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Don't Quit Your Daydream
What happens in the elevator doesn't stay in the elevator.
When Laura Finch's business partner hires Skylar to bring their company to the next generation, Laura sees red. An obnoxious millennial isn't someone she wants to work with-they're known for failing their side hustles. Since Laura gave up everything for Solace Inc to succeed, including her dreams of marriage and family, she's not willing to risk it on just anyone.
Skylar Ross vies to succeed in her first big contract and won't let Laura's sour personality get in her way. Each day she finds something else intriguing about Laura and all the fronts she puts up. With a dash of humor and hope, Skylar bets on her sunny disposition winning Laura over. What she doesn't expect is her growing crush on a straight woman to go anywhere.
Dreams are meant to be scary. What will they risk to make theirs come true?
Don't Quit Your Daydream is an age gap, lesbian romance that deals with infertility and grief that comes with the loss of dreams. Be prepared for the ride up to the sixth floor, where all the magic happens.
When Laura Finch's business partner hires Skylar to bring their company to the next generation, Laura sees red. An obnoxious millennial isn't someone she wants to work with-they're known for failing their side hustles. Since Laura gave up everything for Solace Inc to succeed, including her dreams of marriage and family, she's not willing to risk it on just anyone.
Skylar Ross vies to succeed in her first big contract and won't let Laura's sour personality get in her way. Each day she finds something else intriguing about Laura and all the fronts she puts up. With a dash of humor and hope, Skylar bets on her sunny disposition winning Laura over. What she doesn't expect is her growing crush on a straight woman to go anywhere.
Dreams are meant to be scary. What will they risk to make theirs come true?
Don't Quit Your Daydream is an age gap, lesbian romance that deals with infertility and grief that comes with the loss of dreams. Be prepared for the ride up to the sixth floor, where all the magic happens.
386 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
155 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Adrian J. Smith
78 books425 followersAdrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 5, 2024
the writing was good but the romance and the chemistry between the two mc’s just didn’t do it for me
March 8, 2024
Laura is supposed to be an ice queen. She is supposed to be unapologetic and ruling her world. Sadly her relationship with Rodney (which I truly hated with my guts) and some of her friends doesn't fit that definition. Seeing her letting people treating her that badly was infuriating to me. I wish she gave a dose of her snow storm to them.
The ice part of the book was directed toward Skylar almost exclusively, and I really admire Skylar for hanging in there despite Laura's initial interaction with her; she was rude and despising. So a good first half of the book, I didn't understand Skylar's attraction. It leads to the topic of chemistry between the two characters : I didn't really feel their connection or understood why they connected; there was even a line from Skylar during the first time they are having sex that made me really uncomfortable, considering it was Laura's first time with a woman, even if I understand it was in the heat of the moment.
I eventually became invested once I understood that Laura was really wounded and to me, a victim of mental abuse; she just needed someone to truly see her. Seeing her open up to Skylar slowly and finally understand nothing was wrong with her was really satisfying and almost made me forget my first skepticism. I also really appreciate that she doesn't really question her attraction to Skylar and dives in head first, once she accepts it. It's a story about not losing hope to find yourself no matter where you are in your life.
Unfortunately, I didn't connect with the story like I wished. The fact that it didn't click for me doesn't mean that it won't for others : the pace is good, and Smith feed readers with their favorite tropes.
The ice part of the book was directed toward Skylar almost exclusively, and I really admire Skylar for hanging in there despite Laura's initial interaction with her; she was rude and despising. So a good first half of the book, I didn't understand Skylar's attraction. It leads to the topic of chemistry between the two characters : I didn't really feel their connection or understood why they connected; there was even a line from Skylar during the first time they are having sex that made me really uncomfortable, considering it was Laura's first time with a woman, even if I understand it was in the heat of the moment.
I eventually became invested once I understood that Laura was really wounded and to me, a victim of mental abuse; she just needed someone to truly see her. Seeing her open up to Skylar slowly and finally understand nothing was wrong with her was really satisfying and almost made me forget my first skepticism. I also really appreciate that she doesn't really question her attraction to Skylar and dives in head first, once she accepts it. It's a story about not losing hope to find yourself no matter where you are in your life.
Unfortunately, I didn't connect with the story like I wished. The fact that it didn't click for me doesn't mean that it won't for others : the pace is good, and Smith feed readers with their favorite tropes.
May 2, 2023
An apt title and wonderful age gap, slow burn romance.
Skylar's sunny personality hides her worries and wounded heart - she has bills to pay and a new business venture to promote and to complicate matters, her main client is her ex Trina. Laura's chilly exterior conceals frustration built up over years dealing with her ex husband Rodney's laziness and constant disregard for her hard work in the Actuary business they formed together. She also harbors stifled dreams of motherhood.
The lead characters are total opposites that over time start to connect as walls slowly erode. Skylar sees beyond Laura's cold veneer to the brilliant business woman choked by limitations pushed by her ex as well as her friends. A woman who is caring and warm under all the ice. Initially suspicious of Skylar, Laura soon recognizes her marketing skills are but a part of a remarkable young woman. Passionate and smart, she is a wonderful foil for Laura. I disliked Rodney but he was an important aspect for Laura's mindset.
Smith's cast of characters are all well fleshed out and her plot slow but steady with dashes of humor, angst and heat that lend well to the eventual recognition of love and a HEA. Daydreams realized.
