I’m Only Me When I’m With Him by Amanda Schimmoeller: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Contemporary romance
• Series: Sweeter Than Fiction (Book #3)
• Length: 293 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: April 15, 2026

Tropes

• Best friend’s brother
• Opposites attract
• Grumpy + sunshine
• Forced proximity
• Secret crush
• Slow burn

My Rating

Book Description

“Firefighters are supposed to be the ones putting out fires, not causing sparks.

Feelings I most certainly should not be having for my best friend’s older brother. 

I’m trying to push all thoughts of Connor aside and focus on opening a flower truck when his sister persuades him to help me get my business off the ground.

Now, I’m spending more time with my childhood crush than can be considered healthy. And it’s difficult to get him out of my mind when I’m constantly being distracted by his muscular arms and thinking about how they feel when they’re wrapped around me. 

My attraction to him grows into a roaring inferno, but I don’t think Connor’s ever seen me as anything other than his little sister’s friend. I need to extinguish these feelings before I’m in too deep. 

It’s like that old saying if I keep playing with fire, I’m bound to get burned.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Roses are red, violets are blue…

Shayna and Connor were an utterly adorable grumpy/sunshine couple!

What I loved most about them is that Shayna (the sunshine half of the equation) doesn’t try to make Connor into someone he’s not.  Though she does encourage him to open up a bit more, she doesn’t force him to be more social or more adventurous.  In fact, she helps him be more confident in who he is.  

Connor, meanwhile, helps Shayna become less of a people pleaser and learn to say “no.”  That part about her final test and “graduating” was hilarious.  I could heavily relate to him not saying anything because he was afraid of saying the wrong thing.  

I’d never heard of wooden vases before.  But it’s such a great way to tie in Connor’s woodworking with Shayna’s flowers.

Favorite Moments

💐 plane ride
🌸 slow dancing
💐 first date
🌸 fishing
💐 fireworks
🌸 Dogwood festival
💐 proposal

Favorite Quotes

“‘Are you joining the circus, flower?’…
‘Did you just call me flower?’…
‘Uh, no.
I raise my eyebrow as if to say Really?
‘I said, “’Are you joining the circus forever?’”
He most certainly did not say that. But if he wants to pretend, I’ll pray along.
‘No, I’m not joining the circus, Eeyore.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“‘Are you joining the circus, flower?’…
‘Did you just call me flower?’…
‘Uh, no.
I raise my eyebrow as if to say Really?
‘I said, “‘Are you joining the circus forever?’”
He most certainly did not say that. But if he wants to pretend, I’ll pray along.
‘No, I’m not joining the circus, Eeyore.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“I gasp. ‘Did you just make a joke?’
His face remains stoic as he says, ‘I think I did.’
I pull out my phone and open the calendar app. 
He leans over and furrows his brow when he sees what I’m doing. ‘Why are you typing “Connor made a joke” in your calendar?’
‘I’m marking the date to remember this momentous occasion.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“A man who takes me to see flowers and then feeds me?  Swoon. You can’t have him ladies — he’s all mine.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“‘I know it’s only for charity — that it’s not real — but this has been the best date I’ve ever been on.’
I press my cheek to her sun-warmed hair. ‘It feels pretty real to me.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“‘She’s not a badge bunny,’ Moreno says. I nod along, thankful for the backup from our usually silent lieutenant….’She’s his person.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“Her bottom lip quivers. ‘I think I’m going to be a puddle after today.’
‘Then you’d be my favorite puddle.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“I want this. Her. All of her.  For the rest of my life. I pull back, rocked to my core by the revelation. I’ve never been so sure of anything. I’m a firefighter. Grass is green. The sun rises every morning. And I’m in love with Shayna Monroe.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“‘Then you should know that I plan on marrying you one day.’ She gasps, the sound full of awe. ‘But for now, will you please be my girlfriend? Because I want to date you for the rest of my life.’“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“‘No one’s ever given me flowers before.’
I rear back in shock. ‘Really?’
‘I guess everyone thinks a florist doesn’t need flowers when they’re surrounded by them all day and can make themselves a bouquet.’ 
‘You deserve a fresh bouquet every week’…’Maybe every day,’ I amend, because I would buy this beautiful woman flowers every day for the rest of my life if she’ll let me.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

“As for me, if the only thing I’m ever known for is loving her, that’s a life worth living.“

Amanda Schimmoeller

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