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BOOK REVIEW: Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson

Published June 18th, 2026 by Zaffre
Fantasy Fiction, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cursed from birth to always tell the truth, magical florist Felicity ‘Fliss’ Farrow chooses her words carefully and avoids trouble. But when she receives an anonymous request for a mysterious flower, her quest leads her directly into trouble’s path, to Willoh Vane.

Fliss knows the outcast – yet teasingly handsome – sorcerer is rumoured to have used dark magic to corrupt the northern forest five years ago. She’s witnessed the resulting feud with Prince Bastion, whom her best friend, Card, is soon to marry. Despite the divided loyalty she feels, Fliss reluctantly accepts Will’s help with gathering more rare flowers and finds herself increasingly drawn to him.

As the royal wedding approaches, Fliss fears the flowers she’s delivered are intended for a sinister purpose. But with her warnings ignored, can she and Will save the kingdom from disaster, and ultimately discover what Fliss has sought for so long – the truth behind her curse?

‘Absolutely charming! With lovable characters, a unique floral magic system, and a story that tugs on your heartstrings, Wildflower is a true delight’
TESSONJA ODETTE, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lies That Summon the Night

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MY REVIEW:

If you’re looking for a book that feels like summer, or a story that makes you feel like you’re skipping through a field of flowers on a warm summer’s day, then look no further. Wildflower is the book for you. Cosy, enchanting, romantic and heartfelt, this whimsical romantasy is an absolute delight. 

The story follows florist Felicity ‘Fliss’ Farrow, who was cursed from birth to always tell the truth. One day Fliss receives an anonymous request asking for a mysterious and rare flower that can only be located in a forbidden part of the land and home to the wicked sorcerer, Willoh Vane. Everyone knows Willoh is trouble. Fliss reluctantly accepts his help and finds herself drawn to the handsome outcast. When Fliss begins to fear that the flowers she delivered are intended for a sinister purpose, can she and Willoh save those she loves from a dark fate?

The best way to describe this book is sweet but deadly. Overall this is a cosy read that made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm hug but it has a deadly sting in its tail that strikes when you least expect it. Gorgeously written, Becky Jenkinson has filled this story with wonderful characters, original magic, imaginative world-building, witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, dark curses and malevolent conspiracies, this has everything  you want from a cosy fantasy and more. It was exactly the balm I needed after a few darker stories back to back, and I’ve not stopped thinking about it ever since I finished. 

Fliss is a wonderful heroine who is strong, feisty and likeable. I enjoyed the complications that arose from her curse and watching her come up with great ways to get around it. The curse also leaves her fearful of being used, an anxiety I think many of us can relate to even if we aren’t cursed. One of my favourite parts of this story was the relationship between Fliss and Willoh. Every interaction was sizzling with chemistry and their banter was so much fun. Handsome and charming but also cocky, Willoh isn’t your usual love interest. But we all know it’s hard to resist a bad-boy. On paper they may have been a disaster but I was rooting for them. 

Don’t miss this gorgeous debut.

Rating: 💐💐💐💐💐

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Jenkinson is a writer, illustrator and teacher from Manchester, England. She graduated with a degree in Animation from Norwich University of the Arts, and in 2019, moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she currently teaches English. When she isn’t frequenting Tokyo Disneyland, she spends her free time hooked on video games, watching musicals, and requesting more photos of her cat back in England.

Wildflower is her debut novel.

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