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Romance #8
When Dreams Tremble
Leslie Harris's visit to her upstate New York lakeside family home after a decade of triumphs and disappointment resembles a nightmare more than the quiet vacation she'd herod for. The unexpected appearance of much-changed town ero girl Devon Weber, with whom Leslie shares a secret that haunts them both, rekindles an old heart ache—and reminds Leslie of just why she left. Even though her attraction to Dev comes roaring back, the one thing Leslie doesn't want is to pick up where they left off, especially not when she already has just the life she wants—a rewarding high-power law practice, a condo in Manhattan, and a lover who satisfies her without demanding the intimacy Leslie avoids. Unfortunately, environmental biologist Devon Weber doesn't play by Leslie's rules. Two women whose lives turned out far differently than they'd once imagined discover that sometimes the shape of the future can only be found in the past-and love is strongest When Dreams Tremble .
145 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
30 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
142 books1,667 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 4, 2014
The character of Devon appealed to me immediately. The interaction she had with Leslie when they were teenagers was heartwarming. I found it very realitisch. You're young and you share an unusual special friendship with someone of your own sex. The question is this friendship or more? And the fact that they actually know that it is morethan friendship, but they do not pronounce it. This book is about second chances and growing up, letting go and taking risks to give your heart again. For me it was an emotional road, I felt the sadness and longing. Radclyffe always has a way to get to me with her words. The intimate scenes are very tasteful and intense. In my opinion Radclyffe always describes sex as it is intended. Hot and with great feeling!
August 17, 2025
Well, what's the point? I try to mutter expensive, try to mutter too short (only 145 pages) but, come on, it's the master, I have no chance! it's class and 5*s. Sorry, I did try! Just as good second time round! (Reread before tackling the sequel Fearless Hearts)
March 25, 2021
If you could look up "Girl, you've got it BAD" in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Devon Weber from When Dreams Tremble as the ultimate example. The most interesting part about that was it was kind of against type - the super hot butch that women find irresistible but her heart belongs to Leslie Harris, her long ago high school love that never was.
Fifteen years later, after Dev accepts a temporary contract position in environmental biology near her hometown where Leslie's parents still own a lakeside resort, the two women are brought back together when Leslie - now high-powered New York City attorney - travels home to convalesce after a health scare. It was serendipity that brought them back to the place where the two of them became close friends, because neither live in the area any more.
We learn about how the polar opposites became friends and the fateful tragedy that affected both of their lives. Dev was never like any of Leslie's other friends - she was the brooding, motorcycle riding loner who had a soft spot for Les and lived for moments alone with her. Leslie was part of the popular crowd and had a boyfriend. She knew she loved spending time with Dev, but was slow to realize the depth of her feelings for her.
This is one of those stories where you know there isn't another soul alive that is better for these two than the other, yet circumstances kept them apart. And you just want to strangle them. Well, in this case only one of them, because Dev wears her heart on her sleeve and keeps putting herself out there. She just can't help herself. She's never been able to resist Les.
I enjoyed reading the paperback more than this audio version. It has a major pet peeve issue for me when it comes to the eventual sexual encounter, but that wasn't the most irritating thing about it. This is one of those circumstances where the narrator actually detracted from the story. Not enough for me to stop listening altogether, but enough for me to constantly think about how much better it could have been. I even laughed during the big love scene, which should never, ever happen. It came off as terribly corny but a more skilled voice actor *cough* Abby Craden *cough* could have improved upon it.
While U.S. Audible subscribers can listen to this for free as part of the Audible Plus program as I did, my strong suggestion is that you go with the written version instead, should you find this of interest.
Fifteen years later, after Dev accepts a temporary contract position in environmental biology near her hometown where Leslie's parents still own a lakeside resort, the two women are brought back together when Leslie - now high-powered New York City attorney - travels home to convalesce after a health scare. It was serendipity that brought them back to the place where the two of them became close friends, because neither live in the area any more.
We learn about how the polar opposites became friends and the fateful tragedy that affected both of their lives. Dev was never like any of Leslie's other friends - she was the brooding, motorcycle riding loner who had a soft spot for Les and lived for moments alone with her. Leslie was part of the popular crowd and had a boyfriend. She knew she loved spending time with Dev, but was slow to realize the depth of her feelings for her.
This is one of those stories where you know there isn't another soul alive that is better for these two than the other, yet circumstances kept them apart. And you just want to strangle them. Well, in this case only one of them, because Dev wears her heart on her sleeve and keeps putting herself out there. She just can't help herself. She's never been able to resist Les.
I enjoyed reading the paperback more than this audio version. It has a major pet peeve issue for me when it comes to the eventual sexual encounter, but that wasn't the most irritating thing about it. This is one of those circumstances where the narrator actually detracted from the story. Not enough for me to stop listening altogether, but enough for me to constantly think about how much better it could have been. I even laughed during the big love scene, which should never, ever happen. It came off as terribly corny but a more skilled voice actor *cough* Abby Craden *cough* could have improved upon it.
While U.S. Audible subscribers can listen to this for free as part of the Audible Plus program as I did, my strong suggestion is that you go with the written version instead, should you find this of interest.
September 3, 2017
This had a bit of a hasty wrap up, but was otherwise pretty good.
December 6, 2025
*** 4.24 ***
I wouldn't call any of Radcliffe's books cute, but this one actually was!!! A pleasant surprise 😊👍!
I wouldn't call any of Radcliffe's books cute, but this one actually was!!! A pleasant surprise 😊👍!
September 1, 2013
In her books Radclyffe likes to use angst in order to increase sexual tension between their characters. In fact, Radclyffe has said in an interview to Just About Write: "I'm big on angst and redemption. I like darker romances with a lot of suffering". In some cases, those high levels of angst may make sense, e.g. if one of the characters is dying as in "Love's Masquerade". However in a book such as "When Dreams Tremble", there is not an apparent reason for the characters' suffering. In fact, the level of angst in the interaction between the main characters is kept so high and is so blown out of proportion, that a life-shattering event like a tree falling down on them during a storm is almost an anticlimax.
All throughout this book the characters' motivations and behavior are kept a mystery. For instance, we never really know why Leslie made a 180 degree turn and chose a profession at odds with how she was brought up by her parents. Nothing is shown as to make the reader understand what made those characters what they are in the present and why they are behaving the way they do. That makes it difficult for them to be interesting and for a reader to care for them.
The plot trudges leaving both the reader and the characters exhausted before reaching the obvious ending. The first half of the book deals mainly with the main characters' past. To tell their past, Radclyffe uses a series of flashbacks where the same event is shown alternatively through Leslie and Dev's point of view. The way it is done becomes repetitive and disrupts the narrative in the present. Then, after having dealt with the past, the other half of the book is full of senseless misunderstandings and clichés that postpone the two women getting together. For instance, in the beginning of the book Leslie's relationship with another attorney is described as "Rachel lived to work. So did Leslie. It was the strongest bond they shared". So, plot wise it makes no sense for Leslie to use their relationship as an excuse to procrastinate her involvement with Dev. In summary, I found this book to be rather boring and it is definitely not recommended.
All throughout this book the characters' motivations and behavior are kept a mystery. For instance, we never really know why Leslie made a 180 degree turn and chose a profession at odds with how she was brought up by her parents. Nothing is shown as to make the reader understand what made those characters what they are in the present and why they are behaving the way they do. That makes it difficult for them to be interesting and for a reader to care for them.
The plot trudges leaving both the reader and the characters exhausted before reaching the obvious ending. The first half of the book deals mainly with the main characters' past. To tell their past, Radclyffe uses a series of flashbacks where the same event is shown alternatively through Leslie and Dev's point of view. The way it is done becomes repetitive and disrupts the narrative in the present. Then, after having dealt with the past, the other half of the book is full of senseless misunderstandings and clichés that postpone the two women getting together. For instance, in the beginning of the book Leslie's relationship with another attorney is described as "Rachel lived to work. So did Leslie. It was the strongest bond they shared". So, plot wise it makes no sense for Leslie to use their relationship as an excuse to procrastinate her involvement with Dev. In summary, I found this book to be rather boring and it is definitely not recommended.
November 18, 2020
Dev and Leslie’s past is so sad! Dev was hurt and Leslie was scared and ran away. Fifteen years later they are thrust back into each others lives again. I love them and my heart is so happy that they talked about what happened that night so many years ago and have finally given in to what their hearts have been scream out for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
This was terrific. Really felt the pain and guilt spill across the pages with Leslie and Dev. Very much enjoyed this one
August 20, 2017
Loved it!
As usual, this another Radclyffe novel that has been both compelling, heartwarming, and just plain sweet. This is the second time I've read this book but realized I had not submitted a review the first time. My apologies for the oversight. Devon and Leslie have a long history together from when they were teenagers. There is a lot of unresolved issues between them that seem to unravel as the storyline progresses. The plot line between these two characters was superb. Loved Natalie and Leslie's parents. Rachel, what can you say about Rachel other than Rachel. All in all, a very well done story.
As usual, this another Radclyffe novel that has been both compelling, heartwarming, and just plain sweet. This is the second time I've read this book but realized I had not submitted a review the first time. My apologies for the oversight. Devon and Leslie have a long history together from when they were teenagers. There is a lot of unresolved issues between them that seem to unravel as the storyline progresses. The plot line between these two characters was superb. Loved Natalie and Leslie's parents. Rachel, what can you say about Rachel other than Rachel. All in all, a very well done story.
March 24, 2025
This was good but oh my god it took them sooo long to get together 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
This is definitely my favorite setting in any of the books I've read from Radclyffe so far. It was very cozy and the lake was practically a main character. I loved the chemistry between Leslie and Dev, but I just wish the ending was more settled. Everything wrapped up pretty quickly. One thing that really bothered me was a feeling that things weren't as resolved as they could have been. I wish there'd been more time dedicated to Leslie unpacking what happened in their past. I could understand her fear as a teenager, but I couldn't understand why she didn't visit Dev in the hospital after her accident-that seemed particularly cold especially after what happened right before Dev got in the accident. Leslie just watched her boyfriend beat Dev, and she couldn't be bothered to at least check in and apologize after she heard that Dev had been in a motorcycle accident? I guess any explanation would seem insufficient after that, but Leslie could have at least tried in the 15 years that passed before they saw each other again. I was hoping there'd be a follow up to this novel because overall it was so beautiful, but sadly there isn't. I could read a series about these characters in this perfect setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2010
Formulaic, but not as bad as her series. No bar scene. The sex is the instruction manual, multiple simultaneous orgasms type. And you know she’s “the one” because of that. Really? NYC lawyer Leslie comes complete with the Armani suit. At the end, it’s biologist Dev who compromises. She takes a job closer to NYC. Does Leslie move to the Albany office? Nope. Does she alter her thinking about her law practice—defending corporate polluters? Nope. It’s Dev who decides that what Leslie does is OK because it highlights flaws in the regulations. Please. “Fish are people, too.” That’s Dev’s big, dramatic, game-changing argument in court. Rad doesn’t elaborate, just tells us that the jury is now on Dev’s side. A jury in NYC is not going to care about fish. It’s not that fish are people and therefore need protection, it’s that the pollutants in the water that are killing the fish will also kill people because people also drink that water. Duh. Anyway, a fine read for a rainy day when you are too sick to be productive but not sick enough to sleep.
July 19, 2021
You can tell that it is summer, I am catching up on my lesbian romances. I am also feeling generous with my ratings. I am also wondering why I waited so long to read Radclyffe. So, here is my one critique (really feeling like a bit of a schmuck for critiquing a romance), I could have done without the repeated hashing over the feelings they had for each other every time they saw each other. at one point I thought that I had missed placed my bookmark because it was the same description. This didn't stop me from ordering more of her titles -- I still have a month left before vacation is over.
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【4.75 Stars】
This is my third Radclyffe book I have read. I was really blown away with the detail that Radclyffe’s medical background plays in her writing (as usual). Her characters are fleshed out and I enjoyed uncovering their background as I read.
I have reread this a few times and think it’s great every time. I liked the dynamic between Leslie and Devon and think the book is well-written.
If you are interested in an environmental science (which more sapphic authors should explore) novel or just the story, pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.
➢Happy reading!
This is my third Radclyffe book I have read. I was really blown away with the detail that Radclyffe’s medical background plays in her writing (as usual). Her characters are fleshed out and I enjoyed uncovering their background as I read.
I have reread this a few times and think it’s great every time. I liked the dynamic between Leslie and Devon and think the book is well-written.
If you are interested in an environmental science (which more sapphic authors should explore) novel or just the story, pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.
➢Happy reading!
January 31, 2015
I was debating on whether I should give this book 2 or 3 stars because this was not one of Radclyffe's better stories. I couldn't get into the main characters at all, and the sex talk kinda ruined the sex scenes for me. But once in a while there would be an intense dramatic scene and the book would become enjoyable. Think of this rating as 2 1/2 stars.
October 26, 2015
This story, its characters, and its situations felt contrived. What's funny is that I couldn't stop turning pages. I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it. Maybe I'm just burned out on Radclyffe and the formula. Who knows?
January 29, 2021
This story was sweet. The love scenes are amazing but what do you expect?... I mean, it’s Radclyffe.
April 21, 2023
Sometimes, my head refuses to accept some things. For example: Les and Dev.
July 10, 2018
Close to home. I really loved this book, and not only because I enjoyed the relationships. This book brought home some of the best summers of my life, spent in the Adirondacks. It was full of lush descriptions and wonderful settings that I hold sacred to this day. I was worried that this story might be heading in the wrong direction at the beginning, but as the novel continued I found myself falling for Dev, in a big way. Of course, Les took a bit longer, and their standoffish approach to their relationship was classic 'Rad'. And what would a Radclyffe romance be without a last minute drama, to spike the love between these two. I'm kind of glad I read Heartland before I read this, even though the two are connected only marginally. A good read.
January 21, 2021
I actually enjoyed it... I thought I would not enjoy it as much as I did but am happy to have come across this book by accident. Read few others of this author and took a chance.
What can I say, true love does persevere when we allow our true authentic selves to shine. I think that Dev and Les made the perfect couple even if it took them 15 years to make it happen. I also liked both Nathalie and Rebecca and am happy that they seem to have clicked with other amazing women.
What can I say, true love does persevere when we allow our true authentic selves to shine. I think that Dev and Les made the perfect couple even if it took them 15 years to make it happen. I also liked both Nathalie and Rebecca and am happy that they seem to have clicked with other amazing women.
April 2, 2021
Audiobook narrated by Coleen Marlo did a really nice job. The feelings in High school but not knowing why, running away but meeting again after many years has been done in several books but Radclyffe writes an outstanding story, making us wait to see what will happen with several OMG moments where you are telling one or the other to just STOP it.
August 20, 2018
Another Goodie
Another great story of a lost young love just can’t fault the writing.A good cast of characters which intertwine and draw you in to the story,there’s never a dull moment loved it
Another great story of a lost young love just can’t fault the writing.A good cast of characters which intertwine and draw you in to the story,there’s never a dull moment loved it
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May 30, 2021See Homestead review, samsies. Additional note, there were a few times I gave a "What?!" on the butcher characters actions. Like, maybe that isn't the most normal way to act. Not that big a deal but made the character less relatable.
August 17, 2022
didn’t know what to expect…
I hurt for Dev to the core in the past and in the present. She’s such a gentle soul. Leslie was not who I thought she was originally. But I understand how as a teenager she made the choices she did. I was hoping for a HEA.
I hurt for Dev to the core in the past and in the present. She’s such a gentle soul. Leslie was not who I thought she was originally. But I understand how as a teenager she made the choices she did. I was hoping for a HEA.
August 30, 2017
Great book!
November 2, 2019
Amazing. I'm in love with this novel.
November 17, 2020
This was just ok.
December 11, 2020
4.5 I really loved the Dev character. But the book ended too abruptly for my liking. I dont feel like it was all tied up in a neat package like I wanted it to be.
February 26, 2021
It reminded me of Sweet Home Alabama. Only set at the lake and with lesbians.
March 6, 2021
I don't recommend this book it just doesn't hit the mark anywhere. The relationship between the main characters is shallow and the sex scenes are cringy as hell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews