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Sweet Dreams
Wrong-Way Romance
If there's one boy at Maplesville High that Darby Haynes can't stand, it's Bruce Edwards. Darby first met him when his car plowed into hers at a busy intersection. She's been running into him --literally--ever since. It doesn't matter that Bruce is a hunk and that most of the girls at school have crushes on him. To Darby he's nothing but a clumsy, conceited jerk.
Than David Matthews, a guy Darby likes even less, starts asking her out. In desperation, Darby asks Bruce to pretend he's her boyfriend. It's supposed to be a temporary arrangement to get David to lose interest in her. Darby doesn't count on falling for Bruce in the process! She's already convinced David that she and Bruce are in love. Now can she convince Bruce?
Than David Matthews, a guy Darby likes even less, starts asking her out. In desperation, Darby asks Bruce to pretend he's her boyfriend. It's supposed to be a temporary arrangement to get David to lose interest in her. Darby doesn't count on falling for Bruce in the process! She's already convinced David that she and Bruce are in love. Now can she convince Bruce?
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 3, 2014
I'm a certified book addict, particularly of Romance Novels.
Now, I can't believe that I spent almost 2 decades on the lookout for a copy of this book.
This was the first romance book I ever read in my life. Probably the first book started my quest for "Ever Afters".
I would always love Darby and Bruce even after all these years. I lost my copy of this book. Would still be on the lookout for one always.
Sheri Cobb South will always one of my favorite romance authors! :D
Now, I can't believe that I spent almost 2 decades on the lookout for a copy of this book.
This was the first romance book I ever read in my life. Probably the first book started my quest for "Ever Afters".
I would always love Darby and Bruce even after all these years. I lost my copy of this book. Would still be on the lookout for one always.
Sheri Cobb South will always one of my favorite romance authors! :D
October 27, 2020
I remember being somewhere around middle school, reading this book and thinking "wow, this is how high school boys are like!" (FYI - they aren't).
It was my first YA novel, way way before YA term was even invented.
After the AWFUL "Two Way Street" book (review in here) I was in desperate need of a sweet high school romance and getting back to this book (for like 100th time in my life) was the best decission I've made today.
Why thank you, Grail Knight.
I have to admit that this book is a bit naive and the "i love you" is being said way way too soon, but hey, that's what I've been looking for, right!?
So no real complain here.
I really liked Bruce (ok, ok, he was my FIRST book boyfriend and I will cherish him in my heart forever and you will have to pry this book from my cold dead fingers). He's so much different than those possesive creeps that so often appear in modern YA literature (Edwad Cullen, I'm looking at you).
I liked the realtionships in this book, the friendship between Darby and Aimee, between Skip and Bruce, I liked how other peoples' lives were shown as well as the main characters'.
I really enjoyed the fact that the book isn't outdated, even though it was published in 1991.
It's a short book and it took me about half a day to read it (while I was at work, mind you) but you won't be disappointed.
It was my first YA novel, way way before YA term was even invented.
After the AWFUL "Two Way Street" book (review in here) I was in desperate need of a sweet high school romance and getting back to this book (for like 100th time in my life) was the best decission I've made today.
Why thank you, Grail Knight.
I have to admit that this book is a bit naive and the "i love you" is being said way way too soon, but hey, that's what I've been looking for, right!?
So no real complain here.
I really liked Bruce (ok, ok, he was my FIRST book boyfriend and I will cherish him in my heart forever and you will have to pry this book from my cold dead fingers). He's so much different than those possesive creeps that so often appear in modern YA literature (Edwad Cullen, I'm looking at you).
I liked the realtionships in this book, the friendship between Darby and Aimee, between Skip and Bruce, I liked how other peoples' lives were shown as well as the main characters'.
I really enjoyed the fact that the book isn't outdated, even though it was published in 1991.
It's a short book and it took me about half a day to read it (while I was at work, mind you) but you won't be disappointed.
