Dreamer

by Kris Bryant

Sawyer Noel’s car troubles leave her coasting into the dreamy town of Ladybug Junction, Alabama, on her way to the Fetch Veterinarian Conference. She tries to make the most of it, but cell phone signal is limited, and the library is the only reliable place for Wi-Fi. The attractive, carefree librarian with her wild, curly hair and infectious smile helps the time go by quickly, and suddenly Sawyer isn’t in such a rush.

Macey Burr loves helping people. She happily throws herself into her work solving problems and enriching the lives around her. When a sexy stranger rolls through town, Macey goes out of her way to make the doctor feel at home. It’s easy to see past Sawyer’s hard exterior and impossible to ignore her full lips, sparkling blue eyes, and brilliant mind.

When life seems to be too good to be true and love is within reach, Sawyer and Macey discover the truth about Ladybug Junction, and the cold light of reality tests the hearts of these dreamers.

Genres: Lesbian, Medical, Romance, Queer, Lesbian Romance, Audiobook, Adult

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2024

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a bit confusing, but more so for the protagonist, although I admit that it surprised me a little since I was not expecting what happened.

Afterwards, it kept me in suspense between assuming the facts as real or not, waiting for another twist at the turn of a page. Plus for skill.

Then you can discuss whether it is reasonable or not, whether it is credible or not. It is not relevant.
The two protagonists act quite coherently except when one of the protagonists, who is a neurologist, acts a little strangely regarding Sawyer's completely justifiable mistakes, I don't want to give spoilers as to why they are justifiable. If you read the synopsis you will not know how to relate what I just wrote.

So if you want to unravel this tangle you should read the book.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
This is the story of veterinarian Sawyer Noel and neurologist Macey Burr. Sawyer is on her way to a veterinarian conference when her new car breaks down and she is stranded in a tiny town called Ladybug Junction. There she meets the sweet and caring Macey. Sawyer is looking forward to her next date with her, but then - bam – she runs in a big surprise around the corner.

I didn't see the unusual twist in the story coming, it was clever and unique - well done Kris Bryant. From that moment on, the story really grabbed me, after the beginning was a bit too easy peasy.

Told from Sawyer's point of view, we follow her as she untangles all the emotional and reality chaos and finds her way. Sometimes something good can come out of a bad situation in the end. It shakes you out of your lethargy and makes you realize that you must do something to turn your dreams into reality. It makes you march forward and at least try to make it happen.

Both MCs are well-fleshed-out, caring, supportive, and beautiful women. The struggles are real and understandable and it's nice to see that they don't give up. It is a surprising story with lovable MCs and wonderful side characters, especially Sawyer's best friend Tamsyn and her family, and not to forget the cute furry friends Lady and Bug. Beautifully and fluently written as always by Kris Bryant.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about veterinarian Sawyer Noel who is driving to a medical conference and her car breaks down in a small town. Local librarian Macy helps her get to the library and access the WiFi to call for a repair service.

This book had a very unique plot and Bryant pulled off a cool switch-er-roo bit was an entertaining book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And she picked the perfect title for this book.

ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite buying the start, everything fast and perfect, then plot twist. Oooh. Intrigued. I never saw it coming from the blurb and won’t do a spoiler but hello!
This book was quite unusual in many ways. I felt one character lacked understanding and empathy at points that was at loggerheads with the rest of her behaviour. Once the mains got their happy ever after there seems to be a good amount of text showing that and showing us how well life was going. This coincided with me only having small windows of time to read, so that may have felt longer than the half hour odd I had to still finish, spread over a couple of days.
Very nearly a 4, actually it feels a bit mean to not up, and it might have been the bittyness of my reading at the end made me feel a wee bit less invested, and a slight eyebrow raise at a characters behaviour maybe is a bit harsh. 3.5 but will round up.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not at all what I expected, but in the best possible way. I rarely like first person POV's, but Bryant never disappoints.

Sawyer Noel ends up in Ladybug Junction with car trouble. She's frustrated and upset by this new development as she hadn't wanted to drive in the first place., but meeting the sexy librarian helps a lot when the small town is nothing like she's used too.

Macey Burr loves her small town and helping people, especially attractive tourists that she ends up going out of her way to help her. They hit it off immediately and all seems too good to be true, which isn't up being exactly the case.

I adored this book, the only thing I wished was to have Macey's POV to see how she felt about everything. It was a huge thing to be sprung on her and to navigate through, but Bryant's writing is amazing and kept me reading late into the night to finish it. I highly recommend this book.

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Swayer gets stranded and windup in a town called Ladybug Junction where she meets Macey who is town librarian there is an attraction but there’s a twist. Swayer is at a crossroads in wether to stay working for someone else or take plunge and open up her own vet clinic she has support from her parents and best friend. I won’t go into this because as I said there’s a twist so you’re going to have to read it find out what it’s is we do get to know Macey and what makes her tick.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I didn't read the blurb before diving into this book, expecting just a typical small-town romance. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised. My recent binge of thrillers led me to anticipate a more intricate plot. I had to remind myself that I was, indeed, reading a romance novel. I hope no one inadvertently gives away too much in their review. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Could have been elevated to a four-star rating for me with both characters' points of view. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!

Sawyer’s friend convinces her to take a scenic road trip on her way to a veterinarian conference but when car troubles leave her stranded in Ladybug Junction, she is quite taken with librarian Macey. However, things just seem too perfect, and suddenly the truth becomes clear and threatens to change everything.

I loved this so much, but really can’t share too much in a review without it being a huge spoiler for the book, so I’ll keep it brief. Macey and Sawyer are so cute, even when a little tension starts to develop between them. I had to admire the way they handled everything that happened to them from their first meeting to the realisation that Ladybug Junction was just too good to be true. It was just the sweetest revelation though and made my heart melt when I finally learned what had happened.

As usual Kris has managed to pack cuteness and fun into this romance, with likable characters who just belong together and share in the most amazing moments. They are both kind and caring, which is probably why they adapted so well to their situation. Plus, it has kittens and who doesn’t love super cute kittens!

I really enjoyed this story and can’t recommend it enough. Romance with a twist that you will not want to miss.

[havva · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s givinggggg wattpad. however, i very much did enjoy all things kittens 🫶🏻

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this very strange book

not wanting to give the whole plot away cos this is some plot i may add... sawyers car troubles are not the only thing to happen to her in this way crazy plot

but its her meeting with macey that causes the blood to run hot

can the attraction they both feel for each other survive each hurdle they encounter

a strange but compelling read and one that you will all enjoy

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a while to get into it, but enjoyed it after the first part. Can’t say I read anything like it before so it definitely scores points for originality. Overall a solid, well written book, with plot twists and secondary characters that added to the story. Oh and a nod to Bones which I liked a lot.
Free ARC via NetGalley.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot to like in Dreamer. I loved Sawyer as a character and the way she was portrayed throughout. She's kind, driven and vulnerable. I also loved the relationship she had with her best friend. I was also particularly invested in her business venture.

However, Macey was a difficult character to like for me. There were numerous points where I honestly thought Sawyer should end up with someone else and I was hoping for it to be something other than a romance. Possibly not the best feeling for a romance novel...

I will say though that the plot is unique and I had no idea about the twist. Overall, an interesting read but a few things fell flat for me.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most fresh and original stories I’ve ever read in sapphic fiction. Highly recommend

[Corina Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too. Freaking. Cute.

This book was such a breath of fresh air. I was not expecting that plot twist at all but once I got to the part of the book I couldn’t put it down. Sawyer & Macey were adorable & I loved the “lady” & “bug” thrown in there at the end. Will definitely be reading more from Kris. I received this book as a ARC review. Definitely recommend!

[Shimere Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, this one really had me. It was like reading two romances in one and I thoroughly enjoyed them. It will make sense when you read the story, I could feel the struggle for Sawyer as she tried to come to grips with the actual reality. Macy’s character was also very well written and you could just feel the love and support she emanated. I found myself flying through the story without even realizing it because it was so well written. The spicy scenes were top notch. Oh my gosh the side characters Tamsyn, Lauren and Arya really added to the story with their advice, quick wit and fun moments. Let’s not forget Lady and Bug they really did bring out Maceys maternal side haha. Overall, I highly recommend this story it really brings out those happy feels.

[KarenC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Bryant is my favorite author. I couldn't wait to read this, although I had no preconceived notions about plot or anything. First few chapters, I'm chugging along, sweet story, la-la-la-la-la, then WHAM. I've been so afraid someone would spoil the storyline! Every reader deserves to experience it in their own time. What a fantastic concept, full of our usual Kris Bryant-esque side characters, animals with great names, and a high hotness factor.

Just when you think there's not another perfect one-word title out there. Don't "sleep" on Dreamer!

[Maisie Spackman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was infuriating to me because it had so much potential but didn't really live up to it at all in my opinion.

First of all, I found the big twist hugely disappointing, and I think that's because it came too early in the book. After only five chapters I wasn't invested enough in dream Macey to be sad that Sawyer had lost her by waking up from the accident. Had we spent way more time getting to know dream Macey and Ladybug Junction then maybe I'd have felt a bit more of something, but the fact that I felt literally nothing meant that what was supposed to be jeopardy in the rest of the book fell flat.

Secondly, I think it could have been a more interesting twist than a car crash, but that's a minor thing for me.

The dialogue was another thing I had a huge issue with. It felt really unrealistic in places which also affected how much I was able to invest in the characters.

Also, four page sex scenes in a book of this nature are a huge no from me. It felt like they'd been shoehorned in and, in all honestly, weren't especially well written. I felt like I was on Wattpad (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but didn't fit with the rest of the book). Also dear god writers PLEASE find a different word to describe the female anatomy than THAT one. Hate, hate, HATE.

I actually really loved all the stuff with Sawyer starting her own practice. That was super enjoyable. I was also really intrigued by Macey's ex that they ran into in the theatre. I thought that would cause more drama down the line but the fact she was then never mentioned again was disappointing.

Over all, I was hoping for way more from this book, so was pretty disappointed.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story with a wonderful twist. The way Kris weaves this gorgeous story is magic. Sawyer and Macey are made for one another. The secondary characters are fun and so supportive.The twist is an OMG moment that is so imaginative! Definitely 5 stars!!

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a story in two parts - and preferred the first so skip read the second. Felt kinda cheated….

[Jaime McBroom · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know a book is good when you never see the plot twist coming. This book had lots of twists and turns and unexpected surprises that will keep you wondering. It was different than anything i have read recently.

Macey and Sawyer were great characters and the secondary characters of the book really were the glue. Lady and Bug really sealed it for me. If you are looking for something a little different Dreamer could be it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for my review consideration—opinions here are mine and mine alone.

[AC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not get a grasp on the story for the first four chapters. It felt supernatural at times, fairy-tale at times, fantasy at times, and confusing at times. As the story developed, I still wasn’t sure when the event happened. This story developed slowly and took a few turns. I never give spoilers.

Bryant created an intriguing cast of characters and a unique pathway to a relationship. I’m going to need to read it again just to see how it developed and get a better understanding of the story. I’m a fan of Kris Bryant’s books; this one was quite different, in my mind. Don’t go into it with any expectations. Be sure to read the author’s “Acknowledgements” and open yourself to something a bit different. Just sayin’.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for my review consideration—opinions here are mine and mine alone.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

About wonderful people and adorable animals. This was a slightly different love story with lots of little twists and turns.
For a long time I didn't know what to expect and that was exactly what’s so special about it. Sawyer Noel (what a wonderful name) experiences something unexpectedly wonderful in a desperate situation and everything feels good and right and suddenly...Bam, awake!
I won't say anything more about it.
This story is too good to spoil.
Lots of great characters, who are either family or friends or an hot stranger ;)
There are also super cute animals, because Sawyer is a veterinarian and in my opinion, there can't be enough animals in a book!
They always spread an incredible good and comfortable feeling full of love and warmth.
But Sawyer and Macey also make sure of that, because they are absolutely hot.
Especially with each other!! But also cute and sweet and sometimes adorably unsure…I can go on and on!
You should read this new and wonderful Kris Bryant book!

Thanks to Kris Bryant and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC!

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s always such a shame when a book that seems full of potential fails to live up to it, and unfortunately for me that is what I found with Dreamer.

In some ways, I think the book suffered from its relatively short length. Perhaps if it had been longer the twist wouldn’t have happened so early in the book, and there could have been a longer, slower burn on the build up of the central relationship throughout the rest of the story. This could also have potentially solved the issue of certain aspects of the book being very underdeveloped – for example the appearance of Macey’s ex. It just felt a bit pointless because in its current form it really didn’t add anything to the story, and yet it felt like it should have led to something more. With that being said, I’m not sure how well I would have stayed engaged with a longer book. Perhaps things being developed more would have solved that issue, but it’s impossible to know for certain.

I did find it hard to invest in the characters. I wanted to like them, but I just needed more depth to them than what I was given. I don’t think it helped that the twist came so early in the book that I wasn’t necessarily invested enough in that version of the characters to really care that much going forward. I think the characters needed more development.

I did like the sub plot about Sawyer’s vet clinic, and the kittens. I mean who doesn’t love cute animals in books (especially when they don’t die!)? In all honesty, I probably gave a star purely for the vet / animal stuff.

This was a pretty quick read but unfortunately it just didn’t live up to its potential.

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer is a veterinarian doctor, working at a practice that she finds very stressful - she seems to be given the worst jobs, even though she is not the most junior member of staff. Sawyer meets Macey when on her way to a veterinarian convention, she has car trouble in a small town in the middle of nowhere.
The beginning of this story seems too scripted, too simple, relying on the ‘broken down car’ plot point. Sawyer and Macey’s time together is too perfect. And then we get the enormous plot twist. Everything changes, and the story goes from ‘just ok’ to fantastic. This is like finding that a piece of jewellery that you always assumed was just costume jewellery, is actually rare and special, and worth a mint!
From the necessity of the plot line, this is written in first person from Sawyer’s perspective. That gives it a few limitations, but without that the story wouldn’t work at all.
It is obvious that Kris Bryant put a lot of thought and effort into this book. That effort has paid off in one of the best books I have read this year.
Some stories are memorable, ones you will remember for years. This is one of those.

[molslittlelibrary · Rating 2 out of 5]

it’s giving when you were in primary school and would finish the story “and it was all a dream” and think yeah that absolutely slaps

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.❤ The main characters are so perfect and the plot twist is unexpected and actually believable. Another great novel by Kris Bryant!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pulled me in hook, line and sinker. Sawyer Noel is a veterinarian who wants to open her new practice. I’m not going to share spoilers because the plot is unique and well written. Macey Burr is the love interest. There is strong chemistry between the two and some big obstacles as well. I think I only wished I understood Macey’s feelings a little more. There is a very realistic moment when one shares her feelings and there is a delay in the response. I love the patience in letting the other person process the words and not taking offense that it isn’t instantly reciprocated. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure how Bryant was going to bring off a happy ever after ending. Absolutely recommend. Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: ꜱᴀᴘᴘʜɪᴄ. ʙɪꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ. ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇᴍᴘᴏʀᴀʀʏ. ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴠᴇᴛ/ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ(ʟɪʙʀᴀʀɪᴀɴ)
📚 ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠

𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚈/𝙿𝙻𝙾𝚃:⁠
I will admit, that twist with the characters, still has me rather confused. The only thread I held on so that I don't get lost was the veterinary profession because that was consistent. The book is lovely, the romance, chemistry and emotional connection between the characters is really well-written. It is the break-up that I found less encouraging. There are moments when the break-up leads to deeper love and understanding, but I really felt like if these two just worked through their misunderstandings, things would have been better.


𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥, 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗿 and someone else ; I was enjoying the first thread quite a lot. Things seemed simple. The openness and willingness of both characters to give whatever was happening between them a chance was written well. Until stuff happened of course. The friendship was also very grounding and the secondary characters were sapphic and had a child, now that was a sweet bonus.

PS: The mention of Bones and Booth made me so happy. I have re-watched that show A LOT.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamer, by Kris Bryant is a refreshingly different romance that pulled me into the story and refused to release me until the very satisfying end. I’ve always known I could count on this author to write sensual, romantic, and thought provoking stories, but this one actually caught me by surprise.

I had a bit of trouble with the beginning of this tale, but that was my fault, not the author’s. She gave me plenty of hints about the story. I just didn’t pay attention until it hit me in the face. That’s the moment I truly fell in love with this story, and the main characters Sawyer Noel, and Macey Burr. That’s also when I understood the true connection between these two women. I’m amazed at the level of depth Ms. Bryant put into their stories.

I also need to mention the gorgeous cover of this book. It is simple and yet eye-catching, and it fits the story perfectly.

I truly love Dreamer. It is a wonderful story that I recommend to all Sapphic romance lovers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me the chance to read and review this novel.