I didn’t expect this story to feel so warm.

The queerphobic bully and the queer bullyee falling in love is a tired trope, but in Pansies, I didn’t hate it. Years pass, some people change, and others are still hurting. No excuses for internalized prejudices are made, but does this make having shoved someone’s head down a toilet any better? No. What else to say.

Though I’m not qualified to pronounce on how the topic was handled, I will say that I read a tender story crafted with care. I felt conflicted but comforted, and will be returning to this novel in the future.


Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Something I always enjoy about an Alexis Hall book is the way he explores complicated and nuanced topics and weaves them into sweet love stories. And I think this may be my new favorite of the books I’ve read from him. It’s definitely my new favorite of the Spires series. This book explores a wide range of topics, like the meaning of home, grief, forgiveness, the idea of masculinity, and queerness in a heteronormative world. It’ll make you think, and question things and it will also make you fall in love with Alfie and Fen as they stumble their way to a HEA.

Alfie Bell grew up in an environment where there was a very specific set of rules for what it meant to be a man. As an adult, when he finally figured out he was gay, he struggled to reconcile his queerness with the idea of what a man should be. This notion is challenged even further when he returns to his hometown and meets Fen, who is unapologetically queer and more courageous than Alfie could ever hope to be. It was interesting seeing Alfie navigate falling for someone like Fen in the town that taught him everything Fen represented was wrong. A task that was made even more complicated by the fact that Fen turned out to be the boy Alfie and his friends bulled back in school.

Alfie was determined to prove to Fen that he had changed since then and earn his forgiveness. And it was oftentimes messy, and he made plenty of mistakes along the way. But even as he screwed things up over and over, I wasn’t frustrated with him, I was more sad than anything. Sad that things were so mixed up in his head about what he wanted to be and who he thought he should be. Letting go of all that internalized homophobia is not an easy task. Fen saw the good in him though and was largely understanding, even when it was hard to be. They were both kind of broken boys, but I loved seeing them find healing and forgiveness and, of course, love, along the way.

The story is way more nuanced and complicated than I’m able to articulate but perhaps that’s good and what I’ve written will intrigue you enough to want to pick up the book and take this journey alongside Alfie and Fen. It’s worth the ride.

Absolutely adore Alfie and Fen!! It was the perfect read to distract from the real world. A Bully-to-Lover story that had me tearing up for sweet Fen and eventually warming up to Alfie. Would 10/10 recommend.

I loved this story and the series! Hall skillfully avoids the he said/she said narrative so common among authors who lack the talent and skill of a great storyteller. Hall imbues his stories with humor, interpersonal growth, and everyday common sense. We feel we’d like to know the characters and support them along the way. It’s another great addition to the Spires series, and I absolutely look forward to reading more.

A bully x his former victim romance and I liked it??! I was shocked too, but Alexis Hall seemed to write this whole series specifically for me because each book was simply amazing.
The style of writing, humour and gentle ways in which these characters are described all spoke to my heart.
Also this book has the most epic coming out story ever!
There is a lot more focus on what it means to grow up queer in a small village in two very different ways and how it affects you in your adult life (family drama and small minds included).
I liked how both of them grew and healed together and I can’t wait for the next two books!

Alexis Hall is one of the smartest and most articulate writers I know - check out their Goodreads reviews for a taste. This is a re-release of one of Alexis’ earlier works and while tweaking books is controversial, it works here because Alexis gives us more, there's notes and details - this is wonderful!

That said, for all of author Alexis' talent, this is painful to read at times as both Alfie and Fen have a lot of work to do on themselves, to learn how to be together, as well as manage grief (for Fen) and redemption (for Alfie).

This is a steamy MM romance between Alfie and Fen, but it's also a bully romance, and a love letter to the north of England. It's layered and thoughtful and already lingering in my mind. My previous reads from Alexis have been the very funny Winner Bakes All books which I adored, but this is a whole other thing and now I'll have to read the rest of the Spires series.

Five stars for the beautiful writing, and for how I felt like I was inside Alfie's brain - and for the gift of Fen. Thank you Alexis Hall, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I loved this story. It was like a home town second chance vibe.