August 9, 2017
Another oldie, but goodie! This was the book that got me into romance when I was in middle school. This is my favorite out of all the Sweet Dreams books. The good old days:)
August 1, 2008
One of my fave teen romance books...any girl who was a teen-ager in the 80's...you;ll understand!!! This is one of the BEST teen romance books out there! (and there are a
KAH-Jillian!) Loved it so much it fell apart! MUST get my hands on another copy...
KAH-Jillian!) Loved it so much it fell apart! MUST get my hands on another copy...
June 11, 2016
This review is based on my 13-14 year old memories of the book and my mindset back then when I read it.
I come from an all girls school, Catholic upbringing with conservative parents and a conservative culture in my country. So naturally, at 13-14 years old reading this book gave me such thrill and excitement about high school romances (ooh boys, crushes, hot all American boys - yeah, sorry that’s how we all were back then about the U S of A) Imagine my surprise when I moved to the US at 15 and… it wasn’t like that… bummer hahaha. Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High.. those were the books my classmates and I immersed ourselves in (Along with Garwood, Lindsey and Deveraux of course!)
But moving on, I think if you are in the teenager mindframe or should I say, remember your youthful days you will still enjoy this book. I read this book years later (and actually bought the paperback again from Amazon for my collection) and I still enjoyed the story. h crashes into H, she has perceptions of H’s school image, they do their back and forth verbal sparring, have a pretend romance, its really very sweet. Speaking of, makes me want to re-read it again!
I come from an all girls school, Catholic upbringing with conservative parents and a conservative culture in my country. So naturally, at 13-14 years old reading this book gave me such thrill and excitement about high school romances (ooh boys, crushes, hot all American boys - yeah, sorry that’s how we all were back then about the U S of A) Imagine my surprise when I moved to the US at 15 and… it wasn’t like that… bummer hahaha. Sweet Dreams, Sweet Valley High.. those were the books my classmates and I immersed ourselves in (Along with Garwood, Lindsey and Deveraux of course!)
But moving on, I think if you are in the teenager mindframe or should I say, remember your youthful days you will still enjoy this book. I read this book years later (and actually bought the paperback again from Amazon for my collection) and I still enjoyed the story. h crashes into H, she has perceptions of H’s school image, they do their back and forth verbal sparring, have a pretend romance, its really very sweet. Speaking of, makes me want to re-read it again!
May 8, 2011
One of my ultimate teen time favorites :)
Want to read
April 1, 2022Can somebody lend me a copy? I read this when I was in high school.. I miss it. Please somebody helo where can I get a copy or read this book online.
October 14, 2025
I just finished reading this short little book again, I think I read it last maybe 4 years ago and said I would write a small review this time. Like most people, it's also my favourite sweet dreams book (along with maybe Hand Me Down Heart). As far as young adult romance goes this is top quality, the banter and wit could rival many of the greats in the adult department too. Actually Bruce is a legend, he makes the book, every sentence out of his mouth is pure gold and his back and forth with "Demolition Darby" is fantastic. What girl wouldn't fall in love with him? How a book so short can be so good, well quality over quantity.
November 20, 2012
This is the book that started me on romances! I lost my original copy but just ordered one which is should be delivered to my home soon!! If you have a teenage daughter, this is a book that I recommend. Limited few of the "Sweet Dream" series books moved me, but this book I remember all to well. DEF must have plus a walk down memory lane, and I will indulge myself once again!
March 9, 2024
I just reread this book after 25 years and I am happy to say that I still love it!! I've been looking for this book for years to read it again and see if my perspective would change, but no! I still love Bruce's humor and personality!! I am surprised that I found Darby a little annoying now though, I dont know why? hmm🤔. But overall still enjoyed and loved it.
January 20, 2011
Omg so good my story to okay some of it is well i used to like this boy named brock and he was tall and well just like bruce and then he dropped a clubhouse door on my head ever since we have been enimies. He is even a line man. Imagine that. We still havent said sorry or anything
October 6, 2022
Anybody who has a copy (hardcopy or soft cooy) of this book?
Fat chance i know. But i still want to put
It out there. 😂
Fat chance i know. But i still want to put
It out there. 😂
May 18, 2017
One of those light, frothy, utopian world-view reads that make you squeal in all the right places and set aside your millenial jadededness for an hour or so. I read this as a young middle schooler and ADORED it.
Re-reading it as an adult made me realize how much escapism is involved in reading books like this. I've missed that ability in myself to dream a little. I'm glad I was able to glimpse a fragment of it and watch it bloom under South's deft, funny, sweet words. Thank you for my letting me back into my childhood for an hour or so, Wrong-Way Romance. I've missed you!
Re-reading it as an adult made me realize how much escapism is involved in reading books like this. I've missed that ability in myself to dream a little. I'm glad I was able to glimpse a fragment of it and watch it bloom under South's deft, funny, sweet words. Thank you for my letting me back into my childhood for an hour or so, Wrong-Way Romance. I've missed you!
September 6, 2022
LITERALLY MY #1 COMFORT BOOK! Darby and Bruce are my everything! I love them so so much. Words can't express how thankful i am for reading this book! WORDS CAN'T EXPLAIN HOW MUCH I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT!
April 11, 2020
Best Sweet Dreams book I've read. I probably have read it more than 5x in my teens. Would love to have a copy of this book. Hope the author releases an ebook edition.
May 6, 2020
I'm nostalgic about this book and loved reading it when I was in middle school, so I'm giving it all the stars.
January 23, 2021
I read this decades ago.. just took a chance that it’s here in GR... My favorite Sweet Dreams book by far :)
February 4, 2022
It's silly how much I love this book. Takes me right back to high school. Lol.
October 25, 2022
Sweet dreams were my favourite things to read as a young teenager. I recently managed to get a copy of this book again and reread it. Loved it.
March 5, 2023
actual rating: 4.5
November 26, 2022
I've never forgotten his book - probably because I read it about 17 times. :)
Update: I found it 2nd hand online! I remember every line of this book…it was my favourite book when I was about 11/12. It has not one but two of my favourite tropes: enemies to lovers AND fake dating. All resolved in 136 pages. Perfect nostalgia read…
Update: I found it 2nd hand online! I remember every line of this book…it was my favourite book when I was about 11/12. It has not one but two of my favourite tropes: enemies to lovers AND fake dating. All resolved in 136 pages. Perfect nostalgia read…
August 7, 2014
One of my favorite books... not really into reading Sweet Dreams (i call it Sweet Dramas) when everyone else in high school was so into it but this one really caught my interest.
It's light, funny, fast-paced and thank God... not really into the dramatic stuff :)
It's light, funny, fast-paced and thank God... not really into the dramatic stuff :)
April 30, 2015
Found this book in a box in my loft. Loved this book when I was younger, obviously why I kept it! Such a cheesy, quick read, but I have to admit I loved reading it again after all these years. A cute little story!
June 22, 2016
First read this when I was in middle school. Way back in the day! I remember it being my favorite.
Found the old copy and read again for nostalgia's sake. It's just a really simple story, but it takes me back to my early romance reading days.
Found the old copy and read again for nostalgia's sake. It's just a really simple story, but it takes me back to my early romance reading days.
December 6, 2008
Mindless teen fiction.
Read
August 29, 2010i love this book! this is actually the book that started me reading on romance... lend my copy and never got it back!
April 9, 2012
Darby and Bruce..two of my favorite characters in sweet dreams!
July 22, 2012
My all time favorite teen book. I read this over and over as a teen.
March 10, 2013
I read this when I was about 14 and I loved it. It was quite humorous and I'm still looking for my very own 'Bruce".
July 29, 2013
My favorite Sweet Dreams book! Funny and sweet. Every teenage girl should read this. It's been years since I read this but I smile when I see this online because I remember the story so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews