What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunshine + Ace #1
All I've Wanted All I've Needed
Harlow Shaw feels naïve for believing in happily ever afters but she craves a love that lights her up.
She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.
Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living.
A trip to Bali, a move to Seattle, and an alleged burned cup of coffee lead her to a friendship she didn’t know she needed and a love so deep she can feel it in her bones.
She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.
Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living.
A trip to Bali, a move to Seattle, and an alleged burned cup of coffee lead her to a friendship she didn’t know she needed and a love so deep she can feel it in her bones.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2021
1999 people are currently reading
13514 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Valdez
12 books2,227 followershttps://beacons.page/aevaldezwriter/
Instagram - @a.e.valdezwrites
Instagram - @a.e.valdezwrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,591 reviews
June 23, 2023
I feel delirious. With happiness.
I think, I think, I might have possibly found me a new favourite author. 🥹
Which I honestly wasn’t expecting because this did have a rocky start for me. For about 20/30%, I was unsure as to the direction this story was going in. I wasn’t vibing with the writing style.
But I’m so fuckin’ glad! that I pushed through because it only got better.
It’s not a perfect book, it has its flaws, but the story was so well told that I could easily look past those things. The author has talent, no doubt.
We follow Harlow on her journey of self discovery after going through a breakup of a relationship in which she lost herself in.
I love the themes that the author explored here. About finding yourself and staying true to your own wants and needs and striving for them.
Even though I mentioned that the writing style didn’t work for me initially, I was beyond impressed with how the author managed to convey Harlow’s infectious energy through those pages. I was so captivated by this woman and was just rooting for her success. I loved seeing both of them thrive.
And speaking of both, Acyn, the love interest? Gorgeous! Soft, but alpha. 🫠
This was honestly one of the best friends-to-lovers romances that I’ve read. They built a solid friendship before anything ever occurs. The banter between them was incredible. It’s deliciously slow-burn and everything about their friendship felt natural. The way it effortlessly progressed into something more felt so natural.
I’m pretty sure I won’t be forgetting this book anytime soon. This is one of my most favourite reading experiences I’ve had. You know when you just can’t put a book down? This was it.
I think, I think, I might have possibly found me a new favourite author. 🥹
Which I honestly wasn’t expecting because this did have a rocky start for me. For about 20/30%, I was unsure as to the direction this story was going in. I wasn’t vibing with the writing style.
But I’m so fuckin’ glad! that I pushed through because it only got better.
It’s not a perfect book, it has its flaws, but the story was so well told that I could easily look past those things. The author has talent, no doubt.
We follow Harlow on her journey of self discovery after going through a breakup of a relationship in which she lost herself in.
I love the themes that the author explored here. About finding yourself and staying true to your own wants and needs and striving for them.
Even though I mentioned that the writing style didn’t work for me initially, I was beyond impressed with how the author managed to convey Harlow’s infectious energy through those pages. I was so captivated by this woman and was just rooting for her success. I loved seeing both of them thrive.
And speaking of both, Acyn, the love interest? Gorgeous! Soft, but alpha. 🫠
This was honestly one of the best friends-to-lovers romances that I’ve read. They built a solid friendship before anything ever occurs. The banter between them was incredible. It’s deliciously slow-burn and everything about their friendship felt natural. The way it effortlessly progressed into something more felt so natural.
I’m pretty sure I won’t be forgetting this book anytime soon. This is one of my most favourite reading experiences I’ve had. You know when you just can’t put a book down? This was it.
January 16, 2023
What a truly heart warming read! I love them both individually and together. I have not rooted for a couple so much in a long time.
The stoey follows Harlow as she has just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal because she comes to realise shes not in love with him in that way, he was the comfortable option because they grew up together but now she’s decided to find herself and what makes her happy.
She moves to Seattle from Texas and starts working as a yoga teacher while helping her uncle out at his coffee shop…while working at this coffee shop she meets Acyn who on first impressions is a asshole but over time they build such a genuine friendship that involves the funniest banter, mutual support and encouragement and I just loved them. The slow burn relationship is so worth it because the spice at the end …oooohh!
I also liked the depiction of her ex boyfriend because as much as he was annoying, he knew what he wanted and he wasn’t necessarily a ‘bad guy’ he just wasn’t what her heart wanted. You don’t necessarily need cheating or abuse for a relationship to end, sometimes that relationship just doesn’t serve you anymore and it’s ok to leave.
This book is a easy read, perfect for beginners or someone looking for a break for the extra long drawn out books, this gets straight to the point, none of the scenes were unnecessarily drawn out I really enjoyed the pacing.
However I can see lovers of flowery poetic writing might not vibe with this writing but I loved the short chapters.
Overall I would recommend this book to everyone, there’s not a bad word I can say about it
The stoey follows Harlow as she has just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal because she comes to realise shes not in love with him in that way, he was the comfortable option because they grew up together but now she’s decided to find herself and what makes her happy.
She moves to Seattle from Texas and starts working as a yoga teacher while helping her uncle out at his coffee shop…while working at this coffee shop she meets Acyn who on first impressions is a asshole but over time they build such a genuine friendship that involves the funniest banter, mutual support and encouragement and I just loved them. The slow burn relationship is so worth it because the spice at the end …oooohh!
I also liked the depiction of her ex boyfriend because as much as he was annoying, he knew what he wanted and he wasn’t necessarily a ‘bad guy’ he just wasn’t what her heart wanted. You don’t necessarily need cheating or abuse for a relationship to end, sometimes that relationship just doesn’t serve you anymore and it’s ok to leave.
This book is a easy read, perfect for beginners or someone looking for a break for the extra long drawn out books, this gets straight to the point, none of the scenes were unnecessarily drawn out I really enjoyed the pacing.
However I can see lovers of flowery poetic writing might not vibe with this writing but I loved the short chapters.
Overall I would recommend this book to everyone, there’s not a bad word I can say about it
July 15, 2023
DNF at 10%. This book feels like a rough draft. The short sentences & first person POV are a bit awkward. The pacing of the book is also extremely fast; so fast that the plot points feel unnecessary. The MC goes to Bali, declines a phone call from an ex when she gets to Bali, and in the next paragraph she has suddenly been in Bali doing yoga for 3 weeks & is preparing to wrap up the trip & return to the US. What was the reason?
I’m a fan of authors showing a character’s growth rather than simply telling the reader that the character has grown. We were barely introduced to the character when she left the country for “growth” so as a reader, I don’t even know what she’s growing from because I barely know who she is. Then, she’s moving to a new city for a new job immediately upon her return from Bali. It all just feels very rushed.
I’m a fan of authors showing a character’s growth rather than simply telling the reader that the character has grown. We were barely introduced to the character when she left the country for “growth” so as a reader, I don’t even know what she’s growing from because I barely know who she is. Then, she’s moving to a new city for a new job immediately upon her return from Bali. It all just feels very rushed.
April 22, 2025
Blog | Instagram
Rating: 3.5 stars
'All I've Wanted All I've Needed' offers a light and heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love, but it ultimately left me wanting more substance.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Romance: 🌟🌟🌟
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
When Harlow’s boyfriend asks her a life-changing question, she boldly chooses to prioritize herself, setting her character on a path of personal growth and self-discovery. Sadly, the heartwarming coming-of-age story that unfolds lacks compelling stakes and provides more telling than showing. Harlow, who starts with such promise, became frustratingly passive as the story progresses, and the lessons she learns felt heavy-handed and repetitive. I also struggled with the jarring time jumps that disrupted the flow of the story.
"You have to leave the house to make friends"
Still, I enjoyed the audiobook as iiKane and Winston James did a great job with character voices and emotional depth, although their inflexions sometimes felt a bit off. The secondary characters also stood out due to their contribution to Harlow’s journey and personal challenges. Acyn, in particular, was great at encouraging and supporting Harlow in pursuing her passion, making him an easy character to like despite his initial impression as an arrogant jerk.
"Sometimes comfort is what kills us."
The budding romance had many cute moments, and I loved the teasing banter and chemistry between the characters. However, it felt like a stretch to label their initial connection as ‘friendship’ just because they weren’t sleeping together. The third-act conflict also felt forced, and its resolution made me cringe. I became disengaged from that point, as the spicy scenes that followed and the concluding moments didn't add much.
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog!
Rating: 3.5 stars
'All I've Wanted All I've Needed' offers a light and heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love, but it ultimately left me wanting more substance.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Romance: 🌟🌟🌟
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
When Harlow’s boyfriend asks her a life-changing question, she boldly chooses to prioritize herself, setting her character on a path of personal growth and self-discovery. Sadly, the heartwarming coming-of-age story that unfolds lacks compelling stakes and provides more telling than showing. Harlow, who starts with such promise, became frustratingly passive as the story progresses, and the lessons she learns felt heavy-handed and repetitive. I also struggled with the jarring time jumps that disrupted the flow of the story.
"You have to leave the house to make friends"
Still, I enjoyed the audiobook as iiKane and Winston James did a great job with character voices and emotional depth, although their inflexions sometimes felt a bit off. The secondary characters also stood out due to their contribution to Harlow’s journey and personal challenges. Acyn, in particular, was great at encouraging and supporting Harlow in pursuing her passion, making him an easy character to like despite his initial impression as an arrogant jerk.
"Sometimes comfort is what kills us."
The budding romance had many cute moments, and I loved the teasing banter and chemistry between the characters. However, it felt like a stretch to label their initial connection as ‘friendship’ just because they weren’t sleeping together. The third-act conflict also felt forced, and its resolution made me cringe. I became disengaged from that point, as the spicy scenes that followed and the concluding moments didn't add much.
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog!
