Emma has spent her life detached from relationships in an effort to keep those she cares about from getting hurt. When lifelong nightmares cause a strain between her and her best friend, Elise, Emma is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever. After Emma moves in with Aiden, a mysterious man who tests her desire to stay unattached, tragedy strikes again when her uncle is murdered. Emma searches for the killer while gradually growing more attached to Aiden. With her life in danger and her heart on the line, Emma will have to learn to let go of the past to finally realize what her future holds.This engaging new romantic thriller explores the need to heal from the past in order to find hope in the future. Using stirring drama to convey a message of hope and perseverance, this captivating book will grab readers with mystery while enthralling them with an intriguing love.
I'm an indie author writing mostly contemporary romance and romance suspense. I've been writing ever since I learned how to spell, although novels are a more recent development. I started writing poetry around the age of 8; granted these weren't noteworthy poems, but they were poems nonetheless. I'm a hard headed perfectionist, so obviously, I'm my own worst critic. It made the writing process of my first book that much longer, because I was constantly overthinking things. I'm a huge animal lover. I have cats, dogs, chickens, guineas and a snake. And my life is like a zoo with all the running around I do for my kids, my husband and myself. I would love to hear from my fans and will try to respond as quickly as possible!!! You are what makes this whole process worthwhile!!!
An absolutely stunning read!!!!!!!!!!!! “I’d give anything just to see that smile. It captivated me the first night I saw you. I’ll do my best to make you smile everyday if you let me.”
I don’t even know where to start with this, besides it absolutely BLEW MY MIND. I mean I read a decent amount of books, and this novel completely floored me. Seriously, I was speechless. I’m not sure that there are enough words in the English language that can literate how much I LOVE this book. There are moments when avid book readers need a break from the everyday run of the mill stories that seem to always be the same with a slight twist on each, this is your book. Have you guessed that I’m exuberant about this sensational novel?!
In a dream gives you a plethora of emotions to keep you captivated from first to last page. The characters were so in depth and you really saw their growth throughout the novel. Not to mention that I immediately fell head over heels for Emma and Aiden. While they have a desire ridden romance, there’s more to each of them that the other has yet to find out. The intensity between them is unimaginable and they handle each other pretty well for being technical strangers. Emma has an issue with being close to people, being that everyone she’s ever loved – she’s lost. I really related to her character, having lost most of my family as well. Her character was brave and completely adorable, not to mention the whole prophetic dreams. Aiden is just… a man’s man. Working construction and just being delicious and charming.
Of course the support characters were superbly written. With Elise and Mark, I fluctuated about liking them, but then when you find out why Elise is the way she is, you understand. Then there is Brady. My god, I loved Brady. He is the type of constant I would like in my life – a protective father like figure. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I seriously loved her Aunt and Aiden’s brother Dane.
I seriously can’t say enough great things about this book, and writing this review is really hard, because all I really want to say is a slur of synonyms in a run on sentence. I think that it’s almost harder to write a review about a book that you truly fell in love with, because nothing you say will due the justice the novel deserves, and this novel… did just that to me. From the first chapter, I was all over the place with my emotions and thoughts. I cried, yelled, laughed, cried some more, and smiled. There are so many moments in this book that got me so nervous that my chest hurt – albeit I have anxiety so I mean that’s almost a normal feeling for me. It was extremely hard to put this book down, because I just had to know what happened next. I definitely felt as though I was there for the entire thing.
In a dream really comes into play in more ways than one in this novel. Once you read it you’ll completely understand the title, which is so perfect. This novel is a one of a kind work of beautiful writing. This being Ayla Wood’s debut novel, she knocked it out of the park. I’m so honored to have read this, and I can’t possibly wait for the next novel that she writes. This is a DEFINITE MUST read for anyone, and I know you won’t be disappointed. I’ve definitely added another author to my favorites , and my one click list.
Since 5 years old, Emma has experienced much grief. She believes she's cursed as she finds that everyone she's ever loved had died. Emma's friends appear to be superficial throughout the novel as they aren't loyal to Emma as friends should be. Emma meets Aiden and he fills her with comfort, joy, and safety. Emma's dreams are detailed and when she realizes some of dreams are premonitions and others taking her through past events to give her some enlightenment on certain situations I was hopeful the story would begin moving at a quicker clip. There's a lot of secondary characters to keep track of and it was nice seeing situations from their POV's, but I also think this made the book not move along like it could have as we were seeing situations played from many different sides. I deeply enjoyed this read and this being my first read of Ayla's as well as her debut novel, I found her ability to write a catching suspense/angst filled novel has me for sure signed up to read her future work. I'd love to read Brady's story as well as Lucky/Alec's as these characters intrigued me and it seems they've both gone through a lot to get where they are today. I loved how Ayla made Emma a strong, independent woman that has grown to not be weakened by her need for help and support. Emma and Aiden are balanced and their longing for each other seeped through the pages. Towards the end my eyes were teary and I think Ayla ended In A Dream fittingly. Give this a try!
When you read as much as I do you get to the point where you are desperate for something new and refreshing to feed your unsatiable need for a good read. This, by far was without a doubt a FANTASTIC read! Just what I needed. New Adult Fiction is becoming more and more popular. This book offers you a mix of emotions to keep you enthralled throughout the entire story! I fell in love with Aiden and Emma's 'not so simple' yet super charged pent up desire for one another. This new up and coming author knows what she's doing! Well worth the money to add this gem to my collection. I cannot wait for the next! Finally the refreshing fix I'd been longing for I look forward to also adding this Author to my list of favorites! Can't say enough about this book. It's a MUST read and will not disappoint. Ayla Wood, keep them coming!