This is a book that I took my time reading, enjoying the many facets to the story. A 5 star read that I easily recommend.
Skylar's sunny personality hides her worries and wounded heart - she has bills to pay and a new business venture to promote and to complicate matters, her main client is her ex Trina. Laura's chilly exterior conceals frustration built up over years dealing with her ex husband Rodney's laziness and constant disregard for her hard work in the Actuary business they formed together. She also harbors stifled dreams of motherhood.
The lead characters are total opposites that over time start to connect as walls slowly erode. Skylar sees beyond Laura's cold veneer to the brilliant business woman choked by limitations pushed by her ex as well as her friends. A woman who is caring and warm under all the ice. Initially suspicious of Skylar, Laura soon recognizes her marketing skills are but a part of a remarkable young woman. Passionate and smart, she is a wonderful foil for Laura. I disliked Rodney but he was an important aspect for Laura's mindset.
Smith's cast of characters are all well fleshed out and her plot slow but steady with dashes of humor, angst and heat that lend well to the eventual recognition of love and a HEA. Daydreams realized.
This is a book that I took my time reading, enjoying the many facets to the story. A 5 star read that I easily recommend.
April 23, 2023
If you love ice queens you will definitely love Laura. Because I don’t think she could be more icy than in the first part of this book. ☺️ Even her office is icy which was one of the tiny things in the book that were just a perfect addition and made it to the fantastic book it is for me. Everyone who loves books with ice queens knows that they need someone to melt them. So go and throw in Skylar and you get the perfect ice melter. Even though I have to say at the beginning Skylar was even a bit too bubbly for me. I am definitely saying that with a smile on my face. Lol
For me this was definitely one of the books I couldn’t put down. Like I already said Laura is a real ice queen and when I started this book I just wanted to know what made her to the person she is today. Page by page the layers get uncovered and we get to know what happened in her life. Never having been able to have children definitely played a huge part. But it’s not only that, there is so much more and that’s one of the things I loved so much. How Adrian J Smith packed everything in this story, how she built it up and how the characters get closer to each other. Of course to Laura’s total dismiss at first because one of the things she hates the most are entrepreneurs, which is exactly what Skylar is. Lol But Skylar just has a way to wave her way under her armor and I just loved to see how they took the tiny steps closer. How Laura started to see her and so many other things in a different light. How she discovers how dreams and a persona she buried a long time ago maybe are not totally lost. Because sometimes you get a second chance if you only believe in it.
There are so many things I loved in the stories. Personally I felt like we got a bit more to see of Laura. I don’t wanna say it’s because is the the more important MC, I actually can’t really say why. Maybe because ice queens are more fun to discover. ☺️ And don’t get me wrong we get plenty to see of Skylar and I adored the scenes with his brother and his fiancée. But looking back we definitely got to see less about her whole past. For example I would have liked to know what happened in some parts of her life that were mentioned a few times and seemed to have been very important for her. Like some of things that were the reason for her business being the business it is today. Not sure if any of this makes sense but because I don’t wanna give away any spoilers I’m a bit vague. I think you will understand what I mean if you read the book. ☺️
And honestly my little complaining about Skylar‘s background is really complaining on a very high level. Because the most important thing for me was the way Laura and Skylar got closer and how their journey was described. And that was just perfect for me.
Last but not least there is one character (maybe even two but this character didn’t show up a lot) I just hated. For me that’s always a good thing because it makes me turn the pages even more and I’m even more invested in a story. 😆
At the I wanna point out one sentence that probably wasn’t meant to be a very important one but it was one that spoke to me. One I loved. It was “You’re too smart to lie“. I don’t do lies so this sentence probably mattered more to me than it will for others. It also shows the strength and the smartness of Laura. And just how brillant she is.
I can’t wait for the next book by Adrian and after I have seen about whom it will be I’m even more excited. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
For me this was definitely one of the books I couldn’t put down. Like I already said Laura is a real ice queen and when I started this book I just wanted to know what made her to the person she is today. Page by page the layers get uncovered and we get to know what happened in her life. Never having been able to have children definitely played a huge part. But it’s not only that, there is so much more and that’s one of the things I loved so much. How Adrian J Smith packed everything in this story, how she built it up and how the characters get closer to each other. Of course to Laura’s total dismiss at first because one of the things she hates the most are entrepreneurs, which is exactly what Skylar is. Lol But Skylar just has a way to wave her way under her armor and I just loved to see how they took the tiny steps closer. How Laura started to see her and so many other things in a different light. How she discovers how dreams and a persona she buried a long time ago maybe are not totally lost. Because sometimes you get a second chance if you only believe in it.
There are so many things I loved in the stories. Personally I felt like we got a bit more to see of Laura. I don’t wanna say it’s because is the the more important MC, I actually can’t really say why. Maybe because ice queens are more fun to discover. ☺️ And don’t get me wrong we get plenty to see of Skylar and I adored the scenes with his brother and his fiancée. But looking back we definitely got to see less about her whole past. For example I would have liked to know what happened in some parts of her life that were mentioned a few times and seemed to have been very important for her. Like some of things that were the reason for her business being the business it is today. Not sure if any of this makes sense but because I don’t wanna give away any spoilers I’m a bit vague. I think you will understand what I mean if you read the book. ☺️
And honestly my little complaining about Skylar‘s background is really complaining on a very high level. Because the most important thing for me was the way Laura and Skylar got closer and how their journey was described. And that was just perfect for me.
Last but not least there is one character (maybe even two but this character didn’t show up a lot) I just hated. For me that’s always a good thing because it makes me turn the pages even more and I’m even more invested in a story. 😆
At the I wanna point out one sentence that probably wasn’t meant to be a very important one but it was one that spoke to me. One I loved. It was “You’re too smart to lie“. I don’t do lies so this sentence probably mattered more to me than it will for others. It also shows the strength and the smartness of Laura. And just how brillant she is.
I can’t wait for the next book by Adrian and after I have seen about whom it will be I’m even more excited. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2025
Simply beautiful. Don't Quit Your Daydream is my first book by Adrian J. Smith, and it most certainly won’t be my last. I was completely swept away by the richness of the story. Smith doesn’t cut corners; instead, she fills every moment with intention and care. I found myself fully immersed, turning pages late into the night.
I absolutely adored both Laura and Skylar, their individual growth, their vulnerabilities, their strength. The way their relationship unfolded was deeply satisfying. What especially resonated with me was how, once they knew and admitted their feelings, they were all in. No games. No second-guessing. Just a love that felt grounded and real.
I absolutely adored both Laura and Skylar, their individual growth, their vulnerabilities, their strength. The way their relationship unfolded was deeply satisfying. What especially resonated with me was how, once they knew and admitted their feelings, they were all in. No games. No second-guessing. Just a love that felt grounded and real.
February 21, 2025
EDIT (21/02/2025)
Found a few more "flaws" the second time around. (aka things I didn't LOVE love)
But it's still one of my favorite reads.
I just love them.
I'll probably continue thinking about them daily.
(13/11/2024)
For sure one of my favorite books!
This was honestly just perfect.
Everything I want from this kind of story.
I need more of their story.
I'd read a 1000 page sequel honestly.
I didn't like the other two books I've read by the author and I didn't have high expectations because of that.
I honestly can't believe it's the same author.
This is very much a slow burn and a little longer than most romance book (that I've read anyway) so it won't be for everyone.
But this is exactly my kind of book.
Found a few more "flaws" the second time around. (aka things I didn't LOVE love)
But it's still one of my favorite reads.
I just love them.
I'll probably continue thinking about them daily.
(13/11/2024)
For sure one of my favorite books!
This was honestly just perfect.
Everything I want from this kind of story.
I need more of their story.
I'd read a 1000 page sequel honestly.
I didn't like the other two books I've read by the author and I didn't have high expectations because of that.
I honestly can't believe it's the same author.
This is very much a slow burn and a little longer than most romance book (that I've read anyway) so it won't be for everyone.
But this is exactly my kind of book.
June 25, 2024
Listened to the audio with Lori Prince narrating. This was a slow read. It starts as enemies to lovers and a 15 year age gap. With some ice queen thrown in.
I liked the mc Laura and could relate to her as mature 50 year old business woman. Skylar is 35 and full of happy energy.
Laura’s ex is a total ass and I don’t know how she tolerated his abuse.
I liked the mc Laura and could relate to her as mature 50 year old business woman. Skylar is 35 and full of happy energy.
Laura’s ex is a total ass and I don’t know how she tolerated his abuse.
November 18, 2023
Don’t Quit Your Daydream is a fantastic age gap, opposites attract, slow-burn romance that will keep you thinking about it long after you finish.
Adrian J. Smith is a pro at writing age-gap romances and I love that each time she weaves a different story with depth, emotion, and character growth.
When we meet Laura, she’s fierce, bitchy, and quite lethal. In the elevator, that first day, she treats bubbly, Skylar as if she’s gum on the bottom of her shoe. However, Skylar is not to be deterred and each time they bump into one another she continues to extend the olive branch. Skylar has quite the backbone to go toe-to-toe with Laura multiple times and that simmering chemistry between them is delicious.
Over time, Skylar begins to break down the walls that Laura has erected around herself and what’s revealed is a truly admirable woman who has been through her fair share of heartache.
I had a hard time putting this book down. The dialogue is engaging and the character growth…just wow. Laura is one of the most interesting and complex characters I’ve come across in a while and while her character arc is the primary development in the story, Skylar’s character plays a major part in Laura’s development.
If you’re looking for an engaging story with fantastic character development, an epic first kiss, and loads of smoking chemistry, then you definitely need to give this one a shot!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**Audiobook Update**
As if I didn't already love this book enough, Lori Prince's narration has catapulted this book into the next realm. She perfectly captured the essence of who Laura and Skylar are, exactly as Adrian J. Smith penned them. Their voices are exactly as I imagined them when I first read the book back in the spring. The emotions she's able to evoke with her phrasing, cadence, and timing gripped my heart firmly. I found it extremely difficult to stop listening despite adult responsibilities calling. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of this audiobook! Adrian J. Smith's incredible writing paired with Lori Prince's brilliant narration makes this story an absolute winner in my book!
Adrian J. Smith is a pro at writing age-gap romances and I love that each time she weaves a different story with depth, emotion, and character growth.
When we meet Laura, she’s fierce, bitchy, and quite lethal. In the elevator, that first day, she treats bubbly, Skylar as if she’s gum on the bottom of her shoe. However, Skylar is not to be deterred and each time they bump into one another she continues to extend the olive branch. Skylar has quite the backbone to go toe-to-toe with Laura multiple times and that simmering chemistry between them is delicious.
