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Dreaming #1
Not Dreaming of You
(Award-winning novel.)Kiki Villanueva holds a master's degree from UCLA, is the best second grade teacher ever, and believes she had a psychic dream when she was thirteen in which she was given a list of her future husband's attributes. Children are her life, and Kiki has good reason to think she may not have any if she doesn't marry soon. Since typical dating methods haven't been working out, she decides that when she goes back to L.A. for the summer, she'll start using the list to sort through potential candidates.
When jaded political journalist Mark Bennett confesses to his doctor he no longer finds women, or anything else, exciting, Dr. Chuck is worried he's depressed and suggests a change of pace. Mark agrees to write a fluff piece for a magazine about people who join high-priced dating services. (His premise is "Losers or Lunatics?") The dating service introduces him to Kiki, and he's charmed by her open, passionate nature, not to mention her big, brown "do me" eyes, though she definitely belongs in the "lunatic" category with that psychic stuff. Mark is a confirmed bachelor from a family where no one says the L-word. However, while accompanying warm, sexy Kiki on her match-making service dates for his story, he soon wonders why he's literally driving her to the arms of other men. If he could only get her to forget her list, and everything he said when they first met, oh, and the fact that he's been a complete jackass. But Kiki's not about to waste time on an emotionally challenged cynic who only wants to "play" and is definitely not on her list, even if he is handsome, and funny, and sexy...uh-oh!
When jaded political journalist Mark Bennett confesses to his doctor he no longer finds women, or anything else, exciting, Dr. Chuck is worried he's depressed and suggests a change of pace. Mark agrees to write a fluff piece for a magazine about people who join high-priced dating services. (His premise is "Losers or Lunatics?") The dating service introduces him to Kiki, and he's charmed by her open, passionate nature, not to mention her big, brown "do me" eyes, though she definitely belongs in the "lunatic" category with that psychic stuff. Mark is a confirmed bachelor from a family where no one says the L-word. However, while accompanying warm, sexy Kiki on her match-making service dates for his story, he soon wonders why he's literally driving her to the arms of other men. If he could only get her to forget her list, and everything he said when they first met, oh, and the fact that he's been a complete jackass. But Kiki's not about to waste time on an emotionally challenged cynic who only wants to "play" and is definitely not on her list, even if he is handsome, and funny, and sexy...uh-oh!
245 pages, Nook
First published March 23, 2011
78 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Nina Cordoba
12 books59 followersSince my parents left their Texas/Louisiana homes to find adventure in California, that's where I was born. We eventually moved to Texas, but as a native Californian, I still qualify to use words like "vibe" and "aura" without ridicule.
I'm known for my sense of humor and my annoying habit of turning everything into a song. As a child, I dreamed that someday, I'd be in a place and start singing and everyone around me would burst into song spontaneously with me. In my 40's, I found a soul mate who is a natural musician. He and my musically talented step-son make my dreams come true by jumping in and singing, humming or duh-duh-duhing along with anything from classical to rock. My teenage daughter eggs us on, participates, or simply jumps in to correct mis-sung lyrics, depending on her mood.
We are a very quirky family and it's probably a good thing we don't have camera's on us 24-hours a day, although I sometimes wish I had recordings of the creative, bizarre, or brilliant conversations we have...or at least we think they're brilliant at the time.
My husband is one of the smartest people I've ever met. Of course, he comes from a family of Chinese geniuses, but he also has a romantic, passionate heart and is sort of a Latino wannabe. His progress in learning Spanish has far outstripped my progress in learning Chinese.
I'm super proud of my daughter for having all kinds of friends from all over the world, and understanding that different cultures are wonderful and interesting, not something to be judged as inferior to our own. Blonde and blue-eyed, she gets a bit annoyed sometimes if her friends don't recognize her as a "Latina"--she's 1/4.
I've taught English to adult students from all over the world. Their stories have been an inspiration to me. I started teaching ESL just before my mother died. I cried constantly for a year and the only time I could forget her tragic death was when I was teaching my classes.
Then one night, after a lifetime of writing journalistic and marketing materials, I started writing a novel, then I wrote another and another.
