Saving Sunflower (The Sun Series) by Rae Lyse
Y’all. Let me tell you about Saving Sunflower by Rae Lyse. If you’ve ever read a book and felt like the characters were real people like you could pass them in the grocery store or hear about them through the grapevine this is that book. One word that instantly came to mind for me was: realistic. This story didn’t sugarcoat anything. It showed how trauma, environment, and love collide in messy, painful, but beautifully human ways.
The book follows Claudette and Dominic, and their journey is not an easy one. They come from totally different worlds, Claudette being steady and grounded, and Dominic being very much a product of his environment. But despite everything working against them, they still found a way to connect. I really think they might’ve trauma bonded, and while that’s not always the healthiest foundation, Rae Lyse made it feel so believable and honest. Their relationship didn’t magically fall into place it took time, growth, and the kind of emotional labor that a lot of people in real life can relate to. The slow burn was absolutely necessary. You needed that pacing to really sit in the emotion of it all.
And let me not forget about Josiah, Dominic’s cousin. Babyyyy, he stood out heavy for me. His energy was giving main character vibes, and I already know his story is going to be that one. I’m excited to read his story soon.
This was my first Rae Lyse book, and I was seriously impressed. Her writing in this was deep, raw, and emotional. It didn’t feel like she was trying to force a lesson it just felt like truth. Like even when life knocks you down, even when you come from a place that makes people write you off you’re still worthy. You’re still deserving.
I’d definitely recommend Saving Sunflower to anyone who’s okay with a slow burn and enjoys love stories that don’t shy away from hard conversations. This book wasn’t just about romance it was about survival, healing, and how love can show up, even in the most unexpected places.
So yeah, go ahead and add this one to your TBR. Just make sure you’re ready to feel something.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Tams Reading Nook 
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