Over time, Skylar begins to break down the walls that Laura has erected around herself and what’s revealed is a truly admirable woman who has been through her fair share of heartache.
I had a hard time putting this book down. The dialogue is engaging and the character growth…just wow. Laura is one of the most interesting and complex characters I’ve come across in a while and while her character arc is the primary development in the story, Skylar’s character plays a major part in Laura’s development.
If you’re looking for an engaging story with fantastic character development, an epic first kiss, and loads of smoking chemistry, then you definitely need to give this one a shot!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**Audiobook Update**
As if I didn't already love this book enough, Lori Prince's narration has catapulted this book into the next realm. She perfectly captured the essence of who Laura and Skylar are, exactly as Adrian J. Smith penned them. Their voices are exactly as I imagined them when I first read the book back in the spring. The emotions she's able to evoke with her phrasing, cadence, and timing gripped my heart firmly. I found it extremely difficult to stop listening despite adult responsibilities calling. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of this audiobook! Adrian J. Smith's incredible writing paired with Lori Prince's brilliant narration makes this story an absolute winner in my book!
May 28, 2023
Review may come later 🥺🥺.
April 21, 2023
Opposites complement rather than merely attract
Believe me, there’s plenty of attraction between these two. They provide enough heat in said elevator to power up the entire building. Having said that, they do balance out each other. I’d even say that Skylar brings more to the budding relationship than does Laura. Skylar has a maturity and self-confidence that helps guide Laura through her deeply-buried battles. The way the younger gal speaks to her elder is EXACTLY how judging somebody works. Out of concern and with kind words. Painting a realistic picture that says, "You can do better than this; you ARE better than this". And Laura needs that feedback, desperately.
The emotional toll that Laura drags herself by working with her self-absorbed (practically narcissistic) ex- seems to me like she's punishing herself. She appears at times to be strong, yet her stoney exterior is really a defence mechanism behind which she can hide.
‘She could never just let herself be vulnerable, could she? She’d been taught from childhood that it was weakness.’
This ongoing internal message (and others she receives from her ex-) provides a hostile working environment for everyone. In fact, it one of the issues is “Families first” attitude regarding time off from work. It’s unfair to the childless and childfree. I was a single parent for fourteen years and still hold by that. Singles and parentless should enjoy the same treatment as their counterparts.
Personal side note:
The straight woman “turning” lesbian isn’t so far-fetched. Without going into details, one of my in-laws left her husband and three young kids for her brother’s wife. Her ex- told me a few years back that it took him years to finally understand why she was so depressed as a wife and mother. She was finally content after she found herself as well as her life partner. They’d stayed together for over forty years, with COVID bringing an end to her HEA.
May we all find our bashert (soul-mate) and live long, healthy, and productive lives together.
Believe me, there’s plenty of attraction between these two. They provide enough heat in said elevator to power up the entire building. Having said that, they do balance out each other. I’d even say that Skylar brings more to the budding relationship than does Laura. Skylar has a maturity and self-confidence that helps guide Laura through her deeply-buried battles. The way the younger gal speaks to her elder is EXACTLY how judging somebody works. Out of concern and with kind words. Painting a realistic picture that says, "You can do better than this; you ARE better than this". And Laura needs that feedback, desperately.
The emotional toll that Laura drags herself by working with her self-absorbed (practically narcissistic) ex- seems to me like she's punishing herself. She appears at times to be strong, yet her stoney exterior is really a defence mechanism behind which she can hide.
‘She could never just let herself be vulnerable, could she? She’d been taught from childhood that it was weakness.’
This ongoing internal message (and others she receives from her ex-) provides a hostile working environment for everyone. In fact, it one of the issues is “Families first” attitude regarding time off from work. It’s unfair to the childless and childfree. I was a single parent for fourteen years and still hold by that. Singles and parentless should enjoy the same treatment as their counterparts.
Personal side note:
The straight woman “turning” lesbian isn’t so far-fetched. Without going into details, one of my in-laws left her husband and three young kids for her brother’s wife. Her ex- told me a few years back that it took him years to finally understand why she was so depressed as a wife and mother. She was finally content after she found herself as well as her life partner. They’d stayed together for over forty years, with COVID bringing an end to her HEA.
May we all find our bashert (soul-mate) and live long, healthy, and productive lives together.
April 29, 2023
5.0 🤍
Laura’s arms were so secure around her. She was completely safe. Laura loved her, she had to at that point. It wasn’t a question. Skylar knew it even if Laura hadn’t said it. She was secure.
-
“You have made me understand love in a different way than I ever did before. I don’t think I’d found myself until I met you. Truly.”
tem muitos romances que eu leio que eu me pergunto se as personagens principais realmente são alma gêmeas, se quando o livro acabar elas não vão se separar ou se distanciar, não pq o livro não cita explicitamente que elas são alma gêmeas ou algo do tipo mas pq você termina a leitura e sabe que o casal é destinado a ficar juntos, que eles só foram realmente felizes até se encontrarem e esse é um desses livros.
não vou falar muito pq sou péssima em resenhas mas queria expressar meu amor por esse livro que desde quando eu li a sinopse eu sabia que ia amar mas não tanto assim. quando eu li o livro da wil e da lynda e conheci a laura eu pensei... mds que psg chata... 🫢 bobinha...
laura finch eu te amo te amo te amo! eu sempre fui apaixonada por ice queens e é exatamente isso o que a laura é, uma ice queen incrível e muito bem trabalhada que me fez entender completamente o lado dela e me fez se apaixonar perdidamente por ela igual a skylar, que menção é o completo oposto dela.🥹 sky é uma psg muito fofa e gentil que está sempre sorrindo e mesmo sendo tão amigável e amada não tem muito amigos... (nenhum e eu me pergunto como... enfim! casal incrível, livro incrível.
p.s. agora vou ser IMENSAMENTE feliz lendo as migalhas da minha isla 💗 (se o livro dela for tão bom quanto esse... sigh
Laura’s arms were so secure around her. She was completely safe. Laura loved her, she had to at that point. It wasn’t a question. Skylar knew it even if Laura hadn’t said it. She was secure.