March 22, 2023
Dnf’ed this book, which I hate doing because I always try finish the book no matter what especially because it’s not that long, but I just couldn’t.
I won’t criticise the writing, because I knew what I was getting myself into and I was prepared for it
The characters were sooo annoying to me. The way they were described was so contradicting to what they did, and it felt like I was reading watt-pad. Things like: “Y/n was beautiful without trying and great at EVERYTHING with no effort.”
“She was indecisive and bad at making decisions” (even tho she made three life changing decisions in the first 30 pages.)
“She was shy and bad at making friends” (yet she made one straight after moving to a new city)
“She was a private person and didn’t share much” (yet she posted EVERYTHING)
She was granted every opportunity on a silver platter yet “her life was so difficult because she lost her mother at a young age” (I’m not critiquing the fact that she was mourning her mother, but other than her constantly mentioning it, you would never be able to tell). It honestly felt like she was trying to make her life seem like a struggle. She was “your not like the other girls” personified.
This is all me paraphrasing btw.
The male lead was almost equally annoying. And the drama between the female lead and her ex was a 100% her fault. I do not feel bad for her in the slightest. It would not have been hard to block the man. And it felt like she went out of her way to show him she was moving on, and then would get mad when he called.
I know a lot of people like the book so maybe it’s just not for me, not necessarily a bad book.
I also did not think I would write this much but once I started I just couldn’t stop.
I won’t criticise the writing, because I knew what I was getting myself into and I was prepared for it
The characters were sooo annoying to me. The way they were described was so contradicting to what they did, and it felt like I was reading watt-pad. Things like: “Y/n was beautiful without trying and great at EVERYTHING with no effort.”
“She was indecisive and bad at making decisions” (even tho she made three life changing decisions in the first 30 pages.)
“She was shy and bad at making friends” (yet she made one straight after moving to a new city)
“She was a private person and didn’t share much” (yet she posted EVERYTHING)
She was granted every opportunity on a silver platter yet “her life was so difficult because she lost her mother at a young age” (I’m not critiquing the fact that she was mourning her mother, but other than her constantly mentioning it, you would never be able to tell). It honestly felt like she was trying to make her life seem like a struggle. She was “your not like the other girls” personified.
This is all me paraphrasing btw.
The male lead was almost equally annoying. And the drama between the female lead and her ex was a 100% her fault. I do not feel bad for her in the slightest. It would not have been hard to block the man. And it felt like she went out of her way to show him she was moving on, and then would get mad when he called.
I know a lot of people like the book so maybe it’s just not for me, not necessarily a bad book.
I also did not think I would write this much but once I started I just couldn’t stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
5 MILLION DAMN STARS.
I was kicking my feet, smiling from start to finish. This was such a warmhearted, wholesome read. When friends to lovers is done right, it’s the best thing ever. It felt like I was just watching Harlow and Ace’s story play out from the front row. Just two people getting to know each other, slowly but surely falling in love without them realizing it, and I loved every damn second of it. They really do feel like friends just with so much chemistry. Ugh watching them get closer and closer everyday was the best part! The slow burn, BURNEDDD! When the spicy scene finally happened, it was so damn worth the wait!
I was kicking my feet, smiling from start to finish. This was such a warmhearted, wholesome read. When friends to lovers is done right, it’s the best thing ever. It felt like I was just watching Harlow and Ace’s story play out from the front row. Just two people getting to know each other, slowly but surely falling in love without them realizing it, and I loved every damn second of it. They really do feel like friends just with so much chemistry. Ugh watching them get closer and closer everyday was the best part! The slow burn, BURNEDDD! When the spicy scene finally happened, it was so damn worth the wait!
August 23, 2024
4.25 stars
Sunflowers are my favorite flowers and I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I adored it. Harlow and Ace have a beautiful and romantic friends to lovers romance. I loved the slow burn, watching Harlow find and come into herself, and of course, watching her and Ace fall in love.
Sunflowers are my favorite flowers and I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I adored it. Harlow and Ace have a beautiful and romantic friends to lovers romance. I loved the slow burn, watching Harlow find and come into herself, and of course, watching her and Ace fall in love.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Winston James & iiKane
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 8h 25m
May 12, 2023
Was a hard read, felt like a Wattpad book I would’ve enjoyed in 7 grade
November 26, 2022
I’ve read plenty of slow burns but this was a snail burn… a tortoise burn if that’s even a thing! When I tell you this was a well developed build up… it was oh so slow and oh so good! The relationship didn’t come until 80% in but I wasn’t the least bit bothered. The friendship that Harlow and Acyn developed before they became lovers was written so beautifully.
Harlow was fresh out of a two year relationship with someone she thought she’d be with forever. After turning down his proposal she went on a journey to finding herself. This journey included a month long yoga training program in Bali and a new job in Seattle. Harlow packed up the life she knew in Texas and stared fresh. Her life as a yoga instructor led to a friendship with Sevyn and then her brother Acyn.
Acyn was doing well for himself as a business and home owner. He had one of the hottest tattoo shops in Seattle and while successful he felt like he was missing something. He was tired of “dipping his dxck in something wet” as he called it and was on a hiatus from women until he found someone he could grow with!
This was a semi enemies to best friends to lovers and really showed how these two were meant to be! The story was not without drama especially when Harlow’s ex Hendrix refused to see her happy with someone else. He was a snake in the grass for sure! If you’re going to write a slow burn, this is how it’s done. This was a great read and I can’t wait to dive into Beginning of Forever and see how this couple further journey on their road to HEA
Harlow was fresh out of a two year relationship with someone she thought she’d be with forever. After turning down his proposal she went on a journey to finding herself. This journey included a month long yoga training program in Bali and a new job in Seattle. Harlow packed up the life she knew in Texas and stared fresh. Her life as a yoga instructor led to a friendship with Sevyn and then her brother Acyn.
Acyn was doing well for himself as a business and home owner. He had one of the hottest tattoo shops in Seattle and while successful he felt like he was missing something. He was tired of “dipping his dxck in something wet” as he called it and was on a hiatus from women until he found someone he could grow with!
This was a semi enemies to best friends to lovers and really showed how these two were meant to be! The story was not without drama especially when Harlow’s ex Hendrix refused to see her happy with someone else. He was a snake in the grass for sure! If you’re going to write a slow burn, this is how it’s done. This was a great read and I can’t wait to dive into Beginning of Forever and see how this couple further journey on their road to HEA
March 27, 2025
➸ ∞/5 stars
I am going to need at least 10-20 days to get over this book and even then I’ll probably still not be over it. I started this not knowing what in the world it was going to be about and for a second I didn’t think it was gonna be a romance and I thought it was going to be just a book about a woman finding herself but in the end it was about both and in the best way possible. This book was perfect — from the very first page all the way to the last one. I probably will think about this book with a big freaking smile on my face for the rest of my life. The most clearest moment in this book that I’ll remember is when the main characters had their first kiss and I literally pumped my fist up in the air. It felt like I was watching the Super Bowl and the team I had just betted a whole bunch of money on had just won!!!
“There was no one before her. There will never be another after her. There is only her. Only us. All I’ve wanted. All I’ve needed.”
I am going to need at least 10-20 days to get over this book and even then I’ll probably still not be over it. I started this not knowing what in the world it was going to be about and for a second I didn’t think it was gonna be a romance and I thought it was going to be just a book about a woman finding herself but in the end it was about both and in the best way possible. This book was perfect — from the very first page all the way to the last one. I probably will think about this book with a big freaking smile on my face for the rest of my life. The most clearest moment in this book that I’ll remember is when the main characters had their first kiss and I literally pumped my fist up in the air. It felt like I was watching the Super Bowl and the team I had just betted a whole bunch of money on had just won!!!
October 1, 2024
Love is in the air
I have found a new author !!! This book keeps you smiling! LOVE DOES EXSIT❤️ Great love story. Follow your heart ♥️
I have found a new author !!! This book keeps you smiling! LOVE DOES EXSIT❤️ Great love story. Follow your heart ♥️
Read
March 20, 2025I absolutely loved this
December 4, 2022
This was a slow burner that I loved. I love the build up and the friendship between Acyn and Harlow. The sunflower field melted my heart made me love Acyn even more . A. E knows how to write a male character. I can’t wait to read more about them.
March 26, 2024
This is a low-stakes, sweet, slow-burn romance. It is a nice palate cleanser after a heavy read. Utterly enjoyable story with likable characters that you will want to root for.
August 28, 2023
I honestly can't believe I slogged through this entire thing. I don't trust anyone who gave this a 5-star review and called it a slow burn. Who paid you?
Some of my favorite updates while reading:
"Wow, my dad has more of life then I do" actual copy/pasted sentence from chapter 6. Who edited this garbage?
This whole book reads like the author went through 3 months of online therapy and decided to write a self-help book, but since she has no credibility to do she turned it into self-published fiction instead.
Not everyone calling this a slow burn when all these two do is take their clothes off around each other, have sleepovers in the same bed every night, and snuggle constantly.
This book was unbearable. It is SO poorly written. Clearly self-published, because there are typos on every other page. There is no showing in this book, only telling. We spend the first few chapters speedrunning Harlow's "personal growth" after a breakup, jumping through chunks of time that leave the reader completely disoriented and with no idea who this character is. Within 20 or so pages, she has spent a month travelling, taken on a new career, moved halfway across the country to a state she's never been to, moved in with family she hardly knows, takes on another job, and is apparently thriving. The book should've started in Seattle, with the other life changes explored in backstory.