Alfie and Fen have history and it’s not good. Think school bully type history. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship and the real regret I felt from Alfie. Fen didn’t make things easy. Fen definitely has lots of issues but being himself is not one of them and I love that in a character. There’s great chemistry and a dash of angst and I really enjoyed it.

Pansies is another emotional installment in Alexis Hall’s Spires series. This book highlights grief, and homophobia, yet still manages to be a queer love story filled with banter, heat and joy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Successful gay finance bro Alfie is back in his hometown of South Shields for a wedding when he meets gorgeous florist Fen in a bar. Their interaction is a little strained, but their chemistry is off the charts and they hook up. Afterwards, Alfie learns that he actually knows Fen, and bullied him in high school. Understandably, Fen has a lot of feelings about it. But now that Alfie’s out as queer, he is trying to make things right between them. Throw in some internalized self loathing and Fen’s grief, and the odds seem stacked against them. Can their attraction help them figure out a path forward?

Pansies is so well written, but sometimes it’s a difficult read because of the heavy subject matter. The story involves grief, internalized homophobia, and general thoughts on what it means to be queer. Alfie and Fen are both fantastic, complex characters. While initially Fen comes off as more likable, as the story develops, readers also becomes attached to Alfie and adore the two as a couple.

As with all the Spires rereleases, the best parts are Alexis Hall’s thoughtful annotations that appear throughout the book. They offer extra insights into the story, while throwing in tons of great background information. I love revisiting these romances, and can’t wait to read more Spires stories.

Pansies is a wonderful, emotional queer love story. If you love a romance that tackles heavier topics, along with plenty of quips and lots of heat, Alexis Hall’s latest Spires book is a must read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an updated version of the original. I laughed and I cried. Can 2 damaged people heal each other. Alfie Bell has escaped his South Shields life and gone to London to become a well paid investment banker. He has also finally come out as gay, and he is still not sure if himself. He comes home for his best friends wedding and somehow outs himself. He leaves the wedding, ends up in a bar, picks up a guy and goes home with him for mind shattering sex. But wait, Fen is the boy Alfie bullied all through school because Fen was always out and himself. Fen had recognized him, but Alfie had somehow not recognized Fen.
Pansies is the flower shop Fen's mother owned and he has taken it over now that his mother has died. How Alfie and Fen will deal with their lives is the story.
There are some laugh out loud scenes, as well as scenes of grief, confusion and lots of sex.
The author has a "starred" some scenes and at the end of the book explains why, as well as things he changed in this new version. I found that quite fun.
I enjoy Hall's book and will continue to read them as they give me a view of life I do not see.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions are my honest thoughts.

Review of Pansies by Alexis Hall

Pansies, the fourth installment in Alexis Hall’s World of Spires series, is a deeply emotional romance that tackles themes like forgiveness, self-discovery, and the challenge of confronting a painful past. Known for his novels Boyfriend Material and Husband Material, Hall once again demonstrates his talent for creating layered, deeply human characters. This story of Alfie and Fen takes readers on a poignant journey through nostalgia, guilt, and the unexpected power of love.

Plot Summary
At the heart of Pansies is Alfie Bell, a man who appears to have everything he ever wanted: a high-paying job, a luxury apartment, and a vibrant social life in London. But despite this seemingly perfect life, Alfie feels a sense of emptiness. When he returns to his small hometown for a friend’s wedding, he’s forced to confront memories and unresolved feelings from his youth. This town, which he left behind years ago, stirs up complicated emotions—and Alfie realizes his past is not as forgotten as he’d hoped.

Amid these tangled emotions, Alfie meets Fen, a florist with pink-tipped hair and an unapologetic, bold attitude. Fen is everything Alfie once struggled to be: someone who is true to himself, regardless of others' opinions. What starts as a fleeting encounter soon reveals a shared history; Fen and Alfie were once schoolmates. Back then, Alfie kept his true self hidden, while Fen lived openly and suffered for it. This painful history complicates their present connection, making the possibility of romance fraught with tension and the need for forgiveness.

Characters
The characters in Pansies are the soul of the story, crafted with depth, flaws, and believability:

Alfie Bell is a protagonist whose internal struggles between guilt and self-discovery make him sympathetic and relatable. His journey to confront his past and accept his mistakes is both challenging and rewarding, as he works to become a more authentic version of himself.

Fen serves as Alfie’s foil: bold, creative, and resilient. He stayed in their hometown and built a life on his own terms, though not without cost. Fen harbors deep-seated hurt from the way Alfie treated him back in school, and his reluctance to forgive reflects his need for emotional safety. He is a character who embodies both strength and vulnerability.

Themes
Pansies explores several central themes that give the story depth and emotional resonance:

Forgiveness
Forgiveness lies at the heart of this novel—both forgiving others and learning self-forgiveness. Alfie’s journey is about proving to Fen (and to himself) that he has changed. Hall thoughtfully portrays the complexities of making amends and the hard work involved in seeking redemption.

Identity and Self-Acceptance
Alfie and Fen represent two distinct responses to growing up queer in a conservative small town: Alfie chose concealment, while Fen chose authenticity. Through their contrasting experiences, Pansies delves into the struggles of queer identity in a hostile environment and explores how these experiences shape one’s self-image and relationships.

The Meaning of “Home”
Both Alfie and Fen are connected by their desire to escape their hometown in search of a better life. Alfie managed to leave, while Fen stayed and made a home for himself. Pansies raises questions about whether we can ever truly escape our origins or whether they remain an inextricable part of who we are.

Writing Style
Hall’s writing in Pansies is both sensitive and humorous, striking a beautiful balance between lighthearted moments and the novel’s more serious themes. His dialogue is lively and filled with warmth, humor, and heart. Hall’s gift for capturing emotional nuance brings depth to the characters’ relationship, inviting readers to experience the vulnerability and tension between Alfie and Fen firsthand.

The pacing is thoughtful, allowing the story and characters to breathe. Hall alternates between intense, poignant moments and witty exchanges, crafting a narrative that feels rich and multidimensional. The setting—a small, sometimes claustrophobic town—is vividly depicted, grounding the story in a place that is both familiar and stifling, a fitting metaphor for the emotional journeys of Alfie and Fen.

Final Thoughts
Pansies is more than just a love story—it’s a reflective and multifaceted tale about forgiveness, authenticity, and the courage to confront one’s mistakes. The relationship between Alfie and Fen is complex and feels grounded in reality, with a shared past that makes their connection both compelling and bittersweet.

For readers looking for a romance with substance, Pansies is an exceptional choice. Hall’s ability to portray queer experiences in an authentic and heartfelt way makes this novel a truly memorable read. Pansies is a reminder that, while our past may shape us, it does not have to define us—and that love can sometimes find us in the most unexpected places.

Happy pub day to this beautiful book! I love the current trend of republication, giving incredible stories like this one a chance to reach an even wider audience. I love this book, and I love Alexis Hall.

PANSIES just might be my favorite of the Spires series so far! The story puts us in the very fancy shoes of Alfie Bell, who has everything he could ever want: a high-paying job as an investment banker, penthouse apartment, flashy sports car, exciting London life. He's dreading returning to his hometown for a friend's wedding, until a chance encounter at the local bar introduces him to Fen, a quirky, captivating guy who's unlike anyone Alfie has ever met before. Except they have met before—back in their school days, when Fen was the one who felt like he never quite fit in, and Alfie (along with his friends) was the one who made Fen's life miserable. Can Alfie and Fen find belonging, happiness, growth, and maybe even love...with each other?