-
“You have made me understand love in a different way than I ever did before. I don’t think I’d found myself until I met you. Truly.”
tem muitos romances que eu leio que eu me pergunto se as personagens principais realmente são alma gêmeas, se quando o livro acabar elas não vão se separar ou se distanciar, não pq o livro não cita explicitamente que elas são alma gêmeas ou algo do tipo mas pq você termina a leitura e sabe que o casal é destinado a ficar juntos, que eles só foram realmente felizes até se encontrarem e esse é um desses livros.
não vou falar muito pq sou péssima em resenhas mas queria expressar meu amor por esse livro que desde quando eu li a sinopse eu sabia que ia amar mas não tanto assim. quando eu li o livro da wil e da lynda e conheci a laura eu pensei... mds que psg chata... 🫢 bobinha...
laura finch eu te amo te amo te amo! eu sempre fui apaixonada por ice queens e é exatamente isso o que a laura é, uma ice queen incrível e muito bem trabalhada que me fez entender completamente o lado dela e me fez se apaixonar perdidamente por ela igual a skylar, que menção é o completo oposto dela.🥹 sky é uma psg muito fofa e gentil que está sempre sorrindo e mesmo sendo tão amigável e amada não tem muito amigos... (nenhum e eu me pergunto como... enfim! casal incrível, livro incrível.
p.s. agora vou ser IMENSAMENTE feliz lendo as migalhas da minha isla 💗 (se o livro dela for tão bom quanto esse... sigh
April 16, 2023
I was so lucky to be given an ARC of this incredible slow burn love story! Don't Quit Your Daydream is yet another memorable romance by Adrian, filled with well rounded women and excellent story telling. Here we have Laura, an almost fifty-year-old business partner with a chip on her shoulder a mile wide, who immediately clashes with the overly friendly pretty millennial in the elevator. It's hate at first sight for Laura, and to make matters worse, her business partner hires the woman. This is an ice-queen, opposites attract, coming out romance that will suck you in. Can't wait for the next one, Adrian!!
May 2, 2023
They're so cuteeeee, i love them
May 15, 2023
Someone (possibly the author) recommended this when I asked for slow burns and it was indeed a delight. I love grumpy damaged women whose walls are slowly worn down by delightfully upbeat sunshine characters.
I did ask for the slowest of slow burns and this was certainly it, with no actual action until about 70% of the book, but the slow build up from mildly antagonistic in an elevator to making out in an elevator is incredibly worthwhile!
Best of all, it's in KU, which means I got to read it quicker than if I'd had to buy it outright. Would highly recommend for anyone who likes a bit of an age gap romance with the old grumpy sunshine trope and a late in life coming out story. I love, love, love the fact that one of the MCs is nearly fifty and therefore its not too late for anyone to find love and start to heal from their past relationship trauma.
4.5/5 from me, rounded up. Very enjoyable!
I did ask for the slowest of slow burns and this was certainly it, with no actual action until about 70% of the book, but the slow build up from mildly antagonistic in an elevator to making out in an elevator is incredibly worthwhile!
Best of all, it's in KU, which means I got to read it quicker than if I'd had to buy it outright. Would highly recommend for anyone who likes a bit of an age gap romance with the old grumpy sunshine trope and a late in life coming out story. I love, love, love the fact that one of the MCs is nearly fifty and therefore its not too late for anyone to find love and start to heal from their past relationship trauma.
4.5/5 from me, rounded up. Very enjoyable!
June 2, 2023
4.5 stars
Wow, was this fun to read! I'm rounding down the stars because I didn't vibe with some of the writing and characterizations, but I absolutely loved the content and progression of the story. I had to force myself to take breaks with this one, and even so, I finished it in a day.
--- The Breakdown ---
Laura Finch has accepted that this will be her life. No partner, no kids, just married to her job at a company that overworks her and underappreciates her. She can't remember the last time she let someone in. Well, enter Skylar Ross, a bubbly, likeable millennial who seems intent on forcing her way into Laura's life. Suddenly, Skylar seems to be everywhere - the elevator, the parking lot, Laura's office, and even worming her way into Laura's private thoughts at home. As Skylar slowly chips at Laura's frosty exterior, the two might find that despite their differences, they also have a lot in common.
cw: a super verbally abusive ex, minor reference to workplace sexual harassment, infidelity (by side characters), minor instances of homophobia
The Characters: I loved Skylar so much. She was kind and friendly but could also hold her own. Despite repeated references to her being younger, she felt very mature (except for certain insults) and had a good head on her shoulders. Admittedly, for much of the book I was expecting her to be mid-twenties since Laura seemed to think she was "right out of college." But nope, she was fully 34 years old. Laura, oh Laura... I definitely felt for her throughout the book. She's had it rough, and she lacks a healthy support system. She starts out as an extreme ice queen, and I had a lot of fun watching Skylar peel back her layers. As for the side characters, I was less of a fan. Laura's asshole ex is just awful. I didn't understand how she put up with him and didn't recognize how bad he was. I was also kind of confused by Skylar's family. There were some weird tensions that would surface, and I don't think they were ever fully explained.
The Romance: Ugh, so good. I love ice queen stories. Adrian Smith was great at building up the tension between these characters. All the eye contact and touching!!! I was so ready when they finally kissed. I loved watching how Skylar and Laura healed each other. (Though at times, it felt like Skylar was almost taking on a therapist role.) Some reviews mentioned this, and I agree, that Skylar seems to bring more to the relationship than Laura does. Still, I see the ways they are both good for each other, and I was absolutely rooting for them.
The Plot: The plot mostly follows the romance, though there are some side plots involving the companies. The romance plot totally had me. There were so many encounters that made me smile and shake my head. It did sometimes feel like certain plot points were dropped. A question I'm left with: Why is Skylar's company called Warehouse Thirty-Three, and does it have to do with the show Warehouse 13? We never got to hear the "long story" behind the name.
The Writing: This varied for me. At times, it felt choppy or overly descriptive. I was kind of apprehensive going into the book because the opening chapter just felt jarring and awkward. We're thrown immediately into the first meeting between the MCs. And though I came around to it at the end, for much of the book, I felt like the phrase "okay, boomer" was overused. At other times, especially when it came to the dialogue in the back half of the book, I was like, this is beautiful.
All in all: This was a highly entertaining read for me. It's not the most polished story, but if you don't mind that, I would recommend!
Wow, was this fun to read! I'm rounding down the stars because I didn't vibe with some of the writing and characterizations, but I absolutely loved the content and progression of the story. I had to force myself to take breaks with this one, and even so, I finished it in a day.
--- The Breakdown ---
Laura Finch has accepted that this will be her life. No partner, no kids, just married to her job at a company that overworks her and underappreciates her. She can't remember the last time she let someone in. Well, enter Skylar Ross, a bubbly, likeable millennial who seems intent on forcing her way into Laura's life. Suddenly, Skylar seems to be everywhere - the elevator, the parking lot, Laura's office, and even worming her way into Laura's private thoughts at home. As Skylar slowly chips at Laura's frosty exterior, the two might find that despite their differences, they also have a lot in common.
cw: a super verbally abusive ex, minor reference to workplace sexual harassment, infidelity (by side characters), minor instances of homophobia
The Characters: I loved Skylar so much. She was kind and friendly but could also hold her own. Despite repeated references to her being younger, she felt very mature (except for certain insults) and had a good head on her shoulders. Admittedly, for much of the book I was expecting her to be mid-twenties since Laura seemed to think she was "right out of college." But nope, she was fully 34 years old. Laura, oh Laura... I definitely felt for her throughout the book. She's had it rough, and she lacks a healthy support system. She starts out as an extreme ice queen, and I had a lot of fun watching Skylar peel back her layers. As for the side characters, I was less of a fan. Laura's asshole ex is just awful. I didn't understand how she put up with him and didn't recognize how bad he was. I was also kind of confused by Skylar's family. There were some weird tensions that would surface, and I don't think they were ever fully explained.
The Romance: Ugh, so good. I love ice queen stories. Adrian Smith was great at building up the tension between these characters. All the eye contact and touching!!! I was so ready when they finally kissed. I loved watching how Skylar and Laura healed each other. (Though at times, it felt like Skylar was almost taking on a therapist role.) Some reviews mentioned this, and I agree, that Skylar seems to bring more to the relationship than Laura does. Still, I see the ways they are both good for each other, and I was absolutely rooting for them.
The Plot: The plot mostly follows the romance, though there are some side plots involving the companies. The romance plot totally had me. There were so many encounters that made me smile and shake my head. It did sometimes feel like certain plot points were dropped. A question I'm left with: Why is Skylar's company called Warehouse Thirty-Three, and does it have to do with the show Warehouse 13? We never got to hear the "long story" behind the name.
The Writing: This varied for me. At times, it felt choppy or overly descriptive. I was kind of apprehensive going into the book because the opening chapter just felt jarring and awkward. We're thrown immediately into the first meeting between the MCs. And though I came around to it at the end, for much of the book, I felt like the phrase "okay, boomer" was overused. At other times, especially when it came to the dialogue in the back half of the book, I was like, this is beautiful.
All in all: This was a highly entertaining read for me. It's not the most polished story, but if you don't mind that, I would recommend!
April 17, 2023
How do I begin describing the impact this book has had on me as I was reading it and after? Fiction books don't hit me beyond their originality, entertaining or relatability value.
This book…
So it starts with:
Ms. Bubbly congeniality (Skylar) meets Ms. 50 year old frustrated and angry teenager (Laura).
Classic enough beginning but the elevator scene got me hooked.
It gets heated when they meet in the elevator, parking lot, offices, conference rooms, etc.
Head out of the gutter people, not like that… well, at least not outwardly just yet.