I'm known for my sense of humor and my annoying habit of turning everything into a song. As a child, I dreamed that someday, I'd be in a place and start singing and everyone around me would burst into song spontaneously with me. In my 40's, I found a soul mate who is a natural musician. He and my musically talented step-son make my dreams come true by jumping in and singing, humming or duh-duh-duhing along with anything from classical to rock. My teenage daughter eggs us on, participates, or simply jumps in to correct mis-sung lyrics, depending on her mood.
We are a very quirky family and it's probably a good thing we don't have camera's on us 24-hours a day, although I sometimes wish I had recordings of the creative, bizarre, or brilliant conversations we have...or at least we think they're brilliant at the time.
My husband is one of the smartest people I've ever met. Of course, he comes from a family of Chinese geniuses, but he also has a romantic, passionate heart and is sort of a Latino wannabe. His progress in learning Spanish has far outstripped my progress in learning Chinese.
I'm super proud of my daughter for having all kinds of friends from all over the world, and understanding that different cultures are wonderful and interesting, not something to be judged as inferior to our own. Blonde and blue-eyed, she gets a bit annoyed sometimes if her friends don't recognize her as a "Latina"--she's 1/4.
I've taught English to adult students from all over the world. Their stories have been an inspiration to me. I started teaching ESL just before my mother died. I cried constantly for a year and the only time I could forget her tragic death was when I was teaching my classes.
Then one night, after a lifetime of writing journalistic and marketing materials, I started writing a novel, then I wrote another and another.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 14, 2012
This was a very "cute" quick read. Definitely mindless and quick. I recommend it as an "in between" read or while you're reading something else, haha.
November 14, 2021
Although I didn't hate the book, I found it all really predictable.
November 27, 2014
Didn't finish reading this book hence default 1*.
I just couldn't get into it. The story was just too saccharine and "cutesy" in places and ridiculous in other parts. It tried to be funny but only resulted in bafflement. Perhaps it's a cultural difference but it just appeared weird.
Hero: Mark is a cynical 30 year old, tall, dark and handsome well-to-do American Political Journalist. He hasn't had sex in almost 2 years because he doesn't find anyone attractive. His doctor thinks he's suffering from stress and recommends he takes a break from the DC Political scene. His family aren't close and argue.
Heroine: Kiki Villanueva - 26 year old teacher, chestnut hair, big brown eyes and very beautiful. She's from Argentina with a warm loving family, parents still in love yada yada yada. Her goal is to get married and it must follow a list that was manifested to her in a dream (she professes to being psychic). She doesn't like politics (she only enjoys reading sweet and fluffy topics), she loves dogs and would like to be married with children. She is saving herself for her husband (although she's previously had boyfriends) but doesn't believe men ought to feel similarly obliged. She is indifferent to people thinking she's weird and makes really odd conversation. She is blasé about starring in a online-dating-video and being interviewed by a cynical journalist regarding her very first attempt at online dating.
I only got to the page when the interview is being conducted and it's pretty cringe-worthy. If she's not drooling over him (or vice versa) then they're suffering differing opinions. The clashes were childish more than "hot" - nothing intense. It was just very immature.
Kiki's family seem nice and although it's a bit too sweet and all candy floss for me - I did like reading about Chris who speaks multiple languages, is culturally aware and seems like a nice guy.
If I have the time to finish this book I may change my mind. But so far it seems to be heading to the "delete" button. If I do read it and it improves will review my score again.
I just couldn't get into it. The story was just too saccharine and "cutesy" in places and ridiculous in other parts. It tried to be funny but only resulted in bafflement. Perhaps it's a cultural difference but it just appeared weird.
Hero: Mark is a cynical 30 year old, tall, dark and handsome well-to-do American Political Journalist. He hasn't had sex in almost 2 years because he doesn't find anyone attractive. His doctor thinks he's suffering from stress and recommends he takes a break from the DC Political scene. His family aren't close and argue.
Heroine: Kiki Villanueva - 26 year old teacher, chestnut hair, big brown eyes and very beautiful. She's from Argentina with a warm loving family, parents still in love yada yada yada. Her goal is to get married and it must follow a list that was manifested to her in a dream (she professes to being psychic). She doesn't like politics (she only enjoys reading sweet and fluffy topics), she loves dogs and would like to be married with children. She is saving herself for her husband (although she's previously had boyfriends) but doesn't believe men ought to feel similarly obliged. She is indifferent to people thinking she's weird and makes really odd conversation. She is blasé about starring in a online-dating-video and being interviewed by a cynical journalist regarding her very first attempt at online dating.
I only got to the page when the interview is being conducted and it's pretty cringe-worthy. If she's not drooling over him (or vice versa) then they're suffering differing opinions. The clashes were childish more than "hot" - nothing intense. It was just very immature.
Kiki's family seem nice and although it's a bit too sweet and all candy floss for me - I did like reading about Chris who speaks multiple languages, is culturally aware and seems like a nice guy.
If I have the time to finish this book I may change my mind. But so far it seems to be heading to the "delete" button. If I do read it and it improves will review my score again.
April 25, 2015
This is one of the best modern romances I have ever read. If you love great characters who are inadvertently funny (there are laugh out loud moments throughout the book), if you love great character development and stories wrapped around character development, if you love great writing...this is available for free (at least on iTunes where I found it)...you will LOVE it!!!! I just loved all the characters. The jaded logical hero and the emotional loving heroine who can only emote...she's very astute, yet gullible. She's sweet, but not a push over. She has a spine and knows how to use it. It's the opposites meeting and trying to comprehend each other all through the mind altering haze of instant attraction (AKA love at first sight - having suffered this I'd say the author got it spot on). I'm off to buy the companion book which is about the heroine's cousin (who sounds totally lovely - who will he end up with? I have to go find out right now!).
I just have to say I can't even comprehend how anyone could give this a low star rating.
I just have to say I can't even comprehend how anyone could give this a low star rating.
January 7, 2016
This was a light, easy read. I loved the character of Kiki and thought the book was funny and sweet overall, although some sections were badly worded or a bit cheesy.
August 10, 2017
I really wanted to enjoy this book (because who doesn't enjoy a good love story?) but so many things got in the way. Kiki, the main female character, spends hours each day on clothes, nail polish, and makeup. She believes that women shouldn't have too much sexual experience "for the good of a relationship," but it's fine if men are more experienced (ugh). She is (understandably, given the plot of the book) baby obsessed and does not self identify as a career woman (despite being well educated) because her ultimate focus is to have a family.
Mark, the main male character, chases one of Kiki's romantic prospects away by telling lies about the many fictitious children that Kiki has. He seems drawn to Kiki purely based on physical attraction - I'm not too sure how their personalities are compatible. He's having problems getting it up in the bedroom but somehow, magically, only Kiki can solve this issue.
So what I'm trying to say is that I don't identify with Kiki's traits, and I don't find Mark's personality to be attractive. Put together, you have a love/romance story that I just can't find myself vicariously enjoying. And since the entire point of this book is love/romance, that's a fairly deal-breaking flaw.
Mark, the main male character, chases one of Kiki's romantic prospects away by telling lies about the many fictitious children that Kiki has. He seems drawn to Kiki purely based on physical attraction - I'm not too sure how their personalities are compatible. He's having problems getting it up in the bedroom but somehow, magically, only Kiki can solve this issue.
So what I'm trying to say is that I don't identify with Kiki's traits, and I don't find Mark's personality to be attractive. Put together, you have a love/romance story that I just can't find myself vicariously enjoying. And since the entire point of this book is love/romance, that's a fairly deal-breaking flaw.
March 13, 2018
Okay I admit it. I am a romance novel addict but I like lots of bloody murder stories as well. I love Nina Cordoba’s stories. Her characters are developed and are a bit crazy as I imagine her to be. I like the Argentian-American mix and how they all speak Spanish and English with no breaks. Of course, Nina is half Mexican and half American so she should know how to write in both languages. Wish I did!!! Makes me want to learn Spanish at the age of 75–don’t hold out much hope. This story is just too cute with Kiki looking for a husband using a dating service and then meeting Mark Bennett, the reporter but not fitting her psychic image from 13 years ago. Of course, you guessed it, they date and then ..... well you must read the book to find out. Kiki’s cousin, Chris, is more American because his father is American but Kiki and Chris are double cousins. Their mothers are sisters and live in Argentina most of the time. Just treat yourself, and get this book. Then you must get the second book as well.