The poor ex started out as a good guy, Harlow's childhood friend turned boyfriend, who loved her and wanted to marry her. His worst crime was being selfish in prioritizing his career over hers, which, frankly... he was completely right to do. He's a major league baseball player, and she's an Instagram influencer in denial who's flirting with being a part time yoga instructor. she has no aspirations, and his job is one of the most demanding and lucrative careers possible. They could've just broken up so she could focus on figuring out what she wants, and all would be good. It really didn't add to the story to make him turn into a controlling stalker and borderline attempted rapist. Honestly, it was disappointing. She didn't need to be a victim for Acyn to save.
Every conversation is Harlow dumping all of her feelings about her ex and her self-worth out as quickly as possible, being told that she should love herself or believe in herself or focus on herself, and her having some sort of epiphany (again) that they're totally right.
It reads like the author is trying really hard to connect to Black youth, and 2 years after publishing the slang is already outdated. Harlow's constant obsession with documenting everything she does or eats on her Instagram is not a cute personality trait. NO ONE is posting pics on their feed of people they've just met and spent no time with. It's literally just not how people act.
This is not a "slow burn". This is two people who (barely) manage to stay out of each other's pants for the first few months they know each other because one of them is just getting over a long term relationship. It's also not friends to lovers, because they're clearly working towards a relationship from the day they meet. The FIRST time they hang out they get crossfaded and sleep in the same bed in their underwear. Then they have sleepovers almost every night afterwards, always in the same bed. They never hang out with other people, and they're always holding hands or snuggling. If people in real life were acting like this... we would call it dating.
As I should've expected from how annoying the rest of this book was, the third act conflict is of course a case of a small and completely avoidable misunderstanding that gets blown wildly out of proportion by our drama queen main characters who have no common sense.
I hoped that the steamy parts would make up for the rest, but good lord. This author needs to spend less time watching porn. How nice for Harlow that she seems to have an orgasm every 15 seconds. And who *doesn't* consider it sexy to be caught by your sibling with your mouth on someone's genitals? (WHHHHHYYYYY)
I should've trusted my gut way earlier and put this book to rest. Hours of my life wasted.
Some of my favorite updates while reading:
"Wow, my dad has more of life then I do" actual copy/pasted sentence from chapter 6. Who edited this garbage?
This whole book reads like the author went through 3 months of online therapy and decided to write a self-help book, but since she has no credibility to do she turned it into self-published fiction instead.
Not everyone calling this a slow burn when all these two do is take their clothes off around each other, have sleepovers in the same bed every night, and snuggle constantly.
This book was unbearable. It is SO poorly written. Clearly self-published, because there are typos on every other page. There is no showing in this book, only telling. We spend the first few chapters speedrunning Harlow's "personal growth" after a breakup, jumping through chunks of time that leave the reader completely disoriented and with no idea who this character is. Within 20 or so pages, she has spent a month travelling, taken on a new career, moved halfway across the country to a state she's never been to, moved in with family she hardly knows, takes on another job, and is apparently thriving. The book should've started in Seattle, with the other life changes explored in backstory.
The poor ex started out as a good guy, Harlow's childhood friend turned boyfriend, who loved her and wanted to marry her. His worst crime was being selfish in prioritizing his career over hers, which, frankly... he was completely right to do. He's a major league baseball player, and she's an Instagram influencer in denial who's flirting with being a part time yoga instructor. she has no aspirations, and his job is one of the most demanding and lucrative careers possible. They could've just broken up so she could focus on figuring out what she wants, and all would be good. It really didn't add to the story to make him turn into a controlling stalker and borderline attempted rapist. Honestly, it was disappointing. She didn't need to be a victim for Acyn to save.
Every conversation is Harlow dumping all of her feelings about her ex and her self-worth out as quickly as possible, being told that she should love herself or believe in herself or focus on herself, and her having some sort of epiphany (again) that they're totally right.
It reads like the author is trying really hard to connect to Black youth, and 2 years after publishing the slang is already outdated. Harlow's constant obsession with documenting everything she does or eats on her Instagram is not a cute personality trait. NO ONE is posting pics on their feed of people they've just met and spent no time with. It's literally just not how people act.
This is not a "slow burn". This is two people who (barely) manage to stay out of each other's pants for the first few months they know each other because one of them is just getting over a long term relationship. It's also not friends to lovers, because they're clearly working towards a relationship from the day they meet. The FIRST time they hang out they get crossfaded and sleep in the same bed in their underwear. Then they have sleepovers almost every night afterwards, always in the same bed. They never hang out with other people, and they're always holding hands or snuggling. If people in real life were acting like this... we would call it dating.
As I should've expected from how annoying the rest of this book was, the third act conflict is of course a case of a small and completely avoidable misunderstanding that gets blown wildly out of proportion by our drama queen main characters who have no common sense.
I hoped that the steamy parts would make up for the rest, but good lord. This author needs to spend less time watching porn. How nice for Harlow that she seems to have an orgasm every 15 seconds. And who *doesn't* consider it sexy to be caught by your sibling with your mouth on someone's genitals? (WHHHHHYYYYY)
I should've trusted my gut way earlier and put this book to rest. Hours of my life wasted.
