May 1, 2023
A wedding planner and a florist with a romantic history are forced to work together for a celebrity wedding in this sexy romance debut. Despite taking great pride in her work as a wedding planner, Ama Torres has no desire to get married. After witnessing her mother's numerous failed marriages, Ama is fine letting others say "I do" but has decided it's not for her. Elliot Bloom never thought he'd become a florist, but he begrudgingly accepts the role after his father leaves him his flower shop. When Ama is hired by an influencer with 4.2 million Instagram followers, she knows exposure on this level could skyrocket her business and lead to work with more high-profile clients. Unfortunately, the brides already have Elliot in mind as a florist, which could pose a bit of a problem. A couple of years ago, Ama and Elliot seemed like the perfect pair, mixing business with pleasure. But Elliot's proposal seemed to ruin everything, and Ama has successfully avoided speaking to him since. Neither Ama nor Elliot wants to give up such a promising gig, so they agree to work together and keep their relationship history a secret. They still possess some sparkling chemistry, though, and it doesn't go unnoticed by the meddling brides. Ama and Elliot offer differing perspectives. The present-day story is told through Ama's optimistic first-person point of view; Elliot narrates the earlier part of their relationship in a grumpier voice, ruminating on his relationship with Ama and where it all went wrong. The main characters are front and center here, and while the detailed descriptions of a gorgeous, over-the-top wedding will send readers' imaginations running wild picturing couture gowns and grand floral displays, the secondary characters who orbit Ama and Elliot feel paper-thin. The interactions--and sexual tension--between Ama and Elliot are where the story shines; just exercise patience with everything else. A debut that is equal parts sexy and sweet, with some minor distractions.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2023

DEBUT A cheerful wedding planner who doesn't believe in commitment gets a second chance at love with a grumpy florist in Soto's debut. Ama Torres started designing weddings for her oft-married mother when she was still a teenager; now she owns her own wedding planning and design business. When celebrity influencer Hazel Renee chooses Ama to run her wedding, she is excited to take her business to the next level of success, but this opportunity also forces her into close proximity with a man she never expected to see again. Elliot Bloom is a reclusive, tattooed florist who works magic with his floral designs and who once had incredible personal and professional chemistry with Ama. As the wedding draws closer and the two become entangled once more, Ama and Elliot must decide whether to open their hearts to each other again. Together they explore the boundaries between the professional and personal, and the differences between love, commitment, and marriage. VERDICT A funny, heartfelt love letter to the author's hometown of Sacramento, that will interest readers who enjoy second-chance romance, fiery sexual chemistry, and grumpy/sunshine relationship dynamics.--Sierra Wilson

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 8, 2023
A commitment-phobic wedding planner stars in Soto’s tender but bumpy debut. Plucky and ambitious Ama Torres will do whatever it takes to provide the perfect party for her clients, but after witnessing her mother marry and divorce 16 times, she no longer believes in lasting relationships for herself. When a big-time influencer couple choose her to plan their wedding, Ama is thrilled about the exposure—until she discovers that they’ve hired her former fling Elliot Bloom as their florist. The ensuing second chance romance between Ama and Elliot offers beguiling moments of both tension and tenderness, but Soto over-relies on some unconvincing cursing to convey their chemistry, especially in the many steamy scenes (“ ‘Fuck,’ she moans against me... ‘Oh fuck!’ ”). Hiccups with the nuptials add a whirlwind of drama to proceedings, but the secondary characters go frustratingly underdeveloped and, outside of the romance plot, the dialogue becomes superficial. Still, fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope will swoon over surly Elliot, who prefers plants to people but whose good heart shines through his crankiness, and Ama proves easy to root for as she learns to open her heart. It’s not perfect, but Soto shows promise. Agent: Gaia Banks, Sheil Land Assoc.

June 1, 2023
Soto's debut novel is an engaging second-chance romance told in two time lines. Ama Torres has finally landed the client that will change her life: a wildly famous influencer has chosen Ama to plan her wedding. The only catch is that Ama will have to work with her ex, Elliot Bloom, a grouchy florist whom Ama hasn't spoken to since the night of his mother's wedding. The forced proximity involved in planning the high-profile wedding together means Ama must face her own insecurities about long-term relationships and marriage, all while planning a career-making wedding event. With flashbacks of the beginning of their relationship related through Elliot's point of view, Soto weaves a heartfelt story of facing fears and holding on tight to the one you love, no matter what. Elliot is the perfect borderline-rude grumpy to Ama's workaholic sunshine, with compelling chemistry that will keep readers rooting for them. Romance fans looking to invest in a deep connection, fun and relatable characters, and a fair amount of angst will find Soto's love story hard to put down.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.