May 14, 2019
An ok story
A story about a cynical reporter learning to open his heart and learn to love like Kiki a kind and loving soul.
There are a few things that I disliked about this book a woman's love of clothes and taking too long to get ready. It really annoyed me mainly as it is not a trait I see very often in the women I know. I would've thought a strong character, with strong values wouldn't care what she looked like and spent so much time getting ready.
I felt like this story was a typical romance book whereby, the 2 main characters were drawn to one another from the start and something happens to keep them apart and then one of them has to win the other back. There was nothing in this story that set it apart from countless other romance stories.
Other than this the writing was good and the story did draw me in I liked Mark's character and there were some amusing elements to the story that made me chortle.
The characters were believable and well written. There was just enough in the story to keep me interested.
A story about a cynical reporter learning to open his heart and learn to love like Kiki a kind and loving soul.
There are a few things that I disliked about this book a woman's love of clothes and taking too long to get ready. It really annoyed me mainly as it is not a trait I see very often in the women I know. I would've thought a strong character, with strong values wouldn't care what she looked like and spent so much time getting ready.
I felt like this story was a typical romance book whereby, the 2 main characters were drawn to one another from the start and something happens to keep them apart and then one of them has to win the other back. There was nothing in this story that set it apart from countless other romance stories.
Other than this the writing was good and the story did draw me in I liked Mark's character and there were some amusing elements to the story that made me chortle.
The characters were believable and well written. There was just enough in the story to keep me interested.
May 6, 2019
Looking for a fun, light hearted, romantic read? This is it! I enjoyed this book all the way through. This is the story of Kiki who knows the traits in her true love, she had a dream about him. Enters Mark who doesn't have these traits but may just be the man for her. I don't want to give away too much info because this book is such a fun ride that I think you need to read it and experience it. Get ready to laugh out loud, root for Kiki, secretly love Mark and feel your heart warm through out this book. This book also has a message of doing things for yourself and not worrying what others expect, especially family. Romantic comedy fans will enjoy every minute of this book. I did!
May 22, 2018
Great
Loved the story it was easy to follow and the characters were very relatable. This story has made me change my view on first encounters and believing my gut reactions. Looking forward to reading the next instalment...
Loved the story it was easy to follow and the characters were very relatable. This story has made me change my view on first encounters and believing my gut reactions. Looking forward to reading the next instalment...
May 25, 2019
Sweet and Sexy Romance Story
This is a sweet story with beautiful characters. It's a classic "opposites attract" romance. I enjoyed reading the story of the dynamic Kiki and cynical Mark.
This is a sweet story with beautiful characters. It's a classic "opposites attract" romance. I enjoyed reading the story of the dynamic Kiki and cynical Mark.
April 8, 2020
Be open-mindex
That's what I learned from this book. It was such a fun book! And I even learned a little Spanish. Now I'm going read Cristòval's stoy.I can't i.imagine it being finish than Kiki's it I'm going to enjoy finding out!
That's what I learned from this book. It was such a fun book! And I even learned a little Spanish. Now I'm going read Cristòval's stoy.I can't i.imagine it being finish than Kiki's it I'm going to enjoy finding out!
September 15, 2024
DNF - 70% Had to stop reading, couldn’t see the point of continuing, was very tedious.
June 15, 2016
I was doing so well with the free Kindle books on my holiday... I was going through a pretty decent run until this chick-lit piece. Ah well.
Our lead character, Kiki, was for me one of the most vapid characters I have ever had the misfortune to read about. Add to that her being rude, snobbish, a show-off and a bit of a clothes-whore (and all this within 11% of the book!) and I wasn't going to end up liking this.