I really enjoyed this book! Alexis Hall takes the arguably polarizing trope of "second-chance romance with your childhood bully" and infuses it with so much depth and complexity, and undeniable chemistry and connection between the characters, that you can't help but root for Alfie and Fen, despite their complicated past. I loved following Alfie's journey as our protagonist—realizing that he was always enough just the way he was, untangling his feelings of shame around his sexuality and reconciling the person he thought he "should have" been, with who he truly is. Fen was equally well-developed, and his powerful letters to his late mother really helped in getting to know his character and how he was feeling, since the story mainly follows Alfie's POV. Another highlight was the vivid, immersive setting of South Shields—I've never been there before, but by the end of the story, I felt like I had really gotten to know the town and see it through the characters' eyes. Also, as a huge musical theater fan, it was so much fun to spot some of those references throughout the story! Needless to say, I would definitely recommend PANSIES, particularly if you're in search of a contemporary romance packed with emotional depth as well as chemistry that practically jumps off the page. I can't wait to read more of Alexis Hall's books! Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.

Another re-release of the Spires series.

This is probably my favourite (though I may have said that about each of them). On the surface it’s a story about a former bully going back home and falling in love with the kid he bullied growing up. Except it’s a lot more than that. It’s a slightly melancholy love letter to the North. It’s a bully realising that regardless of his intentions, he has seriously hurt someone he cares about. It’s about figuring out what where you fit when home doesn’t feel so much like home any more. And it’s about trying to figure out what you want because you want it, and what you want because society says you should.

Alfie, now a successful London based investment banker, goes back to South Shields and develops a serious interest in Fen, a small, hot, feisty man who is running a flower shop. Alfie doesn’t properly fit either in London or in South Shields. He struggles with being whatever- enough, manly enough or gay enough or northern enough. Fen is aggressive and bristly and dealing with some deep trauma from the passing of his mum. Alfie is looking to provide for people and figure out how to exist.

The first time I read this book, I felt like the plot was resolved pretty much halfway through, and wondered why there was so much extra book. But on re-reads, and particularly with the additional author notes I appreciate the complexity of what the book is actually about, not just Alfie and Fen getting together, but figuring out how to be themselves, what shape they want life to be, and how to unpick what a happy and satisfying life looks like together.

“Honestly, by the end of an average day, making even the smallest decisions sometimes feels impossible.”

I just love Alexis Hall. I have enjoyed all of his books and this one is no different. All of his books are so quirky and the about the author sections are truly wonderful. This book’s says “Alexis Hall is a connoisseur of puddings. He is particularly partial to crumble.” And that’s it. The dry British humor is always balanced with serious topics so well. It's such a delicate balance that doesn't always work, but the way Hall writes it works perfectly.

I went into this one pretty blind and I was surprised that the plot revolves around Alfie picking up the boy he used to bully back in school at a bar. When he finally realizes who Fen is, he feels immense guilt and wants to apologize. Fen is rightly resentful and from there they start a back and forth that doesn’t seem sustainable. There's previous trauma for the years Alfie spent bullying Fen, and Alfie has unresolved tension with his parents after coming out. It feels like Alfie isn't quite comfortable with himself and that spills into his burgeoning relationship with Fen.

I loved both Alfie and Fen. They have so much love for each other, but for Alfie it’s as if he doesn’t know how to give himself to Fen. There has been tension between him and his family since he came out and it’s clearly so difficult for him. Fen is still reeling from him mother’s death and feels a connection to her flower shop that he’s taken over. The conversations they have, while sometimes redundant, are realistic and vulnerable. This is something Hall always does so well.

“It’s harder, sometimes, to live with choices that aren’t yours.”

Even though this feels just a bit long, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this immensely and loving these characters. Through the difficulties, there are some really beautiful moments. I also wish a few things had some resolution, specifically with Alfie and his father, but the overall arcs for both Alfie and Fen are excellent.

Beautiful story. Characters were written well and plot was entertaining! This was my first book by this author and I’m definitely excited to read more! 4 stars recommendation!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy. I am really enjoying reading Alexis Hall. I was a little surprised to learn that this book had previously been released and was on NetGalley for the rerelease. I had never come across that.

I did enjoy the book and the story between Alfie and Fen. It was a great reminder that everything is never black and white. There is always a back story and lots of feelings. Sometimes attraction is not enough. Reading about flawed characters with trauma and history feels right to me.

The story of Fen's mother is beautiful. His loyalty to her is ultimately making him miserable. I think it is beautiful how much he wants to take care of her flower shop and the things she loved...but how long can he live in limbo like that. Running into Alfie pulls him out of the spiral he has been on...stirring up lots of past trauma as well. Fen helps Alfie find a more fulfilling life as well. Together they are able to provide what is missing in the other mans life.

Thanks to @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for the eArc of this book.

Alfie Bell returns to his hometown for a wedding where he runs into Fen who he used to bully in school. Alfie wants to try and fix the past and the story really centers around them reconnecting and trying to build a new relationship.

Both of these characters are struggling in their own ways, but I love that they’re able to share their feelings and kind of work together to help each other.

Yes, this is a love story (you do get some spice), but it’s so much more than that. It’s about the complexities of romantic and familial relationships, dealing with grief, discovering your sexual identity and overcoming your past.

The only thing I will say is that it is a touch too long, but it’s just a little extra time to spend with Alfie and Fen.

Pansies is moving and lovely, but I also can’t remember ever laughing aloud so much while reading. The humor and inside jokes were right up my alley and I adored every moment!

Alfie Bell grew up in a small town in northern England. Possessing good looks, a limited worldview, and skill in all the typical masculine pursuits, it took him twenty-eight years to realize he was gay. Now thirty and a successful London investment banker, he’s still trying to figure out…well, everything. Home for a wedding, he stumbles across the fascinating Fen and shoots his shot, unaware this is James O’Donaghue, another kid from school. But Fen never forgot the handsome Alfie, who bullied him relentlessly and haunted his nightmares and fantasies. And he’s carrying plenty of other baggage as well. Cue the flying of the sparks!

In the foreword of this re-release, Alexis Hall says this book could be his most ambitious, and I can totally see why. Dealing with themes of masculinity, sexuality, acceptance, home, grief, family, and of course, love, it’s a lot to take on but I think he nailed it. Alfie and Fen are so completely human, messy and fallible.

The writing is evocative in the way I love. Fen’s grief and the way it clashes and soars with his tempestuous feelings toward Alfie paint a moving picture of a person clawing their way back. And Alfie. I love Alfie so entirely. He has such simple wants and dreams, and his struggle to feel like he’s “enough” in any respect had my heart going out to him. The side characters are also great - Gothshelley steals every scene she’s in!

Pansies is a whirlwind romance, both men falling hard but fighting circumstances from outside themselves and within. The spice is as intense and steamy as I expected after reading For Real, but there is less of it than in Toby and Laurie’s book. I look forward to picking up the other books in this series, and I wholeheartedly recommend to all! Check CWs as needed.

*I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review*

Alexis Hall has done it again with PANSIES!

The Spires series just keeps getting better! Alexis Hall returns to the beloved series with Pansies, bringing along an overflow of extras and bonus content for days. In this installment, we follow Alfie and Fen, two characters who first met in high school under… complicated circumstances. Years later, with both of them older and (hopefully!) wiser, they’re back in each other’s orbit. But as in any classic Spires tale, their path to real connection isn’t smooth—they’ll need to grow, forgive, and face some hard truths if they hope to find their way to each other.

What I love about the Spires series is how each couple’s journey feels fresh, yet connected through recurring themes (and a few delightful cameos!). In Pansies, the emotional themes are especially powerful, and they’ll devastate readers in the best way. The portrayal of grief, particularly through Fen’s relationship with his mother, is both moving and beautifully written. Some chapters even take the form of Fen’s letters to his mother, offering a unique and touching window into his world. These letters add so much depth, letting us feel his journey, even though we’re mostly seeing things from Alfie’s perspective.

Speaking of Alfie—he’s adorable! Watching him navigate his own understanding of what it means to be gay, with a little help from his friends, is both heartwarming and relatable. Alfie’s tough-yet-tender personality is a joy to read; he’s that perfect mix of rough around the edges but a softie at heart. Pansies is everything fans of this series crave: funny, romantic, adorable, and filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings. Readers are in for a treat!

Only Alexis Hall can make a book funny and still make you feel every emotion of the characters.
I loved this . Its the perfect romantic buy spicy book to pick up.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc
All opinions are my own.