Yes, you have two strong, hard headed women in conflict. But while you'll find witty one liners thrown, they are not the expected kind either, nor is the way their confrontations run their course. The MCs don't hit with sarcastic or condescending words and/or hurtful lines as hard as they can (well, they do, but not much). No, they mainly subtly spar.
This is why everything veers off on a tangent for me for this genre of book.
The best way I found to describe the way the MCs spar would be by imagining the push-pulls between a blooming tree in a tiny plot of land that only fits the tree and its roots (Skylar) and a thick wall behind which there is a huge piece of fertile land but bare as it is completely starved (Laura).
When Skylar pushes she sends a gentle but continuous breeze, some bounces back against the wall but most of it erodes at the grout of the wall and carries seeds over it. Not liking the dust being stirred by the breeze within her land and the sent tree "wastes" cluttering it, Laura throws back clots of dirt back towards the tree. However, only a few of those actually hit the trunk, most fall between the tree and the wall. And so it goes …
… until Laura cries, watering the land on both sides of the wall.
From then on, and bathed in Skylar's sunny disposition, the tree roots - now having the fertile dirt - grow beyond the wall from under destabilizing its foundation in the process while its branches do so from above and over, pouring more seeds just extra and intra muros. Those, along with all the seeds that have landed beyond the wall on fertile land, take root that either eat up the wall across its length or fill the land with greenery.
Suddenly, the wall crumbles almost in one go … and now, Skylar is at loss as to what just happened and receives as good as she gave.
This book ends with a big tree in a very lush meadow.
So…
This book…
Well for me every time the two MCs meet and interact, regardless of what is going on between them, a positive energy just exuded out of the pages I was reading, I could feel their respective energy slowly blend.
This is how this book hit me like no other fiction has.
This book…
So it starts with:
Ms. Bubbly congeniality (Skylar) meets Ms. 50 year old frustrated and angry teenager (Laura).
Classic enough beginning but the elevator scene got me hooked.
It gets heated when they meet in the elevator, parking lot, offices, conference rooms, etc.
Head out of the gutter people, not like that… well, at least not outwardly just yet.
Yes, you have two strong, hard headed women in conflict. But while you'll find witty one liners thrown, they are not the expected kind either, nor is the way their confrontations run their course. The MCs don't hit with sarcastic or condescending words and/or hurtful lines as hard as they can (well, they do, but not much). No, they mainly subtly spar.
This is why everything veers off on a tangent for me for this genre of book.
The best way I found to describe the way the MCs spar would be by imagining the push-pulls between a blooming tree in a tiny plot of land that only fits the tree and its roots (Skylar) and a thick wall behind which there is a huge piece of fertile land but bare as it is completely starved (Laura).
When Skylar pushes she sends a gentle but continuous breeze, some bounces back against the wall but most of it erodes at the grout of the wall and carries seeds over it. Not liking the dust being stirred by the breeze within her land and the sent tree "wastes" cluttering it, Laura throws back clots of dirt back towards the tree. However, only a few of those actually hit the trunk, most fall between the tree and the wall. And so it goes …
… until Laura cries, watering the land on both sides of the wall.
From then on, and bathed in Skylar's sunny disposition, the tree roots - now having the fertile dirt - grow beyond the wall from under destabilizing its foundation in the process while its branches do so from above and over, pouring more seeds just extra and intra muros. Those, along with all the seeds that have landed beyond the wall on fertile land, take root that either eat up the wall across its length or fill the land with greenery.
Suddenly, the wall crumbles almost in one go … and now, Skylar is at loss as to what just happened and receives as good as she gave.
This book ends with a big tree in a very lush meadow.
So…
This book…
Well for me every time the two MCs meet and interact, regardless of what is going on between them, a positive energy just exuded out of the pages I was reading, I could feel their respective energy slowly blend.
This is how this book hit me like no other fiction has.
April 27, 2023
amazing
Love when you leased expect it. To dream of a life worth living authentically. Sometimes it takes longer for others to find. It takes a leaping courage. Beautifully written with strength and grace.
Love when you leased expect it. To dream of a life worth living authentically. Sometimes it takes longer for others to find. It takes a leaping courage. Beautifully written with strength and grace.
June 28, 2024
Kinda not feeling Laura supposedly having had enough of the professional abuse her ex-husband Rodney puts on her at work, only to take it and forget her outrage a couple of paragraphs later. Pretty sure this happens at least twice in the book. Guess she hasn't really had enough after all. Then there's that group of friends she keeps meeting for whatever reason. I wish there was a bit more development on that front.
We don't really get to see a lot of the events of the book. No scenes of the truck-or-treat. No discernible effects from the rebranding. Client names were thrown around as though they were important, but you don't really feel it in the story. By the end of it, I still wasn't sure how effective Skylar truly was at her job. Also, what went down in the Ross Christmas gathering?
We don't really get to see a lot of the events of the book. No scenes of the truck-or-treat. No discernible effects from the rebranding. Client names were thrown around as though they were important, but you don't really feel it in the story. By the end of it, I still wasn't sure how effective Skylar truly was at her job. Also, what went down in the Ross Christmas gathering?
July 25, 2023
I was given this book as an ARC and am very grateful I was.
A slow burn, age gap with great characters and a storyline with depth to it. What more can you ask for in a book? Oh yes….there’s a HEA too!
A slow burn, age gap with great characters and a storyline with depth to it. What more can you ask for in a book? Oh yes….there’s a HEA too!
April 28, 2024
The main characters didn’t have much chemistry. It wasn’t my favorite.
May 24, 2023
Laura is co owner of Solace an actuary company with her ex husband Rodney. Tough she's asked him for years to update their marketing, he hasn't approved till now.
Skylar is a 30 something that just moved into the building and owns a marketing firm, that does so much more.
Laura and Skylar meet on the elevator, and well Laura wasn't impressed.
But she meets Rodney and he hires Skylar and expects Laura to work with her. Laura is not happy. The exchanges between the two women is entertaining. Laura is definitely an ice queen. And Skylar melts her. I read this book in one day, and it's a thick book, but you'll be enthralled. 5 stars!!
Skylar is a 30 something that just moved into the building and owns a marketing firm, that does so much more.
Laura and Skylar meet on the elevator, and well Laura wasn't impressed.
But she meets Rodney and he hires Skylar and expects Laura to work with her. Laura is not happy. The exchanges between the two women is entertaining. Laura is definitely an ice queen. And Skylar melts her. I read this book in one day, and it's a thick book, but you'll be enthralled. 5 stars!!
May 16, 2023
An Age Gap Romance With A Pile Of Baggage
Laura has enough baggage to sink a ship, and part of that is she doesn’t even know she’s gay. All her life, she believed what her ex husband told her, what other men said - that she was just cold and lacking in terms of sexuality.
But then she meets Skylar, and her world begins to tilt on its axis. From being annoyed at this young, brash, confident woman to realizing that she’s attracted to Skylar, Laura realizes she’s just beginning to figure herself out.
But what happens when she does? This book is an age gap romance with a pile of baggage coupled with a story of self discovery and learning who you really are.
Laura has enough baggage to sink a ship, and part of that is she doesn’t even know she’s gay. All her life, she believed what her ex husband told her, what other men said - that she was just cold and lacking in terms of sexuality.
But then she meets Skylar, and her world begins to tilt on its axis. From being annoyed at this young, brash, confident woman to realizing that she’s attracted to Skylar, Laura realizes she’s just beginning to figure herself out.
But what happens when she does? This book is an age gap romance with a pile of baggage coupled with a story of self discovery and learning who you really are.
May 18, 2023
Having a dream like love is what Skyler and Laura dream dream about. Laura also wanted a family. Dreams makes the world go around. Excellent story. Highly recommended.
April 24, 2023
A true slow burn, ice queen romance this is. One thing loved the most about this book I how the two main characters are so different but they complement each other so well. Laura is an ice queen set in her ways and she thinks nothing is there to live or change for, then enters Skylar. Skylar brings so much passion and energy that even Laura can't help but want a piece of it. I think the way AJ wrote the book made it so much more interesting, the contrasting private and professional lives brings in so much entertainment and drama that you just can't put it down. I loved this book so much.
I recommend it totally
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recommend it totally
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
Tears, cheers and everything in between written tenderly, very hot and immensely satisfying!
Adrian J Smith has delighted my imagination with this sensitive love story. The main characters are straddled with a Borish exhusband that thinks he still has rights on his ex wife’s emotions, mind and body to deal with. The other main character has an ex girlfriend also recking havoc mentally. The duo struggle and work together to overcome their obstacles and fall in love. This tale is so well written and difficult to put down that I have no qualms about strongly urging everyone to purchase the book and read it, share the need to support the author!
Adrian J Smith has delighted my imagination with this sensitive love story. The main characters are straddled with a Borish exhusband that thinks he still has rights on his ex wife’s emotions, mind and body to deal with. The other main character has an ex girlfriend also recking havoc mentally. The duo struggle and work together to overcome their obstacles and fall in love. This tale is so well written and difficult to put down that I have no qualms about strongly urging everyone to purchase the book and read it, share the need to support the author!
April 30, 2023
This book is great. It has a so many different troupes. Age-gap, ice queen,Toaster oven, Grumpy sunshine, hot for boss, slow burn. Don't Quit Your Daydream is a definate must read.
I received an arc for my honest review
I received an arc for my honest review
September 27, 2025
2/5 - sapphic, contemporary, age-gap, ice queen. Fell very flat for me and I didn’t particularly like the MCs. Laura especially was very frustrating and felt like an angry pushover; I didn’t like how she seemed weirdly unable to let go of Rodney for so many years even though he’s such a massive piece of shit. Did not work for me.
April 24, 2023
***ARC review for honest feedback***
I fell in love with these characters within the first chapter and found it hard to put the book down.
I love Adrian J. Smith's approach to the age gap trope. She avoids the common narrative of one character lamenting how it's not possible for the relationship to happen, instead she addresses all the character flaws together.
The only flaw I could find in this novel was that it had to end.
Don't Quit Your Daydream is an absolute must read!
I fell in love with these characters within the first chapter and found it hard to put the book down.
I love Adrian J. Smith's approach to the age gap trope. She avoids the common narrative of one character lamenting how it's not possible for the relationship to happen, instead she addresses all the character flaws together.
The only flaw I could find in this novel was that it had to end.
Don't Quit Your Daydream is an absolute must read!
April 25, 2023
I loved this book. The hand Laura was dealt it is no wonder she is the way she is. Skylar is so sweet and optimistic that she starts to melt the ice around Laura's heart. A sweet hot love story that you don't want to miss.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 18, 2023
A slow burn romance with quirky characters. Great Read.
I got an ARC for an honest review
I got an ARC for an honest review
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