It could just be that I don't understand her as a character (I really don't understand the need to have matching nail polish for every outfit you wear - especially as Kiki seems to wear about 10 a day that is an awful lot of wasted polish) but I found her really self-centered and not at all caring as she is meant to be. I honestly though that our male lead would be better off without her!
Her brother is perhaps a bit more likeable but my experience with this book leaves me unlikely to read the book about him! That said this book contains about 3 chapters from his and it does leave it on an interesting cliff hanger so.... maybe.
Overall, pretty standard chick-lit fare - there is better out there but there is also worse.
Our lead character, Kiki, was for me one of the most vapid characters I have ever had the misfortune to read about. Add to that her being rude, snobbish, a show-off and a bit of a clothes-whore (and all this within 11% of the book!) and I wasn't going to end up liking this.
It could just be that I don't understand her as a character (I really don't understand the need to have matching nail polish for every outfit you wear - especially as Kiki seems to wear about 10 a day that is an awful lot of wasted polish) but I found her really self-centered and not at all caring as she is meant to be. I honestly though that our male lead would be better off without her!
Her brother is perhaps a bit more likeable but my experience with this book leaves me unlikely to read the book about him! That said this book contains about 3 chapters from his and it does leave it on an interesting cliff hanger so.... maybe.
Overall, pretty standard chick-lit fare - there is better out there but there is also worse.
March 12, 2016
As a young girl in Buenos Aires Kiki has what she believes is a psychic dream of her future husband. Fast forward 13 years, she is a 2nd grade teacher in Los Angeles and still a dreamer. She's given some sad news by her doctor and decides she's going to find that man! She joins a dating service to speed things up, because she believes time is running out. Mark is a political reporter and a cynic of life, of magic of all things not factual based. He too goes to the doctor and is told to change his workout and his work life. Mark is assigned a story on the people who use dating services. He believes they are all losers until he meets Kiki. He sabotages all her dates so he can have a chance with her. She of course is looking for the man who is described in her dream, who happened to look nothing like Mark. Mark tries to convince her otherwise. This is such a fun story, a light read and a GREAT rom-com.
February 26, 2014
Easy reading, kinda predictable but the endometriosis storyline irritated the hell out of me. Having suffered from the condition from my teens and had fertility problems, this struck a nerve, particularly with the inaccuracy displayed here. The only way to diagnose the condition is to have exploratory surgery, i.e. a laporoscopy. So I would love to know what "tests' Kiki had to diagnose her asymptomatic condition. I really couldn't stomach reading the second book, described as Mark & Kiki's baby story, as inevitably they will want a baby, faff about a while when its not working and then have a quick happy ever after, baby booties and all, with medical facts being skirted round or ignored.
April 25, 2018
Look, let's be brutally honest here. It was free on Amazon Kindle, I was bored, it was the summer, I wanted a light read and a free one fell into my hands.
I'm just...so glad...I dodn't pay for this? I mean, I'm not sure if it's the book or if it's me, that I can't deal with the type of book that makes my eyes roll so hard I keep worrying they'll get stuck looking at the back of my head...
I mean, the bLURB:
UH-OH indeed!
Some things are best...unsaid.
I'm just...so glad...I dodn't pay for this? I mean, I'm not sure if it's the book or if it's me, that I can't deal with the type of book that makes my eyes roll so hard I keep worrying they'll get stuck looking at the back of my head...
I mean, the bLURB:
But Kiki's not about to waste time on an emotionally challenged cynic who only wants to "play" and is definitely not on her list, even if he is handsome, and funny, and sexy...uh-oh!
UH-OH indeed!
Some things are best...unsaid.
November 12, 2013
I'm not sure if some of the reviewers here thought this book was an informational textbook or what...
Not Dreaming of You is a fun, quirky ride that allows the reader to get lost in a story for a few hours. Kiki is a dynamo, Mark a self proclaimed jackass. Together they create outrageous fun and a great contemporary romance. There are some minor editing errors, nothing that made me stumble and come to a halt though. This book earns an easy 4 stars.
Not Dreaming of You is a fun, quirky ride that allows the reader to get lost in a story for a few hours. Kiki is a dynamo, Mark a self proclaimed jackass. Together they create outrageous fun and a great contemporary romance. There are some minor editing errors, nothing that made me stumble and come to a halt though. This book earns an easy 4 stars.
November 6, 2014
Took me a little while to get into this book but it picked up around 20% in. I found Kiki got quite annoying, judgemental and a little immature at times so it took me a while to want to root for her and Mark. It was an 'ok' read nothing too dramatic or twists in the story but kept me occupied for a few hours at least.It's listed as 'romantic/comedy' I dont really see where the humour element was! Im not complelled to read the second book. Overall I gave this 3/5 stars.
July 2, 2014
I found this book to be an entertaining, quite light-hearted read. Although a simple plot surrounding Kiki and Mark's romance, I enjoyed the progression of the characters and especially when Mark found ways to show Kiki that she doesn't have to settle for a dream and she teaches him and his family to come together. Altogether, this was a good book I would settle for in a library or as a freebie but may not pay for it (I might look for the sequel though...)
March 16, 2016
This was a sweet story about Argentinean Kiki, who is looking for her perfect man, who was described to her in a dream when she was a teenager.
I found the story followed the typical chick-lit pattern, so was a little predictable. However, I found the book an amusing and enjoyable read. This is a great read for any rom-com lovers.
I found the story followed the typical chick-lit pattern, so was a little predictable. However, I found the book an amusing and enjoyable read. This is a great read for any rom-com lovers.
March 26, 2014
Romantic I think this book might be one of my all time favorite
Romantic I think this book might be one of my all time favorite
I think this book might be one of my all time favorite. I think I smiled through the whole book it was so entertaining I didn't want to stop reading. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Happy reading
Chris
Romantic I think this book might be one of my all time favorite
I think this book might be one of my all time favorite. I think I smiled through the whole book it was so entertaining I didn't want to stop reading. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Happy reading
Chris
July 1, 2015
Loved the characters and just when I thought it was going to end, the story carried on - to my delight! Although there is a sequel, I think I'm content with just this, which never happens. This doesn't reflect badly on the book but quite the opposite - I feel like the characters are so alive that I can make up their own futures to suit me.
January 6, 2012
The story was very predictable. The characters were under developed, one dimensional, flat. Book contained typos. I was annoyed with kikis condition, simple tests will not diagnos this, it's as if the author didn't do enough research on the topics she has included, came across as lazy writing.
January 4, 2014
I wasn't too sure what to think about this book but once I started, I just couldn't put it down. I just had to know what was happening next. You could feel the ups and downs of the characters and their emotions being quite powerful. Well worth a read.
February 28, 2014
I rather enjoyed this story, for me it looses a star due to the Spanish in the book. I can't speak spanish and there isn't an explaination, so I found it stopped the flow while I was reading.
There is a sequel 'Always Dreaming of You', which is in my to-read list.
There is a sequel 'Always Dreaming of You', which is in my to-read list.
April 1, 2014
a few spanish words that I would have liked to know what they was on about in the book, but still good and predictable ending with a couple of tiny twists in the middle, but think ending was a bit quick in comparison to the rest of the book.
February 10, 2015
Very cute story
This is a true romance. What every little girl wishes for. It was romantic and funny and had me not want anything to put the book down. I read the majority of this book in one day.
This is a true romance. What every little girl wishes for. It was romantic and funny and had me not want anything to put the book down. I read the majority of this book in one day.
August 4, 2015
Long winded and over the top re: kiki's oh so wonderful "goodie-two-shoes" can do no wrong personality.
Lost interest easily partway through the book a couple of times and had to push myself to finish!
Lost interest easily partway through the book a couple of times and had to push myself to finish!
January 1, 2016
Couldn't put this down!!
This really captured me. The sweet heart warming story and the tension building between the main characters was really well written. It is definitely worth a read if you enjoy being swept off in a bit of good old romance and a few giggles along the way.
This really captured me. The sweet heart warming story and the tension building between the main characters was really well written. It is definitely worth a read if you enjoy being swept off in a bit of good old romance and a few giggles along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews