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Forgotten Dreams

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Shane Connelly - a pretty young entrepreneur - is determined to shake things up as she leaves her drone of a boyfriend Marc, and the mean streets of Miami far behind. She goes in search of greener pastures in the North Carolina mountains, but finds it’s anything but the perfect spot to while away the hot summer months.

Her recently acquired country home turns out to be a burned out hovel in the middle of nowhere - and after a series of unexplained and chilling visions - she suspects it’s haunted. With her hopes dashed before her adventure can even begin, she is about to head home when a handsome stranger unexpectedly arrives at her doorstep.

Before she can beat a trail out of Swan Creek wine country, Shane and her handsome Cherokee neighbor Jesse are inexplicably drawn together as they dodge bullets, unearth ghosts, and unravel a dark town secret. As events reach a surprising conclusion, Shane realizes that it’s not the high altitude that’s making her head spin, but her tall lover with the penetrating dark eyes.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

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First published August 6, 2012

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Alexia Banks

3 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
32 reviews
June 19, 2012
One can't help but turn the pages with Alexia Banks', 'Forgotten Dreams', a story of coming full circle when Shane receives a 25 acre vineyard in place of money, finding more than she bargained for. Shane never expected to learn her dreams and birthplace begin in the same town as the vineyard or fall in love with Jessie, a man who sparks life back into Shane's heart. When Shane comes up missing and finds the answers to her past, Shane comes to the rescue, saving her life from a man who has terrified Shane's dreams for years. Shane and Jessie is a happily-ever-after you won't want to miss between the romance and finding a family!
Profile Image for Melissa.
17 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2012
The Overall....

Let me set the tone for you with the characters.
You have Shane, a saucy redhead with an attitude to match, that has a hellbent determination to start off on an adventure that won't leave her bored and wanting. She is the heroine of our tale.
For her, life in Miami isn't very appealing anymore and she is off to the North Carolinian countryside to start anew. By anew, I mean some sort of winery/vacation house (Apparently I am the only one in the world who hasn't established that wine is incredibly awesome. So this is me taking notes.) that she was given by a client in exchange for a clearing of their debt. She drops the boyfriend, she vacations from her business, and she prepares for a waging war on rest and relaxation. (Miss Independence should be her theme song!)

Shane is a likable character. She has a sense of humor, a smart ass attitude, and a no nonsense way about her. She is incredibly strong willed but seems to be lacking purpose. I think that is the cause for her boredom. She meets Mr. Blackfox (Our other hero) for the first time, at her new house and she presents herself in a rather rude fashion, which is very unlike her character (At least in my opinion). Being misinformed about the estate she was given, seeing and hearing things that aren't there, and then being bombarded by a hot, very angry stranger, will do that to a girl though. lol This is the part in the story where she exchanges her flip flops for her "beat 'em" boots, and I applaud. It's nice to see a woman that will hold her own against a sexy man. Most women in stories tend to buckle under the heat of a hot body and gorgeous face, but not Shane. I adore her for this!

Next we have Jesse Blackfox, a native to Swan Creek, and neighbor to Shane. He is disgruntled about Tommy Lee, a crazy drunken squatter that lives on Shane's property, that keeps killing the wildlife. So with the assumption that his new neighbor will be an ally, he heads off to expand his ranks in the crusade against the drunk and disorderly. When he actually meets up with said neighbor, he is startled and rather offended by Shane - the unstable firecracker. He carries around a bit of disdain for her and unknowingly humiliates her in a public setting. She confronts him, poses a challenge in the form of a threat, and immediately he feels guilt. Someone cue the light bulb and the raging hormones! At this point we all know where things are going. He obviously is going to develop a thing for her, but this is only after he insults and offends her first. Hello, angsty relationship 101!

Okay, so moving on...

Their relationship is the A - typical, 'I don't want to love you, but some of the things you do are adorable and romantic'/slow building type of love, but it's so fast paced that there is really no room to get to know all the intimate details of it. You get to see how Jesse and Shane respond to the intimacy they do have though and that is a plus. Jesse is nurturing and trustworthy and everything Shane wants and needs. Just the right amount of pushy, without stepping on Shane's toes, and they both feed well off of one another. Shane is open and receptive to Jesse and it makes things that much more intense for her. Jesse entices Shane's heart to trust and love, and its a beautiful thing. The perfect setting for the kind of romance we all love. I won't lie though, I could have used more of an in depth slow paced love, but the pace of the book is fast, so it all pretty much flows the same.

Cut back to the house and all it's mysteriousness. We can't forget about the foundation our Main character and her love interest were built on. Something supernatural is going on inside, that much you know. How do you know? Because Shane wouldn't have heard giggling or seen blurs of movement in the house when she arrived, if there wasn't. She was alone and her mind could have been playing tricks on her, but we all know that isn't the case, right? Right! That would have been about the time I got my cue for a quick exit. Especially if I were in a burnt down mansion all alone. lol I won't go into great detail about the house, because it would almost ruin the story for you. So let's just say that it was more than fate that brought our firecracker to our sexy hero, and this particular place. Great place to read about, definitely not somewhere that I would park my shoes though. *shivers* =)P

Ms Banks kept me guessing as to the origin of the ghost and how it all tied together, and she made it beautiful and effortless.

A nicely woven intricate web of deceit and villainy coupled with mystery, loyalty, and timelessness. I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.

My Issues...

Here is where the romance portion started to go south for me. There is the ooooo'ing and the ahhhhhhh'ing and the Marvin Gaye, "Let's get it on" stuff, then there is the big revelation scene, then the dun da da dun "save the day" stuff, which is awesome, but I didn't want it to fly by like my high school years. Ya gotta roll it out slow like a diesel engine, then let it fly. Don't tease me and send me home. haha

My only real complaint about this book as a whole, is that there wasn't more. I felt almost like I had been left hanging. Hi my name is Shane Connelly, and I want more! I felt borderline tantrum y when it was over. I wanted her to tell me more about the ghost in more detail. One word; Grace! Give me a lengthy back story on her and her family. Tell me all about Jesse and his family before Shane came around. The list could go on, but I don't want to sound preachy and shrewd.

Ms Banks is an amazing writer, my only wish is that it would have been a novel and not just a short story. Gimme a good 350 pages and a sequel, and I'm yours. ;)

In Closing...
It had all the elements I love to read about. The characters were well developed and I could relate to them. She brought everything to life for me and even made me a bit homesick for North Carolina. I laughed all through the book, and yet, the story had flow and was wrapped up nicely in the end. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves paranormal romance and needs it to be a quick, light read.

Instant gratification is always an added bonus! :)
Profile Image for Between the Bind.
102 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2012
A full review can be read at Between the Bind

Forgotten Dreams was a fast-paced and intriguing read. I loved the city-gone-mountains gal, Shane Connelly, and the southern gentleman, Jesse Blackfox. This book drew me in on page one and I just had to keep flipping. Ms. Banks does a great job of portraying a fast-paced romance, however, the paranormal-ness (yes, I'm aware this is not a word) comes secondary to the relationship progressing between Shane and Jesse, therefore I would categorize this as more of a romance novel.

We meet Shane as she's getting ready to take a break from her business and head to a newly acquired country home in North Carolina. Excited to be on her first vacation in what feels like forever, Shane is dismayed to find her house ravaged by an old fire and certainly not livable.

In walks Jesse. Tired of coming across ill-shot creatures and being forced to put them out of their misery, Jesse hopes the new mistress of the mountain will be proactive in removing Tommy Lee Campbell, local drunk and danger to all things living, from the land.

Oil and water quickly mix, although in the typical romance novel way: I like him but can't tell him, it's too soon. I can't stop thinking about her, but I'll scare her away. This back and forth doesn't continue for long, and soon Shane and Jesse are getting hot and heavy.

I did have a couple qualms with the book. The conversations between Shane and Jesse occasionally feels forced and over-explained by the way Banks adds she kidded/he teased/etc. I really wanted Banks to let me hear their conversations for myself, not tell me the tone of voice sentence by sentence.

My only other issue was an occasional lack of depth. There was no discussion about the haunting...ever. Even though three people so far had either seen or dreamt about the crazyness going on at that house. Also, Shane never had time to reflect on the uncovered secrets of the house. I found myself wondering what she was really thinking about all that happened at the end.

With that being said, I really enjoyed both main characters - Shane's head-strong, no-nonsense attitude and Jesse's calm before the (sexy) storm. Also, the love for animals in this book was apparent, and even though I was cringing through some scenes, I fell in love with Nelly the dog. Moreover, I LOVED Jesse's mom, Wila. I just feel like she has so much more story to her...I hope she makes an appearance in the next stand-alone novellas.

Even the character's unisex names were awesome. Shane and Jesse - I loved that! :)

Forgotten Dreams is filled with relatable characters, a bit of creepy, and a secret that I couldn't wait to uncover. All that's missing is MORE! If you are a paranormal romance lover and would like a quick, satisfying read, most definitely grab a copy of Forgotten Dreams on August 6 - you won't be disappointed. :)
Profile Image for Pam B Morris.
Author 2 books12 followers
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July 26, 2012
In Forgotten Dreams, by Alexia Banks, restless entrepreneur, Shane Connolly, must leave her Miami investigation business in other hands and travel to rural South Carolina when she becomes the sudden owner of a neglected vineyard complete with a half burned house. And there the intrigue begins. Shane starts having nightmares as real as visions and is haunted by what she thinks may be the ghost of a little girl. I enjoyed the psychological tension in Shane’s mind and the mystery behind what is happening to her. Jesse Blackfox is refreshing as an atypical hero and the undercurrent of unknown danger which may or may not be real kept me hooked. Forgotten Dreams is ripe with twists, a surly villain and the possibilities of love, a romance that will keep you up nights wondering what your dreams may be trying to tell you.
Profile Image for Erin Richards.
Author 27 books134 followers
June 30, 2012
A great romance, intriguing suspense, and a nice dose of humor make Forgotten Dreams an enjoyably entertaining story. The story grabs you from the first page and keeps you hanging on until the end. Despite the burned out home Shane obtains as payment for PI work, I loved the slice of North Carolina wine country the author introduced me to. I felt like I walked in Shane’s shoes as she investigated the hauntings and secrets of her new home and of Swan Creek. The plot and character motivations are believable, leaving you cheering for Shane and Jessie throughout. Spiced with a supernatural flare and a surprise ending, this novel is sure to please a wide variety of fans. The cover art is beautiful and a wonderful depiction of the story. I would have picked this book to read based on it alone.
Profile Image for WiLoveBooks.
865 reviews59 followers
July 12, 2012
Shane gets more than she bargained for when she decides to make a change. Taking a vacation from her life, she takes off to check out the house she accepted in lieu of payment for a case. What she finds is a crumbling, haunted mess, secrets, and an attractive man that she immediately gets off on the wrong foot with. This was an enjoyable romance. Jesse is a nice guy, but he is tough as well. I like that in a hero. There is romance, suspense, humor, a dash of paranormal, and great characters. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing until the end. I recommend this book and I will be looking forward to the next!
Profile Image for Lynn Cahoon.
Author 105 books2,371 followers
July 21, 2012
Forgotten Dreams mixes a modern mystery with the past tragedy. My favorite type of read! Shane Connolly knows she’s been bamboozled by her client when she comes upon the ramshackle fire burned plantation home he’d deeded to her in exchange for her private investigative services that allowed him to save millions in his recent divorce case. Ready to turn tail and run back to Miami, fate steps in and she’s stuck in rural North Carolina, until she and her car are repaired. Just her luck, hunky Jessie Blackfox is there to rescue her. Forgotten Dreams is a fast paced adventure. Looking forward to more of Ms. Banks’ work.
7 reviews
August 11, 2012
I really enjoyed Forgotten Dreams. I like reading about 'ghostly visits' if they are friendly!! I can't imagine how Shane felt upon finding out about her true past.The ending could have so easily been another nightmare. Alexia did a great job in putting together Shane's nightmares, the ghostly visits, and her discovery of her family. There was action, romance, and suspense in the story.

Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author, Alexia Banks, in return for this review; however, my review was not affected by this fact. My review is mine alone.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 18 books15 followers
July 19, 2012
The past can come back to haunt you. When our heroine is given a ramshackle house in North Carolina, she gets more than she bargained for ... a psychotic neighbor, a ghost and a Cherokee hunk. I highly recommend this fast-paced romance!
Profile Image for Evie.
412 reviews200 followers
October 3, 2015
2.5-2.75 stars

Shane owns her own company, and now that she has a partner to share the workload she decides to take some needed time off. She wants space from her cheapstake excuse of a boyfriend, if one could call him that; so, she heads over to a place a client deeded over to her recently. She expects to fall in love with the place. She imagines how the "house" must look sitting in the middle of the vineyard. Ha! The last thing she expects is to find "the" house in the state she does.

She's ready to sue the client that thought her a fool, when she stumbles upon Jesse, who is there to complain about her dangerous tenant. She dismisses whatever Jesse claims, as the only thing in her mind is getting rid off the place and making sure her client pays her with real money this time.

On the day she decides to leave she suffers an accident that puts her right in Jesse's care. One thing leads to another, and they both give into the attraction they each feel for the other.

There's a mystery surrounding the grounds of her property, and soon she discovers what it is. Not only that, but she also discovers where she comes from and hates the thought of it.

According to reviews, other readers have enjoyed it very much; however, for me this was just an okay read.

Blurb:

Itching for adventure, Miami private investigator Shane Connelly heads for Swan Creek in North Carolina wine country. But she quickly discovers it’s anything but the perfect spot to while away the summer months. Her country home turns out to be a burned out hovel that she suspects is haunted. Discouraged, she plans to head home when a handsome stranger arrives at her doorstep. Before she can beat a trail off the mountain, Shane and her handsome neighbor Jesse are inexplicably drawn together as they dodge bullets, unearth ghosts, and unravel a dark town secret. In the end, Shane realizes it's not the high altitudes making her head spin, but her brooding lover with the penetrating dark eyes.

Profile Image for Emily (Kindles & Wine Book Blog).
58 reviews18 followers
August 29, 2012
Lots to love in Alexia Bank’s new book, Forgotten Dreams. I quickly became caught up in Shane Connelly, our heroine, leaving everything she knows and loves and heading to an unknown and uncertain future. The romance that heats up between Shane and neighbor Jesse (after a prickly and deliciously awkward start) intrigued me as well. The hints and innuendos around a paranormal aspect to the story kept me reading way past my bedtime on a work night!

Where I was left hanging was in the details. When I got to the end of the book, I realized I still had a lot of unanswered questions. Why did Shane really leave her home and friends? Was her ex that much of a jerk? Why did Shane, who seems extremely competent and capable, show up to her new house without a true plan? What is the supernatural aspect of Shane’s house? If Jesse’s mom recognizes Shane, why do we only get a hint at this? Why does the whole town ignore a crazy poacher squatting on someone else’s property for 30 years? I felt like there were so many nuances and hints that were really not resolved. Could be I’m a smidge anal (yup, it’s true), but I need more details!

All that said, I did get a little insider information that this book is part of a trilogy and that there will be a prequel and sequel out in 2013. Prequel? Hooray! I feel confident we will learn Shane’s background and get my questions resolved! Sequel? Even better – love when the story continues!

Alexia Banks has written an intriguing plotline and a steamy romance with Forgotten Dreams. If you are looking for a love story with an adventurous streak, give it a go. If you are a huge paranormal fan, this book might leave you, like me, wanting more.

Rating: C+, a nice, easy read, with a unique storyline and an amazing setting. I just need to know more (maybe in the next books?) and wanted more emphasis on the supernatural/paranormal.
Profile Image for Cary Morgan.
Author 10 books17 followers
October 15, 2012
This is a fabulous romp full of tension, mystery and one very seductive Southern Gentleman. The characters are as richly portrayed as the hill country of North Carolina, so much so I can hear the gentle drawl and enjoy the sultry warmth that permeates the story, cover to cover. Full of twists and turns, Alexia Banks keeps the reader on the edge of their seat for the duration, and then leaves us smiling and satisfied. Well done. I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without monetary compensation.
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