost them their friendship, but Ethan is a man on a mission win Layla back. I loved Layla’s friend Evie. We all need a friend like her in our corner. This book has the perfect combo of heat, heart, and humor with the angst of college. The epilogue was the perfect touch to end this book on. I couldn’t have asked it end any other way. If you’re looking for a good story with the feels and heat pick this one up!
Amongst the Wildflowers is the third book in the Fleurs d’Amour series. While it is the series it is a completely stand-alone book. This installment follows the reintroduction of estranged best friend Ethan Miller into Layla Jenson’s life. The love that these two characters share started as a childhood infatuation to a teenage crush to adult love. Their chemistry is amazing, but it’s all the other moments that tug at your heartstrings. When jealousy brings a threat to their newly found happiness, will the insecurities of the past cause these lovers to lose their way or will the truth win out in the end? An engaging story with believable characters, steamy love scenes and all the feel, Amongst the Wildflowers, is a must read!
A quick, enjoyable read
Book 3 in the Fleurs d’Amour series, I’d previously read and loved Dandelions Dreams by this author, so I was excited to read this next book in the series. While characters do carry over from the previous books (and the timeline runs in parallel with book 2), this works well as a standalone.
I really liked Layla and Ethan, two nice, decent, intelligent people who sometimes let fear get the better of them. I loved their backstory; it was cute and sweet, even if I did want to yell at them both a couple of times for being stupid kids, lol. I liked their chemistry, and I loved how strong they were together; Ethan’s determination really won me over.
There were some really great secondary characters here as well. I adored Evie as well as Seth and Mia, and I enjoyed the chance to revisit Cassidy’s brand of crazy . And after reading too many books with sh*tty parents, it was a nice change to read a book where both main characters actually have a decent relationship with their families.
I did have a couple of relatively minor problems with the story. For one, I’m not a fan of plots that are driven by lack of communication; I recognize that it does happen in real life but it mostly just annoys me in books, so the first part of the book dragged some for me. I also thought a couple of the secondary characters were a bit stereotypical, which made parts of the plot predictable. Taking even one of those characters in a different direction–or adding some depth and motivation behind their actions–would have added a lot to the story for me.
A story that was sweet and funny, as well as hot and angsty by turns, overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. 4 stars
B2B Kelly
This author is new to me and I am happy to say I found one that I will follow.
This story was about Layla and Ethan. They have known each other since they were four and had always been in each other’s lives until Ethan leaves for college. Each one loved the other but never had the guts to let their feelings known. Now Ethan is back to fix what he has broken. This was a sweet story with some cringe worthy drama and lots of sweet, loving moments.
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done!
Amongst The Wildflowers was a book filled with characters that you immediately fall in love with and relate to on so many levels…
Growing up Layla had always felt like she was lacking, not pretty enough, skinny enough and she was bullied most of her young life. My heart broke for her and related to her on so many levels.. Ethan silences those self doubts for Layla, he stood up for her, protected her and became her everything starting at the age of four..their entire lives it was always Ethan & Layla until it just wasn’t anymore. Ethan’s sudden disappearance has left a hole in Layla’s heart but she’s done her best to move forward with her life; but has she been living or just existing? When Ethan returns to make amends and true feelings are revealed can Layla move past her hurt and let Ethan back in?
This book was filled with some great and not so great (Tash) secondary characters, all the angsty goodness and will gut punch you right in all the feels. I definitely recommend you read Amongst the Wildflowers and this series it’s so worth it
If you haven’t yet discovered the delicious sweetness of Amali Rose’s Fleurs d’amour series, you need to check it out right away! The first two books completely melted me and Amongst the Wildflowers is no different. Amali Rose creates characters that are relatable and you can actually feel the emotions of the story. This is something that a lot of authors have difficulty with and Amali completely nails it. Ethan and Layla’s story is so heart-warming and captivating, I loved it and I know you will too!
5 beautiful Wildflower Stars!
I adored Ethan and Layla’s story from the very second their eyes lock in the classroom. Evie is a friend I would undoubtedly jump at the chance to have on my side, she’s there for Layla through everything and she’s absolutely hilarious. If there’s a character I can say I loathe, it would be Michael and Tash hands down. We’re giving a second chance romance that is a page turner and will have you smiling more often then not. When Ethan decides to push forward he gives it all he has and it’s so sweet. When things get hot they get HOT. This is a standalone in a series but I highly suggest you read them all because you’ll fall in love without a doubt. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
He Always Saw Her
4.5 Stars He’s loved her since he can remember. She’s loved him just as long. Now they both need to figure that out so they can get their HEA.
Layla and Ethan became friends when they were just four years old. And they stayed best friends until Ethan abruptly decided to go to a college far away and left Layla behind. He was her protector from the bullies, her shoulder to cry on, her everything. And when he left, he broke her heart.
It’s been years and now he’s back to fix what he broke. He uprooted his life, that he led for the past three years, to find her again and make things right. He’s not sure if she’ll ever forgive him, but regardless of how he can have her in his life, he wants anything she’ll give him.
Layla isn’t the same heartbroken girl he left behind. She’s stronger now. Always plagued by her feelings of never being enough…not pretty enough or skinny enough, she has done her best to become someone she can accept. She’s smart and driven. She stands up for herself and knows what she wants. However, there are always jerks out there trying to bring you down.
There is a bit of back and forth with these two and some angst that will keep your stomach in knots. I loved Ethan’s love and dedication to Layla. It never wavered. Ethan always saw her for the beautiful person she was inside and out, she just needed to believe it. Their love for each other was exceptional and when they finally came together it was incredible. A perfect match full of heat and sweet moments to cherish. Their past was steeped in memories from childhood, undeniable attraction and mutual respect. They were destined. Two halves or a whole.
I absolutely adored Ethan and Layla. The love between these two is so sweet. They’ve been in love with each other since they were 4 years old. I loved reading about their journey, the ups and downs, and how they overcome each obstacle thrown in their way. A definite recommendation for Amali Rose’s books. I cannot wait to read the next