April 9, 2024
4.25 🌻
This is what it feels like to fall in love..to be in love. It’s all I’ve wanted, all I’ve needed”
Harlow’s story starts with her declining a proposal and I loved her almost immediately. She chose herself in a moment where most probably wouldn’t. It was admirable. Once her relationship ends, she makes a big move from Texas to Seattle for a fresh start. Who could have known that a “shitty cup of coffee” would give her all she wanted and needed? Harlow and Ace gave me ALL the feels. Their friendship was cute but when they crossed that line, I LOVED it.
This is what it feels like to fall in love..to be in love. It’s all I’ve wanted, all I’ve needed”
Harlow’s story starts with her declining a proposal and I loved her almost immediately. She chose herself in a moment where most probably wouldn’t. It was admirable. Once her relationship ends, she makes a big move from Texas to Seattle for a fresh start. Who could have known that a “shitty cup of coffee” would give her all she wanted and needed? Harlow and Ace gave me ALL the feels. Their friendship was cute but when they crossed that line, I LOVED it.
May 1, 2023
This was so freaking good. I was either smiling or laughing the whole time reading this. 🤣😍Acyn and Harlow deserve the world 🌎. This is definitely making the list of my favorite reads of 2023.
September 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At first this book was hard for me to get into, I’m definitely not the biggest fan of a slow burn romance but this was so worth it! The friends to lovers warmed my heart so much.
Harlow Shaw moved from Texas to Seattle to teach yoga after returning from Bali. She meets her student turned friend’s brother, Acyn DeConto who is a quick witted and kind of mean (not for long) tattoo artist. They form a friendship and fall in love along the way. Harlow finds her true passions and lets go of a past love that no longer brings her joy.
A.E. Valdez really knows how to write a BOOK!! I was audibly laughing and rooting for Harlow and Ace to just finally be together but the wait was definitely worth it (😉). I’m such a sucker for a good love story. If you’re a fan of a friends to lovers slow burn, this is the book for you!
At first this book was hard for me to get into, I’m definitely not the biggest fan of a slow burn romance but this was so worth it! The friends to lovers warmed my heart so much.
Harlow Shaw moved from Texas to Seattle to teach yoga after returning from Bali. She meets her student turned friend’s brother, Acyn DeConto who is a quick witted and kind of mean (not for long) tattoo artist. They form a friendship and fall in love along the way. Harlow finds her true passions and lets go of a past love that no longer brings her joy.
A.E. Valdez really knows how to write a BOOK!! I was audibly laughing and rooting for Harlow and Ace to just finally be together but the wait was definitely worth it (😉). I’m such a sucker for a good love story. If you’re a fan of a friends to lovers slow burn, this is the book for you!
May 7, 2023
Slow love
Whew...I thought my book friends had stuck me with a "wholesome" read 🤣😂 This was a friends to lovers story, but we got to experience them becoming friends and establishing that connection took some time. I mean it was the slowest of the slowest burns and I was about to put them into the Women's fiction section 🤷🏾♀️ but when the corner turned it turned you hear me!!! That garage door session put it back into the romance section 😝.
Harlow left an unfulfilling relationship to start anew. Life led her to a new career, a new town, and new friends. Acyn being one of them. Although, they started off at war, they ended up being great friends. Acyn was really good for Harlow because he helped her trust herself. He helped her become more confident in who she was and what she wanted, with the understanding that she didn't owe anyone anything. He was a solid support system for her. Harlow was Acyn's sunshine. She really brightened his life and gave him someone to care for. He had never been in love, but he knew he never wanted to be apart from her even before he admitted it. I loved how Acyn paid attention to her and thoughtfully catered to her. It was a stark difference from Harlow's previous relationship and I loved that for her. The slow build up to love made it that much sweeter. It was definitely a sweet read.
I wanted more descriptors of the characters. Like it was hard for me to picture what the rest of the characters looked like. Sevyn was always dressed to the nines, but I couldn't picture her at all.That is the only thing that was lacking for me.
Whew...I thought my book friends had stuck me with a "wholesome" read 🤣😂 This was a friends to lovers story, but we got to experience them becoming friends and establishing that connection took some time. I mean it was the slowest of the slowest burns and I was about to put them into the Women's fiction section 🤷🏾♀️ but when the corner turned it turned you hear me!!! That garage door session put it back into the romance section 😝.
Harlow left an unfulfilling relationship to start anew. Life led her to a new career, a new town, and new friends. Acyn being one of them. Although, they started off at war, they ended up being great friends. Acyn was really good for Harlow because he helped her trust herself. He helped her become more confident in who she was and what she wanted, with the understanding that she didn't owe anyone anything. He was a solid support system for her. Harlow was Acyn's sunshine. She really brightened his life and gave him someone to care for. He had never been in love, but he knew he never wanted to be apart from her even before he admitted it. I loved how Acyn paid attention to her and thoughtfully catered to her. It was a stark difference from Harlow's previous relationship and I loved that for her. The slow build up to love made it that much sweeter. It was definitely a sweet read.
I wanted more descriptors of the characters. Like it was hard for me to picture what the rest of the characters looked like. Sevyn was always dressed to the nines, but I couldn't picture her at all.That is the only thing that was lacking for me.
December 28, 2022
4 1/2 "Sunshine" Stars!!
I loved this story. Harlow found herself and love. Acyn will go on the favorite males list. This was a practically perfect antagonizers to friends to lovers romance. This was absolutely how to do that trope. Now on to part two of their story. I'm super scared because I'm happy with were they are but I'm also not ready to let them go. Happy reading!
Update- The second books was a perfect companion to this story. No drama, just more of them together.
I loved this story. Harlow found herself and love. Acyn will go on the favorite males list. This was a practically perfect antagonizers to friends to lovers romance. This was absolutely how to do that trope. Now on to part two of their story. I'm super scared because I'm happy with were they are but I'm also not ready to let them go. Happy reading!
Update- The second books was a perfect companion to this story. No drama, just more of them together.
February 13, 2023
ALL THE EFFING STARS
I LOVED THIS!!!! Harlow and Acyn means everything to me. Their love story was so beautifully written and deserving of more than 5 stars. This was the slowest of all slow burns 🙄 but it was so worth it. The build up from frenemies to friends to lovers was amazing and their witty banters had me laughing from page to page.
Now I’m on to the next book to take their HEA journey with them.
I LOVED THIS!!!! Harlow and Acyn means everything to me. Their love story was so beautifully written and deserving of more than 5 stars. This was the slowest of all slow burns 🙄 but it was so worth it. The build up from frenemies to friends to lovers was amazing and their witty banters had me laughing from page to page.
Now I’m on to the next book to take their HEA journey with them.
March 30, 2024
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was done so organically! Harlow moves to Seattle to get a fresh start after ending her engagement. She’s able to discover her passions and meet new people. One of those people is Acyn, a local tattoo artist and brother of one of her newfound friends. Harlow finds him less than charming on their first run in, but the connection between these two couldn’t be ignored.
One of my favorite types of friends to lovers journeys is when the friends basically act like a couple without the label. Harlow and Acyn became essential parts of each other’s lives, truly supporting each other as friends in all aspects before their friendship developed into more. And when they finally crossed that line, they didn’t turn back!
Romance aside, the support of their family and friend group was a great backdrop to the story. The author has a way of writing that makes all the characters feel relatable and like family. The book did start off a teeny bit slow, but I was able to ignore that once the book picked up and really did its thing!
TROPES: friends to lovers, black romance, tattooed hero, great friend group/found family, he pampers her, hero is a cat owner
One of my favorite types of friends to lovers journeys is when the friends basically act like a couple without the label. Harlow and Acyn became essential parts of each other’s lives, truly supporting each other as friends in all aspects before their friendship developed into more. And when they finally crossed that line, they didn’t turn back!
Romance aside, the support of their family and friend group was a great backdrop to the story. The author has a way of writing that makes all the characters feel relatable and like family. The book did start off a teeny bit slow, but I was able to ignore that once the book picked up and really did its thing!
TROPES: friends to lovers, black romance, tattooed hero, great friend group/found family, he pampers her, hero is a cat owner
February 25, 2023
2.5
i almost had to dnf because the beginning was not for me. i like being shown what’s going on but all i got was summarizing paragraphs of what happened to the mc over the course of a few weeks. also was not a fan of the writing style; the sentences (that weren’t dialogue) were choppy and written awkwardly.
i did like the storyline of harlow finding herself and i love acyn. this was a sloooooowwwwww burn but once they finally decided w conviction that they liked each other, the rest of the book was basically smut. a lot of people obviously liked that but at that point i was more invested in their STORY and wanted more of it.
i feel attached to the characters now so i’m still going to read the other books too lol
i almost had to dnf because the beginning was not for me. i like being shown what’s going on but all i got was summarizing paragraphs of what happened to the mc over the course of a few weeks. also was not a fan of the writing style; the sentences (that weren’t dialogue) were choppy and written awkwardly.
i did like the storyline of harlow finding herself and i love acyn. this was a sloooooowwwwww burn but once they finally decided w conviction that they liked each other, the rest of the book was basically smut. a lot of people obviously liked that but at that point i was more invested in their STORY and wanted more of it.
i feel attached to the characters now so i’m still going to read the other books too lol
June 30, 2023
This was cute. I loved how Ace & Harlow built a really strong friendship before anything else. It started out pretty slow though, so it takes about a 3rd of the book for it to really pick up. Even though their friendship was amazing, it also felt like she was repeating history. She made her last relationship all about the guy and with Ace, they spent literally 24/7 with each other. I would've liked a little bit more growth on Harlow's part when it came to relationships. Still they were really good together.
April 18, 2023
Black women being loved on effectively >>>>
January 8, 2024
Harlow is a hopeless romantic. She has spent the last 2 1/2 years in a serious, committed relationship, but when asked the question that all girls dream of being asked, her answer surprises even herself.
Taking a leap of faith, Harlow picks up her life and moves to Seattle. She is hoping that a new state will offer her a fresh beginning. Harlow is serious about finding herself and falling in love with herself. The last thing she was looking for was love.
Seattle turns out to be more than what she had expected; she finds her ultimate passion and friendships that will last a lifetime, one friendship in particular completely catches her off guard, and has her discover a love so deep she couldn’t imagine not keeping it her life.
This story was so well written, it’s a slow burn in the best possible way, because once the heat gets turnt up, the book is on 🔥 (All I’m going to say is, garage scene). I loved Aycn and Harlows friendship, he’s an asshole who loves to give her a hard time and she a sweetheart that can’t help but to annoy him, together they are perfection. The character development in all of Mrs.Valdez’s books are 👩🏾🍳 💋. You really feel like you know these characters, and their families, it’s not just a book about the FMC & MMC you really meet everybody in their universe and get a good sense of the close knit circle they have.
Aycn stole my heart, he was so thoughtful and petty (the birthday party 😂) They way he showed up for Harlow was what we all deserve. Y’all this man was a great listener, funny, a protector and a God in the bedroom I mean for that alone y’all must read this book 😂. If you can’t tell of course I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND you read it TODAY!!
Taking a leap of faith, Harlow picks up her life and moves to Seattle. She is hoping that a new state will offer her a fresh beginning. Harlow is serious about finding herself and falling in love with herself. The last thing she was looking for was love.
Seattle turns out to be more than what she had expected; she finds her ultimate passion and friendships that will last a lifetime, one friendship in particular completely catches her off guard, and has her discover a love so deep she couldn’t imagine not keeping it her life.
This story was so well written, it’s a slow burn in the best possible way, because once the heat gets turnt up, the book is on 🔥 (All I’m going to say is, garage scene). I loved Aycn and Harlows friendship, he’s an asshole who loves to give her a hard time and she a sweetheart that can’t help but to annoy him, together they are perfection. The character development in all of Mrs.Valdez’s books are 👩🏾🍳 💋. You really feel like you know these characters, and their families, it’s not just a book about the FMC & MMC you really meet everybody in their universe and get a good sense of the close knit circle they have.
Aycn stole my heart, he was so thoughtful and petty (the birthday party 😂) They way he showed up for Harlow was what we all deserve. Y’all this man was a great listener, funny, a protector and a God in the bedroom I mean for that alone y’all must read this book 😂. If you can’t tell of course I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND you read it TODAY!!
April 30, 2025
This was a perfect read. Just the cutest friend to lovers story. Ace knew damn well she was his's the whole mfn time. I went in this book blind so I thought the other best friend would end up with her. But I'm happy it played out the way it should have.
June 15, 2022
This book brought me so much joy. I absolutely love the asshole guy type and Ace was perfection. Like my husband would just have to understand if I ever ran across an Ace lol sorry not sorry. Valdez said it wasn’t her intention for me to picture her as Sunshine buuuuut…well to bad. Which made the sexy scenes a little awkward, I feel like I know her personal now lol. Kyrell is a gem so I’m fighting with myself to read faster so I can get to Colliding with Fate. This is my new favorite kind of friends to lovers, the other type is cool but this was like…like fizzy bubbles. You know what I mean? That happy sparkly feel good kind of read. But don’t think she didn’t hit you with some heat at the end cause honey she definitely does. I’m so excited to read more of her work I love the picture she paints with her words. I swear I’d be packing right now to move to Oregon if it was possible. Oh and we gonna get Hendrix setup with a little therapy ok, that baby needs a talkin’ to.
May 1, 2023
4.5 stars
This was such a beautiful love story. It had me smiling and giggling the whole time. Definition of slowwwww Burrnnnn though. 😣
It’s been on my TBR for a while I can’t wait to read the other books by this author even though I hate slow burns I really enjoyed this.
Ace is the man baby & Harlow definitely needed him. Can’t wait to get updates on them in the other books.
This was such a beautiful love story. It had me smiling and giggling the whole time. Definition of slowwwww Burrnnnn though. 😣
It’s been on my TBR for a while I can’t wait to read the other books by this author even though I hate slow burns I really enjoyed this.
Ace is the man baby & Harlow definitely needed him. Can’t wait to get updates on them in the other books.
July 8, 2023
A wise woman once told be to become best friends with my future husband first. This book shows why 🥹😍🌸
But I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to read this book. I don’t know what it was. I just couldn’t get through it. I wouldn’t probably read her other books. I don’t think I like the writing style.
But I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to read this book. I don’t know what it was. I just couldn’t get through it. I wouldn’t probably read her other books. I don’t think I like the writing style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,591 reviews